Northwest Books

Photographer Peter Marbach knows this mountain well--his shots are absolutely gorgeous. Mount Hood is the most popular mountain in Oregon, a symbol of the Pacific Northwest, and a source of inspiration because of this book. This would make an excellent gift for anyone in love with this mountain or who lives in the Northwest.

From the minute I picked up this tautly psychological elf/orc fantasy thriller I could not put it down, especially in the bathroom. Though not nearly as violent as I would have liked, the pacing and structure are impeccable, as is Kershner's understanding of the "mode d'avoir dire" of the Northwest. Though occasionally compared to Sword of Shannara and the ridiculous Lost Empire novels of Star Trek Voyager, Kershner's work stands apart in the realm of wizard and warrior adventure.

Shirley Noe has a way of bringing her characters close to your own heart. She has a powerful play with words. You will feel like you are Sadra, living and breathing everything she feels. You will feel the sweat, joy and sadness. You will feel anticipation as she sees Saul ride into her life. You will feel hatred for those who deny her, sadness at family strain. You will feel until you have finished this book. A powerful author, who can see make you smell a Kentucky summer night.

This is a visually stunning book covering one of the remotest mountain regions of North America. Approx 150 colour photos depict the massive icefields, glaciers, high mountains and valleys east and west of the Coast Range.
The text gives the reader details of the author's travels through this vast wilderness on foot and skis and describes the difficulties encountered in such a rugged and remote area.
A must for anyone who loves "armchair wilderness travel" or for those who want to see what this magnificent and generally inaccessible region looks like.

Hank is a deeply troubled elderly man, yet usually fails to realize the fact. He has Alzheimer's, and the condition is worsening. This leads to a development of three major facets in his mind. One is a worrisome present state where he is aware of a plot to incarcerate him in a sterile nursing home. Second is the vividness of memories of long past childhood that sneak into his alter-reality with increasing frequency. Finally a third state superimposes itself over the other two; as he listens to a ball game in his barn loft, the play-by-play creates a new reality, complete with bantering fans in the stands. This work of fiction follows a couple in their eighties, after they have led full lives and are confronted with his mental eccentricities. The entire story unfolds over the space of one evening. As the book opens, Sally, wife of Hank, the main character, is surreptitiously discussing her husband's mental deterioration with their son, Eric. They are debating whether Hank belongs in a nursing facility or should continue living at home. Hank is aware of his family's concern for his mental state and the physical danger he faces from his eroding judgment. He recently spent three days in a hospital after he collapsed during a quixotic hike with the local children. Sally's view is that the events never occurred, a source of much frustration to Hank, who can remember a related, disbelieved episode when channel catfish chased him through town, running quite fast on the spines behind their pectoral fins. Despite his problems, Hank has created a workable world for himself. He peers inward and finds he is able to elude the torments of reality. He shuttles between house and river, and house and workshop. Hank is in his barn loft workshop ostensibly to putter around and listen to evening Mets baseball games, which reach upstate on wavering radio signals. The spatter and pop of static clears to a reality that consumes the loft, turning rafters into grandstands swarming with fans and their apt comments to Hank, miles away. In reality, Hank spends much of his time in the workshop (and by the river) swimming in a stream of vibrant dreams and memories. As you read, you no longer care if Hank and his friends will see the 350-pound Mrs. Massalounis bathe in her secluded birdbath. Instead, you will want to walk through the neighborhood and learn from the characters. The blur between past and present accurately portrays life with Alzheimer's and also carries over into the transition between chapters. After a few more recollections and dreams, Sally and Hank enjoy some lucid moments together. Then "Mrs. Massalounis" sweeps its characters away to a plausible, elegiac ending.

Sharron Martin has lead quite an interesting life. A music teacher by education (at Alabama College, now Montevallo University) she followed her husband through his educational process and finally landed in Augusta, Georgia. She found a job teaching music, but had to commute between two classrooms twenty miles apart; taught around 1,000 students; and lugged her equipment from classroom to classroom every half hour. She finally realized that writing was her first love and waved goodbye to her unorthodox teaching situation. And like many great mystery writers, she and her husband have a cat.

Elizabeth Poindexter is an amateur sleuth. Her twin sister, Mary Peach, is a doctor, and Elizabeth's grandson, Michael Davonport, is an assistant with the District Attorney's office. So when Dottie Mathison's strangled body is found behind the organ after choir practice, Elizabeth's sleuthing skills come in handy as Michael swings into action investigating the murder and holding the local deputy Sheriff Whaley at bay:

"'I hear we got another one and that it was done by a professional. I ran into Fred outside,' Whaley added as an explanation. 'I knew it. I told you it was someone from the outside. But, no. You don't ever listen to me.' He looked around the room before finally glancing down at the body. 'Good God! Why is that white thing on his face?'"

Martin spins an Agatha Christie type of cosy mystery in which the small town's citizens eventually reveal all their secrets in a Southern tale full of church politics; senior denizens; and small town Southern Americana. Her characters are delightful, whether it be the somewhat dazed and confused Cousin Felicity, whose hair color changes with the blooming flowers; the shy and sad Woody, whose pitiful life sets him up as a suspect; to the choir members themselves, who seem to have flaws they would rather cover up, including the clergy.

Martin's first mystery is a sweet and wistful look at human nature, written by a woman with years of teaching under her belt. She fools the reader completely until the end of the book, and each chapter compels a serious look at the featured character. MURDER SINGS OUT is thoroughly delightful and is a carefully crafted first effort by a natural writing talent.

Shelley Glodowski
Senior Reviewer

comprehensive, well organized and a must for any visit to the northwest. highly recommended as a basic source reference or as a travel supplement

Helene M. E. Schalkwijk-Barendsen's guide to the mushrooms of Northwest North America is an excellent introduction to this subject. Schalkwijk-Barendsen covers all the mushrooms one is likely to encounter in this region with both informative text and beautiful watercolour illustrations also painted by the author. Species are referenced by both common and Latin name making this book accessible to both the interested novice and the experienced mushroom enthusiast. This book should be a first-choice for anyone who love the outdoors, mushrooms and art.

Author and observer of the Northwest Music Scene, shows his expertise and insight into the rich history of the
internationally recognized Northwest Music Scene. The book is a "must read" for anyone who wants a chronological account of the growth, successes and failures of literally hundreds of musicians, albeit brief, likely due to publisher's constraints. Many of the photos and other graphics are, and will be, new to many readers.

Wisely, Blecha pays homage to the various cultural differences that were evident, particularly in the Seattle area, which despite its "liberal" claims, indeed, had (and some say has) a DARK SIDE. Hopefully, in subsequent books,
Blecha will explore the imbedded racism that was all too apparent to those of us who were there, and will shed light on the phony politcal correctness that many self-styled liberals avoid discussing with respect to the music scene, and arts in general. Obviously, this book is not that forum, but many artists whom history has forgotten, are finally recognized for their contribution to this unique historical period in Northwest Culture.

This is highly recommended for anyone who wants to explore the roots of the Northwest Sound.

This specialized title may find a home primarily in collections which focus on Canadian and Native American history, providing an in-depth focus on Ellesmere Island and early Aboriginal-European relations in the Arctic in the 19th and 20th centuries. From insights into natural and cultural influences on these relationships to charting historical changes, Muskox Land provides an extensive overview.