Western Books

This book captivated me and sent me to another land and I love the author and I wish to read more of her work

After reading Kingmaker's Sword, I was actually reluctant to read the sequel, for the simple reason that I didn't think it would live up to the predecessor. Was I wrong! The Western King succeeds on many levels, though not necessarily in the same ways that Kingmaker's Sword does. The humor here is muted in exchange for a very strong sense of fate and sacrifice. The actions centers around Kian's three sons: Keylan and his younger twin brothers, Tiernyn and Donaugh. I felt immediately drawn to Donaugh, who, as youngest brother, constantly (and willingly) stands in his brother's shadow. Although Donaugh is indeed the main character, his character remains shrouded in mystery even at the end of the book. I approve of this. The combination of his sense of compassion and duty and destiny is compelling. Donaugh, seemingly overlooked by the gods, slowly becomes their tool, the salvation of his people, and the "blood and bone" of Celi. His powers are never fully revealed, even at the end, which makes his silent life of service all the more intriguing. Not every character is so thoughtfully painted. Despite his supposed charisma, I never did become attached to Donaugh's twin brother. Donaugh's love life is unfulfilling, both for him and the reader. Besides having a knack for getting together with the wrong girl, his one true love is unearned and unexplained. The intention was sweet, but undeveloped. I did enjoy wrestling with the prophesy about Donaugh's sons, though, because I could imagine many different ways it could be fulfilled as the plot twisted. Ann Marston handles destiny as does no other. She controls the impending mood of the book well. Overall, the author weaves a web that will draw you in and demand you read more.

"The Western King" is by far the best book in the Rune Blade trilogy. Although the first book, "Kingmaker's Sword" is also a very good book, "The Western King" definitely surpasses its prequel. Donaugh is a vivid character, and the reader's heart aches when he cannot find fulfulment.

This book was great. There was romance, but not overt sexuality, a good PLOT, and realistic characters. I loved the characters especially. I read this book in about a day, so if you buy this one, get book 2 also, otherwise you'll have to run out to get it or wait for it to be delivered.

I read Kingmaker's Sword about a year ago, borrowed from my stepbrother. Then at the bookstore I saw all three, so I bought them! I've now read Kingmaker's Sword twice, Western King once, and I'm almost done with Broken Blade! I am in possesion of Cloudbearer's Shadow, and hope to read it soon after I'm done with Broken Blade. By the way, I'm 14 years old, I love to read, and am currently in the middle of writing a book of my own! Well, these books are GREAT so far, and I hope they continue to be so!

Joanne Weir's latest book is a treasure of wonderful recipes, and a must for any serious cook.

A note on the difference between this marvelous title and Joanne's earlier book entitled Weir Cooking: Recipes from the Wine Country (found at Joanne's web site):

"My new cookbook focuses on the fabulous ingredients found in the California wine country and uses some of my most favorite ingredients: olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, figs, lemons and herbs. My first TV companion book, Weir Cooking: Recipes from the Wine Country has been out of print for years, and this book includes those original recipes plus 50 brand new recipes, new headnotes, cooking tips, and of course fantastic wine pairings. Even the beautiful photos have taken on a new life! You will absolutely love cooking from this book!"

A toast to Joanne for creating her wonderful Mediterranean style recipes with wonderful wine pairings! My absolute favorite recipe is the Wine Country Flatbread with Grapes and Toasted Walnuts - so unique and a reflection of Joanne's style of using a few quality ingredients to create delicious, simple yet elegant recipes. Just cooked & baked Joanne's recipes for a dinner party and received rave reviews, especially for the Farmer's Market Risotto and the Pizza with Cherry Tomato and Basil Salad. Whether you wish to learn basic Mediterranean style recipes, or expand your culinary repertoire with some unique twists, Wine Country Cooking is sure to please your palette!

This cook book has lots of interesting recipes and I look forward to trying several of them this fall.

