California Books

I remember my mother reading Frances books to me when I was little, and I couldn't wait to read them to my daughter. The Frances books are wonderful children's stories.

The book is great, and my daughter had to "read" it as soon as it was opened.

I loved the Frances books growing up and now my two-year is enjoying them. I just read Bread and Jam to her and she loves it, especially the songs Frances sings (I sing them to the tune of Mary has a Little Lamb). I love the parenting advice in the book, too. We love the description of the lunches these little badgers unpack and eat at school. I love the quality of the illustrations and the writing. I think it's children's book writing at the best. So many books now are just plain silly!

I read the FRANCES books to my daughters (now grown) and am buying every one I can get my hands on to read to my two grandsons and my granddaughter. The character of Frances is so very human, and she has such realistic foibles that every child can identify with. Frances is a classic.

(I have no qualms about the parental roles portrayed in the book. Can't parents choose the roles they wish, and isn't the traditional role a valid choice?)

It was one of my favorites as a kid and now I read it to my little girl

this is one the greatest westerns i have ever read, this book should do well at the box office

i have known the writer many years and i am so thankful that he has plublished a great western book... i really enjoyed reading it matter of fact i still read it every day ,,, the leading man whistler brown was the greatest cowboy of his time .. i really enjoy what he did and how it turned out... keep up the great work .. we need a few more lee thanks for everything .. god bless america....

Marvin L. Brown is a gifted storyteller. I thoroughly enjoyed his book which was rich with characters spanning a range from the good, bad and ugly.

The main character of this book, a former lawman by the name of J.M. Brown and known as "Whistler", is a man whose quest to find his sister leads him through a series of adventures and engaging characters throughout this story.

In a world where so many lines have been blurred, Whistler reminds us of a time when compromising right and wrong was not an option. A time when your character and your word were the most valuable things you carried with you. All this and a story that brings the reader along, echoing the sentiments of a time that sometimes seems forgotten. I am glad that Marvin L. Brown has brought it back in this story and hope that he will continue to bring us stories that make us remember.

I just recently read and thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Brown's "Empty Holster". I read it in one sitting and was left wishing that it would have continued on much longer. It's a fantastic story that was well written and researched by the author. The absense of cussing and other unwholesome aspects of modern books was a welcome surprise. It puts one in mind of Louis L'Amore or Zane Grey.It's unfortunate that Hollywood is no longer interested in making Westerns because this little book would be the basis for a great movie. Maybe the screenwriters should have a peak at it anyway.

Not only was I able to read Mr. Brown's book, but I also had the honor of meeting and discussing it with him personally (via the Internet). Mr. Brown strikes me as fine person whose roots and family values are deeply ingrained with the mythos of the Old West.

Lee, the book was excellent. What more is there to say? ...Regards,

V.T. Eric Layton

he book is "Golden Age" meets Hopalong Cassidy. There is a distinct knowledge of who is a good guy and who is a bad guy, yet Whistler's flaws come out occasionally. He is a veteran of the War Between the States and a former lawman and a former cattle drover, yet that is all you are shown of his background. Whistler himself, doesn't recall most of the war.  
The scene that follows the above opening, Whistler is ambushed. All he sees of his assailants is a large white horse. His horse and guns are stolen and he is left for dead. He is found by his long lost sister and taken in for recovery.
Although the description of his renewing his relationship with his sister and becoming acquainted with her husband and two children, Temperance, whom he calls his angel, and Little John, is artfully done, there could have been a bit more detail of his recuperation.
...

We live about four hours from the Bay Area. We own two of the other Trailblazer books. Since we trust their accuracy and like their layout, that alone convinced us to try their Golden Gate guide. Just don't make the mistake of buying this older version. Click on the author's name and it will take you to the newest edition. It blows away all the other hiking books for the region. We use it for 3-day weekend getaways to where it's cool.
Golden Gate Trailblazer: Where to Hike, Walk, Bike in San Francisco & Marin

I just bought this book based on the reviews and will be returning it. We live in Sausalito and the Marin Headlands are essentially our backyard. I bought the book to find new areas in the Golden Gate area to explore but when I looked at the area I know well, the Marin Headlands, the information ( map and route description ) were inaccurate and misleading.

This book is excellent but readers should know the authors have recently revised it for 2004/2005. They've added more maps and photos and a section for family outings. The easiest way to find the new edition is to click on the authors name. Note the title has changed slightly too. It's now Golden Gate Trailblazer: where to hike, walk, bike in San Francisco and Marin.

