North America Books

Duncan is best at his research and then going out and finding people to interview for his topics. He doesn't leave anyone out, from 80-year-old homesteaders who refuse electricity or running water, to polygamists, questionable cattle rustlers to religiuous survivalists in New Mexico. He put his heart and soul into this book, and the chapters read easily, going from writing about the history of the places to the current people in the towns along the way.

His descriptions of the surroundings, the descriptions of the people he stays with for his interviews make this book a worthwhile read for lovers of the old Frontier. Although slightly dated now (references are from 1990) there is no doubt that many of the facts still remain; there are still many void regions of the West where few people dare to plant roots.

This book is comparable to Jon Raban's "Bad Lands" of eastern Montana, another good book on how the West was settled. Both were written in the late 1980s/early 1990s. How much of the information is still valid? Duncan toured every county in the US that had less than two people per square mile. Out in West Texas, New Mexico or Montana, that is still a lot of land.

You thought the American frontier had disappeared? Well, Dayton Duncan spent a couple of years visiting those American counties that still meet the definition of frontier -- less than two people per square mile.

In Miles From Nowhere, Duncan sheds light on what it means to live alone, really alone, no neighbors in sight or in small communities where there is no "next town over." There are quite a few counties in the mid-west and far west that meet the Census Bureau definition and the author provides an excellent sampling of what makes people stay or in some case move here.

The place stories are sometimes fascinating and also interesting. One area of Nevada was the fallout zone for early nuclear tests -- chosen because it was almost empty. Duncan explores some of the people who lived under where the white ash fell and explores their continuing health problems as well as their exasperation with an unresponsive government.

In Montana, there are still one-room schools where teachers live in trailers at the school site and teach one to ten kids from an attendance area measured in the hundreds or thousands of square miles. There are people in the mountains of Washington and Oregon who pack their cars with a week's worth of provisions in case they break down because that's how long it could take someone else to happen upon their stalled vehicle. And in Love County Texas, a county with under 1,000 people, the local elections are decided by feuds and family grudges that separate people into warring camps for elected offices which hold no real power and have no real money to spend.

I found a peak into these lives and stories fascinating and couldn't put the book down. Duncan has a way of getting these folks to open up and treats them matter-of-factly in a manner which allows the stories to speak for themselves.

This is a very interesting book that opens up a part of America that almost all of the rest of us will only ever drive through while considering it empty. Its not all empty, in valleys and nooks and up miles of dirt trails and in other hide-a-ways live some of us who are Miles From Nowhere and live a life the rest of us would have a difficult time enduring.

Here Dayton Duncan takes us on a fascinating tour of counties in several Western states that have fewer than two people per square mile - under which communities are considered "virtually uninhabited," at least in terms of standard sociological expectations. In addition to descriptions of jaw-dropping emptiness that people from more populated areas would find either uplifting or terrifying, Duncan provides many engaging stories of the real people toughing it out in these areas in which few are hardy enough to live. Examples are fractured politics among the Navajo in Utah; victims of nuclear testing in Central Nevada; an elderly woman living alone in Montana without modern conveniences dozens of miles form the nearest road; and the compelling story of the last few Seminole Negroes - descended from escaped slaves who mixed with Florida Indians and eventually ended up in West Texas. Included are great examinations of the cyclical boom-and-bust economics and strange politics confronting these lonely places, as they are alternately overlooked, romanticized, dumped on, and fought over by know-it-alls from far away. (On the other hand, Duncan also examines the irony in how such people often despise government interference, even though their existence would likely be impossible without Federal subsidies.) Duncan shows that these under-populated regions are still home to hardy and interesting people who continue to fulfill the American ideal of breaking off from the rat race and making it on one's own. [~doomsdayer520~]

In "Miles from Nowhere," Dayton Duncan travels to all the least populated counties in the continental United States--the frontiers--just about all of which happen to be in the West.
He explains that the definition of "frontier" has to do with how many people live within one square mile, and then he commences to visit all the loneliest, most offbeat, most middle of nowhere spots in the entire country.
What he finds, he writes about in flowing, clear prose, and he does a good job understanding and explaining the lives and lifestyles of the people he meets.
This is the kind of book that makes you pack your bags. It could be dangerous. It could make you load your wife into a car and head out to a mice-infested trailer on some tired patch of Arizona soil where cows block your driveway, your water comes from a windmill, and your nearest neighbor is a gun-toting survivalist who homeschools his kids.
I know it can happen. See my profile for evidence.
The book is worth it alone for its portrait of Alex Joseph, his many wives, and the polygamous citizens of Big Water, Utah. Their group is a subject worthy of whole books, but this is one of the few printed references on them, and Alex Joseph's son told me himself that they consider this book to be almost completely accurate. They like it too.