Joanne Weir has certainly done it again by producing yet another wonderful cookbook. The beautiful pictures definately do the recipes justice! Everything is so fresh and delicious. Joanne's writing makes the cookbook even more enjoyable. Two of my favs include the goat cheese gallette and the panna cotta! Out of all the cook books I have, I always find myself reaching for Joanne's. Please keep writing!

Beautifully written children's adventure set in the English Lake District in the 1930's. The same cast of characters as Swallows and Amazons and Swallowdale but with the addition of two new characters - Dorothy and Dick Callum, who also appear later in the series in The Big Six, Coot Club, the Picts and the Martyrs and Great Northern. All about an extended winter holiday on and around the lake as it slowly freezes over. Ice skating, sledging, exploring, rescuing crag-fast sheep, the adventures come one after the other. As well-written as all Arthur Ransome's childrens books were, and an enjoyable time-warped look at what life for the english middle class was like in the 30's in Britain. I grew up reading these books and find them just as enjoyable now as I did when I was 10 years old.

Our family has enjoyed the Swallows & Amazon series more than I initially expected. Each book has taken a few chapters to pull us in and we take it slowly; these are worth your time. The children in the stories are what my kids want to be like: independent and capable, fun loving and creative. The plots and themes are simple and interesting. I recommend the whole series for reading aloud and encourage readers to not drop them if they are not as fast paced as other stories.

It's been a year and a half since the Walkers (the Swallows) first met the Blackett sisters (the Amazons) and were plunged into Captain Nancy's adventurous worldview (not that they didn't have one of their own already). Now, for the first time, we see the six from an outside view--though still that of young people: Dick Callum, astronomy buff, and his sister Dorothea ("Dot"), aspiring novelist, are staying at the lake while their parents are off digging in Egypt over the Christmas holidays, and are caught up in the adventures of the senior group when they attempt to "signal to Mars" by night. The Walkers and Blacketts, inspired by the coldest winter the lake has experienced in living memory, are training for an expedition to the North Pole (the far upper end of the lake), "only the beastly Arctic won't freeze." Quite unexpectedly Captain Nancy saves the day by coming down with mumps, which requires all the others to be kept out of school for a month lest they spread the contagion. The Blacketts' uncle Captain Flint reappears too, playing a pivotal role in the expedition's preparations. Much of the story is told from the viewpoint of the ever-imaginitive Dorothea, whose writer's mind puts a unique spin on what she sees. As always there are misunderstandings with the "natives" (local adults, rechristened Eskimos for purposes of the season), and a literally chilling sequence during which the Callums are blown to the Pole by a sudden blizzard. Ransome here proves that it doesn't have to be summer for his Lake Country to provide plenty of good story fodder, and in the process gives us a unique children's adventure tale that should be as eagerly welcomed as a read-aloud as any of the others in the series. Not to be missed.

Coming on the tails of a full-throttle fantasy in PETER DUCK, Ransome comes back down to earth in WINTER HOLIDAY. It's January at the old lake, and now we're seeing things from the viewpoint of Dick and Dorothea Callum, the children of two archaeologists who are digging in Egypt and sent their children to spend their winter holiday with a family friend. The D's, as they become known, are different from the rough-and-ready Swallows and Amazons; Dorothea is a dreamy sort, an aspiring novelist, and Dick is an intellectual, an amateur naturalist and astronomer.

Of course, they meet up with the Swallows and Amazons, quickly making friends and providing their worth to the group with their quick wit and superior ice-skating(!). The group is mourning that soon their holidays will be over when Nancy comes down with the mumps, meaning that the group can't go back to school for another month until they're sure they won't pass the infection to others. Then a huge freeze descends, blanketing the land in snow and freezing the lake.

The story is full of delightful exploring in the snow, something I remember myself from my own childhood. The crew build an igloo, rescue a stranded sheep, and learn field communication techniques (actual practical knowledge there). The D's encounter actual physical danger when they set off for the northern end of the lake after a miscommunication, and end up caught in a blizzard, but all ends well and their place in the group is firmly established when the rest are impressed with their courage and grit.

