Nevada Books

Professor William M. Epstein of the School of Social Work, University of Nevada presents Psychotherapy as Religion: The Civil Divine in America, a studious yet sharply critical look at the flaws of America's modern system of psychotherapeutic treatment (drug therapy and psychopharmacology are not covered). Psychotherapy as Religion sharply denounces psychotherapy as failing to provide sufficient scientific credibility that it is helpful for treating depression, anxiety, eating disorders, juvenile violence, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other ills, picking apart the inaccuracies and lack of rigorous professional standards in studies that attempt to show positive benefits from psychotherapeutic practice. Psychotherapy as Religion goes on to demonstrate how psychodynamic psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy are all rooted in an American mythology that exalts "heroic individualism", placing responsibility squarely on the individual's shoulders and utterly ignoring contributing factors from society. Thus, perhaps the greatest harm done by the (according to Epstein) religious adherence to psychotherapy to the point of virtual worship is that it forestalls efforts to find social solutions to problems caused by social ills. Though severe to the point of militancy, Psychotherapy as Religion promotes some serious criticisms that need to be heard regarding an institution that has to be held accountable with the same exacting rigor as required for all other branches of science and medicine.

This book was a nice read. I like to know what to expect when I go on a vacation, especially those weekend trips because they are so short. Lake Tahoe and the red woods were my favorites. I will use the suggestions for future trips, too.

Perfect for the recreational hiker!!!

The details for each hike include just the right amount of information. The choice of described hikes is versatile and offers hiking opportunities for all the "hiking areas" surrounding the Las Vegas area. The book is a wonderful reference and the direction provided for hikes can be easily followed by novice hikers.

I initially obtained the book from the library but after a "quick review" decided I definitely needed to "own" a copy!!!

Thanks, Chris!!!

This 1984 book is a sponsored history. Notwithstanding the characteristics of that genre, this remains a fine history book, rich in detail and broad in coverage.
The book pays special attention to the post-Comstock period, Nevada's "twenty-year depression" (1880-1900). This is the key period of Reno's formation and marks its peculiar culture to this day.
The book has a separate section of color photographs, including a beautiful photograph of McKinley Park School.

Dwayne Kling spent a decade and a half reserching this Terrific, and oh-so thorough book. His dedication to accuracy is evident on every page. Buy it for the history, and you will be knocked-out by the photos! The city of Reno and its claim to fame as a gambling mecca never looked better.

It seems the musics of the Sahara have become very popular on the 'world music' scene of late. One of the World Music Network's most brilliant and spirited releases, this album aims to cover the vast open deserts stretching from Africa's Atlantic coast all the way to the Sudan, from the Arab cities of the Maghreb down to the nomadic Fulani of the Sahel... an immense, culturally (and linguistically) diverse land. And they succeeded in this effort beyond your wildest imagination.

The 'desert blues' of the nomadic Tuareg people, made world famous by the band Tinariwen, feature very prominently on this compilation. Tartit, Kel Tin Lokiene, Group Oyiwane, Chet Fewet of Libya and of course Tinariwen themselves all appear on this CD. Theres also Berber poetry from Sahraoui Bachir at the end of the album. Representing the Arab world are selections as diverse as a track from Malouma's most recent release, the formal Andalous sound of Compagine Jellouli & Gdih, gnawa music from Hasna el Becharia, and the vibrant Sahraoui traditions of Nayim Alal, Mariem Hassan and Aziza Brahim. Further into the African continent, the CD includes a track from Songhai pop singer Seckou Maiga of Timbuktu. With tracks from both well-known artists and rising stars from Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, Western Sahara, Sahra al-Gharibya (Western Sahara), Mali and Niger, this album spans much of the Sahara desert!

With the pulsing guitar riffs, strong rhythms, hand claps and stirring poetry, this CD will definitely appeal to fans of the 'desert blues' and North African Arab/Berber roots music alike. Fans of the blues and Flamenco will no doubt notice catch parallels between those styles and the musics of Toureg rock and traditional Sahraoui music as well. This is a great musical introduction to the diverse styles and cultures of the Sahara, with a very strong emphasis on the Tuareg and the cultures of the North. Well worth buying. For further forays into the Sahel, I'd recommend checking out compilations like 'Rough Guide to the African Blues,' 'Putumayo Presents: Mali,' and/or 'The Festival in the Desert.' Or, if your really adventurous, check out the deluxe two disc 'Ambiances du Sahara' boxed set!