I read this book several years ago, and it still crosses my mind often. Dayton Duncan is a wonderful author, and you immediately are in the vehicle with him, sitting right along side him and experiencing all the highs and lows of this trip in 3-D. Soon after I read this book, I sought out and read everything else he'd written by then, each of which was a joy to read. If you enjoy road trip books and learning something about the nature of we Americans, you'll not go wrong by reading this book. I've read most other contemporary American road travel books, and this certainly ranks at the very top (along with Bill Bryson's "The Lost Continent"). Get both books, you'll have traveled the length and breath of the country by the time you've finished andyou'll have met some very interesting, fun companions along the way.

In planning Native American Stand for a day camp...this book is awesome. Has wonderful games, crafts, foods etc and it breaks it down into which tribe was known for each...very educational and a wonderful resource.

This is the best, most extensive book on Native American crafts for children I have ever seen. Teachers doing a unit on Native Americans will find this book a tremendous resource for creating all kinds of not authentic, but good semblances of Native American crafts. Using mostly ordinary materials, there's enough here that you can create a classroom museum and invite others to see it. In your display you can have: miniature teepees and wigwams, an "adobe" house, pottery, "bark" boxes (made of brown paper), chamois and bead pouch, coup stick, breechcloth, leggings, grass anklets (made of yarn), warbonnet, headband, breastplate, and much more. These clothing items can also be used in a play or other enactment. In addition, there are some interesting recipes, including: corn soup, steamed clover, fried squash blossoms, roasted pumpkin seeds, and other more familiar foods.

I am a K teacher and I found this book a great resource for my Native American unit. It has so many activities for that could be used at any grade level! I learned many new things and loved that the children were making and learning about actual Native American games, garb and food. They loved it!

This was the most valuable toolwe found to help my 3rd grader make her diarama herself. The directions are clear and simple, she was able to build evereything herself. A MOst, Great!

More than Moccasins is this homeschooler's dream come true. Homeschooling a six year old, who is also a very hands-on learner, this book fits the bill. Each section, from Indian dwellings to pottery to traditional games, has activities that are fun and EASY TO DO! Very general household items can be turned into bakeable clay for pottery, teepees, etc. So many books with crafts require tedious materials that are difficult or cumbersome to obtain. Plus each section has a bit of information and history on that particular area of Native American culture ~ short enough for the younger set but detailed enough to provide accurate historical information to go along with the project. There are MORE activities, games, crafts and recipes than you could ever do in an entire unit. This is a book I will return to over and over. GREAT JOB!

I interviewed Jacqueline Duheme when she was promoting this exquisite book, and one thing remains in my mind that she said about "The Grand Dame, Jacqueline" - that she could have been a painting woman!!!

As an ardent admirer of Mrs. Kennedy for the past 40 years, I have read every book on her that I could get my hands on. "Mrs. Kennedy Goes Abroad" is a refreshing change from the repetitive narratives and recycled photos that are the mainstay of so many other books about her life. Ms. Duheme's illustrations are elegant and sumptuous but also embrace a childlike purity and simplicity which capture the essence of Mrs. Kennedy's persona and mystique. The commentary has the simple charm of a beautifully written children's book. It is obvious why Mrs. Kennedy chose Ms. Duheme to accompany her on her more memorable trips abroad as First Lady. A truly enchanting book.

Mrs. Kennedy Goes Abroad is an adorable little book filled with colorful Fauvist-like illustrations. Anyone who likes Laura Stoddart's simple-chic illustrations for Kate Spade will probably enjoy it. Fans of the recent exhibition at the Met that highlighted Jackie's White House clothes may appreciate it too. The commentary is kept to a minimum and black and white photos from Mrs. Kennedy's travels are included, but the focus is on French artist Duheme's amusing miniature paintings that capture Jackie in all those great pink sleeveless dresses and crisp suits in Paris, India, London and Italy.