My vacation to San Francisco lasted three weeks. I bought Golden Gate Trailblazer when I arrived and walked many miles with it as my guide. Treasured memories are Limantour and McClures beaches at Point Reyes National Seashore which I never would have found on my own. There's so much more to the Bay Area than Fisherman's Wharf and the cable cars and traffic. This book excels when it comes to organization with maps in every section and a very detailed index. I highly recommend it to hikers and walkers who have never visited this part of California's coast. Like me, you'll probably be surprised at all the places these local authors have packed inside.

Simply said . . . wow. What a find! High on my list for seeing all the offbeat and major sites around the City and along Marin's rugged coast and bay wetlands. For years I've been the chauffer when guests come and stay. Now I just hand my friends a copy of Trailblazer and tell them to begin at trail #1, The City. For trails in the Golden Gate National Recreation area and Mt. Tamalpais, this is the most detailed book. You really get a feel for northern California and its history by reading it. Maps are A+ too.

I enjoyed the book very much but not as much as my 18 month old grandson whould have if he could read. He is all Jeff even looks like him. This is not only my opinion but a lot of other people as well. Everything in his room is Jeff Gordan. He even has a Jeff uniform and wore it for hallowween. Took Third. If I had an address I would send a picture of my grandson Levi. He watches just about all your races with his mother as he doesn't have a male role model, just me. A race car enthusiast from Sioux Falls, SD

This is a great book not only for the pictures but the text is also very great. It's just an all around great book!

this was one of the best books that i have read on Jeff and i'm reading it over and over. I only wish it was bigger and that i was in it.

I am a big fan of Gordon i have mostly ever thing of Gordon. If you are a racing fan these sould be your first book!

I am a huge Jeff Gordon fan and I will be the first to tell you that this is a wonderful book! I have been a fan for a little over 4 years and this book goes into detail about everything that you would ever want to know! Very well written...if you are a Jeff Gordon fan this is the book for you!

Paramahansa Yogananda does his usual wonderful work in this "how to turn your life into one big sadhana" masterpiece. Sri Yogananda does a magnificent job exploring and explaining his views and the necessary steps to lead a righteous (not self-righteous, mind you) life. His intelligence, sincerity, wit and compassion are ever present. I found his views on Jesus and Christ to be particularly fascinating and illuminating. Be forewarned: Master Yogananda plays spiritual hardball; that is, from his perspective, if one wants to attain God/Liberation there is much work to be done!!

This book, to me, is worth 10 stars...it has been a catalyst for me during my spiritual journey, it's as if Paramahansa Yogananda himself is holding my hand while I read his books. His words make my soul sing.

Can you imagine if you would of had Yogananda as your Sunday School teacher?
I'm in question of some of the eastern beliefs, whether I'm to close minded
that maybe. I do know he is very loving and sincere. He does have a way to help you feel and bring alive the presence of God. This book is like it's speaking to me. Just like all of us we may not have all of the knowledge correct. His radiant heart shines and blesses others. Isn't that what we are suppose to do is to pray and help uplift others. We are searching for truth and how to live here on earth. A wonderful book enjoy!!!

I'm sure many people would like to know the answer to this question .
There is a short chapter with this title. The author,Yogananda, gives a plausible answer to this question. Understanding the answer is a challenge; but it certainly is worth it, particulary for those who are on a conscious spiritual path.

If everyone read and followed this book, this world would take a 180 degree turn. It's insightful, enlightening, captivating and motivating. Paramhansa's Yogananda's writing style is just fabulous.

This readable memoir of one of the darkest parts of World War II in the Pacific theater brings Lester Tenney's experiences as a young man, recruit, soldier, prisoner of war and repatriated civilian to life. Mr. Tenney's journey through the hell he describes leads us through pain, despair, hope, bitterness and ultimately to the forgiveness he found. We learn about one man's faith in family and loved ones that led to his determination to survive. Anyone interested in World War II will find this a valuable resource. My book group (women in our fifties and sixties) was moved by this book. Several bought more copies to give to friends and family.

This is a story about a terrible event in history. This is not a fun story to read but it is one that needs to be read to help us appreciate how good our life really is. There are many memorable parts to this book, I am amazed anyone could survive this.

I remember this situation when I was 10 years old during WW2. This is a fascinating read and so well written that I could not put it down. It tells it like it was..

I just finished this book, and I must say I am inspired. Lester Tenney deserves an enormous amount of respect and admiration for what he endured and acomplished during his time as an american POW.

