Brown Books

Dorothy's Stormy Lake describes the life of an Englishwoman and her husband and their young daughter in the remote Kootenay Bay of British Columbia. Dorothy's story goes well beyond mere descriptions of surviving in the wilderness to a picture of a young woman of wit and wisdom.

Dorothy's experiences illicit a wisdom which is timeless and universal. While an inquiring mind can discern many lessons from her writing, one of the most interesting to me was the notion of community-building. Toward the middle of the book we realize that Dorothy has successfully laid the foundation for her marriage and is preparing to lay the foundation for her young child. Through her activities, which she shares in her journal, we see how she is also building a strong foundation for the community of neighbors. Her attitude and activities in building relationships are as important and relevant today as they were in the remote wilderness in the 1930s. She lives and describes a universal truth about successful living. She writes, "We must live with the spirit of neighborliness uppermost...And it all begins at home."

Dorothy's words caused me to think and to reflect and to examine my own life. A good read, indeed.

The author, Joan Wooliver, is my aunt, by marriage. I had heard about the book, and, based on what I had heard, I wanted to read it, to perhaps learn more about my aunt and the environment in which she was raised. I was not disappointed. "Dorothy's Stormy Lake" is the story of a near modern-day pio-neering family, set in Canada's British Columbia province in the early 1930s. Dorothy, a world traveler and teacher, living comfortably in San Francisco, gives it all up to live in a beautiful, but demanding, environment. Without electricity, candles supply light. Without natural gas or oil, wood supplies heat. Water comes from carrying buckets filled at the lake (Lake Kootenay). Roads do not exist; travel to buy supplies or visit friends is by boat to another part of the lake. This is life lived close to the earth. Yet, throughout the book, the hardship of living "off the grid" is downplayed, and the joy of life is celebrated. Dorothy learns to preserve meats, fruits, and vegetables. As time progresses, power is derived from flowing water in a creek, and water from the creek is pumped to the house. The time frame is during the Depression, yet, there is little reference to this economic debacle, other than an occasional mention of the public works for married men (10 days a month) to build a road into the region. For the most part, people get by; they raise fruits and vegetables, some raise chickens (for eggs to eat, and sell), some raise cattle (for milk to drink, and to slaughter). Through it all, Dorothy is mostly optimistic, describing everyday life in her letters. While one might think that a description of "everyday life" would be mundane, this is far from the reality of this book. I found it difficult to lay the book down; reading Dorothy's narration of her experiences was compelling. And, yes, I gained a better sense of my aunt and the environment in which she was raised. I highly recommend this book for its description of present age pioneering and for its facile and powerful read.

Dorothy's Stormy Lake is a great read on several levels. First, it is a great read because it paints such a vivid picture of rural life in the 1930s. From its account of the endless work associated with obtaining, preparing, and preserving food, to its warm depiction of the simple joy of listening to a radio, this book puts the reader right in the heart of a pioneer family's life.

Second, it is a great read because of the author's delightful writing style. Did ordinary people really used to write that well?!

Finally, Dorothy's Stormy Lake is a great read because of Dorothy's unwaveringly positive outlook. What a joy it is to read an author who loves life so completely. Despite having started out in a life of privilege and refinement, Dorothy embraces the hardships of her new life with enthusiasm and a sense of both wonder and adventure. This book is a great reminder of the wisdom of the old saying "life is what you make of it." Most of us would be well served by following Dorothy's example of paying attention to life's small pleasures and looking for (and finding) the best in everyone and everything.

On the book jacket it states that Dorothy wrote in her journal for many more years and that Joan Wooliver will be publishing those papers at a later date. I certainly hope that she is busy with that project because I can't wait to rejoin Dorothy in her life on her stormy lake.

A great read!

The writer has a terrific comand of the language. The descriptions of both place and people are such that you feel that you are right there. Dorothy had a zest for life and an enthusiasm undaunted by the rigors of pioneer life in Western Canada that are clearly apparent in her writings. She seems an amazing woman and truly an inspiration undimmed by the years. This is a great book for anyone who enjoys the journal or memoir genre, and one I wholly encourage others to read. I give it a hearty rating of five!

