California Books

This book is hilarious! I have been out of the dating scene for years but each and every page brings back a memory that leaves me laughing out loud. My husband and I bring it out every time we have friends over and pass it around. Everyone has his/her own Barcode story.

This book had me laughing out loud. I plan to give a copy to friends because everybody needs to reminiscence and laugh about the dating and single days. So cleverly written.

If you ask me, Bar Code has come 20 years too late. If I'd only known back in my single days to watch out for my Tammy tendencies, I surely would have done better at Red Rover. Instead, I spent too much time running Memory Laps, Pair-a-Scoping, and naively falling for those guys with Altered Egos, who were only interested in the Pammys anyway. Fortunately, I was completely on-target about my husband's Premarital Specs, so now I'm sleeping in Fuddy Duds, no longer worried about Down Thighzing. Still, this hilarious little guide has helped me bring closure to all those haunting memories of my dating past, and I bet it will do the same for all those 40-and 50-somethings who still CAN'T BELIEVE we wore that, said that, or did that way back when. This year I'll be putting Bar Code in the Christmas stockings of all my still- or newly-single friends. It's my duty to save them from all those Federlines out there ... and from themselves.

PENS ENVY [penz en-vee]. n. The green-eyed fury that you haven't either the wit or the perception of the authors of this hilarious definitions book.

I've been out of the scene for a while and trust me, this book is still great fun! Everyone can relate to these hilarious terms if they've ever dated in college and beyond. And amazingly, it's already catching on! I heard the term "updating" used in the Barcode context just a few weeks ago and the ultra-trendy user admitted to sneaking lingo from the book. I'm giving a copy to all my friends for Christmas to help them remember half the things they wish they could forget!

Everyone who loves the great game of baseball, or Life itself, should get their hands on this delightful book. The card illustrations are worth the price alone! Good job Workman Press.

This novel Kit is a good fair play of an old sports institution that uses a theme song based upon "The Old Timers Waltz" music piece for singing "Take Me Out to the old Ball game!"...etc... The cards have a beautiful air-brushed picture on each card all the way through the deck with their own card titles. But, if there any "dislikers" of this Tarot; that's ok..."cause we can shake it off!" A Beginner or an Initiate who knows the game can learn the Tarot quicker (My ex-wife did and enjoyed it immensely learning the Tarot). However, one has to know the standard card titles. The "Fair Play" meanings are a departure from the Rider-Waite-Smith Industry standard. Sports Fans out there should have Tarots done for other major sports such as NFL/AFL;NBA;NHL; and so on- Let's get creative at The Old Ball Game,shall we!??...Blessings...

The Baseball Tarot made the tarot understandable and enjoyable for my boyfriend. It is written in terms that are meaningful to him. We really enjoy our Tarot readings with these cards.

The interpretations and graphics on these cards make them a real delight to use. I am actually playing tarot. I have used many different decks but this is by far the clearest for me. This is a great way to introduce sports minded men to this wonderful practice.

I just purchased this set as a his/her wedding shower gift and everybody just loved them. They were passed around from person to person, the ladies and the gents each finding something of value from them. The art work is beautiful, the book very complete, and the card discriptions are really very insightful. They explain things in an easy to understand, applicable to today way. They were a hit. I have about 4 more people I'm going to buy decks for including myself. I doubt anyone would be dissapointed in this set. Certainly unique for a collector of either Tarot cards, or baseball paraphernalia. Thanks :-)

A compelling look at the intricasies of an exceptional bond between a strict mother and her strong willed daughter. A true sense of the turmoil of one's expectations clashing with the realities of life. Alongwith a fine sense of the personal and spiritual growth that comes with weathering the complicated and emotional challenges of loving someone who is seriously ill. A story that takes the reader on a inspirational journey of love, learning, and living.

The book is great. I couldn't put it down. The characters depict a real life mother daughter relationship and the challenges they go through as they each mature. The book brought back memories of my relationship with my mother. I was compelled to call my mother and tell her I love her and I am sorry for any heartbreak I may have caused her while growing up. I strongly recommend this book, but be prepared to visit old memories.

Trisha Gadson emerges onto the literary scene with her heartfelt freshman novel THE BATTLE IS NOT YOURS. Based mainly in the Washington, D.C., area, this is a novel about a daughter's testament to her mother's strong will and courageous strength as she endures the most trying time of her life. The dire situation forces a role reversal where daughter becomes the mother.

Lorraine Jackson is a rolling stone by all accounts. She was widowed at an early age and faced raising a young daughter by herself. Lorraine tried hard to give her daughter Sherina nothing but the very best. Sherina was a quasi-clone of her mother with her exuberant personality and a take-no-prisoners approach to everything. With similar type personalities the mother and daughter duo often butt heads, yet their strong bond is undeniable. Lorraine meddles a bit too much in Sherina's marriage to Niles and dotes on her young granddaughter. When Lorraine is diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, Sherina's life is thrust into a tailspin. Thank God Niles is a strong supporting husband in his own quiet way. Oftentimes, Sherina must travel from their home in Pennsylvania to be by her mother's side. As time passes, Lorraine's life precariously balances on the point of no return. Will Sherina be able to realize that the battle is not hers and turn her mother's fate over to the Lord?