Again, another delightful adventure from Ransome, something great for kids and parents alike. A good guide for cold-weather adventure, and also a nice antidote to summer heat. Kids will learn the aforementioned field communication bit, but other messages include the importance of good deeds (in rescuing the sheep and also the kids' determination to rescue the D's when they're feared lost), as well as common themes of courage, capability, and that everyone has something to contribute.

Next in the series: The D's take center stage in COOT CLUB.

There I was just browsing at a store, and just happened to glance at this particular color of this book...and picked it up read the cover and fell in to the illustration, and the breif excerpts on the back cover... I am just so excited over the wanting and longing to snuggle up with my children and read this to them, but not to them...really, but to read for myself...this is going to be a start of something big... I also went researching for Mr.Arthur Ransomes books, and found web sites leading to history and all the good things that come with a curious mind, that wants to discover...where did all those adorable children who seem to live in a perfect world, live, whom were pictured on the cover of "Winter Holiday"... This is a "National Geographic" for children of all ages... I cannot wait for a more perfect day to begin reading this, as the house doesn't have to be clean, nor the dishes washed, maybe this is the perfect front porch with lemonade, book... Best regards on your adventure through "Winter Holiday"

I received the book as a wedding gift two years ago and there are very few recipes I haven't tried. It's not your "meat and potatoes" book, but a collection of family recipes made with gourmet flair. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who likes to cook and entertain.

I love this cookbook. Not only are the recipes excellent, but the quotes and design are wonderful. Being from Wichita, I am so proud of the women of the Junior League for producing such a high-end, funny and classy book. Bravo!

I give this cookbook only four stars, for all the wrong reasons. I am a member of the JLW, and I would feel wrong giving the highest possible rating to something I helped produce. It really is five star material for the person who likes to cook and entertain, and the person who likes to send a cookbook to share great recipes with freinds who are also kitchen monkeys. I can say this because I have enjoyed the wit and wisdom as much as the menus and recipes. I was terribly impressed with the books contents when I visited an out-of-town relative (who's a very serious cook, and let's just say, "particular") to whom I sent the book, when she cordially presented one of the full menus at a dinner party. Great find, great gift. All I can add are some of my personal favorites: Hummus: excellent (and easy as pie!) Wild Mushroom Bisque Too many wonderful salads, but my fav is Pasta Pecan Salad ... it is a book that should not be judged by its cover! Both Peasant Bread and Liberty Loaves ... and all those muffins! Pork Tenderloin with Mustard Tarragon Sauce Lasagna Florentine Zucchini au Gratin Cappuccino Brownies: unbelievable!

Every December I prepare a luncheon for my husband's staff at the University of Florida, in Gainesville. I had already planned my menu, but when I received this book from my twin sister in Overland Park, Kansas for our Birthday I changed my whole menu and chose everything from this cookbook. The recipes are simple yet very elegant in their presentation. I know his office staff will really enjoy all that I've chosen to make. I especially loved the quotes at the bottom of the page as well as the beautifully decorated book cover. Anyone who loves to cook will love this book!

This is a great cookbook for many reasons:

1) I considered myself more of a virtual cook, than an actual cook. Once I purchased Women of Great Taste, that changed. I actually cook recipes now rather than just talking about how good the recipe might be.

2) I always get rave reviews when I serve recipes from this book.

3) This is a beautiful book with terrific recipes. I have recommended it to many friends and family members.

4) Proceeds from Junior League books support community projects.

5) I use it more than any other cookbook I own, and I own dozens of cookbooks.

You cannot buy this book anywhere cheaper than from Amazon.

I had the fortune to find this book, and read it for the first time, while volunteering at a local library.

Since then, I have purchased it and read it three, four other times and I keep coming back.

It is vividly detailed and the characters come alive - from Morgan to the Major to Susan.

Well worthwhile find.

I have searched for ten years for this book with no luck until I looked for it on amazon. This book would make a great movie. I will now try to get the sequel "The Captives" also by Don Wright.

I have searched for ten years for this book with no luck until I looked for it on amazon. This book would make a great movie. I will now try to get the sequel "The Captives" also by Don Wright.