TRUE STORY OF LOVE AND SURVIVAL IN THE WILDERNESS

This may seem like a Daniel Steele novel but it's a true story. During the most difficult years of The Great Depression, a young woman of privilege and refinement moved into the harsh Canadian wilderness with her new husband. Dorothy's Stormy Lake is a collection of letters edited by her daughter, Joan Wooliver, who now makes her home in Anchorage, Alaska. The book explores fond memories of her mother's early married life on the shores of the remote Kootenay Lake in British Columbia. At first it was a tough life for a woman who literally did not know how to boil water. But she soon learned to cook on a wood stove and do many other things necessary to live in the wilderness. Her survival skills developed along with her love for her husband. The couple's life centered around their young family and the lake. Water provided the only means for transportation so many of their decisions revolved around the weather. Getting caught on the lake in a storm could mean a swift, wet death. Despite its ominous title, Dorothy's Stormy Lake is written with warmth and wit. There are many shining moments and an array of interesting and eccentric characters who have also decided to spend their lives far from the comforts of civilization. Dorothy's Stormy Lake will delight anyone who appreciates adventure and romance.

If you are looking for a fun read that will make you laugh, then DUSTIN GRUBBS: ONE-MAN SHOW by John J. Bonk is an act you shouldn't miss.

Dustin is a sixth grade thespian (actor) who has comedy and a thirst for performing in his blood. But don't tell his mom, since she says his dad's dream of being on stage is what caused the divorce nearly three years ago. One night he left for a gig, and Dustin hasn't heard from him since.

Dustin is not only the director of the school play, but has also landed the lead role. Performance day arrives and everything that can go wrong does, including major damage to the school's baby grand piano. The principal is holding Dustin and his favorite teacher, Miss Honeywell, responsible for finding a way to raise funds to repair the damage.

When Jeremy Jason Wilder, a famous teen actor, moves to his school, casting him in a small part seems to be the perfect solution to their financial dilemma. They could charge for the play and Dustin would have his moment in the spotlight performing to a full house. But Jeremy has his own secret that could stop the show. His arrival sets events in motion that could even cost Dustin his best friend, Wally.

John J. Bonk's amazing wit drives this book, from naming characters Pepper and LMNOP, to referring to ice water as "Adam's Ale, extra hale." Mr. Bonk creates the most amazing scenarios. This is a feel-good book that will have you laughing even after the last page is turned.

Reviewed by: Cana Rensberger

What a readable, laugh-out-loudable, can't-put-downable book! I love this story! Author John Bonk has a way with words and sense of humor like no author children's author in recent history. I'm recommending this book to all my young friends (and some older ones, too!) I can't wait to meet Dustin again and hear what he's up to.

As a drama teacher I am always looking for books to inspire my students. This book made me laugh out loud. I had great fun reading it and will definitely encourage my students to give it a read.

Dustin Grubbs has plenty of problems. His dad ran off to be a stand-up comic and his mom isn't handling it well. And Dustin? Well, he wants to be a star and he doesn't think Mom's going to handle that so well. But a kid's gotta do whatever it takes to be a star -- even if he has to be sneaky about it. Even if he hurts a friend. Or maybe, not.

I found this book a delight. In Dustin Grubbs: One Man Show, author John Bonk shows the same kind of skilled comedic touch of Gordan Korman's No More Dead Dogs. I heartily recommend snagging this book just for Granny's birthday part alone. But don't try to read this one over lunch -- it's snort-milk-from-your-nose funny.

Dustin Grubbs is a sixth grader with a passion--and that passion is acting. When he lands the lead role in the school play, he is determined to put on the best possible show around. But when someone famous moves into town and tries to steal Dustin's limelight, it's every actor for himself in this hilarious read from John J. Bonk.

In Bonk's literary debut, he has created an "everyman" in the form of Dustin Grubbs. Dustin is self determined, resourceful, and creative. But Dustin is not without his faults. He snubs his best friend in order to rub shoulders with a famous star and in doing so, he alienates his friend and finds out that being famous doesn't mean you're necessarily nice.

All of Bonk's characters are well rounded and quirky. Dustin's family reminded me a lot of my own. The protective mother, the wacky grandmother, the divorced parents...readers of all ages will see some aspect of themselves in this wonderfully enchanting book. This is a book that relies on inner spirit to tell a story.

