Stewart Books

For many years, I collected regional cookbooks. Eventually, I ran out of space, but if I could only keep one cookbook, "Hollyhocks and Radishes," without a doubt, would be the one to save.

I bought my copy at a wonderful local bookshop in St. Ignace Michigan, which is just across the water from Mackinac Island. The title intrigued me, along with the sub-head "Mrs. Chard's Almanac." All I can say is we each need a little Mrs. Chard in our lives.

Her delightful correspondance with author Bonnie Stewart Mickelson opens each chapter in the cookbook. The notes contain quaint reminders of life in northern Michigan surrounded by the bounty of a roadside market.

Judy Chard's love of fresh vegetables is evident in the list of ingredients filling the pages of my well-worn and well-loved copy, which was part of the first printing in 1989.

My own hand-scribbled annotations reflect how my husband and daughters reacted to a new dish, such as a simple Roast Chicken with Herbs, when I wrote "Fantastic! The garlic is mild, along with the seasoning, and it makes great leftovers" or (my personal favorite) Swedish Pot Roast, which my family deemed "Great! Rich and flavorful."

This is more than just a cookbook! I found the stories to be fascinating and of great interest, being a resident of Northern Michigan myself. The recipes look truly wonderful and I can't wait for my garden to start producing so that I can try the many variations for fresh fruits and vegetables.

I have had this cookbook for 10 years now and it is my favorite. I just tried another new recipe recently that was excellent. It is a great cookbook for all of the fresh fruits and vegetables that you can pick up at the farmer's market...and the fish recipes are great. The stuffed trout on the grill was the first recipe I ever tried when my husband and I were dating and it is outstanding. I'm going to buy one as a gift for my brother who is getting married next year. Highly recommend it!

I absolutely adore this book--not only as a cookbook, but as good basic reading material! It is full of delightful stories, quotes, helpful hints, etc....The recipes are very straight forward, and call for loads of fresh produce, which makes for healthier eating. Granted, some of the recipes are a bit 'far out' for me, but seeing as how I am a native Georgian, it is only natural that foods from 'up north' be a little odd for me. But, I try them none-the-less--this book is a favorite of mine!!! Don't put it on a shelf--leave it out on the coffee table!

Hollyhocks & Radishes is a delightful journal that originated with Judith Chard's Summer roadside vegetable stand in the Upper Pennisula of Michingan. Not only were fresh-grown vegetables available, but also the delicious recipes that could be created with them. Soon customers became friends corresponding with their own recipes and anecdotes. The book is illustrated with handwritten letters and drawings along with Mrs. Chard's wisdom and advice about the season's, birds, flowers, and, of course, her recipes. It's a great book to read on a cold winter's day when you're longing for Summer. Out of our collection of probably 100 cookbooks, this is our favorite. It's always my gift for a Bride-to-Be.

Dryden and MacGregor have penned a non-fiction examination of Hockey (meant in capital letters) and how it is intertwined with Canadian life. It does a good job of exposing how both Canada and hockey are changing, and touches on topics such as the minor hockey league system, the '72 Super Series, the Gretzky trade, and our enjoyment of the game. For those hockey fans out there, it's an interesting read, even if it is nearly 20 years out of date at this time.

Give me any Ken Dryden book and three hours, and I will return with peace. I love his books about hockey. His commentary on hockey and life in Canada is true to the point. There are books that you read and then there are books that you relive. Dryden's books are expereinced. The flooded pond, the neighbor games, the eternal dream of playing in a old timers league, the continued goal of scoring another goal to win, of coming back in overtime to secure victory. I am 30 years old, and I still skate out on the practice rink with a Canadian jersey on with the imagined roar of the crowd cheering for my favorite player-Sidney Crosby-or really me. I might be 30, but my heart when it comes to hockey is still 10. This weekend I watched my nephews play hockey for the first time, one of them scored his first hockey goal ever in league play. He will never forget that goal. I know, I still live hockey, it lives in me, for I am Canadian. The cold chill of playing on cold rinks flows through my blood. It is more than hockey, it is "The Game."

Although the title causes Americans of my acquaintance to laugh, this book really does a wonderful job of examining (if not always explaining) what the game of hockey means to Canadians. If you have read "The Game" and thought there was nothing more to be said about hockey and Canada, think again.

