North America Books

I began to read The Winter People because it is on my school reading list. It is not the type of book I would normally pick up to read for pleasure. However once I got into the book I found it quite interesting. The book takes place before people were civilized like they are now, and is about people who have a completely different way of living. I can actually say I learned about another culture, by reading this book.

The story is about an Indian tribe that gets torn apart by white people. But specifically the book tells about a boy names Saxso that, in my opinion, truly becomes a man by the end. He gets separated from his mother and two sisters while escaping, and as the head of the family it is his job to get his family back together. After learning they had been taken by whites, Saxso sets off for a long, difficult journey to rescue them.

The Winter People is the type of book that is hard to start, but once you get into it, you'll be glad you kept reading.

I thought was a beautifully written story by Joseph Bruchac, about the Indian tribe, the Abenaki's. The simple and yet complex way he wrote it from the point of view of 14 year old Native American named Saxso, made it all the more interesting. Saxso is probably the most interesting character in this book aside from his cousin and grandfather. The description of what the British (the white people, or the winter people, the people with winter/cold in their hearts) were doing to the Native Americans after they captured them from the village upon their raid, actually brought tears to my eyes (I've never even heard of the British eating the Native Americans until I read this book. More genocidal things the world continues to hide from the people about what the Europeans, and British, among others who wronged these people, hide.). I continued to read the book until the very end which was satisfying in aspect of the word. I recommend this book to anyone who has a interest in Native Americans and their lives during the many wars that took place on the land they lived on.

This is a truly fasincating story told in a different perspective, through the eyes of a Native American. The novel shows us a totally opposite side of the stories and documents recorded and still used today in life. After I finally finished reading "The Winter People", I had an unique and new perspective towards the Abenakis. You will too, and I still do, hold a strong respect towards these people and their way of life.

I found this to be both an easy to read book, and historically accurate as well. Bruchac is an amazing writer, and teaches many lessons while the the story is told. This book should definately be read by middle school-high school students because it will help teach about both the native peoples and the Seven Years war, and help to wash away some of the stereotypes that have plagued native peoples for many years.
Justin

This has become my camping "bible". (In point of fact, it was a contested item in dividing marital property following my divorce.) Informative, easy-to-use, fun to read, excellent descriptions, and the only way to plan a camping trip. My partner and I tent it, and this book has proven to be extremely useful in finding a site well away from the electrified gulag. The overviews of each park's campsites allow one to make an informed choice regarding a site. The detailed description of each park's history and special features make this book an ideal way to find exactly what you're looking for in the way of year-round outdoor recreation at any of Wisconsin's state parks, natural areas and forests. A very minor criticism is that the photos used in the book are very much in need of up-dating.

This book is a must-have if you plan on camping in any of the Wisconsin State Parks.

Not only does it contain the usual maps and information for each park, but it also has descriptions of the campsites by campsite number! In my opinion, the campsite descriptions alone make the book worth buying.

I frequently make reservations at a campground before I visit a particular park for the first time. In the past I was assigned the next available campsite number and I had no idea what it is like until I arrived at the park. Several times I arrived at the park only to find that my site was quite sloped or too small to put my tent on!

Now, before calling in the reservations I read the book and pick out a few campsites that are level, grassy, and partly shaded (my preference!) and ask for them by number. It makes the entire camping trip so much more enjoyable.

This book is very complete and informative. I was only familiar with Gov Dodge SP. After buying this book we planned 2 more camping trips to places we were unfamiliar with!! The details are great. Down to which campsites are shaded, gravel, good for RVs, etc.

Highly recommended!!

Living in WI and doing a lot of camping in state parks, I had been looking for a book like this for years. I actually started collecting all the Park Newspapers and creating my own scrapbook of parks, campsites etc. Then 3 years ago I found this book. WOW is saved me alot of time it has all the info for all the parks inclding campsite descriptions, hunting, hiking, fishing and concessions stand info.

As invaluable to someone recreating in WI as the Wisconsin Gazateer Map!!!

So much information - perfect for any age. Great directions and descriptions. Don't leave home without it!

This book summarizes natural places in Wisconsin - I have found it most helpful with campsites. I am a beginning camper and it was great to see - at a glance - what resources and activities were available at the different campgrounds. I especially like that its chapters are based on sections of the state, making it easy to find a close location for a quick day trip or a destination farther away to take a longer vacation. It even includes contact information for the places listed, so you can call ahead to find out about special activities. Great book!!

