California Books

SIDEWAYS IN NEVERLAND: LIFE IN THE SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, CA depicts life and culture in a part of California which typically receives rare mention - the Santa Ynez Valley, midway between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. In a series of essays Etling describes life as an extra on the 'Sideways' set, gathering up his bi-weekly editorial treatments of life in the Valley, blending memoir with travel and social insights. A lively series of personal and social vignettes evolves in a fun survey of stars and casual people alike.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

"FIVE STARS: For Sideways in Neverland, a collection of engaging essays on the Santa Ynez Valley by gifted wordsmith Bill Etling...covers everything from the Hollywood invasion to an eerie hike to the fog-shrouded lighthouse at the tip of Point Conception. Sideways in Neverland is perfect bedtime reading, for you, or even better, to your children."

After Michael Jackson was arraigned in a Santa Maria courtroom, the King of Weird invited hoards of strangers to party at his sprawling Santa Ynez ranch. As Etling describes it: "Middle-aged white men like myself were as unusual as the three-foot-tall gentleman walking beside me as we approached the first of an extensive network of ponds and waterfalls, including four geysers, shooting thirty feet in the air."
It gets weirder. And, fortunately, Etling (brother of Bert Etling, who edits the Cambrian, a Tribune weekly) has a keen eye for detail.
In a series of essays, Etling deftly describes life as an extra on the "Sideways" set (he was promoted from "bathroom walker" to "diner," though instructed not to eat the food), the chilly waters of Jalama Beach and the pitfalls of being a Realtor. ("I'm a Realtor. Mind-numbing boredom is my life.") The career might be boring, but some of his funniest writing is about people's reactions to housing prices in a market gone berserk.
Patrick S. Pemberton

Etling has lived in "the West of legend, with Danish pastry" since 1966; these columns from the Santa Barbara News-Press have nothing to do with wine, little to do with movies and everything to do with an enchanting landscape and its residents, past and present.

Michael Jackson, Fess Parker, Ronald Reagan and Matt LeBlanc are among those residents, but surfers, cowboys, artists, veterans and settlers get the most affectionate treatment. Etling takes us not only to Jackson's fantasy estate and the sets of "Sideways" and "Seabiscuit," but to Highway 246 on California Cleanup Day, a university lecture on gophers and numerous local festivals.

Though this is not truly a guidebook, Etling tips readers to wildflower fields, surfing spots, cave paintings and museums. Readers will forget "Sideways" and head south to eat with cowboys and celebrities at the Longhorn Cafe, watch a missile launch at Vandenberg Air Force Base and ski on Figueroa Mountain.

What the professional reviewers are saying about Sideways in Neverland:

The collected "Santa Ynez Notebook" of a Santa Barbara News-Press writer.
Etling's delightful bi-weekly editorial dishes on all things Santa Ynez Valley, an area of tiny towns near Santa Barbara, Calif.

This compilation of almost three years of work covers a wide variety of topics, including community events, regional history, locals both famous (Michael Jackson, anyone?) and not-so, and the author's personal life.

The column's buoyant tone and warm voice make for a charming read-"I still love the beach. If I had a tail, I'd wag it when I'm near the water." As a teenager, Etling moved to the area with his family, and it's clear that he has adored the area ever since.

More than just a love letter to his hometown, however, Sideways provides affecting reading for all-Etling is all over the board, from what happens when a small town kid goes to war to the peril of navigating a highway crossed frequently by deer to a Hollywood invasion, when suddenly everyone's an extra on the set of Seabiscuit.

Fruitful subject matter, a likable host and evocative writing make for an enjoyable guide to this nook of California.
-Kirkus Discoveries

Even if you are not interested in the arts but simply in thought process- I think you will find this book very interesting. You could say this is the history of modern art without pictures (although there are some pictures)- bringing the reader facinating insights into how different types of artists came to their philosophies of art, and of course, the world. Documented through personal letters, manifestos, and articles, the varity of different thoughts and beliefs catapolts just what art can be. To me it shows that art is a never ending universe of ideas- all connecting but all very individual just the same.