Especial highlights are the early sections discussing small-town Saskatchewan and the importance of the rink in drawing the community together; the stories of particular players with NHL dreams; and the memories of members of Team Canada during the 1972 Summit Series. Phil Esposito, the heart of that team, is not surprisingly the guy with the best stories about what it all meant. The following section about Soviet hockey, which elevates the faceless Russkies into real guys and fellow players, is almost enough to make a Canadian root for them. (Almost.) And the writers' take on their own recreational play, and what it means to them, is illuminating and sort of touching. Once again, as in "The Game," Ken Dryden manages to depict himself as an amazingly inept Hall of Famer, always panicking under pressure and getting in the way of his defensemen -- "I could talk and chew gum at the same time, but breathing did me in." There's no false modesty here, the reader gets the impression that Dryden held himself to impossibly high standards. Still, when he explains that he now plays defense because he has fulfilled his goalie fantasies, and playing defense allows him to have new ones, it's nice to know he still enjoys the game. (And I have to admit, I howled when I got to his dry remark on playing defense and who's responsible when a goal is scored: "I've changed my mind -- it IS always the goalie's fault.")

The photos that decorate this book are equally beautiful, from the prairie kids playing on a frozen slough to the professionals displaying their remarkable ability to a member of Team Canada (1972) jumping for joy as a Russian player offers a wry yet respectful salute. The photos are grouped according to section and I find it telling that the only photo of Dryden as a Montreal Canadien is one of him and a bunch of his teammates grinning in delight at having apparently won some kind of inter-squad scrimmage trophy. This photo is grouped with the recreational player section and tells an enormous amount about how Dryden felt about the game even as a professional.

Dryden and MacGregor describe Canada as "an improbable country," and they mean that in a good way. What holds us together as a nation are the bonds we have made among ourselves, and hockey is one of those bonds. I was reminded of that this year during the Stanley Cup playoffs, when a mailing list I subscribed to for the CBC news reminded subscribers of schedule changes because "there's hockey tonight." I hadn't watched much hockey in years but somehow, living in Texas surrounded by US culture, it felt like home to watch Larry Robinson hoist the Cup once again.

These are two great hockey writers, and they have produced a book that, even ten years later, is a joy.

I can see why Canadians love there game so much through this group of essays they are very interesting I wish americans loved hockey as much as the Canadians do then I wouldn't be the only hockey fan I know

"So what can a 10-year-old book on ice hockey really teach me about the sport and Canada?" I wondered as I started Home Game. The answer is pretty much everything. Dryden, who writes in a delightfully unhurried style, takes us through the game as it is played by enthusiastic amateurs, by teenagers desperate to break into the NHL and by the professionals themselves. And by probing how hockey took root here, Dryden provides the best analysis of what it means to be Canadian that I have ever read. My job in Ottawa is to explain Canada to the outside world and of all the tomes I have read so far, this must be the most illuminating. Rarely do you come across a book which so clearly explains what fires the soul of a country. Buy it now!

An invaluable resource for all students. As a writer of a fictional account involving the Klondike Gold Rush, it was invaluable to me, as are all of Pierre Berton's works. Only one thing missing, or perhaps not very clear, is timeline - a month or even year when certain episodes happened. A lot of stories go back and forth. But those true stories involving such colorful characters are priceless, and Pierre Berton sure knows how to tell them!

I consider this the definitive book on the Klondike Gold Rush. Interesting, informative, highly entertaining and hugely enjoyable, the book covers all the drama from the first discovery to the last days of the Klondike Kings. You don't have to be a Klondike enthusiast to enjoy this book, because Berton is first and foremost a storyteller, and the historical facts come alive in his writing.

I've read this book at least 9 times, and it inspired me to backpack the Chilkoot Trail. It's not just one of the best history books I've ever read - it's one of the best books, period, that I've ever read. Enjoy!

As a Canadian living away from home, I never miss an opportunity to read a book by Pierre Berton. Berton had a talent for making History come alive in a way that is rare not only among Canadian authors, but indeed is rarely equaled and certainly not surpassed by any other author I have encountered abroad.

