Recreation Books

Flies like the Clouser minnow are well known and easy to tie, I
was interested to see how the man himself tied his flies.
The good photographs and step-by-step instructions make it easy to duplicate the patterns correctly.
Since these patterns are so succsesfull in both fresh- and saltwater I
regard this book as a must have for any flyfisherman.

I fish specs and reds in the flats, and when I'm not throwing top water, I'm using a Clouser...this book has led me to experiment with other than the Clouser standards with great success. The book is well written and the photography of the flies is superb. Glad I added it to my fly library, it certainly will be a classic.

Clouser's Flies: Tying And Fishing the Fly Patterns of Bob Clouser Highly recommended fly tying tutorial for Bob Clouser patterns. Tying sequences well illustrated with large, clear photos. Great for seasoned beginning or intermediate tyers wanting to advance their skills. Must have book to add to any flytyers library.

This book is an important read for anyone who fishes & ties Bob Clouser's flies; that would probably include everyone who flyfishes fresh or inshore salt water.

This book gives very clear instructions with great high res color pictures showing how to tie some of Bob Couser's most popular flies. He gives great advise on general fly tying techniques that will help you with other tying as well. It also goes through proportions and helps you to understand 'why' his flies are designed the way they are for better fishing. Pretty much one of the best fly tying books out there for specialty patterns.

Outstanding product produced. I was just taken back on how small the book was. the picture was just looked bigger than it is. Other than that it has great resources.

This little book pretty much covers anything that can happen to a diver, and is specific to diving injuries from drowning to the bends to stings and bites. The best thing about this book, aside from the material, is that it is completely made of plastic and is impervious to water so you don't have to worry about taking it on deck with you or even carrying it in your BCD pocket.

If you forgot the information in that CPR class you took years ago this will refresh your memory.

If you dive and can't remember all the first aid you might need, get this little plastic book. It's small enough to fit in your BC pocket and sturdy enough to last forever.

It has the basics of first aid for most diving but DAN also has at least one other specialty dive first aid book.

This pocket guide is a handy reference for basic first aid - easy to read, small enough to be easily portable, and full of good basic information. The wide array of potential medical complications associated with diving are covered in understandable terms without getting too technical. Overall a great resource to have when heading to the water.

I was impressed with the water-resistant printing. However, the medical information is very basic. If you have training, this book is relatively useless. If you don't have training, I guess it would be useful if you happened to have equipment on-board. I would have liked to see more diagrams and much more information.

If you play golf and want to get a flavor for the vision of how a destination like Bandon Dunes became a reality, this is a must read. Bandon is one, if not, the most special golf location in the world. I have played in Scotland and Ireland and Bandon has a purity that few other locations can replicate. It feels like it has been there for hundreds of years and the book explains how it came to be. You will not be disappointed.

I have not read this book, but my Dad is raving about it. He is reading it prior to his trip to Bandon Dunes and he has never thanked me more for a gift. For the golfer in your life who is impossible to shop for--this is the gift for them.

Fantastic story, very well written. A must read for not only golfers, but for environmentalist and landscape architects also.

This book is the perfect gift for your favorite golfer. Even non-golfers and golfers who don't normally read will enjoy this story of dream golf.

We purchased this book for our son for Christmas, and it was a big hit!! He's already finished it and is loaning it out to friends and family. It's a wonderful book for any golfer with a love of the game, whether he/she has been to Bandon Dunes already or is perhaps dreaming of the day....

This book came highly recommended to me from the online fly fishing forum that I frequent and it has lived up to the recommendations. Like most fly fishing books it opens up with a good discussion of fly tying equipment and materials. The major sections concern dryies, nymphs, wet flies and streamers. At the start of each major section is a discussion of it's uses, material and presentation.

I like the way it breaks down the hundreds of flies into a few styles. The idea is that you only need to learn a few major sets of tying steps to tie the majority of flies. The book looks at a major fly from each style (for dries: traditional, hairwing duns, sparkle duns, thorax duns, spinners,wulffs, humpies, parachutes, etc.). Then there are pictuers of the major variations. For each style at the end is a note on how to fish it.

This book focuses on simplicity and ease of tying. I have found it to be complete and very easy to follow in my tying.

What a great book. Of course anything by Dave Hughes is well written, very informative, I love all pictures! Just a great addition to any fly fisherman's library. It really helped me sort our what I needed versus buying a bunch of flies I'll never use.

Very good book regarding a variety of patterns. This book would enable the reader the ability to tie any style especially for west of the Rocky mountains.

