Northwest Books

This novel from a tiny publishing company was rec'd to me by a librarian and what a good rec. it is. I enjoy comic novels and black humor and the market is pretty thin for the genre these days. Not like the 60's and 70's which were the glory days of black comedy with Heller, Donleavy and others. So all the more reason that I liked "FLUNKY". Lots of comic situations that make you laugh out loud or wince just like you should with the comic novel.

The narrator, John Deyme is a great comedic creation. He's a lout with a big mouth and big libido and a lust for life but no real talent to earn the big bucks and status for sustaining that life. But he has insight into things: "Money is oil to dignity's water." And he's honest. If you know anything about academe (the novel's setting) you know that honesty is not valued. All the hypocricies of academe get their just rewards here from the PC jerks to the money hustling bureaucrats to the two-faced faculty.

Frank Pellegrini in Boston

The novel "Flunky" is a very funny read, with an often funny first-person narrator who is alternately stupid, shrewd, piggish, and truthful.

The story follows the rapid rise and even more rapid fall of a college administrator, John Deyme. I didn't think that a book about an office drudge would be very funny, but I was wrong. John tries his best to succeed and please his maniac boss (who is also a lout) but finds that it will take more than talent. Success will take lying, cheating, and even property damage!

Reading it, I just knew he'd get his come-uppance but still just HOW he gets it is humorous and surprising. John must run a gamut of all kinds of stupid and ambitious Higher Ed. types, from the politically correct ogre Jo Ann Staulen to the spineless public relations hack, Bruce. And then there's John's girlfriend Lydia, whose motives take a very funny and very believable turn.

I'll add that the writing style here is exceptionally good. The author has one of the best prose styles I've come across. He's got a gift for great quips and the depiction of hilarious and humiliating downfalls. I've worked in higher ed (as both a part time teaching drudge and temporary administrator) and "Flunky" really knows this world.

Where we're headed next. Taking the motor home north this vacation. This is a thorough book that tells all about the where to's of fishing Idaho. Grampa who loves to fish the wild is going with us. There'll be no needless driving, just zeroing in on the trout. This book took about two weeks to reach us.

Wow! A truly superior guide for fly fishing Idaho. The author has assembled extensive maps, seasonal information, local regulations, hatch and fly recommendations, and numerous practical tips presented in a very user-friendly format. Great for both novice and seasoned anglers. It exceeded my expectations in every way and sets the standard for regional fishing guide books. I will definitely purchase other "No Nonsense Guides." If I don't catch fish armed with this information, I should just buy 'em at the supermarket!

This was a gift for my son's birthday and he loved it!

An excellent read. Well researched and presented by author Jack Berryman. Excellent writing and very nice presentation -- book's cover, color photos, use of the various flys. A good book for fly fisherman and non-fly fisherman. A book that shows how individual contributions by exceptional people advance a field and interest.

Fresh From The Valley: A Harvest Of Recipes From The Junior League Of Yakima is a splendidly organized and presented book of recipes that will grace family dining all year long. With recipes divided into Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter sections, Fresh From The Valley is enhanced with special sections on Washington Apples; Herbs and Spices; Wines and Cheeses; Sponsors; Contributors; and an Index. From Fresh Tomato and Sweet Onion Salsa; Spinach and Artichoke Dip in Bread Bowl; and Mexican Appetizer Cheese Cake; to Marinated Mushrooms; Eastern Washington Rack of Lamb; Hawaiian Chicken and Pears; and Hot Apple Tea; are a brief introductory sampling of what Fresh From The Valley has to offer the family chef!

Celebrate Highlands: Recipes And Remembrance combines recipe contribution from members of the Laurel Garden Club of Highlands, North Carolina with anecdotal memories and stories that make Celebrate Highlands a quite unique and very enthusiastically recommended cookbook. From Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms; Southwestern Bean Salad; and Exotic Chicken with Thai Sauce; to Lemon Ice Cream; Cheddar Chili Cheesecake; and Blue Cheese Torte with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pesto; Celebrate Highlands offers a wonderfully diversified compilation of "kitchen friendly" recipes that even the most novice of family cooks can accomplish with confidence.

This book lets you in on the dealings of Tecumseh with more details. The records of the decisions of the military commanding officers are astounding. As I was reading the events I wanted to kick somebody for getting so many people killed.

This book isn't as strong as some of Eckert's others, but as a part of his series, (and for a book that was previously out of print) I'd strongly recommend it.