I loved this book too! My sister is "streetcar" and I found this book for her after hunting for it for weeks. She was very happy to have a new copy!

Mr. Wright's story of Morgan's rescue mission is phenomenal. All of the characters -- good, evil, starring, and supporting, could be real--no, they ARE real. I cannot believe that this book is out of print -- Mr. Wright's sequel to this, "The Captives", and two other books I have had the fortune to find, "Gone to Texas" and "The Last Plantation", are also wonderful tales, told from the heart. I have read "The Woodsman" and "The Captives" three to four times apiece now, and I still would stay up all night to read them again. If you have a chance to buy or read this book, DO IT.

26 Gorgeous Hikes on the Western Cote d'Azur by Florence Chatzigianis details wonderful half-day experiences along the Mediterranean Sea coast of France. With excellent maps of each hike and beautiful color photographs of the places to hike, the book includes Islands of Hyeres, St. Tropez, Frejus and Saint-Raphael and the Esterel Mountains and the Maures Mountains, from Hyeres to Cannes. Chatzigianis gives instructions of what to wear, best times to go, and alluring descriptions of what you will experience. She also tells for each hike the distance, time required, elevation, and difficulty, as well as restaurants, tourism offices, and sports stores nearby. The book is certainly one to plan your trip to this beautiful area.

26 Gorgeous Hikes on the Western CÃ'te d'Azur is an illustrated guide that invites you to slow down, take a breath of fresh air and soak in the Western French Riviera's natural beauty. Author Chatzigianis is a long-time hiker who has spent many years scouting southern France for footpaths with stunning views, walks that lead to boat-accessible only inlets, and prehistoric sites rarely visited or seen.

This guide has stunning maps and photographs of the nature hikes. There is an introduction with points of interest for each hike. Hiking time, distance, difficulty level and elevation profile are included with each hike description as well as practical advice on when to go and what to take with you.

The descriptions of the hikes are vivid enough to make you want to go there, to see it for yourself.

You climb a short, steep hill behind the village of La Garde-Freinet. You cross a moat that is carved deep into the rock. Step back 800 years in time; you have entered the ruins of the ancient fortified stone settlement of Fort Freinet.

Whether you enjoy an evening walk through a chestnut grove to watch a monastery set aglow by the setting sun or a more vigorous hike up the red mountains to view the amazing view of the Mediterranean Sea, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful guide of the Western Cote d'Azur.

The hikes range from an hour to half a day. I never knew some of these places even existed until I read this lovely guide. My interest has been peaked and I found myself daydreaming as I became absorbed in the photographs. My family may find themselves on a vacation soonâ"that only I have been dreaming of!

Armchair Interview says: Excellent book for hikers and dreamers

An alternative tourist attraction could be found and would be well appreciated by nature lovers around the world - "26 Gorgeous Hikes on the Western Cote d'Azur" is a compilation of guides for twenty six half day hikes around France's beautiful coastline along the Mediterranean Sea for any experience level. Packed with color photos and specifics of each trail such as its time, distance, difficulty and what you should bring in preparation, it is the flat out most comprehensive guide you can find on the subject, even covering the history of the area alongside information on the plantlife. "26 Gorgeous Hikes on the Western Cote d'Azur" is highly recommended for armchair travelers and hiking enthusiasts destined to travel to southern France.

As a connoisseur of hiking books and having spent a summer during college (many moons ago) exploring this region of France, I was drawn to this book about hiking the western Côte d' Azur. The book is lightweight, perfect for carrying or slipping into a backpack. The table summarizing hikes by difficulty, distance and terrain will prove particularly helpful. Other positive aspects in the book include the color photographs, the useful contact information and the interesting tidbits regarding history of the area, plants and the like. My only regret is that our vacation plans this year do not include the Côte d' Azur, so will have to postpone putting this book to use first-hand. Maybe next year . . .