I just wanted to respond to the person before me. It sounds like contemporary art is way over your head. Please do not waist our time with long reviews about things you clearly do not understand.

How often had I looked at a painting of Van Gough and wondered what exactly was this great man thinking when he conceived and painted such a picture. Now by reading thru this excellent book, I can claw into the mind of artists themselves.

The beauty of this book is that so many letters, reviews, interviews etc. about/by so many artists are conveniently gathered in one place. On the whole, there isn't anything in here that you can't find elsewhere, such as in biographies of the individual artists. For example the letters contained in the opening section on "Post-Impressionism" from both Cezanne and Van Gogh are included in just about every biography on them.

The over-riding reason for buying this book is that so many are collected together. So, even for an artist that you might not like enough to go out and buy their biography, atleast you get an insight in to their thoughts/motives etc. In some cases this may spark your interest in a previously less favoured artist and appreciate their works from a new perspective.

Chipp covers all the main "isms" of modern art from Post-Impressionism (Cezanne) onwards. Each movement opens with a treatise detailing the main theories/artists/concepts/techniques that made it unique. This is followed by a comprehensive selection of articles/letters/interviews etc. concerning the main players i.e. the section of Expressionism includes writings from Nolde, Kandinsky, Kokoschka, Kirchner, Marc, Klee and Beckmann. One of my favourite pieces is by Stuart Davis. He's responding to a critic's recent review..."in your review you speak of your enthusiasm for my work and call me a "swell American painter". This attitude on your part I heartily approve, but you further state that my style is French and that if Picasso had never lived I would have had to think out a style of my own. Now is that nice Mr. McBride?" and off Davis goes in his defence. Superb.

Rather than reading about these various "isms" via the well meaning but often biased views of a expert art historian, here you get the views from the artists themselves.

For any art historians dealing with the modern art period this book has to be essential. And for general appreciators of art, as well as artists themselves, this book contains a wealth of information, and pays dividends to both intense study or just random browsing.

Since it's first publication in 1968 this book has formed the foundation of any respectable art library. I just checked the bibliography of more recent books on art history - this book is referenced extensively. In my opinion, if anyone is looking for an interesting and enjoyable introduction to the world of "Modern Art" they could do a lot worse than start here. And given the way that any one "ism" owes it's existence to the "isms" that came before it*, this almost reads like a novel.

*Regardless of Dali's utterances about Surrealism being a unique movement, unfounded by anything that came before, just go and have a look at the works of Hieronymous Bosch to see that wasn't the case.

Recommended!

Not only educational, but inspiring. I not only learned about each artist and what when on during their time of certain artworks, but I was able to get inside their head. The words of the artist's in their letters were captivating. I was caught up in the reading. I especially enjoyed Matisse and Kandinsky. Kandinsky is very spiritual about his writing and gives a deep explanation of colors. Anyway, it is a great read. It was required for my history course, but I enjoyed it. Not very many in my class could understand what they were reading. I guess you not only need intellect, but sophistication. I liked it!

In her book, They Saw the Elephant: Women in the California Gold Rush, Jo Ann Levy weaves letters and journal entries into a picture of the lives of women during the California gold rush.
Coming by covered wagons or ships these women wrote about their journeys' across mountains, deserts, oceans, and jungles. The excitement of an adventure and the beauty of the land was not the whole story however; misery and death joined them on their journey. Inadequate provisions, brutal storms and sickness were common themes. And once these women reached the promise land of San Francisco, the streets were not paved in gold as they dreamed, but littered with trash.
The belief that there were only prostitutes or actresses was also not true; many women ran boarding houses or mined for gold. Some left after the gold ran out, but many women stayed in the cities that they helped create.
Though this book it is not organized in to one story, it is an insight into the women who came to California during the gold rush. You will be amazed by their bravery as they left their comfortable lives and uprooted their families for adventures unknown.

I thought this book was extremely enjoyable. Women are often neglected in the historical narrative. So, it was nice to read a book that told the story of these women of the gold rush through their own words and through a colorful narrative by Jo Ann Levy. My only criticism is that minority women are rarely mentioned in this book, which gives an incomplete picture of the history of California women during the gold rush.