Klondike is one of those books that is so well constructed and written that you forget you are reading History and instead are absorbed into the story-line as if you were reading a first-rate novel. Burton develops the story-line and characters so that you are drawn into the history and come to appreciate the facts of the era and location. The people become real. You leave having experienced history instead of just having been served warmed over facts with a few theories as to how they tie together.

Despite the difference in genre, reading Burton's account of the Gold Rush in the North is every bit as entertaining as reading Farley Mowat or Jack London.

I recommend this book highly. It is a good introduction to Berton, to the Canadian North, the history of the Yukon, and a good primer before you launch into the other great books of Berton if you have never read him before!

For those of us whose knowledge of the Klondike Gold Rush comes mostly from the 1950s radio drama, "Sergeant Preston of the Yukon" this is a fine book to read. (Trivia question: What was the name of Sergeant Preston's preternaturally intelligent huskie?) This is a revised and updated version of the book "Klondike Fever" published in 1958. Read "Klondike" if possible, although the earlier "Klondike Fever" is still perfectly readable. The maps are much better in this edition.

This Gold Rush, named after the Klondike River in the Yukon territory of Canada, was the last great scramble for gold in the old West. One hundred thousand persons, mostly from the U.S., set out for the Klondike in 1897, 30,000 or 40,000 got there, after an arduous journey through killing winter snows, and a few hundred found gold. The stories of the long, hard journey into this Arctic wilderness are often horrific. In one party of 19 men, 15 died or were killed along the route and the other four had eyes damaged by snow blindness. The gold seekers included author Jack London, Wyatt Earp, and poet Joaquin Miller. By late-summer 1899, "one of the weirdest and most useless mass movements in history" was over. Most of the gold seekers went home to live normal lives, although a few moved on to the beaches of Nome, Alaska where gold could be picked up among the grains of sand.

The author tells a compelling tale of the men and women who participated in the Klondike Gold Rush. It was indeed a fever. The characters in this book include crusty old miners who suddenly became rich beyond their wildest dreams, stalwart, incorruptible Canadian Mounties, conmen like Soapy Smith -- who in the dramatic tradition of the West receives his just deserts -- prostitutes, madams, gamblers, angels of mercy, last-chance losers, rich adventurers, Indians, and missionaries. It's a fascinating read, based on research that included interviews with many of the oldtimers who lived to talk to the author in the 1950s. The author's standard of truth telling is high; he identifies a tall tale or an unlikely exaggeration when he finds them.

The text would be enhanced if there were photographs, but I doubt you'll find a better book about the Klondike Gold Rush. Oh, yes, Sergeant Preston's dog was named "Yukon King."

Smallchief

THE book on the Klondike Gold Rush of 1896-99. Berton tells the story in chronological order, beginning with the pre-Gold Rush period when individual prospectors roamed the Yukon River territory looking for El Dorado. A million dollars worth of gold was hauled out of Circle City, an early camp, in 1896; a year later they would do the same in a matter of weeks in Dawson City, a few hundred miles up the Yukon from Circle City. Of course, after the big strike was made on Rabbit Creek in August 1896, Circle City was emptied of its population by the spring. Gold camp communities that had lived and thrived under a well-understood frontier code lost their cohesiveness; the thousands of outsiders rushing into the Klondike could never abide by such a code.

Berton relates the human interest stories, too. The infamous Soapy Smith, the dictator of Skagway, is here, as are the thousands of crazies who came north to the Arctic Circle underclothed, unprepared, unprovisioned, full of the gold fever. Things got so bad by the winter of '97 that the government had to appropriate $200,000 for those in the Yukon to prevent mass starvation. And still they came, heading up the Chilkoot Pass like ants. It was called a stampede, but progress was so slow it seemed anything but. Only the outbreak of the Spanish-American War put an end to it, along with the discovery of gold in Nome.

It's an exciting story, the last gold rush anyone will ever see. Factual, without unnecessary hype, Berton's book is an excellent account of this period in history. Highly recommended.

I really enjoyed the book. It was a nice blend of science and reflection. What I found to be unique was that the author provided a step-by-step guide to help resolve emotional hijackings. I have recommended this book to several of my friends who also found it valuable. One of these friends has complained to that therapists have told her what to do but not how to do it. She loved the practical steps outlined in this book. She tells me that she refers to the book often.