This guide is a necessity if you travel in Wisconsin. Our family has rediscovered old childhood haunts and discovered some of Wisconsin's natural treasures that were otherwise unknown to us. This book shares in-depth information vital to state park campers, such as electric sites, beach, nature programs, etc. You can really plan a tailor-made state park vacation based on the information in this book!

In Wisconsin's Outdoor Treasures, Tim Brewer showcases practical and informative field guide information for 150 of Wisconsin's most interesting and unique natural destinations ranging from the Mississippi River bluffs and backwaters to the forests of the great Northwoods, to the glacial hills and valleys hallmarking Wisconsin geology and topography. Wisconsin Outdoor Treasures offers the Wisconsin visitor, tourist, as well as born and bred native resident a wealth of places to hike, canoe, kayak, bike, backpack, camp out, enjoy the wildlife, and more. Here are scenic drives, cross-country ski and snowshoe suggestions, as well as the resource information for enjoy the simple solitude of waterfalls, lakes, scenic bluffs, and deep forests. From National and State parks and forests, to county parks, private natural preserves, wild and scenic rivers, and Wisconsin wildlife refuges, Wisconsin's Outdoor Treasures is a comprehensive, authoritative, occasionally inspiring compendium of places to go and things to do in the Badger State, spring, summer, fall or winter.

I discovered Tay-Bodal quite by accident and I just loved the book I read, which sent me out in search of other Tay-Bodal books. Alas, there are only four, and none currently in print. The stories are well-plotted, the style engrossing and humorous and the characters endearing (except for the villains, naturally). In addition to getting a great mystery, I also got a history lesson in each book and learned a great deal about the Kiowas and their tragic fate over 100 years ago. I also learned about Native American culture, their religion and medical practices. Why aren't there MORE of these books? That's what I want to know. They are just wonderful.

I love reading mysteries...and I read Death at Rainy Mountain by this same author. The authors style really captures the richness of each character and made me feel a part of the story. I couldn't put the book down until I finished it. Keep creating the Tay-bodal books there excellent.

In short, I am impressed with Ms. Medawar's novel. It is a pleasant read, with reasonably interesting plot twists and a good backdrop. I must admit that when I first began the book, I got the erroneous first impression that it would be another "new age" apology for the long-lost and noble Amerind culture of the Kiowa-Comanche; a point of view that I confess I do not share. I put the book down. I returned to it months later (this weekend) with a mind to read it no matter what, and was most pleased. It provides a fairly accurate (though perhaps a wee-bit sugar coated) depiction of Kiowa-Comanche camp life prior to the Red River War. Also, Ms. Medawar provides what I beleive to be an even-handed portrayal of the Kiowa-Comance ethos and ethic, warts-and-all. Perhaps most importantly, however, is the fact that she spins an enjoyable mystery with a most enjoyable setting and all-too-human characters. I strongly recommend this book.

Late in 1866, the Kiowas are starting to prepare their winter camp at Palo Duro Canyon, Texas when trouble besets the tribe. A renowned healer and seer, Skywalker, mysteriously disappears. Several horses are killed and just about everyone claims to have seen a shape-changing witch. However, all hell occurs when the wife of one of the chiefs suddenly, for no apparent reason, dies. Everyone believes the witch killed her. So when Tay-bodal's spouse, Crying Wind, accidentally gives too much medicine to an ailing infant, Red Bird convinces his tribesmen that she is the evil witch.

Tay begins to investigate what is causing the mishaps that are happening to his fellow tribesmen in order to not only save the life of his spouse but to save the tribe from falling apart. Instead of relying on special powers, Tay uses scientific investigative techniques to learn the truth behind the problems that have led to the tribe being on the brink of mass hysteria. However, by his inquiries, Tay has placed himself in danger with the conflicting political sides of the tribe and a dangerous individual who desires the truth to remain hidden. Still, the mischief maker does not understand that Tay loves his wife and nothing will stop him from insuring that the charge of witchcraft is proven false.