This book is great!
A person wouldn't even need to be interested in history of the gold rush days to thoroughly enjoy reading this book. I don't have alot of free time to read, so when I pick a book it has to be worth my while. This certainly was. And it's an easy book for reading a few pages at a time, like I do just before going to bed. I love how it organizes the accounts and groups the stories into chapters of a particular theme. Fascinating!

In They Saw The Elephant, Jo Ann Levy has combined women's journals and letters with newspaper articles of the gold rush era into an articulate, shining gem of historical writing. Her purpose was to dispel many of the common assumptions and general characterizations made in earlier histories about the women who participated in the California gold rush. A number of the early twentieth century histories of this monumental American event imply there were few women in California, and that a majority of those women were of questionable social standing. Levy's placement of her chapter on prostitution is wisely situated in the second half of her work. She admits there is little written record concerning the lives of these women, particularly those of Chilean and Chinese descent who came to the gold fields. The author does not fill in the blanks with supposition or fiction. By the time the reader gets to the chapter on prostitution, it is already clear that women were contributing far more to the Gold Rush than physical pleasure for males.

The Oregon Trail opened in 1847. Levy includes some of the women's stories from this trek even if their final destination was not the gold fields. This is a plus. The reader understands that women had started emigrating west for reasons other than gold and the journals and letters used to demonstrate life on the trail were vivid.

The variety of women discussed in this book was a cross section of society at the time. I laughed out loud while reading about how some of the highbrow, educated women reacted to the primitive society of San Francisco. These women adapted, and most made a good living as boarding house keepers and cooks.
Levy does an excellent job showing us the ingenuity of the women who went west. Living aboard abandoned ships in the bay, renting out rooms in, and using wood and goods from those ships are details about day-to-day life often lost in the telling of the human experience of the gold rush.

Perhaps the strongest statement Levy makes in her book is found in the Postscript. Women who went west during the gold rush continued their lives long after the three- year bonanza. Most didn't stay in San Francisco. Most didn't even stay in California. Their toil was but another blip on the radar screen of their lives. They didn't crawl back east to their families as broken women. They had seen the elephant, but had no desire to own the circus.

Several of the accounts made me chuckle and realize how little life has changed. One letter describes how quickly houses were being built in San Francisco. It goes on to describe the shoddy workmanship including gaps in the walls large enough to see through. I live in the fastest growing metropolitan area in the country. Houses go up over night here, literally. We joke about housing developments growing as quickly as mushrooms in the forest. The only reason the cracks in the walls don't allow light in now is chicken wire and stucco. Little has changed in the last 150 years.

Women civilized the wild California gold rush society. Some used the money they had made from the miners and started churches, schools, and hospitals. Others became heavily involved in various societies. In general, they went west with their husbands, to support their husbands in search of a better life, and they brought their civilized mindset with them.

This is an excellent book, appropriate for all audiences. It flows well, and contains a great deal of authentic information

As a writer of both fiction and non-fiction, I found tremendous value in "They Saw The Elephant." For the general reader of non-fiction, this book reads like a novel! The stories of these valiant women grab the reader and never let go. You feel that you are with them, as they face the unknown perils and triumphs of the Gold Rush in California of the mid-19th Century. The words of these wonderful women have the special ring of Truth to them. I cannot overstate my admiration for the author and her work in presenting this important book.

Trekking California is a beautifully presented book, with amazing photos, enticing descriptions and a selection of some of the finest treks in the Sierras and California. Everything that is said in the other reviews is true. The maps are beautifully rendered in shaded relief and great for planning, but they are inadequate for actual use. Bring a 7.5' topo of the area you are planning to explore. The on-trail segments are great; these trails are popular enough to be well-maintained and well-traveled. Please be cautious about the cross-country sections described in this book. For the most part, descriptions are very accurate, telling you how to circumnavigate cliff-outs and identifying landmarks. Yet, we found some descriptions completely underestimated. For example, in the Minarets area (Trek 10), the drop-down from Lake Catherine to the N. Fork of San Juaquim Riv. is very well described, and adequately labeled as Class 2. However, the hike back up through Ritter Pass was briefly mentioned, with no rating level. We found it to be Class 2 talus that was extremely loose and pretty steep; this can be verfied from TRs around the internet. It's true that other books around provide even less information (i.e. Secor, Moynier), but at least Secor rates it adequately as Class 2. But Richins presents a book that appears approachable to beginners, yet can potentially get you into trouble. I would suggest obtaining more beta for the cross-country sections through other sources from people who have done the trip you are planning via Richins.