As a side note: Duheme and Jacqueline Kennedy became friends who shared similar painting styles, and Duheme was invited to Cape Cod to give the First Lady an art lesson.

This book has wonderful pictures that captures the "facts" from actual photographs and transforms them into scenes of "fantasy". I really enjoyed the background information that accompanies each picture. A real treat of Jackie fans.

"Mrs. Kennedy Goes Abroad" is a beautiful book. The illustrations are lovely to look at, and the book is fun to read. A good choice for anyone to add to their library; especially recommended for those interested in the Kennedys and Jackie in particular. Evokes the fun mood of Jackie's scrapbook written with her sister Lee, "One Special Summer".

if you know a child or adult who needs a good fun laugh and has the imagination to enjoy this child/adult book then don't hesitate to get it. i received it just before new years day and had a good laugh to blow 2007 blues away completely. know someone in hospital who is allowed to laugh --- best gift ever. my father would have enjoyed this book during his hospital stay. i intend to share it with him shortly and he's 84.

Excellent Book. Fun Read. We loved the Edge Chronicles - this is just as good.

My granddaughter and I share a love for these books and enjoy reading them and then talking about them. Great book!

Muddle Earth is a great humourous book, which will make you laughing in a min.
Joe is a normal school kid on Earth, that is until he gets sucked up to Muddle Earth with his dog, Henry by a Wizard Randalf that only knows half a spell and who turns him to a warrior hero. The other thing is, he can't go home! He's stuck with Veronica, a sarcastic talking budgie, the clueless Wizard Randalf, and Norbert the Not-so-big, a troll, who's obsessed with baking, and icing sugar.
Soon he finds out that the thing about Mudddle Earth, is that it's really muddled! There's cutlery stampedes, talking trees, and babbling brooks.
AND He's expected to fight dragons, defeat trolls, and Stop Dr. Cuddles from taking over Muddle Earth!
This was a really great book, with a humourous plot, and with even more funnier characters! 5 stars just isn't enough for this book!

I thought that this book was great. From the very beginning it hooks you. I picked up muddle earth because a friend of mine was reading it. It has a great plot that is entwined throughout the whole book, you're always wondering how the silverware fit in. I highly recommend this book. Don't drink anything when you're reading this book, I guaruntee it will come out your nose.

This book is amazing. It saved my relation with my children. I have two teenagers and one pre teen. I had lots of problems with them. A friend of mine gave me this book almost three years ago as a gift. I read it more than once and started using the tips to treat my children. It worked like a charm. I'm really thankful to my friend and those authors. I recommend this book for any parents who have teens. As a matter of fact you don't have to wait till you have teens to read this book. It provides you with great advices to use with your young children to avoid future problems

In the well chosen title and subtitle for their book,the Beshirs' have succinctly encapsulated the essence of their message to parents and their teenage children.Whilst the focus of the book is Muslim Teenagers -the principles of parenting which the authors clearly delineate have relevance for all parents and teenagers.Yes ,the teenager is paradoxically the source of much concern and at the same time represents the hope for the future.It is this dichotomy that the Beshirs with their characteristic clarity and pragmatic approach help us to understand the teenagers life-world-a world charecterised by conflicting values,of tremendous peer -pressure and a world in which these young adults have to live in,undrestand and to establish a solid foundation on which to build the society of the future.This book makes for compelling reading because it is intelligible,practical and it is not esoteric or theoretical.It tackles real concerns and fears.The overriding message one gets is that with wisdom,compassion and meaningful intervention ,parents can effect positive behavioural changes.
Following on their very succesful book Meeting the Challenge of Parenting in the West;an Islamic Perspective,the Beshirs contextualise the situation for parents and children by emphasizing the need to understand teenagers and the bewildering changes that take place during this phase,and their socio-cultural environment which is often diametrically opposed to the values and norms of religion.The six practical signposts offered in their Road Map clearly point out steps that all concerned parents can follow on the journey leading their teenagers to responsible adulthood.We are shown how to nurture and develop a strong personality in our youth and how to transform them from passive apologists to confident young men and women who willingly and joyfully are convinced about their way of life.The principles derived from Koran and Sunnah underpin the practical advice and guidance offered.
As in their previous book,I found that the typical case studies very aptly illustrate the dilemma that confronts parents and their teenage children.How to analyse a situation,how to evaluate the options and how to arrive at acceptable solutions present the reader with many valuable insights.For me personally ,the 'cherry on the top' is always the contribution of the Beshirs' own daughters.In relating their personal experiences,they provide a refreshingly authentic perspective on thr pressures that confont them and the manner in which their parents'meaningful intervention has helped them to make the right choice.Here then is positive proof that even in this day and age ,it is possible to raise Muslim teens who despite being today's concern are yet tomorrow's hope.
Finally,this book is a must for parents and teenagers alike.