I have only been tying flies for 3 years and I use this book like a bible. It is well written and takes a lot of the guesswork out of tying new patterns. Like others have said, the variations section is very valuable and the added text tells you what insects the variations are matching. Also contains helpful tips on what types of water each style should be fished. If you are just getting in to tying and are feeling overwhelmed by the number of patterns out there, then BUY THIS BOOK. It's an awesome primer and I have caught and released numerous trout by tying the main patterns that Dave suggests. Also, the beginning of the book offers advice on tying materials and the basic stuff you should have. I highly recommend this book to the beginning tyer and also for those who are more experienced. Tight lines!

This is undoubtedly Hughes' magnum opus--whether intended or not--and will stand as a classic in fly fishing literature. He has written the book that he and countless other authors have been trying to produce for decades. Consider all of the benefits of this book. Not only is it organized around a practical, useful strategy for tying flies, but it systematically covers every type of fly genre, from dries to streamers and beyond, and provides excellent information on every aspect of using them. Basically, Hughes tells you how and why to fish each style of fly and even coaches readers on how to rig their gear. In short, this is a masterfully conceived, accessible handbook that is indispensible for fly fishers at all levels. However, if you are an intermediate fly fisher who wants to graduate from fishing attractors to matching hatches--ie, knowing how and why to fish specific flies in a given situation and also tying those patterns--this book will produce excellent results. This stands alongside Sheridan Anderson's "Curtis Creek Manifesto" and John Geirach's "Fly Fishing Small Streams" as the most entertaining, accesssible, and useful books in the genre.

I wish this great book was available when I first started skiing back in the 70's!

For years I tried to keep up with my friends in the moguls.
They were expert skiers, but they were not expert instructors;
and their teaching philosophy was watch and learn and try to keep up!

There were many times that I would be left in the dust picking up my gear
after a spectacular crash and yard sale.
I would get tips here and there, but getting real instruction from my friends
or ski magazines was like bleeding a rock. Plus, there was a lot of misinformation
that made mogul skiing even more confusing.

Then, Dan's book came out cleared up all of the misconceptions about mogul
skiing that I had "learned."
It was like Toto pulling the curtain on the Wizard of Oz!
Thanks to Dan, my bump skiing has hit a new level and now I'm ripping through the moguls.

My 12 year old son has benefited as well and we never go skiing without taking
our "mogul book!" In fact, the book is dog-eared and tattered from so much use
that I may have to order another!!

Thanks Dan for writing and publishing this great book. I can't wait to ski the moguls
again and now look forward to each new season with anticipation!!

I want to change the title to "Everything your husband never told you about mogul skiing".My husband and I ski groomed trails together with about the same proficiency. I have tried for years to follow my husband down mogul runs,with very little success.He skis fast through the bumps and I am left behind to "survive" the bumps. Last season I took a ladies clinic and granted little time was spent on moguls, but what they did teach was all about where to turn on the mogul and somrthing about going in a door and out a door!Just like with my husband it was lots of talk about "choosing my line" meanwhile no one ever says it is a totally different way to ski from CARVING the groomed slopes. Now in defense of my spouse he learned to ski as a kid and has a very Austrian (pre-shaped ski) legs close together steering (not carving)style of skiing so maybe it never occured to him to tell me that I needed to change my stance and the way I ski to do the moguls. I read the book on the way up to Vermont and tried to practice the drills as much as I could on the groomed stuff and felt great. It was a crowded weekend and I was with my 4 kids and so I didn't get as much time to traverse the moguls and practice some of the skills, but I can already say that my mind-set is totally different and I am confident that I can ski the moguls because now I "get it!" I just wish I had a few hours to myself and a soft mogul run to go at it!

The author does a great job of contrasting mogul technique with carving techniques used on groomers. For those who have been working at moguls and are looking for the final pieces to go over the top, this seems like a great resource. Mogul and race techniques are both hugely enjoyable things to learn and great skills to develop -- the author does a great job of helping those who have only learned one way of skiing (based on racing/carving) to learn a hugely enjoyable skill that can really fill out a skier's tool box. Thanks for writing something that makes it so clear.

For most skiers, there is nothing more terrifying than accidentally emerging at the top of a field of steep and deep moguls. If you're like I used to be, you deal with the situation by first shedding some tears, then bucking yourself up for the task ahead.

Resolute, you push off, then quickly panic as you watch the mogul and your skis drop away in front of you. Scared, you lean away from the horrifying chasm, the tails of your skis dig into the snow and you slam into the next mogul, fall, and cartwheel down the hill until you finally come to an ignoble stop.

That used to be my experience with moguls. I could do the steeps, I could do the deeps, but moguls constantly defeated me. My friends were more than eager to tell me what I was doing wrong. I practiced and practiced but it always seemed the key was beyond my grasp.

Then I read "Everything The Instructors Never Told You About Mogul Skiing" by Dan DiPiro. It's a short book but it's full of great information.