While this is not exactly a full account of the Death March and the surrounding events filled with statistics and data, it is Tenney's first hand account that makes this horrendous event so palpable that the reader feels as though they are enduring the very same hardships.

Do not expect this to be a simple or comfortable read. While the book has some wonderful and very happy moments, namely Tenney's own postive attitude and inner strength, these moments are doubled by nearly unbearable situations that will make you cringe, as any story about one of the most horrifying events of the war should. Tenney describes in extreme detail the atrocities of the Japanese military. While this story is anything but rosy, it is indescribably important, as it tells a story which seems to be forgetten in our society. What these men suffered through was every bit as terrifying as those on the battlefield, and those who suffered during the Holocaust. Tenney does their story justice, and shows us that these harrowing men deserve every bit of respect and admiration as any other serving in an American uniform.

The story of the Bataan survivors is at the same time unbelievable and infuriating. It blows my mind the cruelty these heros were subjected to on an hourly basis and at the same time I'm ashamed to say that part of me feels like Japan got off easy with two nukes dropped on them. That anybody lived at all is in itself no small feat.

The book itself is a great read. It was obviously written by a survivor, so consequently it has that 1st person feel that I like.

This is an exceptionally insightful book looking into the juvenile criminal justice system in L.A. It does a good job of illustrating the perspectives of all individuals involved, from "criminals" to "officials" and also shows gradients of right and wrong, and just how complicated and even faulty the system may be. It is very well written, and I highly recommend it.

A great introduction into the juvenile criminal justice system. I actually went to work for a public defenders' office because of this book.

A more recent book I'd highly reccommend is "Last Chance In Texas." Ironically, Texas has perhaps the most progressive juvenile justice system in the country. This book tells how Texas' worst juvenile offenders had their lives changed for the better.

This book is so SOOO depressing. And we deserve to feel that way about our Juvenile Justice system. Everyone remotely attached to criminal law or children should read this.

Written over the course of one year in LA's juvenile court system, this book is very enlightening to the plight of our kids in detention and on the streets. It has recently been reported that less than 10% of Florida's almost $709 million juvenile justice budget is spent on prevention. I hope to do my personal part to change this in my community, by supporting intervention programs for at-risk youth.

No Matter How Loud I Shout reads like a novel. It is an incredibly well written and compassionate view of the life of some of the country's forgotten "children". I really enjoyed it as well as "Baby ER" also by Mr. Humes.

Authors Leigh and Geyer made a brave move to follow and document the lives of animals in a shelter in northern California for one week. They have a story to tell that will at times warm your heart with joy and at other times break your heart. They are to be commended for telling a very difficult story in an honest and non-biased way. They make a point to tell stories of the dogs and cats in the kennel consistent with the actual adoption/euthanasia rates at that kennel. Some animals are adopted or recovered by their human guardians others are euthanized. It's heartbreaking to know that some dogs and cats have no chance of adoption and are euthanized simply because of their unpopular breed or age or health condition. Some happy adoptable animals succumb to kennel stress and the personality problems it causes. Some wonderful animals never have a chance from the second they enter the kennel. I found myself looking at the end of each brief story to see the outcome before I even started reading about the animals. Many do find wonderful homes but the odds are against shelter animals especially for cats. The authors are honest and fair to the shelter staff who also face unbelievable odds in their attempts to save animals. There is not enough money to care for sick animals or time or staff to socialize animals with behavioral problems. It is often a losing battle. The authors make it clear that much of the blame lies on irresponsible people who don't spay or neuter their animals. Some people just become bored with their pets or don't make the effort to work on correctable behavioral problems. Some seemingly well-cared animals are found lost and not wearing an ID tag. An ID tag and microchip could save countless lost animals. You begin to realize how hopeless the odds are even at the most well-run animal shelter. Many more animals arrive than can be adopted. You need to be strong to read this book. You'll fall in love with some of the animals and learn they did not survive the kennel but there is joy in knowing many do find new homes. The book selects several animals to feature and there is a picture or two. All are beautiful animals who deserved a chance that many never got.

It is rare that I find a book that I cannot put down - and I read this book in one sitting. It teaches the reader about life in an animal shelter through the short stories written about the animals the writers came to know during a week at a shelter. It gives you pause, describing shelters from the animals' perspective, as well as from the perspective of the humans that interact with the shelter (volunteers, shelter staff, adoptive pet parents, and pet owners who resign ownership). It gives interesting and surprising statistics. It talks about foster parenting shelter dogs, and it touches on visiting pet programs (for nursing homes, etc.). It gave me ideas that I might use the improve my local shelter as a volunteer. I thought I knew everything there was to know until I read this book. It is so well written, and it opens your heart and your mind to the realities of life and death for shelter animals.