Paths are Made by Walking provides a loving, clear and compelling gateway to the truth of this moment. This book goes to the heart of what is really important-Jacobs-Stewart not only understands the essence of a variety of spiritual practices, she presents them with clarity, power, and authenticity.

Dosho Port-sensei, Guiding Teacher, Clouds in Water Zen Center

This is a great guide for people who want to manage stress and enjoy life more. It's an easy read with a nice mix of stories and practical exercises. Reading the book helped me relax even if I wasn't doing the exercises.

I've also lent this book out a few times to family and friends. So many people I know are stressed out these days (work pressure, family issues, midlife crisis, world politics, quitting smoking, etc.) and looking for ways to cope or be happier. This has to be about the healthiest and most constructive way to deal with these kinds of things. It's basically a do-it-yourself approach that lets you (quickly) try a lot of new ways to relax and "get a grip" without having to go to a monastery or a lot of seminars. It's really a nice book to have around.

This is one of the most significant books to come along for practical steps in achieving emotional intelligence. It is to the Spirit as The Artist's Way is to creativity. A wonderful book.

"Paths Are Made By Walking" can show us how to map our journey or it can offer us an instant emergency reference, and its message of confidence and empowerment serves up equanimity and compassion in equal measure. The personal and global implications of doing what Thérèse Jacobs-Stewart so eloquently recommends are simply stunning."

This book is not only a great resource guide for those new to designing with stones, but also fun to look at and inspirational. I found ideas for the bathroom, kitchen, and even for a staircase.

I work for a natural stone retailer in Texas, and this book gives me ideas for customers. Many of my store's clients want to take this book home or buy it. I don't let them take it home of course; I suggest that they buy one on Amazon.com.
In my opinion, I think it makes a good coffee table book as well, since when people are waiting in my showroom, I see them browsing through this book. I wish there were more books like this one.

This is a great book. it will give you detailed information about the stone types that you can use in your house and great photos. i'm in the stone flooring business and this book helps my customers to visualize the final look of the stone they choose from my showroom floor. it also has a section with patterns so you dont have to figure out how to lay stones in different sizes to make a pattern.

We are considering having our kitchen remodeled and definitely want to replace the current Corian with some type of stone. This book covers stone used in kitchens and baths. Besides the gorgeous photographs, the book includes lots of helpful tips in helping you chose the right stone for your project. Each photo is described with caption of what the stone is, including the pattern or color. The chapters include the stone kitchen, bath, floor and architectural stone. What is really nice is that it addresses various possible focal points, such as the stone vent hood in the kitchen or a beautiful stone fireplace.

The book encompasses multiple styles, designs and patterns for counters, floors, backsplashes and walls. For the photography and ideas alone, this book is worth the price but it has so much more. It includes tips and pointers for using stone in various places. For example, on page 66, there is a side bar that has Ideas for the Shower. It includes tips like "When chosing a polished granite for the shower walls, keep in mind that water spots are magnified on a polished surface."

This books covers all kinds of natural stone: limestone, granite, travertine, marble, slate. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

This book describes the nature of various types of stones and the recommended usage inside and outside the home. I've used this book as a guide to show my local stone dealer what type of stones I'm looking for. And also used it to illustrate the concept of my dream home to my Interior Designer, she understood immediately without us having to go through many rounds of interview to get it right. As a result, my dream home is now almost complete with stones from all over the world, marbles from Spain, Italy, Iran.... granite from Norway and Indonesia... coral stones, tumblestones, slates, and many more.... Wonderful pictures and illustrations, I'd recommend this book to anyone! Suitable for modern Asian homes too!

We've Come This Far is an insider's inside look at a pillar of African American Christianity, Abyssinian Baptist Church. Bob Gore's skill as a photographer and his commitment to his faith are evident on each page of this lovingly crafted work. In some cultures in the world, taking a photograph of a person is looked at with trepidation because it is believed to be an attempt to capture the subject's soul. And that's exactly what Mr. Gore has done in this book and there is no need for fear. The pictures and accompanying essays capture real life/real time moments in the broad scope of the life and spirit of this historic church.