Armchair Interviews says: In an age of Harry Potter and Eragon it's nice to read a simple and compelling story like this.

We have both guides for finding easy biking and hiking trails, from this same author. My guy has a bad back, so we have to plan ahead to make sure we don't over-stress his back when we're on an outing - and these guidebooks are great - the trails are rated according to distance between trailheads (and from parking to trailhead), trail terrain (e.g. paved vs dirt), and changes in elevation -- all the important factors for us to consider whether a given trail is right for us on any given day. Kudos to the author (our only request is that the author keep going with this great idea and rate similar trails throughout the whole country, and heck, why not the whole planet?). thanks!

Have you ever wanted to explore an isolated beach, or walk among towering redwoods, or experience a close encounter with wild tule elk? These things are within the realm of just about any fit person, and with far less effort than one might imagine. Ann Marie Brown's 'Easy Hiking in Northern California' is just that; a guide to fabulous wilderness experiences with minimal effort.

This book has a lot to recommend it. Ms. Brown divides Northern California into 8 separate sections and describes numerous hikes in each area. In addition to local history and natural features, Brown also provides careful directions to each trailhead and a detailed description of the route. Lots of black and white photographs accentuate the text and give the reader an idea of what to expect. An "options" heading describes how readers can further explore the trailhead area.

I just love this approach to hiking. The vast majority of trails in this guide are one to three miles long. If you want more of a workout, you can usually combine two or more of the 111 trips listed in a day. On a recent visit to Point Reyes National Seashore, I planned my day around this book. I have no regrets. My vacation was wonderful and this book will be my first resource on other trips to Northern California.

We love to hike and found this book to be fun and easy to read. The directions to the hikes are very precise and clear. We just bought the book and have already gone on three of the hikes.

Me and my family love to hike and evey weekend we are always trying out new places. When trying out new trails we had no idea what to expect. But now with this book we are able to find great trails with beautiful backdrops, and have a good idea of whats instore for us. We always have a good idea where we are going for the weekend and we know what to expect. I hope this book will help you as much as it has helped me and my family.

I bought this book after our daughter was born, to serve as a guide to the great outdoors. The book delivered on its promise, we went on two or three hikes in Yosemite valley with our 3 year old daughter. The descriptions in the book helped us pick the hikes and the directions to the trailhead were very helpful. I have also tried several hikes in the San Franciso bay area and always found the directions to reach the trailhead very helpful.

Melanie's new book is my favorite macrobiotic book yet--the format is laid out well, the recipes are easy to read, and don't require extravagent ingredients. I have most of them in my kitchen already! And best of all, there are tons of recipes that you can literally eat in 20 minutes or less! My favorite section is the "Vital Veggies", some dishes and variations that I've yet to see anywhere! The Tofu Mochi Cabbage is a MUST try! Reading this book will tune you in to Melanie's vibrant, free-flowing energy, a definite bonus for you on your cooking path!

Loved this book. Fab recipes, loads of interesting info on health and cooking, easy to follow and use. It has really helped me to get started with healthy eating and trying new ingredients. Highly recommend this book for anyone who wants easy yet tasty recipes that make you feel great.

Finally, an amazing cookbook with fast easy recipes for busy people who want to eat healthy. Lots of extra's you wouldn't expect in a cookbook like this. The symbol key allows you to customize your meal planning in a jiffy!!! Melanie Waxman's expertise in Macrobiotic Cooking truly shines through in this wonderful cookbook.

I work full time and am a full time student, so my days tend to be very hectic. I try to cook and eat well, but it's difficult to find the time! This cookbook is exactly what I need to cater to my busy lifestyle. The recipes are simple and easy to fallow. There are a wide variety of recipes that enables me to make a quick meal to take with me on the go, or if I have some extra time to make a nice relaxing meal that I can eat at home. I also love all the side notes on health a nutrition that are included! This cookbook has really made eating healthy much easier for me.

This is an incredibly useful and healthy cookbook full of delicious recipies. I am in school now and this is one of the only books about healthy cooking that is aimed toward the busy young person. My personal favorite recipies are the tofu mochi and cabbage, the shrimpy rice, the tuna spread and the chewy crispy crunch. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is doesn't have that much time to cook but would like to be able to nourish their body with amazing food.