One of the most important points is that you cannot use the same form on the moguls that you use on groomed slopes. It's important to change your stance to a "tall" position so your legs can absorb the bumps.

Another great tip is when Dan explains how to do the "rotary-powered" turns that are critical to mogul skiing. He debunks the idea that you can "carve" through the bumps.

There's a lot to learn from this book. Dan describes a series of techniques and exercises that will definitely help your bump skiing. I'm still not an expert but I've improved dramatically. I've had several great (but short) mogul runs where I made it through fairly smoothly on a good line. The feeling is exhilarating. I now seek out moguls so I can practice and, hopefully, re-experience that feeling.

Thanks Dan for writing this book.

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Michael Mihalik is the author of Debt is Slavery: and 9 Other Things I Wish My Dad Had Taught Me About Money

I read some other books about moguls and then I figured I'd give this one a try as well. It turned out this one was superior, by far. The author not only competed in moguls (was once ranked 21st in country), but is able to share and explain the necessary techniques needed for effective mogul skiing. This is a must for an aspiring mogul skiier.

Skip Morris breaks it down for beginners. He explains and has colored pictures of materials and tools. Also there is detailed (and colored) step by step for all the types of flies. If you are going to start tying flies, this book is a must have.

5 years ago I was mentored by a friend who taught me to tie basic flies... unfortunately life got in the way and I didn't tie flies for two years. A year ago, I pulled out my vise and materials, which inlcluded this book. By starting from the beginning, this books takes you through all the basics and gives you a foundation to tie ANY fly you want - the only limiting factor is the price of materials. If you're new to tying, this book de-mystifies topics such as the whip finish and palmering hackle to name just a couple. As a bonus, it is spiral bound to lay flat so you can tie along with step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting.

I own a number of fly tying books and this, by far, is the best. If you start with only one book, start with this one. The author methodically goes step by step, using fly patterns which require most, if not all, of the basic skills. The photography and illustrations are wonderful. Not only does the author give you exact, easy to follow directions each step of the way, he goes as far as to give a point by point review of what should be done if you find yourself in a mess. (invaluable for a klutz like myself). This, as I indicated, is by far one of the best books for beginners, but should certainly be owned and used by more advanced fly tiers also. The price is well worth it and in the long run will save you much money and certainly much time and frustration. I do wish there were more "how to" books around of this quality. Highly recommend this one.

This an excellent book to use when you're starting out. Directions are clear, illustrations are helpful-everything is designed to help you build your success along the way, moving from relatively simple to relatively complex. It introduces the materials, tools, and skills that will continue to be helpful as you develop expertise.

I am fairly new at tying my own flys. I own a couple of fly tying references and I am so much more impressed with Skip Morris' book "Fly Tying Made Clear And Simple." This is an outstanding choice for the novice. The biggest help, for me, has been Skip's methodical way of going through the process as he instructs on building each fly. He also describes solutions for the most common problems a novice will face and, best of all, the book lays flat on your fly tying bench due to it's spiral bound binding! I wish I would have started with this book!!

THIS BOOK IS WORTH IT'S WEIGHT IN GOLD. IF YOU HAVE EVERY CONSIDERED RACING, THEN BUY THIS BOOK. IT WILL SAVE YOU ALOT OF TIME AND MONEY.

this book is incredible. For anybody remotely interested in car racing of any type they should read this book. It is the best source of information for getting started in racing with any budget even if if's a five hundred car. Must read !!!

I ordered this book expecting a great book, and I got one. When getting started in the club racing scene, whether it be SCCA or NASA, it's difficult to know where to go, what to get, and how much to spend. Dave's book is an awesome and straightforward read about exactly what you need to get started. He tells you flat out where you need to go and what you need to do. I loved this book!

THIS BOOK IS ABSOLUTLEY FANTASTIC!!

I have a good friend that's been racing SCCA for the past 8-9 years and for the past couple years he's been on my case to give SCCA racing a shot. I've ALWAYS been a car guy and have always been big in to drag racing and American muscle cars. Well, this past August I finally gave in and took part in a PDX at Mid-Ohio in my daily driver SRT4. MAN-O-MAN what a blast!!!

SOON thereafter I started seriously thinking about picking up a full-fledged SCCA race car, but I initially resisted. That's around the time I purchased/read Dave's book and that was the "clincher", I was HOOKED!! Soon therefter I was on the lookout for a SSB/SSC/ITA/ITC race car and within a month bought an SSC Focus. I'm looking forward to driver's school this April. THANKS DAVE for a great book!!!!!!

A MUST read if you want to start road racing, have just started road racing or even have been turning laps for years. The book brings up a lot of great points often overlooked. Easy and quick to read, I couldn't put it down! This is real life information you need and won't get from any sanctioning body or how to drive book.