I've never been to New York, and I've never been to a black Baptist church. But the spirit of this institution- its leaders and worshippers- absolutely radiate off the pages of this book. It is unbelievably inspiring. It would make an excellent gift for any liberal Christian activist you know, for a pastor or clergy member working hard to integrate the church into the community, or for yourself. The text is also beautifully formatted, and the history and descriptions are very accessible. The primary focus is always on the black and white photos found on almost every page. Beautiful.

The rich and vibrant history of Abysinnian Church and the Harlem community is revealed in this work by Bob Gore. The photos are of such superior quality that you can feel the message conveyed in the picture without using the text. With the additon of text there is a wonderful account of the Harlem experience, chock full of information about the history and the individual personal expressions of those who were there when it happened. This photographic journal is vibrant and colorful in both word and image. There are real accounts of Abysinnian Baptist Church's history, including it's spiritual, political, social and economic relationships with the communities that it serves. I urge you to consider this book not just for reading but also as an important addition to your library.

I've been to Abyssinian only twice, but was almost overwhelmed each time with the power of commitment and community. Bob Gore's book captures with warmth and intimacy the spirit of this special place and its people. It is the only church I've been to where I felt that power of love which Christianity must have carried through the centuries.

this book will move you. i have viewed many photo books and exhibits and have found many to be interesting and technically proficient. this book easily jumps those hurdles, but more importantly, the images on these pages reach out of their simple wood pulp shelter to touch your heart.

white, black, or blue; gospel lover or country western, you owe it to yourself to spend time with this group of deeply felt images.

buy two copies.

My son and I, yes I, enjoyed this book. My little guy is 8 and it really held his attention. D.C. understands siblings and how they relate to each other. As a mom I was reading it with mom thoughts. I felt like D.C. really captured what family dynamics are realistically. She creates for "tweeners" suspense in the story that pull them along to want to find out what will happen next. The twins keep us wondering what kind of mischief they'll get into next. Their little sister has amazing insights that really make you think. This is a fantastic book for families to read together and definitely a must read for any tween! Enjoy!

I loved this book! I am an adult, reviewing a book meant for like 9-12 year olds and I found myself immersed in the storyline, wrapped up in the mystery and following Brad and Charlie as they try to figure out who is stealing their grandpa's cows. This would make a great read-aloud book with your kids because it would keep you as entertained as them! Grab a copy and enjoy!

Where Do Cows Hide? by D.C. Stewart is about two twin boys, Brad and Charlie, and their little sister, Zoey, who visit their their grandparent's ranch in Oklahoma. The excitement begins when the Parker children arrive and find some mysterious things happening on the ranch. Bulls are missing, strangers are lurking, and how does one strange lady from church, Miss Lily, seem to always know what they are up to?

The Parker kids are typical kids. They don't always get along and their little sister Zoey does what little sisters do best. She annoys and bothers her brothers as much as she gets the chance. Regardless, the twins are up for the challenge and adventure they run into as they seek out the answers to the mysterious events in their paths. As they work together they also pick up some godly lessons. Reverend Reed speaks in church about how God hears your prayers no matter where you are and Miss Lily reminds them to be respectful when they are in God's house.

I enjoyed this book and cannot wait to share this one with my little guy when he is older. Similar to the Hardy Boys series, I think D.C. Stewart has created a wonderful story and I look forward to see what else she has in store.

What happens when identical 11-year-old twins spend two weeks on their grand-parents'cattle farm? Oh, the usual lizard hunts, pasture exploration and creek bed adventures would make for a nice story. However, D.C. Stewart adds a bit of a twist, because when Brad and Charlie arrive at the farm, they find out that their Grandpa is dealing with the mysterious disappearance of his cows! Can the boys help? Well, their younger sister Zoey might prove to be even more helpful...if the boys will just listen to her!

D.C. Stewart has written a delightful adventure for the young readers in your life. She incorporates the realistic agitation that exists between siblings, and she even captures the parents' and grandparents' agitation when the children disobey or ague over something trivial. Yet the boys persist in their clue-gathering adventure, because they have figured out who the rustlers are! They just have to figure out a way to tell their grandparents before their parents return to take them home!

