Bates Books

"I've talked to the prophets and poets and priests,
And I've asked questions endlessly.
I've sought the opinions of those thought to be wise,
But I've found all the answers in me!"

"In Search of Truly Noland" by S.D. Bates is the autobiographical narration of his journey towards inner peace, compassion, forgiveness, enlightenment, and finally, true happiness. The book begins with the hard times that Bates faced during his early years in the 1950s in San Francisco, California. During his childhood, his parents were preoccupied with their unhappy married life; and they neglected his needs. He grew up feeling unloved and intensely insecure.

When Bates was four years old, his father abandoned his family, traumatizing Bates and his three siblings. His mother developed a close relationship with their neighbor, Swan, a sadistic alcoholic who was prone to violence and had a destructive temper. Life became a living hell once Bates' mother married Swan. At the tender age of 13 after a harrowing childhood characterized by constant abuse, Bates was sent to Montana State Industrial School, a reformatory for juvenile boys. Removed from the only environment he ever knew, Bates struggled in his new home and suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. Influenced by the turmoil in his life, he enlisted in the military and fought in the Vietnam War, which caused him further stress. Then, his first two marriages failed, leaving an emotional vacuum in his life.

Life took a new direction for Bates when he met the beautiful and tender Little Linda, a country girl from Ohio who had also suffered in an unhappy marriage. She filled his life with love and understanding and inspired him to overcome his sad memories of his agonizing past. Together, they built a relationship based on honesty and true love; and by realizing the higher selves within them, Bates and Linda discovered spiritual redemption and overcame fear.

A talented writer, S.D. Bates has written this book with honesty and conviction. He invites his readers to ride along on his journey through life. "In Search of Truly Noland" evokes feelings of sympathy and admiration for the writer, who victoriously emerged from his traumatic past. The author has effectively blended the narration of his spiritual experiences with some insightful poems that echo his quest for peace and freedom. "FEELING FROGGY-DO" is especially notable because it contains simple tips to stay worry free. Though the book is a personal account of the author's life, it is universally appealing. "In Search of Truly Noland" is not an experience to be missed.

I carry this with me. It's inspirational and makes a good gift for travel bugs. The whole series is woth owning.

Marinaro's sequel to 'A Modern Dry Fly Code' only adds to his flawless reputation as America's most important spring creek angling author.

While it is not the ground-breaking work of his first book, it will, nevertheless, provoke much thought on the part of the contemplative angler.

True, there are points which could be argued (Vince and I never agreed on rod action, for one), but the author makes his points, and back them up with clear sound logic.

This book should be in the library of every spring crrek angler.

Based on a longitudinal study of children starting in the 1930's, this book describes behavior of children at certain ages. It does not tell you how to raise your child. It simply tells you what to expect at 3 months, two years, eight years, etc. Instead of perceiving your child's behavior as peculiar or bad (and therefore punishing the child), the parent can see the behavior as normative. It enables acceptance of your child as he or she is and should be.

The poems about the "ex", the second wife, and especially the title poem gave me the impression that someone finally understood ME. My eyes actually started tearing up while reading this collection on the "T". This gutsy book doesn't beat around the bush! I want to read more - "just fill it up and keep driving," yeah, I can relate. This book is right up there with ones by Jan Beatty, Jane Kenyon, Jim Daniels and Sharon Olds. Thank you Ms. Bates!!!!

This book was a God send, my husband at the age of 38 was afraid of the water, then I got a copy of this book from Debbie Frontiera and it made all the difference to Tim, he was no longer afraid of the water and actually enjoyed himself in the pool, in the lake, and in the ocean with our daughter. I will always be grateful for this book...and I will save it for my grandchildren to use or rather their mother to use with them...

You'll cheer for Jeffrey the Jeep! It has a cute and meaningful story and colorful illustrations. It is not a board book and so is probably best for 4-8 years old but my 2 year old son loves it anyway.

A riveting read, this book chronicles the 1953 Third American Karakoram Expedition. The authors, members and integral part of that illustrious team of eight expeditioners, regale the reader with their account of the tragic circumstances with which they were faced while attempting to summit K2, a five mile high mountain, second only to Everest in height but infinitely more perilous to ascend.