This is a really cute book for toddlers/preschoolers/K-2 kids. It helps with colors for the really little ones, then with short sentences to read or write later. I actually bought this for my 10 year old daughter - lol - she always loved this book. I guess the bright colors and sparkle of the foil cut outs of the eggs appealed to her in Kindergarten when she saw it in the school library - she's checked it out every year at least 6 times ever since (4th grade now). Every kid has a few books that they just adore and can't get enough of, so I got it for her to keep and give her own kid(s) some day (she has my old copy of "Bambi's Fragrant Forest" - a 1970's scratch 'n sniff book). It's a visually pleasing book and little ones will enjoy it.

I love the illustrations in this book!!! My 2-year-old may be a little too young for the story, but she loves looking at the pictures.

My son learned his colors because of this book! Each page has a different color of egg, the story rhymes so well, and its a lift-the-flap book! The pictures have so much detail sometimes we spend extra time looking in the background for other animals and talking about what they are doing. We've had this book for a year and it is still very popular at our house!

I purchased this book for my nephew and he absolutely loves it. Beautiful illustrations and a very cute story for children from 1-6 years old. However, the book seemed a bit warped when I purchased it but I attributed it due to the delivery process.

One of the nicest things about this book is how well it is designed. Children love beautiful materials and this book delivers. Today, electronic media is so prevelant in childrens' lives. This book, though, offers children the opportunity to relax and read pages filled with awe and wonder. Quality colors, papers and decorations invite children into the Natural Easter world of the forest and imagination. It's beautifully adorned with sparkling, jeweled pages made to entertain and peak interest.

Seriously, without a doubt this is hands down the best quick reference to golf rules I've ever seen. It has everything needed to manage your game on the course. Illustrations are great!

The author has published an updated edition of the rules in effect for 2008-2011 (ISBN 9783909596164). It's not yet listed on Amazon as of this date, but you can find it at the author's website. Search online for GolfRulesMadeEasy.

BTW, I have no connection with the book or author. I simply think this outstanding summary of golf rules should be in every golfer's bag.

I bought this as a gift because I liked the size and laminated pages. Handy guide that will fit in the golf bag.

I have given this book to many of my fellow EWGA golfers because it is such a good book to keep in your bag!

We carry this in our cart and have found that it provides a quick reference when needed. A must for every golfer!

Great book for early teens, even pre-teens. Kids at risk identify with the main charactor, love the animals, wish for someone like the old man to be there for them.

Imagine having a mother who doesn't seem to know you exist. Unless she needs money or someone to take her frustrations out on. Imagine having a father who hasn't had contact with you in two years, even though he lives only a couple of hours away. A father who kept taking you back to an abusive mother until he became too busy to even come see you at all.

Sean just plain doesn't care anymore. So he's been suspended yet again for fighting - big deal. It'll be just another vacation. That is, until he's assigned community service at a local ranch. Starting immediately.

Mr. Hassler, the old geezer ranch owner, puts Sean to work cleaning out stalls, spreading manure, and unloading feed. Things change when he helps deliver a colt that imprints Sean, instead of its mother. Their bond helps him explore his tangle of emotions about his parents and Mr. Hassler.

HERO is a heartwarming story about a young man in search of someone to love and respect, including himself. Rottman leaves the reader wanting more as Sean faces a new future with his dad and the ranch.

Reviewed by: Cana Rensberger

Now here's a book that clearly defines the meaning of "hero". Rottman's books always have a good message for us. They often deal with mature subjects, drugs and alcohol, but never glorified. His books are great for mature readers. A clear look into what life is like for many young adults today.

S.L. Rottman reveals young children's lives by covering child abuse and abandonment that has been affecting our world for centuries. Sean copes with his parent's divorce he also has to face his alcoholic mother abusing him. On top of that Sean tangles with the law. He gets sent to a horse ranch were he meets a man named Mr. Hassler who tries to give Sean some Moral support. Sean faces the fact that there are good people in the world that he can call his hero.
Rottman has written a fantastic book that many people should read. Hero has a remarkable plot to the story. For example it shows a young boy trying to overcome all the obstacles in his life. This book keeps the reader thinking through the whole story. S.L. Rottman gives readers a chance to see what problems young children face every day.

I think this is a good book. I like all the characters and I like how this book is setup. This book is good for all ages. Good classroom book for teachers. I read this book in my reading class. I got into the book really fast and I couldn't put the book down. My favorite character in this book was Sean. He was a nice kid inside and it shows you in the book. At first he seemed like a trouble maker and later he shows you the real him. With a farmers help (Mr. Hassler). I really don't read books. It's not my thing but when I read this one it had me going for another one.