In the well chosen title and subtitle for their book,the Beshirs' have succinctly encapsulated the essence of their message to parents and their teenage children.Whilst the focus of the book is Muslim Teenagers -the principles of parenting which the authors clearly delineate have relevance for all parents and teenagers.Yes ,the teenager is paradoxically the source of much concern and at the same time represents the hope for the future.It is this dichotomy that the Beshirs with their characteristic clarity and pragmatic approach help us to understand the teenagers life-world-a world charecterised by conflicting values,of tremendous peer -pressure and a world in which these young adults have to live in,undrestand and to establish a solid foundation on which to build the society of the future.This book makes for compelling reading because it is intelligible,practical and it is not esoteric or theoretical.It tackles real concerns and fears.The overriding message one gets is that with wisdom,compassion and meaningful intervention ,parents can effect positive behavioural changes.
Following on their very succesful book Meeting the Challenge of Parenting in the West;an Islamic Perspective,the Beshirs contextualise the situation for parents and children by emphasizing the need to understand teenagers and the bewildering changes that take place during this phase,and their socio-cultural environment which is often diametrically opposed to the values and norms of religion.The six practical signposts offered in their Road Map clearly point out steps that all concerned parents can follow on the journey leading their teenagers to responsible adulthood.We are shown how to nurture and develop a strong personality in our youth and how to transform them from passive apologists to confident young men and women who willingly and joyfully are convinced about their way of life.The principles derived from Koran and Sunnah underpin the practical advice and guidance offered.
As in their previous book,I found that the typical case studies very aptly illustrate the dilemma that confronts parents and their teenage children.How to analyse a situation,how to evaluate the options and how to arrive at acceptable solutions present the reader with many valuable insights.For me personally ,the 'cherry on the top' is always the contribution of the Beshirs' own daughters.In relating their personal experiences,they provide a refreshingly authentic perspective on thr pressures that confont them and the manner in which their parents'meaningful intervention has helped them to make the right choice.Here then is positive proof that even in this day and age ,it is possible to raise Muslim teens who despite being today's concern are yet tomorrow's hope.
Finally,this book is a must for parents and teenagers alike.

This book is an excellent guide for helping parents raise their teens in today's society.
I found that the book highlights many of the family values and principles that are missing from our modern society. The information in the book is complemented with input from professionals in various fields on the psychological, physical, and spiritual aspects of growing up as a teen.
I enjoyed very much reading the case studies and practical examples; I thought they were very informative and helpfull in highlighting solutions and recommendations to many issues.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has young children or teens, whether they are Muslims or non-Muslims.

I really enjoyed reading this book for many reasons. It was comprehensive and practical, covering many of the real-life issues we may face raising teenagers today. It was also simple and easy to follow, while still educating me on some issues that are quite valuable, such as the physical, psychological, spiritual and emotional changes that teenagers go through.

The one thing that I liked the most about this book is the case studies, because they gave me the chance to see the application instead of just the theory, and they really helped me bring to home all the issues discussed in the book.

As both an instructor of adult learners and one of the interviewees in the work (who faced many stereotypical situations growing up in New Jersey...there are Cherokees in New Jersey?!! Amazing!), I can say that a book like this should be mandatory in the school systems of America. Without it, teachers proliferate the same unintentional prejudices they have, and kids receive that and pass it on as adults.

The book was clearly laid out, with seemingly much thought into how the information could be displayed in an informative and easy to understand fashion. As an educator, I rely on such layouts to make classes easier to design, and I appreciate the work the authors did in making my job of teaching adults how to teach to diverse groups a little easier.

To Yvonne and Arlene... wado! (thanks in Cherokee)

Donada!