WITCH OF THE PALO DURO, the second novel in the historical fiction Tay-bodal series, is a well written book that complements the original novel, DEATH AT RAINY MOUNTAIN. Tay is a unique character, who approaches his investigations using deductive and inductive reasoning while being surrounded by superstitious individuals who seek mystical solutions to problems. The story line is interesting and the secondary characters add to the genuine feeling of a post Civil War nineteenth century tribe. However, this series is all about contrasting Tay with his peers and Mardi Oakley Medawar succeeds in her endeavor.

Harriet Klausner

Beautiful pictures illustrates the many different wolves that were restored to yellowstone (#10, #9etc...). Illustrates the effort the yellowstone had to put in to restore the wolf to its natural habitat. Very interesting to the average wolf lover and those who are interested in what happened in the 1995 restoration of the wolves to yellowstoen.

This book brings you right into the experience of bringing the wolves back to Yellowstone where they belong! Find out the behind the scenes activity that brought the sight and sound of the wolf back after an absence of over 60 years. You'll never be the same after reading this. Excellent!!

Beautiful pictures, touching and moving story. About the restoration of the wolves.

an excellent book describing the ordeal of reintroducing the wolves to Yellowstone. I recommend it to everyone with even a slight interest in this topic

I found this book in a thrift store, of all places, several years ago. This has become one of my all-time favorite books of women's poetry. The truths that Joy Harjo puts forth through her use of language is so telling and pierces one like arrows. So good and highly recommended.

"I have a question for my soul," Joy Harjo writes in this book, "a creature who has little patience with crows--and less with snow. The question grows new leaves with each hard rain yet bends with grief at loss in the cold" (p. 26) After first reading this amazing book of poetry in 1996, I've returned to it many times. Something new is revealed with each reading, and along the way, Harjo has become one of my favorite contemporary poets.

Harjo writes that she is a poet "charged with speaking the truth about "the landscape of the late twentieth century" (p. 19). Written from a Native American, feminine perspective, her poetry here is filled with images of earth, sky, stars, bones, blood, rain (the "earth is wet with happiness," p. 12), and lightning ("A blue horse turns into a streak of lightning, then the sun," p. 48). In each poem, Harjo asks her reader the question: "do you see the connection?" (p. 51). At least for me, Harjo's connections are rarely obvious, but the poetic experience offered by her verse is always powerful. "It's possible," Harjo observes, "to understand the world from studying a leaf . . . It's also possible to travel the whole globe and learn nothing" (p. 57).

In her poem, "Witness," she connects walking the streets of Lucca, Italy with "driving the back roads around Albuquerque, the radio on country and a six-pack" (p. 42).

I recommend the breathtaking experience of making the connection with Harjo's poetry.

G. Merritt

In this book, Harjo herself identifies poet with truth-teller; truth-teller is an accurate description of her work, especially in this volume. This volume contains several of the more political pieces on her album (with Poetic Justice) - the boarding schools, the unkept promises, the discrimination. Several of the piece blur the line between poetry and prose but read aloud a clearly poetry.

To read this poetry is to receive a gift, a grace of seeing another way to view the world - one in which the tree, the butterfly, the water speak and are connected to oneself. She clearly speaks from experience, from truth - not as some who tell such stories of connected for personal gain but as one to whom this telling describes her world. But in connectedness she shows the tears - the alcohol, 'Nam, enforced 'white culture' - the rips in the Native cultures that must be healed for the people to survive.

Excellent poetry - deep in meaning, superb in handling of language and image.

I must admit that I usually have a hard time reading poetry (a serious problem for a literature major!), but Joy Harjo's THE WOMAN WHO FELL FROM THE SKY is simply the most moving and eloquent group of poems I have ever read. From beginning to end, I was awed by Harjo's skillful use of language to convey not only impressions and emotions, but levels and varieties of meanings. I was especially moved by the title poem, which recounts a timeless love story -- these characters could be out of myth or they could be your neighbors, but either way the story is lyrical and passionate, the events flowing like eddies in a stream toward a natural conclusion. Most of the poems in the volume have this same motion -- of fated adventures that make one serenely happy that things turn out as they should. For lovers of poetry, stars, water and people, this is one volume of poetry that cannot be passed over

This may be Vine Deloria's finest and most appreciable work. It is the kind of literary rarity that, when you realize the man has passed away, makes you weep that nothing more may be forthcoming from his genius. The collection of accounts and anecdotes is surprisingly complete to get his point across, namely, that the post-natural civilized world we live in today has forgotten something of great importance. The narrative is divinely inspired.

