Canada Books

The answer to the question sophisticatedly raised by this little anthology, is given in the essay which opens the collection.The basic reason lies in forming a personal scale of values that help you individualize the real artistic elements in new works. The second one is that reading increases the quality of living in usual and unusual situations, as well. But the quality of school anthologies and their presentations is still an open problem.

What makes a book a clasic? Borges once said in a conference, that the fact that a whole generation lives with the idea of a book makes it a classic, Calvino involve you in that idea..

An inspirational collection from an excellent essayist. Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in literature.

This is probably the best organized and informative kayaking/travel book I own. The large area maps are coupled with more detailed local maps to provide enough context and continuity. I am travelling to the Clayoqot area for several days of solo paddling, and this book provided ample helpful information.

A very useful book, and I'll consider the others in the series, now.

One minor quibble is that the book is color coded (which is good), but the matching "breakout" trip descriptions are printed in colors to match the section. Yellow-on-white is nearly impossible to read.

While I haven't yet used this book in the field, I have found it to be really good for planning my upcoming trip. It has lots of the right kind of information to help better anticipate what to expect and how to be prepared. The organization is great as are the illustrations/graphics, and I can say this having written a guidebook of my own (Paddling Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks). I look forward to the east coast edition coming out this summer.

this book is well written and researched and really made me want to change my up coming plan for day trips on the west coastof VI by kayak and instead spend a week doing so..camping along the way -

oh well next trip -

very handy book for planning such an excursion

Now in paperback for the first time, Wild Orchids Across North America: A Botanical Travelogue is offers detailed information concerning orchid biology, ecology, history, and conservation for nature lovers and gardeners alike. Full-color photographs throughout reveal the beauty of these wonderful flowers, making Wild Orchids Across North America a stunning visual treasury as well as a repository of information on all things orchid. The emotion that author and North American Native Orchid Alliance founding member Philip E. Keenan has for these captivating blossoms shows through in his exquisite attention to detail. Highly recommended especially for orchid lovers.

Memoirs and travelogues have long been a popular vehicle for sharing personal experiences on a wide variety of subjects. Most natural history tomes of this type are very general and have little specific information to generate vivid images for the reader. Not so with Philip Keenan's assemblage of more than two decades of traveling throughout most of North America in search of many of the wild orchids of that continent.

Keenan's descriptive prose is a fitting complement for his brilliant full-color images of wild orchids taken in situ from coast to coast. Having accompanied him on many of these forays I can say that each vignette or anecdote brings me back to the day of discovery! For those who have not been there, his photographs will give you a taste of what can be waiting for you.

Both the very rare and the frequent and familiar are treated with the same reverence and respect. For those who have lived in the Northeast the wide-spread pink lady's-slipper is still be to admired as much as the rapidly decreasing fairy-slipper. Keenan takes us to such diverse places as Newfoundland, Alaska (and its breathtaking Kodiak Island), the pinelands of New Jersey, and the open savannas of southeastern North Carolina. A few days in the 'sky islands' of southeastern Arizona yield several sought-after species. Although not a rabid 'life-lister' as are so many in various natural history fields, Keenan appreciates each new species and joins many of us in completing the study of all species within a genus.

This volume is both an excellent addition to the native orchidist's library or a perfect gift for anyone who appreciates nature. I can think of no other book on native orchids, or wildflowers in general, that would be as ideal as a first volume to intrigue and infect someone with an appreciation for the natural world around them. PMB

I have had the rare satisfaction of experiencing a manuscript about orchids that would be the envy of any writer on any subject, and a pictoral feast that certainly would put Keenan right up there as the Ansel Adams of orchids when it comes to photography.And somewhere up there Rachel Carson must be smiling down and thinking ,"Well done Mr. Keenan", for, like Carson, Keenan has great concern for our voyage through time on our spaceship earth and, in a most disarming manner, alerts us to our ecological responsibilities without being overbearing about it.This is not just about orchids - it's about life.

Lois Donovan has done a fantastic job of creating totally believable characters and weaving an exciting storyline throughout present day and in 1755. The first part of the story develops the relationship of Sarah, a 16 year old who is sent to live with her grandparents for the summer, and Luke who seems to start the book out as Sarah's "albatross".

I could not put the book down as Sarah travelled back in to the time of the Acadians. Without giving away key elements of the story I will just say that there are a number of events that make the novel a compelling read and seem realistic enough to make you believe this is what actually happened. The story is historically accurate and vividly paints a picture of what it might have been like during life in 1755 and throughout the Deportation. Loose ends are nicely tied up and there is more than one surprise that will delight readers.

I hope there will be a sequel... I highly recommend reading Winds of L'Acadie!

An excellent book and a must read for young adults. You actually seem to experience what it might be like if one was transported back to 1755. The description of Acadian life is spectacular. I thought that the author delicately intertwines the historical aspects of the novel with the contemporary storyline. I felt that I learned a good deal about the destructive deportation and could empathize with the struggle of the Acadian people. The novel takes place at a pivotal and confrontational point in history. The British "Red Coats" were sent into Acadia to disperse the people and acquire their fertile and prised Acadian lands. The conflict that arises creates a dramatic story line that exemplifies the human struggle. Highly recommended!!!