I purchased this book as I have done many other books about shelter dogs,abandoned dogs etc. I love animals-all animals,but especially dogs.There were some wonderful stories in this book, there were also stories that totally broke my heart, seeing two large bins full with little bodies that the sanctuary found it necessary to euthanzise. ,I didn't expect to see a photo like that,but as much as it broke my heart,people need to be made aware. Animals are precious, they are like children, I have a daughter and I have three dogs, I love them all equally,my dogs are part of my family and are treated as such. People seem to think they can pick animals up and toss them out when they get fed up with them- it makes my blood boil.There was one story in particular that really got to me where a dog named Kelly had been so let down, she just gave up, she wouldn't even lift her head, the sanctuary- rightly or wrongly-decided that she could not be re-homed so they put her to sleep,there is a photo of them doing so, with a young guy holding up the her beautiful head and she is looking straight into the camera, the sadness in her eyes will haunt me forever, I just wish I had known about her, I would have given her a home and worked with her to help her to trust again.,and to show her boundless love.
There are many atrocities in this world, to me, cruelty to animals is one of them.
If anyone reading this is thinking about getting a dog, please think carefully before you do- they take a lot of your time and commitment but the love they give you in return is immeasurable.If only people were more responsible,these poor animals ,who only ever wanted love from someone, would never end up in this situation.
I hope that particular little dog is in Rainbow Bridge, and is healed now.
God Bless her, and all the other animals that have suffered and are suffering the same fate through no fault of their own.
It just isn't right.

This is a must read for everyone who has had a pet, has a pet, or is thinking of getting a pet. The authors do a wonderful job of revealing the plight of animals in shelters today. I bawled the whole way through the book, but it's because it's the truth. And something needs to be done.

It's such a good book. Many stories are sad, but it also offers real hope as to what we as individuals can do. Highly recommended. You'll go back to it when you find you need inspiration.

I felt so much better about my state of being single, 32 and facing my future on my own after reading this book. It is an easy and enjoyable read that will make you smile. I've recommended it to all of my girlfriends and they are enjoying it as much as I did!

I loved The Other Side of Thirty (TOSOT), its the kind of book that makes its readers reflect on the choices we make in life while simultaneously entertaining us. TOSOT uses a lighthearted, conversational approach making it a fun page-turner (i read it in a day). I just hit the big 4-0, but I was just like Ani: focused and determined to succeed for me, to never be dependent. I know exactly how Ani feels, "where are all the good guys" "why do I attract all the jerks" "all I really need is me". I never thought I'd get married, but I did. I met my husband at my high school reunion, the last place I expected to meet someone (that old story). He isn't as ambitious as I am (or Ani). Maybe that's why he didn't make me give up my dreams or take away my independence, he is my biggest supporter. Believe me he has a good lifestyle because of it and he thanks the feminist movement for it!! I agree with Ani, hapiness has to come from inside oneself, always, but the head can't always rule the heart. Risk is necessary for reward to exist. I hope Ms Thakor is working on the next book on Ani, I can't wait to see where life's journey takes her next! Put me on the waiting list!!

I found this book a month before I turned was turning 30.... I was looking for something as sort of a guide to help me into the next decade of my life. This book is a must read! I think it would be appreciate by all single woman. It has some thought provoking moments that allow you to reflect on how you truely think about issues: marriage, dating, children, self confidence, body image and career. I'd highly recomend!

Ms. Thakor just wowed me. I bought the book after a mutual colleague told me about it. Actually I bought several copies actually, thinking it would be a good gift for my growing list of "singelton" friends. I was expecting a Bridget Jones-like approach with a few clever adaptations, I was delighted to be wrong! I loved the more modern medium of email instead of a diary to impart the interesting factoids and painful truths of being a single woman at this time in history. I take public transportation to my job in Chicago and many times while reading this book I laughed out loud or had other audible responses to what I was reading. As further endorsement, my brother-in-law picked up the book at my house the other day and was immediately engrossed in one of the discussions about relationships. He actually asked to borrow it, and he's not a really big book reader! Way to go Minisha! Write another book...soon!

It's been said that a book that has to be self-published shouldn't be published at all. Real publishers obviously knew this when they read the manuscript for The Other Side of Thirty. The author is as stubborn as she is opinionated and got this one to market on her own. Maybe that's admirable, but there's a lot to be said for realizing when you don't have anything original to say.