Regardless, this is an amazing book; filling a niche of selecting some of the best long treks in California. The side-trips, variations to add or subtract mileage, and mountaineering options make this book invaluable to the experienced weekend warrior.

Great book with useful information for those wanting a little more out of their trips in backcountry of CA. Most of the book concentrates on The Sierras, which for me is a good thing. This book gives all the usefull information needed for making you trips a success. The book covers all the basics, but also touches upon going light, and proper nutrition which most guide books don't touch upon. Alot of the treks in this book has cross-country variations as well as side trips that will make your trips more interesting than the average trail type trek. The photos in this book are outstanding, and the easy nature that Paul writes makes the book very enjoyable to read. I will be using this book on many backpacking, oooppsss I mean trekking journeys this summer and many more to come. Buy it!

THE SPECTACULAR COLOR PHOTOS, THE CLEAR NARRATIVE AND THE WELL DRAWN MAPS ENTICE ME INTO THE HIGH SIERRA. THIS TREKKING GUIDE BY PAUL RICHINS HAS PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS FOR VARIED ROUTES INTO THE SPLENDID MOUNTAINS OF CALIFORNIA. I LOOK FORWARD TO FOLLOWING SOME OF HIS SUGGESTIONS.

For a long time I thought Paul Richins' Mt. Whitney trail guide was the best contemporary Sierra guide book I had ever used, but along comes the deceptively titled "Trekking California" (also by Paul Richins) that establishes a new high water mark.

The title notwithstanding, this 285 page book covers 15 high sierra hikes of 7 days or less and 5 other trips in the Trinity Alps and along the northern coast. The routes cover both established trails (Class 1) and cross country treks (Class 2/3) and many incorporate a combination of the two. The book is organized with the standard "what to expect", "what to take", "what to do, if" type of information that either provides new and insightful tips or just takes up book pages depending on one's experience level; some might consider it superfulous.

What isn't superfulous, however are the beutifully rendered maps incorporated throughout the book, really some of the best for trail use (and I mean established trails, not cross country routes) I've seen. Coupled with the outstanding color photography this guide really surpasses the more comprehensive Sierra North/South series which had been the benchmark for years. Most of the trips include interesting side treks that can be mixed and matched to extend the journeys to 10 days or more without making them feel like a walk-in camping trip. I'm familiar with many of the southern sierra trips and have taken them in similar form. To my knowledge the information is accurate, though one must remember that a Class 1 trail route doesn't mean "easy walk"....some of these trips include significant elevation gain (and loss) within single days, so while the trail may be maintained and clear there will still be plenty of huffing and puffing involved; and most are at higher elevation trail heads to begin with. All would be advised to camp at least the first night at the trail head to aclimate to the altitude. While the trail maps included in the book are clear one shouldn't fail to take (and know how to use) appropriate USGS topo maps of the relevant quadrants.

The guide covers some of the most spectacular wilderness country still with us and the book is a wonderful intro to many of the most rewarding trips. This is one of those books that I would recommend getting two copies of....one to keep at home and read for planning purposes and another to "tear apart" and carry the relevant maps and information pages in your map case (or plastic freezer bag). Really, it's that good.

Most of the treks are in the High Sierra, a place I am well familiar with. The book is a great list for ideas, saving experienced people the effort of poring over maps to develop tentative plans and make decisions. For novices, the book includes all the standard information and advice: on gear, food, weather, going light, mountain maladies and treatment, lightning and bears.