I've hiked in France, but I had no idea what a beautiful and interesting region Cote d'Azur was until I read Florence Chatzigianis's, "26 Gorgeous Hikes on the Western Cote d'Azur." Now I want to go there, her guidebook in hand, and try out the trails she describes so vividly!

Chatzigianis's book is not only informative, but also easy to use. She's organized the 26 hikes by region, which enables visitors to quickly find a trail nearby. I particularly like the way that the "Table of Hikes," breaks the hikes into categories of "easy" and "medium," and then gives the distance and time needed for each. And since I like to know whether I'll be doing a lot of climbing in the mountains or a bit of strolling by the shore, I find the small drawings showing the elevation range of each hike are also quite useful.

Chatzigianis's colorful photos are a rich accompaniment to the text. Not only are there pictures of the beautiful countryside, but also of the many historical and cultural sights that most auto-touring visitors miss.

Finally, I found that the "Aside" sections--short essays on such intriguing topics as "Hiking Under Water," (on the island of Port-Cros) and "The Cork Oak" (some of which you see on the Lac de l'Ecureuil trail), make "26 Gorgeous Hikes on the West Cote d'Azur" an indispensable guide for any traveler who wants to truly experience France's Mediterranean coastline.

Highly recommended!

Last night I uncovered a family legend and found that James Oliver Curwood is my Great, Great Uncle; and a direct uncle to Marguerite Gaylord Tate the author of Twelve Walked Away, a true story about her and her son, my grandfather, crashing the Alps due to a navigation mistake after WW II. I know it seems far and almost unbelievable that I just now find this amazing discovery, but it is true.

I stayed up until eleven o'clock reading into one of his books, and I found it well written and full of wisdom.

I thought this book was wonderful. It should be up there with the best of them, like Jack London's "Call of the Wild". It tells the story of a wolf cub seperated from its mother, and the adventures in the wilderness it encounters. It has very descriptive details and shows us all the true meaning of love and devotion.

This book is definitely one of my my favorite books. Even though it seems a bit long, if you get caught up in stories like I do, you'll wish this book is longer. This book is beautifully written and such a great book in so many ways. You have to read this book. The author of this book is a great writer and this book will not let you down for action, adventure, and many other emotions. READ THIS BOOK! IT'S GREAT!

This is the story of a wolf/dog named Baree. Soon after he is born, he is separated from his "parents". Baree then begins the quest of having to survive on his own in the harsh envirionment of the Canadian wilderness. As Baree grows older, he has encounters with a near sighted owl, he befriends a bear,and tries to make friends with a colony of beavers. Then Baree comes up against his most perplexing animal,.....Man! Baree quickly wants the companionship that Willow(a beautiful young woman) offers. He follows her everywhere and has a strong bond with her that cannot be broken. He will do anything to protect her, and that includes keeping her safe from her family's enemy, a evil man called the Factor of Lac Bain.
The writer of this book expertly describes the feelings and thoughts going through the mind of the young Baree, and through out the book, we root for him all through hisd triumphs and tradigies. The wilderness is described beautifully and also becomes a "character" of the story as well.
This book is well written, easy to read , and holds the readers interest all the way till the satisfying conclusion.

This book is fantastic!It follows the story of a young half wolf, half dog pup who is accidentally seperated from his mother. He learns to survive in the harsh Canadian wilderness and meets friends and foe. He eventually comes to trust humans. The author obviously has a great understanding of animals as he explains in words exactly what the animals feel. The way this book is written is almost unexplainable-right up there with other fine authors such as Jack London. A must-read for any one who loves animals or has an understanding for them!

Susan Gibbs' debut novel, "The Bend In The River" is set on the still unsettled prairies of post-Civil War America, and in the Washington Territory. This is more an epic historical western, the saga of a young woman's most unusual experiences living on the Great Plains, than it is a typical romance. The author's simple, straightforward prose, and realistic dialogue lend authenticity to this unique tale of the early West.