Edward In The Jungle By David Mcphail. This story is about a boy that dreams about being in the jungle with tarzan. I like this book because of all of the illistrations and it makes me feel like Edward. I hope you read this book because it is a good book to read. I like it a lot. I hope you do too!

Young Edward loves to read, especially adventure books, and so on this sunny afternoon he takes his set of animals "just like the animals in Tarzan's jungle" out to the "jungle" behind his house. "He spread them out around him, then lay back on the cool moss and opened another Tarzan adventure." Edward was enjoying his book so much that he didn't notice the crocodile creeping silently his way until it was almost too late. "The crocodile lunged at Edward, but at that instant Edward was snatched out of the way by none other than Tarzan himself, and a moment later they were swinging through the trees on a sturdy vine..." David McPhail is back with another reading adventure, and kids who loved Edward And The Pirates are sure to enjoy his latest "Edward" picture book. Mr McPhail's text is entertaining and exciting, and only outdone by his amazing bold and vivid illustrations that transport young adventurers to the deep, dark jungle for an intriguing fantasy filled with danger, heroics and lots of fun. Perfect for youngsters 4-8, Edward In The Jungle sends kids a wonderful and subtle message about the power of reading...You can go anywhere, do anything, and be anyone, when you open a book and let your imagination soar.

Edward In The Jungle By David Mcphail. This story is about a boy that dreams about being in the jungle with tarzan. I like this book because of all of the illistrations and it makes me feel like Edward. I hope you read this book because it is a good book to read. I like it a lot. I hope you do too!

The cover of this book caught my attention as I whizzed by it in the bookstore. I figured it would be too advanced for my 20-month-old son but he has been intrigued by the pictures and story ever since I brought it home! You can be so creative while reading it that children just want to hear it over and over again! It made me pursue other David McPhail books to see if he just had a great one or if he's always this creative!!!

I can't say enough wonderful things about this story - the author is so in touch with a young child's imagination. The illustrations are spectacular and contribute greatly to the books appeal. This is one of the few books I have found that encourages reading and imagination in such a wonderful way. My son will be learning to read soon and Edward shows him that books and stories will take him anywhere. This was the first "Edward" book we bought. We loved it so much we hurried out to get "Edward and the Pirates" and "Santa's Book of Names". "Santa's Book of Names" seems to be the first book written about Edward and is my personal favorite.

This book was my first Mexican cookbook almost 30 years ago. I've used it so much that it's in tatters. I'm sorry to hear it's out of print - can anyone do anything about that?

This book was my first Mexican cookbook almost 30 years ago. I've used it so much that it's in tatters. I'm sorry to hear it's out of print - can anyone do anything about that?

Take it from someone who has spent time searching for Mexican Cook Books that offer simple authentic Mexican recipies. This book offers anything from the familiar dishes, holiday pastries and breads, to the more exotic dishes. Each recipe includes comments from the author, providing tips and background on history of the recipe. I only wish this book were more accesible.

This is a classic on Mexican cooking, with first and second printings in 1958. Recipes and instructions are succinct, and there is little or no commentary on the dishes or their background.

I give this 4 stars, as Diana Kennedy's "The Cuisines of Mexico", published in 1972, has become a more definitive source of Mexican recipes. Kennnedy's book also has simple recipes, and also has superb hints on cooking, and gives a wonderful running commentary on the origin of the dishes, and suggestions on how to serve the dish. Kennedy's also has photographs.

Newer books by Bayless and others have come forth since 1972, however both Zelayeta's and Kennedy's books have stood the test of time.

Sorry to hear that this book is not currently available! It's a wonderful introduction to Mexican Cooking. All of the recipes are incredibly simple, authentic and delicious! This book makes a great wedding/ housewarming gift.

This collection is hands-down one of the best short-story collections I've read. Yates is a no-nonsense, straight-talking, highly skilled story teller with an intelligent voice who knows how to keep the reader genuinely engaged without sacrificing emotional depth or subtlety. Each and every story in this book is a winner: touching, honest, well-told, deeply felt. The collection is also a refreshing change from the morass of badly written contemporary short fiction that has taken the very worst from the minimalist movement (sometimes less IS less...). These are stories with meat on their bones--but no fat. HIGHLY recommended.