And the pictures! More than just snapshots of the country one would see, they provide a stimulus and motivation to get out there right now. I have traveled on parts or all of 12 of the 20 treks; now I am anxious to do more of them.

This book goes on my bookshelf, next to Moynier & Fiddler, Secor, and Croft.

This book was most enjoyable--An historical and literary voyage through history until it capsizes--here, at our feet and on our shores on the California-Mendocino Coast.

WOW what fun, work and incredible research the author had to dive through. THIS IS GREAT READING!

The Voyage of the Frolic is a readers dream. Bostonian History, Maritime life, Chinese trade, the Coast of California and our indigenous Indians all rolled into one well written and enjoyable read. Thank you Professor Layton for unraveling the past and placing it in a wonderful china bowl for all of us to peruse and get to know.

Layton is a master at pulling you in and teaching you a thing or two. I'd love to learn more about the Chinese connection.

A model of the Frolic is on display at the Cabrillo Lighthouse, Mendocino, CA. Before you visit the area, read this book. The book covers the entire history of the Frolic, those who built it, the course it took for its short 6 year life -- before sinking off Pt. Cabrillo. Its history includes its involvement with the Opium War, American incursions in China and exciting trade run with opium, Chinese ceramics and silks. A must read if you're interested in international history and the ships that created commerce and connection with the rest of the world.

Oddly enough, our book group chose Voyage of the Frolic and what great fun and an education it has been. I've always dreamed of going on an archeological expedition and here, without the dirt, pan, screens and brushes, I've discovered another layer of the past. What an eclectic history California has.

This book is an in-depth and thoroughly detailed discussion of the various features of Painter X. But more than that, it is also an excellent step-by-step how-to for using these features to create a very satisfying painting from a photograph - with almost limitless potential variability. While artistic effects are certainly involved, this is not a book for the graphic artist who has the ability to create a painting starting from scratch on a blank canvas. For that one might consider Painter X Creativity: Digital Artist's Handbook by Jeremy Sutton, or the Painter X Wow! Book by Cher Threinen-Pendarvis.

The only flaw is one found in the otherwise useful accompanying CD. While most tutorials were easily viewed, some were obscured by a red screen, with an error message stating that the problem was due to an error using Macromedia Projector.

But don't let this one flaw deter anyone interested in this book. The book is excellent.

The author also writes for the San Diego U&T; many of these trips are culled from his archives.
He knows the area, and he has an adventurous spirit. He maps out routes that are out-of-the-way, ones that you wouldn't think of yourself, like out to a desert town, but also more urban trips. The attention to detail is key; miles, times, markers, etc.

A great guide if your new to the area, or, if you've lived here for awhile and want to experience a part of San Diego you've missed.

I had the chance to see and hear this author at a local community college. In addition to his appearances on a local television station, he has written for the Travel section of the San Diego UNION-TRIBUNE. No other county in the United States offers beach, mountains and desert all within its boundaries. And such treasures as a historic gold-mining town turned picturesque destination, an almost-unspoiled desert, a world-famous observatory, an authentic Mexican village. the first California mission are also contained here. One can almost spend a week or more on a vacation without traveling far from San Diego and still feel that he has been to unique places.

This book is great! We have done one drive so far and it left from our front door. We did everything he instructed and had a GREAT time! We went to a restaurant he suggested and it was awesome. My advice is to call ahead if you plan to go to a restaurant he has suggested because some close early. If you are a local and want a great book to liven up your weekends, this is it. You will explore San Diego and have a blast while doing so. All in your backyard!!

My husband and just got home from one of the trips in the book, "Russians, Wineries and the Real Baja," which goes from Ensenada, to Tecate, Mexico. We had a wonderful time. It is so beautiful and we saw a side of Mexico we never expected. I highly recommend this book.

Coming from New England I needed a lot of advice on what to do with the clay soil and arid climate in Southern California. The Sunset Western Garden Book along with this selection is a great combination for those new to gardening in Southern California. (Try the soil amendment recipe, it worked wonders form me!)