As a teacher concerned with intercultural realations, I was so excited to find a book that would finally tell the truth about Indians. They exist today and are involved in all kinds of things from Tai Chi to engineering. As a social studies teacher, I am relieved to finally have a book that gives an accurate picture of Indians with easy activities that I can use with any age. Although this book is a teaching guide, grades 4 - 8, it can be used with all ages and in a variety of subjects from sports to science to career exploration to current events. Not only does this book celebrate Indian culture, but it compares similiarities with other groups, finding the strength in all.

There are web sites, resources on books, films, curriculum units in the appendices and at the end of each chapter. All of the chapter titles are interesting and witty like "Where We Live" which includes a brief history of how Indians were moved about and map exercises on identifying where Indians live today. Another chapter is "Paying the Bills" which has photos and mini-biographies on Indians in a variety of professions and activities on tribal businesses. Students can learn what is offensive to Indian people and what problems confront them today in "The STruggle Continues." Art projects, writing projects and even games for the classroom are all in here! This is a fantastic book! Every classroom needs it!

I am a Cherokee New Yorker (Nuyagi Tsalagi) who volunteered for ten years working with the Native American Education Program for New York City as a member of the Parent's Committee. It was during this time that I met Yvonne Beamer and the other dedicated men and women who worked so hard to identify and help Native American children in the city. It was humbling to understand that every time we identified a new child for our program we found a damaged child, one who had been hurt by the mistaken stereotypes perpetuated in the larger population of the city. A large part of our struggle as an institution was to get appropriate information in the hands of teachers so they could be accurate and informative when they augmented their lessons with Native American materials. After too long, Yvonne and Arlene Hirschfelder have put together a book with many activities and resources for teachers grade 4-8 to use in their classrooms. The material is appropriate sociologically and pedagogically and fills a gaping void for teachers. It was always our experience that once we talked to teachers and showed them materials to use in their classrooms all their students become better, not simply the Native Americans in their midst. There is a deep hunger for accurate, relevant information about Native Americans in the youth of today. This book is a giant first step at feeding that hunger.

Native Americans Today is a sensitive comprehensive and imaginative education activity book that helps teachers and students dispel stereotypes and explore diverse realities of modern Native Americans. This book works nicely with multi-cultural studies and Native American studies for middleschoolers. Lessons are divided into 8 chapters/categories: Ground Rules, Where We Live, Growing Up, Growing Old, å Day In the Life, Communications, Arts (Walk In Beauty), Economics, and The Struggle Continues. Each lesson is carefully organized and clearly presented with grade level materials, time, objectives, activities, and enrichment/extensions plus reading and resources. The lessons on Native American terminology and stereotyping are particularly good. Field trips to the community and crafts and research projects flesh out the classroom discussion exercises. Students learn to define respect as well as racism. One of my favorite sections is the chapter on Indians in Careers/employment under Paying the Bills/Economics. There are 32 biographical sketches of Native American individuals and their employment along with black and white photos. Careers range from teaching/research, social work, casino poker dealer, computer instructor, and bank president to massage therapist, aeronautical engineer, repatriation director and osteopathic physician. The objective is that students will learn Native Americans are employed in many vocations and locations,become familiar with credentials required for certain careers, and use mapping skills. Another interesting lesson is Burial Ground Desecration and Repatriation. Students read "No Peace For Indian Burial Grounds" and discuss related issues. An energetic approach encompasses many ideas and stimulates the students. Also useful are the appendices on web sites, Native News Radio Stations, and other resources. As a teaching guide and multicultural studies resource, Native Americans Today is a rich resource, carefully and authentically created. But it is more than just effective. It is a clear labor of love.

Nancy Lorraine Reviewer

As a teacher concerned with intercultural realations, I was so excited to find a book that would finally tell the truth about Indians. They exist today and are involved in all kinds of things from Tai Chi to engineering. As a social studies teacher, I am relieved to finally have a book that gives an accurate picture of Indians with easy activities that I can use with any age. Although this book is a teaching guide, grades 4 - 8, it can be used with all ages and in a variety of subjects from sports to science to career exploration to current events. Not only does this book celebrate Indian culture, but it compares similiarities with other groups, finding the strength in all.

