Farley Books

Between 1770 and 1772 a young Samuel Hearne was assigned the task of discovering copper and other valuable mineral resources in the Canadian North. Two attempts were short-lived, but the third succeded at least in reaching the location of the supposed copper mines. Hearne left a written record of these expeditions, but up until 1958 when Coppermine Journey was first published, his book was never widely available. It's understandable why Mowat set about to rectify this, as Hearne's experiences are quite fascinating, and provide us with valuable insight about a region that had yet to experience much European influence. In order to make the book more accessable, however, Mowat admits that a number of alterations had to be made. As I'm not familiar with the original text, however, I cannot comment on the extent or quality of the changes that have been made. But as it stands, Coppermine Journey is highly readable and enlightening work, one that has given me a greater understanding and appreciation of Canada's North.

CYBER RULES: WHAT YOU REALLY NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE INTERNET is tailored for clinicians, parents and educators who wish to understand how the 'net is changing traditional theories of human developing, fostering new forms of interactions and new psychology about development. It sounds technical but in fact makes for easy reading, comes from a private practitioner who also teaches courses in health psychology and case management, and is packed with personal stories and advice on Internet management and interactions. A 'must' for any collection strong in psychology, Internet sociology or education.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

I found this book very useful and informative in that it explained cancer in simple terms for non-medical readers. It is a topic that can be very frightening, but Fred Stephens manages to be truthful and dignified in this book. He also discusses not only cancer treatments, but also preventative measures, so it is a book that everyone concerned about maintaining their health and lifestyle should read.

Direct Practice in Social Work by Scott W. Boyle, Grafton H. Hull

My instructor selected this textbook for our Direct Practice Social Work class. Throughout this class I found this textbook easy to read because the authors did not try to cram "everything but the kitchen sink" in the chapters yet this textbook was comprehensive about the subject matter. Some chapters had practical applications or exercises to reinforce the subject matter. The index was inclusive for quick reference and the layout were easy on the eyes. This textbook is a "keeper" which I'll refer to in the future.

I like Chip Hilton books because they teach me how to be a good role model and sportsman. It teaches me how to keep my confidence, focus on the game, not on brag, and try my hardest in school. Of all the 12 books I've read this is one of the best! I hope you read them too!

Farley's topic, a theory of knowledge, sounds dull, but Eros for the Other is thought-provoking, eloquent, mind-transforming. With her previous book, Tragic Vision, she is making me believe she is the greatest young theologian in America.

This book is a life saver! If you're serious about applying to a private school, you need this book. If you're not applying to a private school, you still need this book, for it will help you find the best classroom for your child. This book will help you ask the right questions and look for the right things no matter what kind of school your child attends.

Farley Brothers Drugs and Sundries and Other Stories is an engaging collection of short stories that take place in small town or rural settings. The stories range from sweet romance to poignant realism, but always with characterizations that are real, crisp, and three-dimensional-Norman Rockwell could have painted them. The settings are vividly drawn and the dialogues crackle with tension.

The title story, "Farley Brothers Drugs and Sundries," is a touching tale about a single woman who fears her chances for romance in her small town have reached a dead end, until she finally lands a date with the new owner of the feedstore, and her life begins to turn in a new direction-just not in the direction you might imagine. FBD&S is filled with keen observation of the townspeople, plenty of humor (the eyelash scene will have you in stitches), and a developing romance or two, but don't expect your typical romance ending.

"Allie's Daring Adventure" shows what lengths a mature woman will go to for love. Hilarious!

"A Match for a Firecracker." Even the title of this one promises explosive entertainment. A stubborn woman softball player wrangles with a handsome, equally headstrong umpire.

"Cousin Stan Turns on the Charm." Stan's a charmer of elderly women, enough so they want to do things like bake pies for him and his visiting cousin, Roy. But what happens when charm meets truth? Will Stan get his just desserts? This story reads like an entertaining episode of The Golden Girls.

"Driving Delbert Lemieux's Second-Best Hearse." Will Studs and Manny get the body to Blackduck on time or will a young hitchhiker named Leanne cause them to lose their way? Chock full of suspense and downright funny!

Some of the stories in this anthology take on more serious themes. In "Living in the Land of the North Wind," a woman contemplating divorce becomes stranded in a snowstorm with her husband. This is a great character study on how men and women view relationships.

"My Brother's Wife" is a realistic look at a family plagued with drug and alcohol addiction until Dale finds hope through an unexpected source.

In "A Man of Means," Garner Holsapple is a man who can put Ebenezer Scrooge to shame. Can a man of such means grow as a person or is he doomed to shrivel up in a world of his own making? This is a notable tale about the consequences of making choices in life, no matter the hand one may have been dealt early in life.

Kathryn North has woven together a superb story collection, one that's guaranteed to tickle your funny bone at times and give you pause to reflect on the human condition at others. Those who appreciate well-written fiction, as I do, will thoroughly enjoy Farley Brothers Drugs and Sundries and Other Stories.

Review by Jeanne Allen, co-author of Twilight Crossings, Eppie Finalist, 2004

A great book that relates well with toddlers and preschoolers. Farley brings his little stuffed animal along and the doctor carefully explains everything that he is doing to both Farley and his little pal.

Easy to read and children engage well.

There are many sides to Farley Mowat, and this biography touches on all of them. James King presents Mowat as an ambitious writer, a proud Canadian, a melancholy husband, a mischievous only child, and a passionate environmentalist. In the space of relatively few pages, King describes Mowat's very active life, remarking on every book, every beloved pet dog, many of his travels, the Second World War years, both marriages, and his troubles with publishers and editors.

Did he leave anything out? Well, you can be sure that the Farley his friends and family know is still private, but not completely. This is primarily a book about Mowat's relationships with people, his moods, and his mistakes. It's a "warts and all" biography, but it's written with Canadian politeness --- James King is even-handed and fair. Farley cooperated with King on it, opening up archives of correspondence and submitting to interviews. He made no conditions, and King honored that with a respectful portrait.

Aspiring writers should read this book. Farley had a bumpy but very successful career, starting with a controversial book (People of the Deer) in 1952. He spent the next 30 years trying to identify and master his literary strengths. His editors, his father, and his wife Claire helped him figure it out. If you want a successful writing career, you can learn a lot from this book.

For fans of Farley Mowat, you get to find out how he came to write each book, how well they sold, and which books had the greatest effect on him. (Never Cry Wolf is his best-seller. Sea of Slaughter meant a great deal to him and required a lot of time and emotional strength. The Top of the World trilogy was never taken seriously by his publishers. Etc.) This is a well-written biography of a great man. I highly recommend it.