I had read Frontiersmen, Tecumseh and Dark and Bloody River, and preferred them easily to this book, but still enjoyed it, and have re-read it many times.

This book makes important and original contributions to the understanding of Gender and Generation on the Far Western Frontier. It teaches valuable lessons for today's Americans. I am reading this as a gradutate student of history at the University of North Dakota. It is informative and rich in detail as any textbook with footnotes, but surprisingly easy to read and understand. (Unlike too many post-graduate dissertations.)

(Full Disclosure: I am a student of Dr. Prescott's.)

I heartily recommend this easy-to-read-and-follow work in the areas of western history (with real women included and portrayed) and for anyone ready to advance beyond 'hollywood history' of the American Northwest.

Buy this book to read, learn and enjoy!

Dr. Prescott offers an insightful look at first and second generation settlers in Oregon's Willamette Valley during the mid-to-late 19th century. Dr. Prescott contends that favorable farming conditions in addition to generous land grants made it possible for women as well as men to progress very quickly from frontier farming roles to a more consumer-oriented middle class way of life. Using the diaries of Maria Locey, the quilts of Zeralda Carpenter Bones Stone, and many other sources, Dr. Prescott presents a very readable glimpse of pioneer life in Oregon.

A very interesting book that gave me a new perspective of the area in which I live. The book was very informative but not difficult to read. There are plenty of black and white photos but the really great illustrations are the maps, done in pen and ink and highly detailed. The book is separated into various geographic areas from British Columbia to northern California. This makes it easy to jump around and read about the geographical areas that intrest you the most. If you like reading the history of the Pacific Northwest people you will probably like this book as well. Geology of the Pacific Northwest details the ages old history of the land itself

This book expands on their superb book, "Geology of Oregon", placing a larger look at the whole region. Not as showy as more modern tomes, this is more of a college text. I would recommend reading this book before the Oregon specific one, so Oregon can be viewed in a broader context.

This three volume set is available. For addtional information
contact educabook@yahoo.com

There is no better source than this three volume set for those who are interested in the subject of Ethnic background of the Punjabis. It is fascinating to read about the origins, trails and tribulations of various tribes of Aryan, Scythian and Hun origins migrating to the plains of five rivers, called Punjab. It is these tribes who embarked upon creating Indian Civilization and Hinduism. This book goes into great detail about various castes which originated out of this melting pot during 2000-700 BC. This is a must read for people of Punjab and belonging to Jats, Rajputs, Gujjars, Arain and a host of minor castes. As a Punjabi myself, it was fascinating to find the detailed historical background of my ancestors; through Vedic, Epic, Maurya, Saka, Muslim and British periods.

Beautiful illustrations and a sense of wonder about water and its journey kept both my 3 and 6 year olds interested. We live on a river and in the mountains and talk about the production of water and my 6 year old even recognized that the sea was an end point for the rivers.

An adventurous explanation of where water comes from and where it goes, through the eyes of a young Eskimo boy. It combines science and cultural values. An enjoyable read with illustrations that blend well; the octopus ink used gives a nice touch

This book, which I found at the library(can I say that word here?) was truly engrossing. The author juxtaposes indian and colonial culture so clearly and freshly, putting a historical and very personal perspective on facts not previously so well illuminated. He described and de-bunked for me the particulars of early period of colonial-indian political and territorial relationships. The action and battle scenes are painted with skillful brushstrokes as are the characterizations of the principle players. Mr Gilbert fairly describes with a warm heart the phenomemon which was the native American, sharing the fine points which created this honorable people without filtering the panorama through rose-colored glasses. The reader is reminded of this sad and shameful legacy of our country's history with each turn of the page. I think we would have been a much greater nation had we dealt these people an even hand. Great reading, greta history.

The history of the deceit effected upon Native Indian ancestors, especially the Shawnee, by the British, French, Americans, and by the Iroquois truly made me ashamed to be a white American. We call ourselves "civilized"; the lies, purging, and needless slaughter of Native Indian nations is comparable to the extermination of the Jews. Americans stole this continent from the Indians. Tecumseh (Tekamthi) was an honorable, just man, who only wanted what God had given his people - the land and the freedom to roam it and to use it (Mother Nature). As I approached the last chapter of God Gave Us This Country, I did not want Tecumseh to die; but I know he still lives on in the minds of living Indians as well as those of us who avidly study Native American history and who prefer justice