Grandma once said, "I don't know how you boys are doing it, but you are bringing back ways that were lost--ways that I only heard about as a child." This book tells about ways that were lost, be they the making of little clay Indians and buffalo that the medicine man then animates to run around the lodge, or fantastic healings, this book is an in-depth look into what our ancestors use to be able to do. Tons of examples and references are included in typical Deloria fashion.

This book is not an instruction manual, but Deloria does offer his understanding as to how these things were done, calling upon his research into quantum physics to back him up. Reading this book will offer insight into some of those things that the boys are bringing back much to Grandma's delight.

This book is a compilation of the accounts of disinterested and often hostile observers of the amazing and often inexplicable workings of Native American medicine men and shamans. Most of the stories are drawn from 19th century books, while some predate that era.

Vine Deloria Jr., a wise and intriguing writer whose recent passing is a great loss, categorizes these accounts and discusses their credibility, based on the perspectives of the correspondents, and his own common sense and analytical ability. The stories range from the simple doing of medicine to heal sick and wounded people, whether Native or not, self-healing, protection from attackers, summoning of storms and rain, manifesting the growth of plants before one's eyes, communicating with spirits through animals and even stones, prophecy and clairvoyance, and general mystical topics including manifestation of the spirits of the dead, and accounts of the afterlife.

This book also has a good set of end notes for further study of these anecdotes, and a good bibliography. Deloria places the medicine man and shaman traditions in the context of wider spirituality and quantum physics.

Any serious student of spirituality and mysticism should become acquainted with the powerful Native American traditions, which were, and in many places still are, practiced all over North America. These stories compare favorably with the stories of yogis in India, and occidental accounts of ancient and medieval Europe, not to mention classical Greece, with the Delphic tradition.

Anyone with an iota of knowledge about Vine Deloria Jr.'s scholarly background could accuse him of being a sentimental crack pot fallen prey to tall tales and rural legends. Finally someone who is not afraid to be taken for such has written about paranormal encounters with powers that actually exist beyond special effects studios. However, those who like to imagine that only THEIR cultural/ethnic group has been chosen will find it disconcerting that Native Americans have had an on-going relationship with God and spiritual forces for thousands of years. This is an unapologetic as well as unsensationalized account of personal experiences with the real powers of the world.

This book should be required reading for every student in high school. It challenges the paradigm of thinking underlying not just WWII, but the entire concept of war and militarism. This is a book that triggers "out of the box" thinking and compels readers to reassess their assumptions about the success and morality of American foreign policy.

Like nearly everyone in America, I grew up worshipping the myths of World War II that Wood discusses: 1) The Good War 2) The Greatest Generation 3) We Won World War II Largely on Our Own 4) Where Evil Lies in Others, War is the Means to Justice. Over the years I have come to learn how harmful such myths are to not only the peace of the United States but also to the whole world. Wood brillantly expresses the horrors of war as a wounded combat veteran, along with the ways in which those horrors have been systematically veiled by politics and pop culture. Young and old alike should read this timely, eloquently written and ultimately hopeful book.

Anyone wanting to understand the experience of war should read this book. Mr. Wood offers a valuable take on the ways in which the individual soldier is changed by war, not only as it relates to WWII but in terms of how those currently fighting in Iraq may be affected. His discussion of the devastations wrought by PTSD will change the view of many who sneer at those who suffer from "combat fatigue". He is also very good on the manner in which the societal view of war shapes society's willingness to go to war, much as Paul Fussell explored in "The Great War and Modern Memory". Finally, Mr. Wood offers an excellent bibliography for those wanting to read more on the subject.

In a day when armchair warriors reign supreme, from TV to the White House, Mr Wood gives us the true warrior's view. This is an excellent book.

This book is a well written testament to the author's thinking about war. He says that there are four myths about World War II that we need to abolish as a prelude to stopping our passion for war.

He makes some very good arguments, but I'm not so sure that I agree with him.