The Other Side of Thirty is one 30-something's opinions on body image, career, hobbies, finances, etc. In other words, her shopping list of the controllable items in one's life, except of course, finding a man. She laments wanting to feel wanted in a post-feminist world. Ani asks, is a woman a true feminist if she needs a man to make her feel complete? She answers that and a hundred other questions, all unilaterally in "the world as i see it" journal-style format. There's not a real story here to distract the reader, no characters with challenging viewpoints, no situations to toss her much-cherished opinions into the crucible of real life. There's only one email boyfriend whose messages we read, and of course, he doesn't challenge her or say anything the least bit unsupportive. He is the model boyfriend, asking all the right questions and having all the right responses.

Education, career, relationships with friends, hobbies, etc. can be controlled to some extent in our lives. But when it comes to that most intimate and revealing of relationships, a love bond with the opposite sex, there are many factors we can't control. That's what bothers Ani, but I don't think she realizes it. She's done everything else right (hasn't she?) and yet at 30+, she still doesn't have a man.

Most women will agree with a lot of Ani's remarks and observations. I found many things I agreed with and have been through, too, but so what? Sometimes we need to approach old problems with new attitudes to find solutions. This book offers no new perspective on things. For the still-single-after-30-woman, there is a phase of reflection most women go through. Maybe she'll get over it when she hits 40. Thank God I did.

Whether you're an amateur or a pro, this book has a lot to offer. It's loaded with information on how and when to take fabulous pictures while you're in Yosemite. It's well organized and it's easy to read. It's loaded with beautiful photographs that serve as good examples.

It's small and can be easily packed with your stuff as you venture into the valley.

A must-have for those who are visiting the park and want to take great pictures!

I took the trip of a lifetime earlier this month to Yosemite and San Francisco, and it was wonderful. Photography is a big hobby for me, and I spent every second looking for photo opportunities. I read that this was a great book to have and bought it before the trip. It is available at most of the gift shops in the park, but you'll love having ahead of time if you want to make some plans before you go. It's not much cheaper here than in the park, though- maybe $1. Anyway, this was an invaluable tool and I used it to plan most of my hiking and sightseeing while in Yosemite. I also had a PhotoSecrets book for San Francisco, but it wasn't nearly as helpful as this book. This is a great investment to make sure you get the pictures you want on your trip to Yosemite National Park.

This is the first book I've ever bought to prepare for a trip. I usually spend endless hours searching out tips from links on websites and then printing them--now I look for a photographer's guide first! Michael Frye has given every tip on 'what, when, where, and how', including which filters to use for problem situations or enhancement. This guide is equally beneficial for those travelers looking for the perfect time and place for wonderment--those special spots not marked by signs with arrows and time tables. And the images are awe inspiring. Definitely something to keep out on the coffee table when you get back home.

Yosemite is a frequent photgraphic destination for me. I use Michael's book on each trip. There is so much to see at Yosemite that a plan is required. This book not only directs you to the best photo locations, but tells you precisely the time of year to get the best results. Highly recommended.

There are many glowing reviews of this book and it does provide the goods on how and where to go to get good shots. The maps (5) and sections are also quite simple to read. In addition, the sequential numbering of the points of interest is a help.

I was disappointed to find so much coverage of photographic technique. While some technique discussions directly relate to the unique character of Yosemite (for example talking about color and the lack of it in granite) most of it feels more like filler, and indeed makes it harder to navigate to the sections of interest.

The book also lacks an index so the only useful navigation tool is the brief table of contents. Without that table of contents it would be hard to find any particular section and even with it, you're going to have to resort to man-made book marks to find what you want. For example if Pohono Bridge and Fern Spring caught your fancy but you didn't remember to book mark it or remember its number you'll have to resort to scanning all of the maps and/or all of the numbered interest points because despite the page of content, there is no entry for this viewpoint in the table of contents (and remember there is no index).

I would prefer the maps be all together at the front or back so that it would work better as a reference book. I would also have liked to see some more examples of "out of the way" hikes to desirable vistas.

Finally, I would like the author to have provided some sort of "effort vs eye-appeal" rating to help me focus on which sunrise locations are the "not to miss" areas and which are "ok". Perhaps the author can even suggest a few itineraries. These more useful things could replace the "choosing film" techniques section and others like it that are a bit basic and detract from the otherwise good "where and when" information.

I'm tempted to get Harold Davis's book "The Photographer's Guide to Yosemite & the High Sierra" just to make a comparison.