Shea Hawkshadow, a half-breed Cheyenne warrior, finds a young woman, near frozen to death during a freak early autumn blizzard. Seventeen year-old Emma Jordan had just finished burying her parents near the family's sod house, and was on a twenty mile walk to the nearest trading post, when she was overtaken by the snow and freezing temperatures. When Emma regains consciousness, she is at the Cheyenne Agency, Shea's home, in the capable care off Red Leaf Woman, a widow. Emma is treated well, and though she makes a few unsuccessful attempts to escape the reservation, she finally acquiesces to spend the winter there. She begins to learn the language and customs of these Native Americans, and in turn teaches some of the men to read and write English. Because of Hawkshadow's mixed-blood heritage, he is rejected as a potential husband by the tribe's women, although he has a proven record as a brave Cheyenne Dog Soldier and hunter. He and Emma have much in common, and their mutual attraction is more than just her neediness as a new found orphan, and his as a lone brave with little hope of marriage. The two fall in love and marry despite the strong prejudices which exist at this time about "mixed-race couples," especially when one member of the pair is a white woman. They dream of living a "normal" life amongst the Cheyenne.

When the tribe is threatened with yet another relocation, tribal leaders decide to ask Red Cloud's Sioux for help, and to flee north, back to their lands along the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers. The fall of 1978 marks the Cheyenne Outbreak.Two hundred and eighty-four men, women and children undertake a clandestine and brutal 1500 mile march, which lasts for more than five months. During the trek, Emma is captured by bounty hunters and taken to Fort Robinson where she is imprisoned and almost murdered. The Hawkshadow's struggle to make a place for themselves is a difficult and poignant one. It is also a remarkably well researched story of the American West.

There are actually two interrelated novels here, with an unofficial demarcation line between them. The book's second part is about life in Washington Territory, eventually Washington State. Emma and Shea move to this region looking, still, to make a home for themselves where they will either be accepted or left in peace. The hatred and persecution they endure is terrible. Emma, Shea, and their complex relationship are beautifully brought to life by the author. In fact, I would say that one of Ms. Gibbs' strengths is character development. All of hers are remarkably three dimensional. This section of the novel also deals with the emotional manifestation of the many problems Emma has experienced over the years. She has a nervous breakdown, and the process of her healing reveals many interesting details from her past.

I thoroughly enjoyed "The Bend In The River," although I would have definitely preferred the tale to be told in two separate novels. The narrative peaks so many times over the course of 444 pages, that much of the drama's power and emotional impact is diminished. However, for those who are fascinated by life in the early West, and who appreciate well written historical fiction, this is not to be missed!
JANA

While in the USA on business my husband bought this book for me. It is truly one of the best books I've ever read. The story is epic yet tightly woven around the heroine Emma. Every page of the story has something unique, a perspective so different from other fiction books i've read. I've alwasy been interested in the American west, and read many books about it both fiction and non. But this story is so different. It's driving, moving and very funny in a naturalistic way. One part had me in tears because it was written so sensitively. The story revolves around a young white woman who married a Cheyene man. As is true today, interracial marriage often brings much condemnation upon the parties involved. Emma and her husband Shea survive through ordeal after ordeal and you get the feeling that each time, Emma is having trouble coping with it all. When she does fall to pieces, the author writes about her nervous breakdown in such a way that what you think is wrong with Emma really isn't the case. In the end emma has to sort out her problems on her own as medical asssitance for mental sicknesses truly did not exist in the late 19th century. I highly recommend this stirring story with characters that will remain on your mind for a long time to come.

While in the USA on business my husband bought this book for me. It is truly one of the best books I've ever read. The story is epic yet tightly woven around the heroine Emma. Every page of the story has something unique, a perspective so different from other fiction books i've read. I've alwasy been interested in the American west, and read many books about it both fiction and non. But this story is so different. It's driving, moving and very funny in a naturalistic way. One part had me in tears because it was written so sensitively. The story revolves around a young white woman who married a Cheyene man. As is true today, interracial marriage often brings much condemnation upon the parties involved. Emma and her husband Shea survive through ordeal after ordeal and you get the feeling that each time, Emma is having trouble coping with it all. When she does fall to pieces, the author writes about her nervous breakdown in such a way that what you think is wrong with Emma really isn't the case. In the end emma has to sort out her problems on her own as medical asssitance for mental sicknesses truly did not exist in the late 19th century. I highly recommend this stirring story with characters that will remain on your mind for a long time to come.