There are web sites, resources on books, films, curriculum units in the appendices and at the end of each chapter. All of the chapter titles are interesting and witty like "Where We Live" which includes a brief history of how Indians were moved about and map exercises on identifying where Indians live today. Another chapter is "Paying the Bills" which has photos and mini-biographies on Indians in a variety of professions and activities on tribal businesses. Students can learn what is offensive to Indian people and what problems confront them today in "The STruggle Continues." Art projects, writing projects and even games for the classroom are all in here! This is a fantastic book! Every classroom needs it!

"Neighbors" is a book I read after living around, and learning the places and people of New Mexico. "Neighbors" does something neat. It transports you to the dirt roads, the yards, the homes of people living simple, straighforward yet spiritual lives in the Southwest. Not unlike "Shiloh", her latest work, Woodruff succeeds with her invitation for you to visit and learn from her story. And a great story "Neighbors" is... Intelligent, entertaining... I like Woodruff's work because it is extremely true to the Southwest - and the people who could possibly be your "Neighbors".

A hilarious and heartfelt detour through New Mexico's hinterlands. Its portrayal of the protagonist's pueblo neighbors leaves more stereotyped "colorful native characters" whimpering in the dust.

Joan Leslie Woodruff writes with a voice that warms the heart and makes the reader smile. I couldn't put this book down. The characters are quirky and entertaining and the story held me in its grip from page one.

Joan Leslie Woodruff is one of the most refreshing, original voices in current American fiction. Her books rank well in the company of such writers as Barbara Kingsolver and Amy Tan. "Neighbors" is a quirky story, humorous yet spiritually deep. The Native American sensibilities are authentic, derived from the writer's ancestry and her experiences in New Mexico. The heroine, Dana Whitehawk, moves from Los Angeles to New Mexico, where she discovers that some of her 'neighbors' are not ordinary folks. The beauty of Woodruff's tale is in the language. She explores the boundary between magic and reality, leaving readers to make up their own minds about some of the book's questions. Both comparatively short and generally upbeat, "Neighbors" is a good read for someone with a tight schedule who would like a "feel good" book. If you like this one, try "The Shiloh Renewal" -- it's topically different, but told with similar skill.

Neighbors, an enchanting book about a woman from California who moves to New Mexico, captured my interest from the outset.. Her adventures take the reader into realms of the psyche and ancient times which sparkle with contemporary dialogue and surprises on nearly every page.The author's handling of the characters in the wonderful New Mexican landscape color the scenes with easily imaginable situations even when you are not sure if you are in present time.

I gave this book to my husband. He is a rangeland management major and he is in love with the book. I do not know anything about plants, but he seems to love it and find it extremely useful. Compare to the expensive "weeds of the west" this book is relatively cheap for the amount of plants it has.

As a Range Conservationist in WA State a great book for all range mgrs, range techs., however, I was surprised to see Thurber needlegrass taken out of the most recent issue.

This is a great reference book for North American Range plants. It includes a detailed description of each plant along with sketchs and a maps to show distribution. Grasses, forbs and shrubs are included. This book also closely follows the lists for university range plant identification team contests. An excellent reference or study book for North American plants.

This book contains 200 of the most common range plants in North America. Each entry contains a detailed illustration, range maps, scientific and common names, complete written description, growth habit, origin, livestock value, and medicinal uses of the plant. I found the illustrations to be the best I've ever seen, especially the detail included in the grass spikelets. This is an excellent reference for anyone trying to familiarize themselves with common range plants.

North American Range Plants is a great book for any beginer, taxonomy student, layman, and expert alike. It is easy for the novice, because it's not in a key format, which may disappoint some more serious plant collectors. It contains 200 of the most common, and important plants found in the United States, Canada and Mexico. I have had this book for sometime now, and it has become an invaluable resource in my studies at Texas A&M University, where I have come to know one of the co-authors, Stephan Hatch. He has an unparralled knowledge of plants and a dedication like no other to put forth a good product, so i know from experience that this book was written by folks who are the top in their field of study. Being from Texas, i have worked internships in the plains of central North Dakota and the desert "outback" of eastern Oregon and have found the book to most useful, oftentimes referring to it before trying to "key out" a plant in a more technical publication. It just doesn't get any better than this.