The combination of this book plus Sunset's Western Garden Book will arm the southern California garden enthusiast with all the tools and experience necessary to give a green thumb's up. A true plant geek will find validation and a friend in Smaus' and will read the book saying "been there, loved that". Activities like hoarding plants bought from the Huntington Garden's May plant sale struck a familiar chord.

A transplant to Southern Cal. will quickly gain the inside track to where to go and what to plant to make the best of this unique climate.

Thank You Mr. Smaus ! Finally a book that talks directly to the Southern California gardener. If you live and garden in the So. CA area this is the book you need. Maybe I won't have so many failures in the coming year. This book opened my eyes wide.

If you live in Los Angeles, you need this book. Smaus is the garden writer for the excretal Los Angeles Times and one of its sole redeeming virtues. Smaus covers a range of topics, including plantings suggested for our area and timing of various tasks. Unlike most gardening books, which are written for East Coast or Mid-West audiences, and which are generally unhelpful for our unique climate, Smaus' advice has proven consistently accurate. The book's sole flaw is the lack of an index. Because the articles are short and there is a detailed table of contents, this is not a major problem. Highly recommended.

If you are tired of gardening advice that's good on the East Coast, but doesn't work in Southern California, this is the book for you. It provides real solutions for our unique climate, advice from local professionals, and a reliable planting schedule. This book and Sunset Magazine's Western Garden Book are all you need for successful gardening in Southern California. And in spite of the tone of this review, I have no affiliation whatsoever with the author or publisher :)

I love Mark Twain, and this is Twain at his best! This is one of the best American novels of all time, in my opinion. Twain is very funny and irreverent.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain contained many different morales.It help encouraged me to continue to listen to my heart. I love the friendship between Jim and Huck, and I know that no matter what color, or difference between society, a relationship and still survive.Many people from different place and time, took one look at this book and thought it was a racist book. What ever happened to the saying that wrote, "Don't judge a book by its cover?"Obviously, those who have read this book, knows the true meaning.
I gave this book 5 five stars not just because my teacher told me too, and that I know she is reading this, but because it truely does deserve it. I appreciate my teacher giving us an opportunity to read this novel, because I know that I wouldn't have picked it up to read it. This novel taught me many different things, which I still cherish today. I recommend this novel to anyone who loves different great morales. I recommend this novel to everyone. This novel is a great book, in which it is in need of reading!

Wow.....wow....I mean, really, this book is just amazing. Abso-f-in-lutely wonderful. It's role as the quintessential American novel is so well deserved you can't help but wonder if this is the best read you might ever have. I m currently going through all the classics of the world, and have such joys as Moby Dick, War and Peace, Robinson Crusoe, among many, many others awaiting me. However, I feel like I ve already found the love for the written word that I felt I may aquire after reading perhaps a dozen or so of the worlds finest.

To the novella: He tells the tale with such heart, such character, such life that I will attest that I dont think I ve ever felt so strongly for a character as I do for Huck Finn. He is so vivid and alive and real; its absurd.

Yes, it is quite racist on the surface, and during the 250 odd pages of the story you might read more racial slurs and statements than you have in your life, but in the heart there is nothing racist about this story. I ve heard it defended because thats just how it was in Twains time, and alas, that is how it was then, and the reason it is all so blatant, but there is really nothing racist about the portrayal of Jim. He is so loving and deep and pure. Surely one of the sweetest people you could ever want to meet.

The charm of this story, the unending humor and delight of all the dialects and wordage, the manner of conversation and the subjects....my loves for this story are unending. Its a must read. I know you ve heard that;I know you know that. But damn it, off your ass and DO IT!

Twains masterpiece, and for that matter, a masterpiece of all literature in the history of the world.

This book was great. It had so much action. It was about a boy whose father was always off drinking. When the father hears Huckleberry, also referred to as Huck, is rich the father comes back. The father beats him and gets drunk. So Huck runs off. He goes to a deserted island. While on the island he discovers that Huck's friend, a slave named Jim, also ran away and was on the same island. When Huck hears that Jim's owner is going to sell Jim they going rafting on the Mississippi to find Jim freedom. It is a great piece of literature and I strongly reccomend reading it.