Susan unfolds this poignant story of a strong, young woman and her life struggles as a survivor. The writer's attention to the historical timeframe and detail is impeccable. Thank goodness, an author who does her homework! This is an inspiring "read" for anyone. I found it to be both enjoyable and full of valuable lessons. Be observant readers.......laugh, cry and hopefully understand that we all do the very best we can, with what we know and possess, at any given point in time. Each of the characters in this narrative provide remarkable role modeling.......especially Emma. I will definitely be watching for Susan's next novel.......regardless of the theme it should be a best seller. I know "The Bend in the River" was for me!

Set in 1877 Kansas, The Bend in the River is an emotional novel about a young woman's tragic loss of her parents, and her whilwind romance with a mixed-blood Cheyenne warrior who saves her from certain death amidst a freak autumn blizzard. Together, the unlikely couple try to build a life for themselves, yet their marriage prompts prejudice and even attempted murder from the intolerant frontier community, forcing her and her husband to flee together. Emotionally distraught yet armed with the will to survive, the heroine of the novel is a complex character who carries this tale of transition from girlhood to womanhood with pride and determination. A sweeping yet wistful romantic novel.

The Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota (BWCAW) -- 100 million acres of pristine lakes interconnected by overland portages and streams -- is the closest place to heaven I've seen on this earth. Journeying through it in a canoe, one is struck by its "cumulative grandeur" as a friend described it to me.

Many uninitiated visitors from out of state just arrive in Ely, get outfitted, and head out with little advance preparation. Most of them live, but this is not the way to experience the Boundary Waters. Along with books on the specifics of canoe tripping and camping, and back country cooking, you will want to research possible canoe routes in this indispensable book and its pendant, volume 2 on the eastern region. If you're planning a trip, keep in mind that trips out of Ely generally fall in the western region, trips out of Gunflint fall in the eastern region, but a single trip can easily wind through both regions.

This book provides specific routes that can be followed exactly or used as an outline for a trip you customize. Each itinerary gives helpful general information: suggested trip length; miles per day; number of lakes and rivers; and number of portages (overland routes between lakes); and difficulty level. It also tells you which Fischer maps will cover the trip ... but I prefer the McKenzie maps myself. Then comes a full description of what you can expect to encounter on the trip, highlights along the way, tips for avoiding pitfalls, etc. If you're new to this kind of wilderness experience, you should read several itineraries -- even ones you don't plan to follow -- to get a feel for the terrain. If you're a BWCAW veteran, then reading these itineraries will fuel your daydreams! (You may even learn something to make your next trip go more smoothly.)

The book also includes general information on planning your trip: BWCAW reservations and regulations, advice to trip planning, an introduction to the ecosystem and its attractions and dangers, recommendations for camping guides and other references.

A couple of caveats. When the blowdown of July 4, 1999, that leveled 1/3 of the trees in the BWCAW hit ... this book was just going to press -- a fact that is acknowledged in the Preface. Recovery of this vast ecosystem will take a century or more, and the landscape has been altered forever. Therefore, to a certain extent this book was obsolete before it was even published. Needless to say, not all descriptions and photos represent what you are likely to find in the hardest-hit areas -- although lakeshores, with more windfast trees, are in many places the only trees still standing, extending a curtain between the paddler and the devastation inland.

The other caveat, which should be needless, is that even if you have mapped out a specific route, you must be prepared to alter it in case of weather, low water in streams, or other unexpected occurrences. Be alert and adaptable.