This is a well written story about a sixteen year old girl, Sarah White, who is sent to live with her grandparents for the summer. There she meets up with Luke, a boy who seems to be inadvertently intent on making her life difficult. While developing the present day storyline the author adds a compelling adventure in 1755. This was a pivotal point in history - during the deportation of the Acadians by the British authorities. A Mi'kmaq quill box is used as the time travel device which cleverly entwines the converging storylines. The novel gives the reader a first hand look at what it would have been like to live as an Acadian in the 18th century. Both the story and characters demonstrate a satisfying sense of development throughout the novel. It is a great read and highly recommended!

Windshift chronicles growth of observant understanding. The narrator's friends prepare for events and practice without the competitive overpowering presence of boys. They learn to use their heads. They learn about voice---not just physical voice, but presence, the ability to stand up and deliver, to take risks. They learn ways to answer the frequent question: "So, young lady, what have you done today to justify your existence". And they know that every dream of violence is a warning.
It is a book of discovery.

I couldn't put it down. Rita Moir's descriptive and moving account of her life in rural Canada as a single woman made me feel as if I were accompanying her on this journey. She is a gifted writer with an ability to express her deepest emotions, yet maintain a vein of humor and logic. I look forward to reading more of her works.

The Windshift Line takes us on a single woman's journey into her fears, her identity, her relationship with family, death and loss. It portrays a loving and strong family, and the roles people play within the family. It speaks to the value of community, of the natural world, of the bond with animals and the openness to love and express joy.

It is beautifully written, lyrical.

An artist, John Denton becomes obsessed with the image of a beautiful red-haired woman, a dream woman whose portrait he finds himself painting over and over again. She haunts his dreams, sometimes inviting, sometimes threatening. When John takes a job in the Canadian wilderness, he discovers his dream woman in the flesh -- but all is not well. She's under the brutal spell of the ghost of a dad ancestor. And John is the target victim of that long dead malevolence. Recommended reading, Gabriel Sinclair's The Woman Of Shadow Creek is a deftly written novel that gripes the imagination and attention of the reader from first page to last.

This book is different from all of the books I have read. It is very well written and the authors style is great.

My name is Don Bell and I am using this account.
There is never a dull moment in the book. I enjoyed more than current bestsellers.

As good as 'The Joy of Cooking' is for cooks who love to cook; Esther Myer's book 'Yoga and You' is the same for Yoga Teachers. The book may not introduce you to anything specactularly new and different but this book is better written and more concise than most. It's a great reference - nothing is missing. I would definitely find a place for it in your library.

Esther Myers, building on her background in Iyengar Yoga, finds a balanced and integrated style through the teachings of Vanda Scaravelli (author of "Awakening the Spine"). This book balances the history and philosophy of yoga with postures, breathing and meditation. She also includes personal anecdotes from her life, including her battle with breast cancer. Esther's approach is down-to-earth and her descriptions of the postures are clear, including drawings or pictures for each. I find myself going back to this book over and over, as a yoga teacher, to take in her simply profound wisdom and insight into yoga. "Yoga and You" is both inspirational and practical and highly recommended to anyone who is either just starting out, or has been practising yoga for years. An incredibly beautiful picture of the author with her cat shows a truly gently natured woman whom you feel you want to get to know as you read her book.

This is an amazing book. Very practical yet inclusive & descriptive. The pictures are beautiful. I would HIGHLY recommend this book to both beginners & more experienced students of yoga.

Every time my husband and I plan a trip we check this little jewel and discover what exhibits are in vicinities we will be in. In fact, we have planned trips to go to particular exhibitions. Not only are exhibitions listed and clearly described but also accurate museum hours and telephone numbers are given. It is a must-have for us and a great gift for travelers.

This book has once again lead me to include the best exibits when planning my travels. It has helped me coordinate my travel plans with those of touring exhibits. Concise and worth trusting, this guide is a must for those who enjoy great art and love to travel.

The simple end to area code frustrations for me. No more wasted time. I have this map on my desk. It solves most problems with area code changes, splits, overlays. Paid for itself many, many times over already.

We now have one of these area code finders on every desk in our call-center, plus our sales office, our buying office and in the reception area. The ridiculous and time wasting area code frustrations are now gone - simple. And now when I call someone who's left a message on my voice-mail, I know where I'm calling and what time zone they're in. Time saved, hassle avoided, blood pressure reduced, etc.

CodeTracker tells me: a) where unknown callers are calling from (using table on back plus caller ID), and b) what time zone callers are situated in (useful when returning messages), and c) it takes the hassle out of splits, overlays, new codes and changes. The table on the back is quick and has all the changes explained clearly, and the maps are useful. Yes, you're right! I like it. I bought a pack and put one on every desk in the office. I reckon I got my money back on time saved within a couple of weeks.

I have used CodeTracker Area Code Maps for some years as a desk top reference. I receive many incoming calls and before I return voice mails I refer to the table on the reverse side to identify which time zone the caller resides in. I also find the map provides an easy way to keep up to date on the many area code changes each year. Now, every desk in my office is equiped with a CodeTracker. Good quality printing, laminated, indestructable, essential. Paid for itself many times over. Anyways, it's preserved my sanity!!