Myth #1: The Good War -- His argument is that this was not a 'Good War.' That this was a war about killing. Yes, he is right. On the other hand, would he have allowed the Holocaust to continue, to be a matter of policy for all of Europe under Nazi domination, should we have done nothing about Japan's Unit 731 which researched biological weapons by releasing them on Chinese towns? And if not by war, how would we have stopped them?

Myth #2: The Greatest Generation -- He is right again, each generation that fought a successful victorious war has been called something similar. This began with the Revolutionary War and continues.

Myth #3 -- We Won World War II Largely on Our Own. He is correct again. World War II was indeed a world war. Decisions were made early in the war that the US would be the 'Arsenal of Democracy.' We produced a significant percentage of the airplanes, tanks, ships, trucks, etc. used by the Allies. Our combat losses were small when compared with other countries.

Myth #4: When Evil Lies in Others, War is the Means to Justice. I haven't made the transition he has in thinking that the Holocaust, Unit 751 and the other evils could have been stopped in any other way. Should we do nothing in Darfur, Bosnia, and all the other places? I don't have the answer.

I already had a couple of trips to Yosemite under my belt before buying this book in anticipation of a third, but I still found it very useful. Much of the information you will want at hand before and during your trip is conveniently compiled in this book, and it is presented in a charming and amusing way. (Bruinhilda, your host, is a cartoon bear.) History, hiking, flora, fauna, lodging, feeding, even five pages of telephone numbers you may need, are all there. The price of this book will be a pittance compared to the total cost of your trip to Yosemite, and it will help you to get the most out of your visit. I particularly recommend this book to people who aren't planning a trip to Yosemite-maybe it will encourage you to go (and to respect and care for the park when you do)!

This book may be better than Steve Medley's "Guidebook to Yosemite National Park" because of its question and answer format. The cartoons are excellent, especially if you're a fan of "Farley" as I am...it's very easy to read and information is easily accessible, also it's about as up-to-date as you can possibly get. My husband and I were married in Yosemite in September of '98, and sent this book around to the invitees who had never been to our beautiful park. The book got rave reviews from all.

I would recommend this book, along with the Jeffrey P. Schaffer book "Yosemite National Park" (which I would also give 5 stars) as "Must-haves" when visiting Yosemite. The "Yosemite Handbook" is especially good for people who are bringing children, and plan to spend the majority of their time in the Valley...can't say enough good things about this book!

The way the books of this series work is that they took a guide for new rangers in Yosemite with the 100 or so most frequently asked questions, and wrote their own answers for each park. It's a great format because it makes for easy reading beforehand, but it's also quick as a reference when you're there because they're arranged in an intelligent order. There's also a huge reference section at the end with lists, copies of permit forms, and so forth. So the thing to do is read the FAQ before you leave but bring the book and refer to it once you're there.

I've been to Yosemite four or five times since I've purchased this book, and still find it useful. Partially this is because if you go in different seasons there are different things to see, and sometimes you just want a pizza and that's in there too (Camp Curry has good pizza, if anybody's curious).

This is THE A-Z Yosemite guild, with info ranging from how long it takes to get there to what restaurants will best suit your needs and not to say, your price bracket. This guide will interest the most unenthusiastic of readers. It gives you a very lighthearted look at camping (the way it was intended to be) and detailed insider information of Yosemite with a side of humor narriated by an animated bear. The animation makes it all the more enjoyable, as it pokes fun of the stereotypical tourist and his civilized quirks. The guide uses a helpful Q&A format. It also provides an informative hiking graph of strenuosity and milage along with a graph of campgrounds and their amenities. I consider it the Yosemite bible of sorts and a must have for first time visitors!

This book is filled with information about African-Americans and their accomplishments that every person should know. Do you know which U.S. President established the Office of Minority Affairs? Who was the first African-American to earn a Ph.D.? What state east of the Mississippi was the first to give African-American women the right to vote, in 1913? These are just some of the questions you'll find in this volume. I especially liked having each set of answers on the same page as the questions. The author also includes a helpful bibliography for further study. Highly Recommended.

A BOOK SUCH AS This One is very important.it's ashame the way History is Taught at Many Schools especially when it comes To Black History Month? a Book Such as this Reflects Strong Contributions by Many NEGROES.it's a Must.Very Informative.

Outstanding in the way it is put together. Must reading in general for all African-Americans and specifically younger African-Americans. Excellent job, way to go!!