Richard Yates was a brilliant writer of novels and short stories who was universally admired by his peers including--among others--Tennessee Williams, John Updike, and Phillip Roth. His novel "Revolutionary Road" was considered groundbreaking when it was published in 1961. Never commercially successful after that, Yates continued to write and taught on a number of college campuses including the University of Iowa Writing Program. "Eleven Kinds of Loneliness" is delicious.

These stories will stay with me for the rest of my life, particularly "No Pain Whatsoever." Yates was a tremendously underrated writer, but hopefully won't stay that way. A must-read.

To put it simply: you must read this book. It is the most depressing, uplifting, poignant, ironic book I've read. That may seem like a contradiction in terms, but if you've read the book you know what I'm talking about.

Richard Yates writes about ordinary men, women and children -- "loners" leading solitary existences. A few stories, such as "Doctor Jack-O'-Lantern" and "Jody Rolled the Bones", are filled with bittersweet humor; others, such as "Fun With a Stranger" are downright sad. But don't think Yates is some depressed, manic-depressive writer, because he's not. Rather, his words, his characters strike you in a way you never thought possible, making you want to read them over and over again.

this collection of short stories has been written by a man who may not have, when he initially began writing, floored his readers with an abundance of talent. but it is obvious that mr. yates has done his homework; his writing is tight and the words tremble with emotion. this is the work of a man who has spent a lot of time reading and revising and reworking until it felt just right. on most of the stories he hits all the right notes. the ones about tuberculosis stick in my mind the most with a particular resonance; he's got a feel for the throb of the misunderstood, the lonely. the problem with these stories is that their focus is on just that. mr. yates' title may've been eleven kinds of loneliness but i wish he hadn't felt as though it were necessary to confine himself to that topic. the last story really shows the flair he has for longer, more broad fiction; and because of this, the reader leaves slightly disappointed because the rest of the stories seem to be the work of a bitter man obsessed with bitterness. this wouldn't be a bad thing if the bitter man weren't capable of so much more.

I am a law student in the university of Plymouth and i would like you to send me some information that this book contains, concerning the subject of the separation of powers. Your advice will be of great help. Thank you.

First, to the reviewer looking for the doctrine of separation of powers: you'll find it in Montequieu's "Spirit of the Laws". Also check out "The Federalist", number 51.

Now then, Bagehot, like Madison, describes the operation of a modern liberal regime. The trick for founders of liberal government is to produce a government that permits the people civil liberties, but does not permit the people to abuse those liberties, or in the words of Madison, to create a government that is "democratic yet decent". Madison and the American Founders accomplish this end by so constructing the institutions of government that mens' selfish natures will be turned against each other ("ambition is made to check ambition"), rather than united in tyrannical concert.

Bagehot too describes the operation of a system of government that rules by the consent of the governed, yet which does so by restraining the vices of those who ought not to rule. Bagehot argues that the English government is moderate and decent because of a division of government into the "dignified" and the "efficient" parts, and a "noble lie" about the relationship between the two. It is this noble lie that permits the government to operate without the interference of those who would turn it away from the public good. But to discover the noble lie, you'll have to read Bagehot.

Warner Winborne

Professor of Political Science

Hampden-Sydney College

Hampden-Sydney, VA

This book stimulates the little gray cells. Every time I watch Prime Minister's Questions, the superiority of the Cabinet system over the Presidential system is painfully obvious. If Bush were subjected to the kind of scrutiny, in Congress, that Blair is subjected to every week in Parliament, he would have been exposed as an impostor long before supreme executive authority was placed in his hands. Refering to our Civil War, Bagehot wrote: "The notion of employing a man of unknown smallness at a crisis of unknown greatness is to our minds simply ludicrous. Mr. Lincoln, it is true, happened to be a man of... eminent justness... But success in a lottery is no argument for lotteries."

Well, we used up all of our good fortune in the 1860s. We've come up craps in this millenium.

If this is the unaltered version of the book of the same name and same author that I read about 30 years ago, it is a classic. It describes how the classic English Constitution worked, before Britain joined the European Union. Especially it explained how it worked without being written down, largely by constitutional convention which was morally binding but (quite often) not legally binding.