The book recounts the myriad of detail which went into the formulation of that expedition, from the selection of its respective team members to the type and quantity of supplies necessary for such an ambitious endeavor. The book, in fact, includes a series of appendixes which lists in minute detail a day to day travel chronology of the expedition, a list of all equipment necessary, the breakdown of the various foods taken, the medical supplies needed for the venture, and a list of financial costs and transport requirements. In short, it provides everything one may have ever wanted to know about what goes into mounting an expedition. Nostalgia buffs, as well as climbing enthusiasts, will revel in the plethora of information!

The book also grounds the reader in the historical, as well as geographical, pedigree of K2 and the challenges which it has presented over time. It recounts the previous reconnaissances and expeditions which had traveled to the environs of K2. Interestingly enough, on this expedition, unlike prior ones, Hunza mountain porters from a small border state in northern Pakistan, rather than Sherpas, were employed, due to the prevailing political winds of the time.

The journey of the expedition over the remote and primitive reaches of the then infant country of Pakistan is a death defying venture in and of itself. Imagine the expedition with its hundred and twenty five native Balti porters, each carrying sixty pound loads, crossing raging rivers in ancient barges said to be similar to those used by Alexander the Great in leading his armies across the same river! At other times, they crossed turbulent river waters, using rafts made up of inflated animal bladders which were lashed together. They traversed across wide gorges over bridges made of woven willows and twigs. These so called bridges had an alarming tendency to turn upside down, promising to send the hapless traveler to a certain death below! Fortunately, the expedition was able to avert death at this stage of its journey.

Upon reaching Base Camp, an assault upon K2 was quickly launched. With the assistance of the Hunzas and a stretch of good weather, Camps I through III were established with a minimum of fuss. The Hunzas, however, did not progress beyond Camp III, as the expedition members felt it wiser to ascend without them, given the Hunzas' limited high altitude experience and equipment. From then on, the expeditioners, eager for a summit bid, did all the loading and carrying work up the mountain, ultimately establishing Camp VIII at an elevation of about 25,500 feet. It was there that the beginning of the end took place.

While at Camp VIII, all eight members of the expedition found themselves storm bound for seven days. Despite being buffeted by hurricane force winds, driven snow, lack of sufficient food, drink, and sleep, all while trapped in the death zone without supplementary oxygen, they still clung to their summit dream.

That dream ended abruptly when one of them became desperately ill with thrombophlebitis, and needed to be evacuated. Their nightmare had begun. Though it was seemingly impossible to lower the ill climber down the face of K2, this group of brave men would not abandon their fallen comrade. A break in the storm, a desperate plan to save their friend, and they started off with him in tow only to have their escape aborted by the potential for avalanche. They retreated back to Camp VIII and by the next day were ready to execute an alternate plan of evacuation.

Once again, they began the grim descent with their now catastrophically ill and courageous comrade in tow, this time during a storm with driven snow and gale force winds. Braced upon snow swept ridges, they began the arduous task of carefully lowering their friend down the relentlessly steep slope of K2. There, two of them survived a skirmish with an avalanche. Despite the peril, they continued down the mountain with great fortitude. Suddenly, one of them lost his footing, however, and five of them went tumbling down the mountain side, only to have their fall abruptly checked by an amazing belay executed by the youngest member of the expedition. Despite illness, injuries and frost bite, the eight man team was still intact.

Unfortunately, it was not to remain thus. Shortly after, a heartbreaking and tragic accident occurred, resulting in a death which will move the reader to tears. The book culminates in a remarkable and harrowing descent by the remaining survivors, many of whom were incapacitated by the injuries and frostbite incurred along the way. Their survival is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and its enormous will to live.

The story of the 1953 Third American Karakoram Expedition is one of the most amazing and spellbinding in the annals of mountaineering history. Gripping in its telling, it is a must read for all climbing enthusiasts and for all who simply love a great read.

This manga has a great story line, all base in the shinsengumi. Is not too girly for us otaku that look for more than fairy tale story. This manga was well research by the artist.

This was the easiest book for me to understand and follow. SOOOOO easy. I am now knitting and have moved up to cables and I will now learn socks.