The "Discover America State By State, Alphabet Series" is wonderful.
The books are written so they include a version for children and a more detailed history for the whole family.
We have purchased four of the books. Our 5 year old granddaughter requested the Nevada one as she lives there.

Dr. Bushnell only edits this tome of mid-seventies Studies in Nevada Politics.

Chapter 1 is Edward A. Olsen's study of the Nevada 'Black Book' or what he calls 'An Exercise in Muscle." Yes, state-sanctioned muscle, and all approved by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Chapter 2 is a study of Washoe County compared to the voting demographic of the state as a whole. I didn't like it; but it's demographics, so who knows?

Chapter 3 is about Lobbyists. Chapter 4 is Joseph Crowley's first person narrative of the passage of open housing laws in Nevada. Chapter 5 is the always topical subject of taxation and the financing of public schools. Yum.

Chapter 6 is Dr. Bushnell's wise and fascinating discussion of reapportionment. The very sad death of the cow counties (which is also a big victory for one-person/one-vote) was bitterly opposed by Nevada's political class, and Dr. Bushnell explains why.

This should be on your reading list if you're one Nevadan who's wondering what made us this way.

Sometimes an author presents exactly what you want to read--the book has a beautiful, enticing cover; a little mystery; a ghost or two; strong, endearing characters, a storyline that keeps you turning pages; excellent writing; and an ending that ties up all the little issues that sometimes are left hanging! Quite simply, I found all this and loved The Secret of Lucianne Dove by first-time novelist, Roberta L. Smith!

The book opens in 1881 when Lucianne Dove is being hanged--for a murder she did not commit. Admittedly she had been a prostitute, having no other way to make money. And she had also been a lover to the man who had been killed. But that was as far as her guilt went. Even as he led her to the gallows, the sheriff felt that hanging Lucianne was wrong.

Before she was hung, she asked to speak, "Please. Please tell Janie to get in touch with her little sister."

It was a hundred years later, more or less, when Mickey McCoy started having dreams. Mickey was still working as a news reporter, though he had passed the normal retirement age years ago. His career had been his life. Mickey had received awards for his writing, but he'd never felt that his work was completed. When the dreams started, he wasn't sure what was happening, especially the one where Marjorie Main in Ma and Pa Kettle in Lake Tahoe, played for an entire night.

At about the same time but a couple hundred miles away in Lake Tahoe, a woman named Marjorie was in the midst of a quarrel with her daughter Luce. Luce had also been having dreams and her mother had refused to believe and accept anything that her daughter shared. While Marjorie wasn't aware of it, Luce had taken to walking around in Virginia City, sometimes asking the question, "Do you know Janie or where I can find her?" The dead woman who came to Luce in dreams had told her what to do and where to go.

One of the places she was to visit was the Comstock Children's Home. Though run down and threatened by individuals at the State Children's Services, who supported it, there was much love and concern provided the children who still lived in this orphanage.

And so it was the spirit of Lucianne who entered into the dreams of those who would listen and see her, who worked to reveal the secret that had never been shared. Lucianne not only cleared her own reputation for murder but also provided the way through which Mickey McCoy was able to write her story and redeem his own life.

This heartwarming tale often centers on the Children's Home and readers will soon find themselves involved in the lives of the director, staff, and the children. I have no idea whether any part of the story is based upon fact; however, if it wasn't, it is certainly written as if it answers one of the greatest mysteries of the past.

A touch of history, a touch of romance...this is a beautiful story to curl up with on a dark and cloudy weekend! I'm hoping this writer considers a sequel! In the meantime, get a copy and enjoy The Secret of Lucianne Dove! You'll be glad you did!

G. A. Bixler

Thrive on the words of this new delight to the Thoene's library. this book is very exciting and leaves you wanting to read every page.