This book would make a great Summer read for the children in your life, and it could also be used as a read aloud story for a long trip. If the young readers in your life are stirred to adventure by the great outdoors, then you want to check this story out! You can purchase a copy here today!

Brad and Charlie Parker are less than excited when their parents announce a change in vacation plans. The twins start voicing all kinds of objections before they even found out what the plans were. When they discover that their parents are going to Hawaii with out them and leaving them with their grandparents for three weeks, their dismay turns to excitement. If only their annoying little sister, Zoey, didn't have to go along.

When Brad and Charlie arrive at their grandparents' ranch, they discover that someone has been cattle rustling, and they are missing three prize bulls. The twins are convinced that they can catch the rustlers, but their grandfather is stern and won't even consider letting them try.

When the boys overhear strangers talking in the barn, they know they've stumbled upon the rustlers. But who are they? And how can they solve this mystery when they are thoroughly confused.

WHERE WOULD COWS HIDE? is a real cute story geared toward boys ages 8-12. My son would have loved this book when he was a tweener. Girls will enjoy this story too, but the focus is more toward boys. The setting and the mystery are both attention grabbing and it held my interest to the end of the book even though I figured out who the rustlers were right away.

The writing is not perfect. Point of view isn't consistent, and sometimes it changes in the middle of a sentence. Brad and Charlie are all-boy, nothing sissy about them at all. I enjoyed reading this story, and know that boys (and girls) will appreciate WHERE WOULD COWS HIDE? for their summer reading. [...]

There are many good books of reference on African American history published. However, this one ranks among the best. Well written, user-friendly layout, addressing a broad range of topics, this is recommended for a home or classroom library to teach that all members of a society contribute to its advancement and that our society must be inclusive of all members. Every child can be proud of his or her cultural and historical heritage in a country created by immigrants.

The author states in his introduction that this book is not to be viewed as a text book, but rather to be used as supplement. It's a rather comprehensive supplement with captivating text! This book is organized in easy reading segments that are all numbered 1 thru 1001 & also divided within 6 Parts (Sports, Culture and Religion. . .). I feel as if the author is talking with me personally. History boring? I don't think so with this book! I plan to use this book with homeschooling as well as "homeschooling" myself! Can't wait to learn more of what I missed in school!

It's not easy to write a comprehensive history book that is also engaging and user-friendly. Author, historian, and professor Jeffrey Stewart found the way. In 1001 Things Everyone Should Know About African American History, he pens a concise yet encyclopedic narrative that highlights the people and events underlying the amazing story of African American history.

Stewart organizes his work around six sections: Gretat Migration, Civil Rights, Science, Sports, Military, and Religion. This is a book you can read cover to cover or one article at a time in any order.

Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction .

This is a wonderful wealth of information written at a level that easily read and interpreted by students. It should become an addition to every classroom library.

Took me absolutely forever to read this book - months! But I loved it and certainly learned a lot. Stewart is to be commended for pulling so much information together in a marvelously cohesive book. Prints and photographs are terrific. And for those who want more on the subject, and there is more, believe it or not, there is a black history calendar, a desk calendar, also chuck full of history and info.

As a person with a conservative background, let me start off by telling you what this book is not. It is not liberal, despite what reviewer Kennedy of CA may believe. Yes, James Blanchard is a Democrat, but aside from mentioning select election results, there is no liberal or conservative ideology contained within this book. Further, James Blanchard does much to bolster his credibility through listing his own shortcomings and relaying some less than flattering views of the Clinton administration where warranted. I was surprised and impressed by his candor.

Lastly, reviewer Kennedy is just plain silly when implying that former congressman, governor, ambassador Blanchard (with a masters in business and a law degree) "...discovers Canada actually exists..." With the majority of Canadian/American trade flowing between Ontario and Michigan, and the fact that every handful of Michigan pocket change contains at least one Canadian coin, it is preposterous to assume any Michigan resident would be ignorant of the planet's second largest country.

The heart and soul of this book is a very human and relatable James Blanchard giving readers an inside look at what is like to be an American ambassador to Canada and how he may have played a humble, yet key role in the shaping of the two nation`s policies. The former ambassador's most lasting contributions may well lie within the Canadian/American Open Skies agreement and the results of the Quebec referendum.