I have been a long-time lover of Mark Twain's books. And being analytical, I want to know why something is written the way it is; I want to know the historical details behind his expression. So when I find that the Mark Twain Library has published Huckleberry Finn the way Mark Tain wanted it (unlike every edition that's ever been published, including the first!), I had to get it. Using all the explanatory notes--which are NOT cumbersome--and the glossary, and other notes about the text, I came away knowing that this book was truly what it is proclaimed to be: the best American novel ever written.

Having read just about all one can get their hands on by Mark Twain, this shed all new light on what Mark Twain was really saying when I read Huck Finn this time. The humour was more obvious, the sarcasm was more justified. The book itself opens up this door, but it helps to know what was in Mark's brain throughout his writing career.

Truly a must have for anyone into Mark Twain. I have purchased all that the MTL has put forth so far, and put my other editions in the yard sale box as errant texted that no longer interest me. I think any fan of Mark Twain will be tempted to do the same. Why read errant editions when one can have the author's intended, authoritative publication--with the original neat pixtures, too. I was so taken by this last reading of H. Finn that I've taken to memorizing some of the glossary terms. They are truly classic; bring'm back.

I am reminded of E. A. Poe's expectation that his works be published only as originally intended. This should not need to be requested by any author. To modify an author's writings for any reason is a type of sacrilege. Of course, even Poe's books are published different than he wanted. But thankfully, there are publishers who seek to restore the only versions worthy of publication. The Mark Twain Library is doing this, and any wanta-be authority in Mark Twain will never be such with "Penguins" and other bird-brained mass-market editions sitting on the shelf, or rather, in their hands.

Reviewed by Sheryl Root

Andrea (Andi) Carter certainly didn't intend for an impromptu horse race down Main Street with her friend, Cory, to end with almost trampling their new teacher. Not the best first impression! If that wasn't bad enough, Virginia Foster, the teacher's daughter, seems to find great pleasure in tattling on Andi and getting her into further trouble any chance she can.

Andi's mother tells her she needs to treat Virginia with Christian kindness, no matter how Virginia treats her. But when an escaped prisoner comes into their classroom and takes the students hostage, Andi faces the hardest and most dangerous decision of her life. Will she have the courage to do the right thing, no matter what the cost?

Andrea Carter and the Dangerous Decision is the second book in the Circle C Adventures series by Susan K. Marlow, set in 1880s California. Readers will empathize with Andi's struggles and failures as well as her courage and spunk. Like most of us, Andi tries to do the right thing, but finds herself often falling short. I laughed and cried with Andi--she's a very likable heroine.

Armchair Interviews says: This was a page-turning read and a satisfying continuation to the series.

Andi and Taffy are back in this sequel to "The Long Ride Home", and they are up to no good from the get-go, leaving the new schoolmaster in the dust and getting off to a bad start for the school year. The schoolmaster's spoiled daughter, Virginia, makes life miserable for Andi, and we accompany our young friend on her journey of accepting and even learning to love as God loves us...even people who seem to want to make our lives miserable.

I love the Circle K Adventure books, and I left my 'tween days behind a very long time ago. Without being "preachy", Mrs. Marlow incorporates the Lord's directive to "love one another as I have loved you", something that we can all use a reminder of, no matter our age!

Hurry back, Andi. I'm dying to know what you're up to now!!

Susan Marlow's latest book is packed with even more fun and adventure for her main character, Andi. The story is set in the old west with plenty of horses and activities that will appeal to young girls. Along with all of this Andi has to make some hard life decisions that reinforce good moral qualities. This is a book I would recommend to any parent or young girl.

There's action on every page of "Andres Carter and the Dangerous Decision" by Susan K. Marlow. Readers will cheer Andi through one adventure after another. Will Andi decide to walk into a life-threatening situation to save a mean-spirited schoolmate? This will be the hardest decsion in her twelve years of life.

