Oregon Books

Outlasting the Trail: The Story of a Woman's Journey West Excellent. So real that I felt like I was right there watching Mary and her family during each crisis and each small joy. Including and using Mary Rockwood Powers' own letters for this story created the sense of being there with Mary and her family. The story tells of what is required of Mary and the choices she must make to keep her family safe. These real letters to her mother reveals Mary's inner thoughts and factual happenings. Mary's faith in God and her mother's love keeps her moving forward regardless of her own fears and despair. I cared about this family as if they were my own ancestors.

Reviewed by Susan Pettrone for Reader Views (11/06)

Upon first perusal of "Outlaw Tales of Oregon", the reader is struck with the well organized manner in which this book is written. Within the first few pages of the book is a conveniently placed map which proves to be extremely beneficial in keeping track of and referring back to, specific areas in which the stories within occurred.

With ten well written and clearly told tales of early Oregon in the days of stagecoach robbers, and bushwhackers, the reader is drawn into a time in history when this rugged country was filled with criminals of every kind and how their bold fearless style molded this area into one which held many of the citizens at the time in a state of constant anxiety, wondering what would happen next.

Leading off the stories in this book is "The DeAutremont Brothers," one in which the reader is instantly placed within the story through historical references and background of the times. Three brothers, Hugh, Roy and Ray are generally known as having attempted a train robbery which, had it been successful, would have netted the brothers a tidy sum and place in history as well. As it was, because of the problems with this robbery, their place in history was the only thing that was certain for this trio. This robbery, in which their best laid plans went awry, is illustrated with clear pictures of the three brothers both before and after their subsequent arrests for the robbery. It is these pictures and others in this book as well that help the reader to more easily visualize the story unfolding and also add variety to the stories within. The DeAutremont Brothers robbery which was thought to net the brothers $40,000 was one which gathered much public attention and made history as being hailed as the last Oregon train robbery in history.

And so this book goes on, with story after story unfolding, giving the reader a wonderfully exciting view into the turbulent history of the Oregon region at this time. Stories such as: The Princeville Vigilantes, Black Bart, The McCarty's, Incident at Chinese Massacre Cove and many others only further illustrate the wild, dangerous atmosphere in the history of Oregon and the men who would stop at nothing to achieve whatever they set out to accomplish. Their daring escapades and fearless attitudes made for an exciting time in Oregon history and a spell binding book for the reader as well.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the history of early times in the development of the United States as well as students of Oregon history. The chapters are superbly written with descriptive language and easy to follow storylines and the pictures accompanying each story only further implement within the reader, the realism of this part of Oregon 's history and the people who molded the area into what it is today.

As "Outlaw Tales of Oregon" is written in an easy to read and understand style, this book would easily appeal to all ages from young teens through adult readers. It would be a fantastic addition to any history buffs' library and would be a welcome addition in any classroom as well. In short, this book is written in such a way that it easily attracts readers of all ages and interests. It is a book that is well worth the price and one that would be appreciated by any reader on your gift list.

Outstanding Oregon Recipes features recipes which use foods from the fields, waters, orchards, and fertile valleys of Oregon. One of the most topographically diverse states, its bounty of produce is equally diverse.

Snow-capped mountains, deserts, fertile valleys, waterfalls, canyons, volcanoes, and rivers make up Oregon's spectacular beauty. More than just a feast for the eyes, the wines are world class, seafood is abundant, Oregon fruits are famous, and the dairy products are delectable. Some of the specialties featured in Outstanding Oregon Recipes are: hazelnuts, blueberries, apples, raspberries, pears, cranberries, peaches, cheeses, poultry, beef, lamb, fish, seafood, mushrooms, and more-consider "Sage Grilled Halibut with Nectarine Sauce," "Mushroom Vegetable Egg Delight," "Cheddar Apple Dandy." The full-color cover features a picture of Mount Hood by Ray Atkeson. Line art by Diane Heusinkveld is throughout the book. Famous sites and attractions of Oregon are highlighted in a 12-page section.

Daniela Sipkova Mahoney, the compiler, was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia. She now lives in Portland with her husband, Patrick Mahoney, and two children. Her hobby of Ukrainian egg decorating and her interest in folk crafts has developed into a business presenting workshops around the state and throughout the U.S. She has worked as a tour guide and especially promotes the scenic, artistic, and culinary beauty of Oregon.

Outstanding Oregon Recipes is one of a series of regional and state titles in the "Stocking Stuffer" format published by Penfield Press.

I read this book with considerable interest, not only in the Oregon Trail interest, but because this book was written by a young man who was 16 years old at the time of their blazing the Oregon Trail and who happened to be the son of David T. Lenox, my great great grandfather. I remember my grandmother telling stories of this historical time and their truth was verified after reading the book. It's amazing the use of the English language (or should I say lack of it) was especially of interest to me. Thank you.

Just returned from an extended camping and hiking trip in Washington and Oregon. This book was GREAT. We used it every day to find where to stay and what to expect, and to chose our evening domiciles. We found it to be totally accurate and fun to read too. Nice one. I plan to get the other Stienstra camping guides too now that I know the quality of the info.

The book is valuable and understandable. I am doing research in preparation to a move to the west coast of Oregon. Professor Komar takes a complicated issue and makes it understandable for a lay person. He is clear about what level of evidence exists for various subjects and is clear when expressing his opinion. The book very much answered just about all the questions I had.

This is the best detailed refrence of the history of settlement in the last frontier. The architectural and cultural historical value is unprecidented. The detail oriented Jusuites have left a first rate journal. A rare find indeed.

McLagan's book is out of print now. And no wonder, it addresses a small audience. In spite of that, "A Peculiar Paradise" is a book that every Oregonian should read and should be included in every school library.

As an immigrant to Oregon in 1982 from an integrated neighborhood in Michigan, the first thing I noticed on arriving was what seemed to be the "whitest" state I'd ever seen. In the city of Medford where we lived for 5 years before coming to Portland, I'm sure there were no more than 5 black people in 40,000 during those first years.

If you want to understand why, start by reading this book. Then go to the Library and dig into the Oregon Historical Quarterlies from the turn of the century. It will confirm what McLagan shows: that Oregon almost entered statehood as a Confederate member. Perhaps all that saved it from that was the fear of it's original southern pioneer settlers that a move to slave-holding would jeapordize their ability to compete economically (they had left the South for that reason). Additionally, in the 1920's there were as many as 250 thousand Klan members in the state and at one point even a Klan governor was elected. Well into the century, laws excluded blacks from owning land or even technically living in the state.

McLagan presents a view of Oregon history seldom seen. If you cannot find a used copy, be sure to check this one out at the public library.

This book is fantastic. The depth of detail and fantastic photos are excellent. Highly recommend for anyone with an interest in this area.

It is now fall of 1848 when Joshua starts his second journal. Now Joshua and his family which consists of his Pa,Ma,Grandpa, sister, aunt, uncle, and cousin, Charlie, have all arrived in the Willamette Valley safely. As new challenges arise in this new, unchartered wilderness, Joshua must face many new challenges and experience numerous adventures. As the numerous days of rain brings massive flooding, the one family dream, that they would have a home by Christmas, seems diminished to bits, just like their old tents were diminished by the floods. Can Joshua work up some Christmas magic so that his whole family, including his expecting mother, can have a Christmas home? The continuation of Joshua's story was another good edition to My America. I think I liked it even better than the first one. Joshua's spirit truly shines through.