No doubt, Canadians and Americans of all slants will enjoy learning more about the partner with whom they share the world's longest open border.

If only James Blanchard were still the US Ambassador to Canada! Relations between the two countries would not be in the sorry state they are now. But then the current Republican administration would never send someone like Blanchard to Ottawa. Blanchard made every attempt to get to understand Canada and Canadian issue before he even moved to the capital. He travelled to all ten provinces in the months prior to setting up shop across from the parliament buildings.
This book provides a powerful and insightful backdrop against which to view the current administration's constant harping about the war on drugs. Canada is trying to take a more European approach, treating the problem as a medical issue as opposed to a criminal matter - but that only enrages George Bush's gang. One would think that the US war on drugs was a series of resounding triumphs!
Blanchard also noted that Canada does not 'do inbvasions' but rather does peacekeeping, so advised Clinton not to even ask Canada to take part in an invasion of Haiti. He also noted that we like to do things as part of the United Nations, so that was the best way to approach us. Imagine!
This book should be read by all US ambassadors, in fact all US state department officials for that matter.

As the previous reviewers have said, Blanchard has written a key book for understanding US-Canadian relations. But this is also the most insightful book I have found about Clinton and the Clinton Administration in the areas in which Clinton was most successful, personal relations and trade policy.

...read this book. It is a decent primer for US residents who want to learn more about our oft-neglected neighbor. Warning: Mr. Blanchard is quite liberal, and liberal policies (US & Canadian) are treated matter-of-factly. His conservative successor as governor of Michigan (John Engler) has, in most people's opinions, done a better job. Interested conservatives will still enjoy the book--just keep a few grains of salt handy.

Canadians might get a kick out of a quintessential "American discovers Canada actually exists and is also pretty neato" story.

If you're Canadian, you really need to read this book. If you're American, you really need to read this book. James J. Blanchard has seen our Canadianisms and helped us to do the unthinkable, define ourselves. From coast to coast and beyond, the essence of what we are leaks out on these pages. It is fitting that an American should expose our mysteries and histories. Not that we are hidding them, we just seem to have a hard time accepting them. We remain the True North, Strong and Free. Thankyou James Blanchard.

This is one of those "hmmmmm...interesting" books. George Rodrigue gives a compelling history about his roots and how Blue Dog came into creation. While I love the content of the book, I am even more facinated by the design. Inside you will find a "punch-out" blue dog mask, postcards and other little nifty interactive thing-a-ma-jigs that help make this book such a pleasure to enjoy.

This is a weighty (but not cumbersome) coffee table book that any thinking, feeling human being would be happy to own. Ever since I saw some original Blue Dog paintings in New Orleans, I've wanted to own one of them. Alas, I'm too poor. This book captures the spirit of the little alien-looking pooch and lets me borrow it for a price I can manage.

You just can't fully appreciate or understand the scope and delight of Blue Dog until you read this book. I adore Blue Dog. This silly, goofy blue dog provokes emotions in me that I have not experienced with art before...there is some strange, sad, beautiful, eerie, rapturous, haunting, joyful essence to this darn dog. This book is completely unique, fun, inspirational...I could go on and on. You just have to touch this book (the cover is fuzzy!) and open it...you will be hooked. The best coffee table book and a sure conversation starter, though that is hardly its value.

Any book with more of Blue Dog is great. This features more of the pop art world of Blue Dog than the previous books of Rodrigue's work. (I actually like the paintings of Blue Dog in cajun settings best.)

Teach an old dog new tricks? Absolutely, provided the pooch in question is Blue Dog, that colorful canine spawned from the mind of Cajun artist George Rodrigue. (For those no up to their four-legged friends fodder, the cobalt canine with the yellow eyes is based on three of the artist's now-dead dogs, and was first immortalized on slick papers back in 1994.) Who says a sleeping dog must lie? This babe is everywhere: portraits hang in the White House, on the set of "Friends" and in fan Whoopi Goldberg's abode; Blue Dog also stars in an Absolut ad. This volume boasts 60 gorgeous never-before-published paintings, along with commentary by Rodrigue on the birth of Blue Dog and its transformation into a pop culture icon. Tom Brokaw, an avid Blue Dog collector, wrote the book's forward. The cat's meow. Really.