For somebody who appreciates exceptionally fine photography and writing that is definitely a cut above today's standard, I highly recommend Pacific in My Soul. Seldom does a "picture book" do it for me, but this is an exception. Having acquired my first copy as a gift, I've now found it an excellent way to communicate that majesty we here on the Northwest Coast are lucky enough to call "home". I've not yet read any of Anne Chadwick's other work, but am looking forward to doing so. Her descriptions are accurate, vivid and most of all, readable. She is an author who knows both her subject, and has a way of delighting her readers with the simplicity and the depth of her understanding of nature captured in both word and photography.

Looking at the pictures in this book took my breath away! The photography is so wonderful, I felt as if I could reach into the pictures and feel the water. I would love to have many of these framed in my house. I loved how Ms. Chadwick used her personal experiences in the book to tell me how she took them. She gave information about the animals and locations in such and easy to read and relateable way. A lovely book to keep around!

I picked this up while I was on vacation up at Sea Ranch this August. I love finding local books. I've been going to Sea Ranch for the past 5 years or so and this book is like bringing a little bit of that life home with us. I have read it and loved it, but leave it out on the coffee table, where just a glance is like a whiff of ocean breeze that calms my soul and soothes me.

Pacific in My Soul by Anne Chadwick is a remarkable effort. From the gray whales of San Ignacio Bay in Baja to the brown bears of Katmai in Alaska, the book examines the Pacific coast from a naturalist's keen and insightful perspective. It's a surprisingly big view of a big place in a compact 96-page package. More than 40 illustrated essays cover fauna (seals, otters, sea lions, whales, raccoons, deer, bear, elk, eagles, cormorants, swans, butterflies); flora (azaleas, rhododendrons, lilies, amanita); phenomena (waves, storms, fog, moon); and moods (sunrises, solitude, morning dew, sunsets). The writing is engaging, entertaining, and enlightening. The style is crisp, fresh, and lyrical. The voice is contemplative and reverent, and not a bit shrill or strident. The photography is stunning. Pacific in My Soul is practically a clinic in combining the visual with the verbal to evoke a powerful sense of place. Highly recommended.

Whether you have been there and want to reminisce or just want to understand the draw of the northern Pacific coast you will enjoy the beautiful photography and personal narrative of Pacific in My Soul. Pelicans, elephant seals, egrets, waves, sea otters, solitude, rhododendrons, herons, tidal pools, gray whales, redwoods, raccoons, ospreys, wildflowers, fog (beautiful picture), sea lions, lily, orcas, butterflies, elk, bald eagles, sunsets and other subjects are addressed in the book. Written as a personal sharing of the author's favorite things about the Pacific Northwest, it is both a beautiful and intimate work. Pacific in My Soul is highly recommended for nature enthusiasts of all kinds.

About the only objection I could have for this book was there wasn't enough of it.
But in reality, this is a very good and useful overview of an ancient and still-vibrant American Church movement. Origins are explained well, if not in too much detail, and the various ceremonies themselves are outlined with accuracy.

And then there is the art and the artifacts. Some fine examples of Peyote Visual Arts are featured like the sacred implements used by the Road-Man and his helpers as well as the personal items, fans, gourd rattles and cedar storage boxes.
There are great pictures of silverwork, altar cloths, hide and ledger-book paintings, and sacred staffs from differing fireplaces.

Probably what I like most about this book, is the respectful and dignified approach to the subject itself. Even the title expresses respect.
The institution of the Native American Church has been controversial throughout it's whole history, but Daniel Swan assumes the topic from the standpoint of what it is to the people who attend and worship: the Art of an ancient American religion, and it's symbols of Faith and Belief.

"Peyote Religious Art" has been selected for listing in "Religion and Psychoactive Sacraments: An Entheogen Chrestomathy."

Not only a wonderful book for the uninitiated, but a lovely work for those familiar not only with the NAC but also those featured in the book. Daniel Swan presents a well-written and enjoyable read on the topic.

The artistic traditions associated with the Native American Church are amazingly diverse and dynamic. Long neglected by scholars, Peyote Religious Art is now the definitive examination of this rich artistic field. While Peyotism is often misunderstood by both its detractors and its admirers, this clear and factual book is the result of Swan's long-term friendships with artists and other members of the church. It is beautifully written and wonderfully illustrated in color.

I am truely taken by this book. As a fan of Native American artwork, I found this book not only informative regarding the struggle for religios freedom taking place in our nations heartland, but the images to go with it were incredable. A must read for any one interested in current Native American affairs, Native American religious history, or Native American traditional artwork.