Walter Bagehot was a journalist and a social and political thinker of the middle Victorian period (1850s and 1860s). His classical work "The English Constitution" comes as a collection of polemical assays upon the structure of the British political system. Cabinet, monarchy, Houses of Commons and Lords, execution of political power, and the foundation of the systems of checks and balances are explored in the book.

Throughout the book a comparison and contrast of Cabinet system and the Presidential system (a.k.a USA) is a constant theme. Bagehot does not hide it preference for the Cabinet system, which in his view is a both more dynamic and more effective. One of his main points is that direct popular election is a myth, since most of the electorate are ignorant of the nature of the political power (and moreover are forced to this ignorance by the effective uselessness of the legislative debate in the USA as opposed to the UK). Moreover, a result of the direct election is a static Presidential term of 4 years, which allows the executive branch to execute almost unchecked control of the political process. According to Bagehot, the indirect electoral system of the Commons, where people vote for the MPs and they then select the PM amongst themselves produces a more effective government, which is more responsive to the popular will since it can fall at any time due to policy disputes. A hidden secret of British success according to Bagehot is a fusion of legislative and executive powers in the Cabinet system. In the latter chapters, Bagehot exposures two forms of power - the dignified power (in the person of the monarch and the lords) and the effective power as exemplified by the Cabinet. Dignified power serves as a façade of legitimacy under which the dynamic and opportunist real effective power can subsist. He follows through to explain how each of the minister of the government exercises its power for the common goal, what are the legal powers of the monarchy and how it is exercised indirectly via control of the composition of the peerage and the power to dissolve the Commons.

Bagehot's style is clear, flavorful, his knowledge of political process is profound (with a qualification of more so of British then American), his research is well done, and he is a master of dramatic tricks to keep the reader interested. I would recommend the book as both a scholarly reference, and a well presented popular case.

Ms. Donna Brown created a masterpiece on her very first try. Once you pick this book up you won't be able to put it down. Ms. Brown is an excellent writer and I can't wait for her next book...

Ms. Donna Brown has created a wonderful and exciting book on her very first try. You won't be able to put the book down. Ms. Brown is an excellent writer and I can't wait until her next book.

Chantal Lewis was forced in a world of molestation and sex at an early age. Through it all, she grew up and became a strong woman. The author, Donna M. Brown, is a very gifted writer. I have also read many of her poems. She has definitely been blessed with this magnificant talent for writing. I have recommended this novel to many friends and family members and I highly recommend it to you as well. Congratulations Donna on your very first novel and I'll be waiting for the next one.

I personally know Donna Brown, she is a wonderful person who made her dream come true. I admire her for that. The book is great, so if you are a reader or even if you are not you should try it out. Plus there is more to come, if you read the first one you'll have to read the next one.

For her first novel, Donna Brown has come out with a powerful story of a little girl that's been molested, raped,abused and yet, was able to overcome her fears by making a name for herself. This book is a true non stop page turner with action, deep romance, and fictional characters that will break, warm and devour your heart. It's a must read novel. Way to go, Donna! I'm looking forward to your next book.

Sharon Bell

I first came across this book in my local library. I was so enchanted by the different designs, that after tiring of renewing it, I have decided to order my own copy. I recommend it to any person interested in needlepoint, as well as global designs...

Must add my praise for this book. Gorgeous colors in clear graphic designs plus various colorways so you can see what would happen if you use different colors. I get a feeling of generosity from the authors who obviusly love their craft and want to share it.

In addition to bold and unusual patterns, Mary Norden has an extremely good eye for colors. I use patterns and parts of patterns from this book all the time.

There are many lovely needlepoint books with an emphasis on romantic or Victorian designs. This book consists of designs with Asian, African and Latin and Native American influences. The photographs are beautiful, the instructions and charts are clear, and the colors dazzling! Highly recommended for all needleworkers---knitters, cross stitchers, crocheters, etc.---not just needlepointers.

This book brings the beauty of the various international fabrics to your needlepoint canvas. It's not your grandmother's needlepoint - no cats or flowers, just bold and exciting designs with great color graphs and ideas. I highly recommend this book - I even ordered a copy for my sister although it was out-of-print.