I have canoe camped in the BWCA since 1971 and have found previous editions of this guide essential for my trip planning. This well-written, newly-revised edition is even better. It contains the latest information on obtaining a permit for entry into the area as well as general information regarding the destructive storm that swept through the BWCA on July 4, 1999. The 2000 edition is slightly larger in size and with bigger print is easier to read. It is also about 70 pages longer than the previous book. The author has changed the format of the route numbers to better correspond to the entry points, making it easier to relate the two. There are updated photos throughout the book and some route recommendations have been changed. This edition is full of information to make your trip planning into the western region of the BWCA easy. It allows you to choose routes based on your physical ability (easy to rugged), fishing desires (it lists type of fish in 185 western region lakes), scenery (waterfalls, pictographs), time constraints (suggested routes for over 50 2-8 day trips), etc. It tells you how to reach each entry point and one of my favorite statistics, the popularity rank of each entry point (I like to find solitude as quickly as possible). This is trip planning guide, and does not provide detailed camping "how to" information, although the author refers you to reliable books on this subject. I recommend it and am planning to purchase the revised eastern region edition as soon as it is available.

As we read the descriptions of "Easier" and "Challenging" routes we realized that Beymer lives at a higher physical level than we do. The information is well-presented and useful, but it would have been nice to find some routes appropriate to our out-of-shape adults and younger kids preferences

Now in a thoroughly updated and revised sixth edition, Boundary Waters Canoe Area: Western Region continues to be the definitive guide for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to enjoy a land of beautiful landscapes and wildlife. Veteran travel writer and outdoorsman Robert Beymer provides details on 27 entry points in the western part of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and includes important information on the length of time needed to complete each trip, distances and difficulty of each trip, number of lakes, rivers and portages encountered; and the maps required. Boundary Waters Canoe Area: Western Region is enhanced with a four-color pullout map and is a "must" for canoeists, anglers, vacationers, and hunters seeking to enjoy what this unique and remarkable country have to offer.

This is a great book to start your plans for a trip into the Boundary Waters. There are suggested routes for every entry point in the western region and whether you use the suggested route or not it's a great place to start!

Classical, jazz, and pop singer Eileen Farrell comes across as a down-to-earth, generous, happy, and satisfied person in this book. What's not to like?

Like another reviewer I found the biography too short. Surely Miss Farrell could divulge with her writer's help more anecdotes. And SURELY Sony/CBS could re-release more of her albums, particulary the Puccini Arias. Thank God there are historical recordings available, for which, unfortunately, Miss Farrell doesn't get royalties. I would happily send her a check anytime.

Do not confuse this witty, sparkling memoir with the stilted, egocentric ("I" this and "I" that) memoirs you may have encountered. Farrell, one of the Met's most underused artists - yet one of its greatest, writes with charm and style that enthrall the reader making us wish she had easily written a book twice as long. Brava! Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys a great read and "meeting" a great lady.

Thank you, Eileen Farrell, for a wonderful career and for your candor in telling your very personal and inspiring story. I couldn't put the book down! As a professional singer myself, I found your experiences from your innocence at the first audition to your regular radio show moving and encouraging. Your book is as honest and refreshing as your performances and a must-read for even those with no interest in opera.

Eileen Farrell is one of the most gifted and celebrated American singers of the twentieth century. She is both a classically trained dramatic soprano and a talented songstress of pop songs and the blues. Can't Help Singing: The Life Of Eileen Farrell is a superbly crafted memoir in which she shares candid reminiscences about her professional career and her personal life. With humor and affection she surveys her New England childhood, her sudden success at the age of twenty starring in her own CBS radio show, dubbing for Eleanor Parker in the MGM movie "Interrupted Melody", her many guest appearances on television, and her operatic work, including an historic debut at the Metropolitan Opera in Alceste in 1960. Eileen also recollects her sometimes troubled marriage of forty years to New York police officer Robert Reagan and her frustrating tenure as a faculty member at Indiana University. In this wonderful memoir we meet the famous figures of music who were her contemporaries, fellow performers, and associates from Leonard Bernstein to Maria Callas, from Ethel Merman to Carol Burnett. Can't Help Singing is a marvelous biography that will hold great interest and appeal for her many fans and for students of 20th Century American music.