Well, I'm jealous! I wish Susan Marlow had written about Andi Carter and her palomino Taffy a lot sooner. ANDREA CARTER AND THE DANGEROUS DECISION takes us back to the heyday of children's books. The setting lets you take an authentic look at frontier California in the 1880's. Andi lives on the Circle C ranch, and there are plenty of horses (even wild ones) to hold the reader's attention. The promise of more Circle C Adventures to come in this series takes me back to when I could hardly wait to see what happened to my book friends in the next installment.

Many series have come down the pike since I was a kid. Marlow's mixes all the elements that I found so enticing, but thank goodness ANDREA CARTER doesn't stop there. There are genuine plot twists, and Andi and her friends are so real that you can see them talking. The bonus is that Andi knows the Lord and depends on Him when she volunteers to go with an escaped convict as a hostage. No easy answers mar the story. Andi is a real girl with real problems, one that readers will welcome as a friend. And yes, I'm looking forward to the next book! Hurry, Andi!

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2BQ4EWXI8X74C This book transcends genre -- it's a good collection of memoirs, entertaining style, nice splash of humor, an extremely detailed travelogue with beautiful photographs, a good description of technology, a touch of Science Fiction (since it is purportedly written by a Artificial Imagination program) and suffused with philosophical musing and last but not the least, a moving love story.

Even though it's obviously written by a Technologist, the book is very human. It is primarily about the immigrant experience, but Kalpanik is extremely observant and has an eye to look for the unusual, notice what stands out and build humorous side of people, places and his own life.

Wonderful! I am specially moved by his bitter-sweet love story at the end.

Here are some poster size photos and calendars from the book:

Scenic City and Boat Photo Poster
University of Washington Photo Poster
Seattle Secenic Sunset Photograph
Thonging At the Beach
San Francisco Scenic Union Square Photo Poster
Nashville Tug Boat on Cumberland River Photo Poster
"Playing Guitar" Photo Poster
Pike Place Market Photo Print
Beach Hotties Poster

This book combines elements from good humor, a memoir, a scenic travelogue, a touching love story, science fiction and philosophy.

Whether you ever wondered about meaning of it all, or you want to read something light amusing, or want to see places like Seattle, San Diego, Nashville from the eyes of the writer, or vicariously live the life of a
student at University of California, this book is for you!

The author, purportedly an Artificial Imagination computer program simualting a life/career journey through the Hi Tech and yet very sdcenic world of California and Washington (Settle) is witty still though down to earth and funny! The book is written in a very conversational style, as if you are reading a letter from a close friend!!

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RH3902RKHGQYG reat book, will make you laugh, smile, giggle, chuckle, giggle, crack up, guffaw and generally have a good time. Extremely nice photos. And it is actually very thoughtful, one can quickly see through the pretended thoughtlessness. Here are some posters and calendars with the high resolution versions of the book:
Scenic City and Boat Photo Poster
University of Washington Photo Poster
Seattle Secenic Sunset Photograph
San Francisco Scenic Union Square Photo Poster
Nashville Tug Boat on Cumberland River Photo Poster
Pike Place Market Photo Print
"Playing Guitar" Photo Poster
San Diego Scenic Waterfront Poster

This book transcends genre -- it's a good collection of memoirs, entertaining style, nice splash of humor, an extremely detailed travelogue with beautiful photographs, a good description of technology, a touch of Science Fiction (since it is purportedly written by a Artificial Imagination program) and suffused with philosophical musings.

Even though it's obviously written by a Technologist, the book is very human. It is primarily about the immigrant experience, but Kalpanik is extremely observant and has an eye to look for the unusual, notice what stands out and build humorous side of people, places and his own life.

Wonderful! one can feel a touch of his bitter-sweet experiences but one is encouraged by his ability to find humor everywhere.

Great book, love it! It's hilarious! I could not stop giggling, I cracked up page after page. Really Nice!

And so many nice photographs. I was traveling with the author, feeling his ambitions, his surprise, excitement and pain. And what a brave soul! He (yes, despite its claims to have been written by an AI program, this book is written by a loving, feeling, breathing human for sure!)--He is able to maintain his sense of humor even as he moves from one place to another, faces one set back after another! He always comes back!

Wow! What a story!!

Oh, And the love story in the end is touching.