THE BATTLE IS NOT YOURS is a book that tugs on the heartstrings of its readers as it portrays familial love and obligation. I found myself rallying for Sherina's continued strength in the Lord as she dealt with the reality that was facing her. This book was a touching read. It delved into a very serious situation and provided a look into the lives of he characters, who were believable and seemed familiar. This book was a reminder of how fragile life can be and that we do not know what God has in store for us. If you're looking for a straight from the heart novel, then I'd recommend you pick up a copy of THE BATTLE IS NOT YOURS. (RAW Rating: 3.5)

Reviewed by Nedine
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

Anyone who reads this book will be able to relate to some aspect of it. I only read interesting stories. I could not put this one down. I learned a lot about the African-American culture and about how an epidemic can touch middle class families. The mother -daughter relationship depicted in this story was indescribable (funny, crazy and heart breaking). This was a great book!

The disclosure of an HIV diagnosis sets the tone for this story. "The Battle Is Not Yours" is the message that unfolds as the story progresses. You will experience a full range of emotions as you journey through the lives of a mother and daughter as they overcome obstacles, explore and awaken in their personal lives and in their relationship with each other.

The supporting characters are as colorful as the main characters in the story. They all come to life on the pages of this book and you can't wait to see what they will do next.

I loved this book! Could picture myself and a few friends doing the same thing! Showed how friendships can be repaired and hearts healed. Anyone in their late 30's to mid 40's could probably relate to one of the characters and enjoy this read. Whether you're married, single, in a strained relationship, etc...this will encourage you.

What an awesome book. It is such a great story of friendship, and what friendship is really about for women. Celebrating all that we are, our differences, our sameness. I laughed, I cried, - A great story. This author does a great job. I'm going to find more of her books. Oh and by the way, a great guideline for turning corners!

Reviewed by Cherri Vanover and Kim Peterson for Reader Views (12/06)

A beach house in San Diego provides the setting for the reunion of childhood best friends Jo, Andie, Molly and Char. A feeling of homesickness while looking at an old photograph prompts Jo to invite the group to California to rekindle their friendship. The women celebrate their fortieth birthdays together.

The friends have all but drifted apart in the twelve years that have slipped by since they were last together at Molly's wedding. Although they feel delighted to reconnect, getting away doesn't bring the escape from everyday life that they expected. Their past link is influenced by their present situations. The once spunky Andie has faded into a fearful, mousy person under the influence of disparaging husband Paul. Molly and Scott are redefining their marriage now that the former stay-at-home mom and pastor's wife works outside the home as a substitute teacher. A single doctor, Jo struggles to keep from drowning her guilt about past career and relationship choices with alcohol. Neglected dentist's wife and mother Char seems to be overly friendly with her next door neighbor, Todd.

While the beach house setting encourages readers to visit, it is John's characters who invite them to stay. Jo, Andie, Molly and Char seem like real women with real problems readers can relate to and learn from in their own daily lives. Upon finding herself in a predicament that she doesn't like yet believes to be God's will, Molly prays, "Change my heart. Please change my heart." As Andie attempts to check off items on her "Adventure List," she hears in her spirit, "All you have to do is let go." John uses her characters' conflicts to share her faith with her audience in a situational rather than preachy way. What Christian fiction often aims at but struggles to do, John seems to accomplish with ease. This conversational style not only keeps the reader turning pages but also empowers readers to consider and listen for spiritual solutions to their own problems.

John creates a delightfully inviting setting, endearing main characters, intriguing secondary characters and a faith-based story with a message that lingers long after the last page. Fans of women's contemporary Christian fiction will find "The Beach House" a satisfying read.

I have been a long time reader of Sally John's books, and never once have I been disappointed. In The Beach House, Sally John weaves a lovely story of four childhood friends who have just turned 40, but have lost contact over the last twelve years. To celebrate their respective birthdays, they agree to share a beach house for one week and re-connect. Each woman is experiencing a time of trial, and Sally's expertise and style of writing sweeps the reader along in a medley of emotion, spiritual encouragement, and laughter. What more could a reader want?

I absolutely loved this book! I could relate to each of the four women at different times in their lives. It reminded me to take all things to HIM in prayer at ALL times.

I agree with the other reviews that this book is informative and engagingly written, with excellent and thoroughly researched paved and back road routes. However, I noted two cases in the Yosemite descriptions where the author confused left and right. In ride 74 at the bottom of page 264 he writes that you "turn left (south) and then xleftx RIGHT! immediately again onto narrow Crescent Meadow Road. That one is obvious when you're there, but the other is crucial: In ride 70, in the middle of p. 258 "...before arriving at a meadow. It seems like you should go left, but stay to the right of the meadow." Nope--you must indeed go to the LEFT of that meadow to follow the described route (and the overall loop is to the right), while the right fork soon turns into barely recognizable cowpaths that eventually dead end in the woods. I mention this mainly because he makes such a big deal of it, and want to warn cyclists using the book to take the directions with a hint of caution.

This book "Bicycling America's National Parks" is part of the Backcountry series. Even thought I like bikes I prefer to go on foot. The same trails lend their selves to foot also.

Many a time I have been able to locate ranger stations where you can check in and be loosed on the back country trails. Luckily many people are not aware of these areas. Some trails you can go all day without running into a soul.

David Story should be ashamed of him self fore giving away the secret. But I am glad I found this book.

The book is divided into 15 locations and in each location there is a description of where you can stay and where you can rent bikes along with other relevant information.

There are also trail maps and photographs from the area. Most important is inclusion of addresses for more up to date and more detailed information.

This book must be the first of its kind--a guidebook about bicycling in the national parks. The author shows that the common misperception that bicycling is not allowed off-road in national parks is just that-- a misperception. This book features some outstanding road rides as well as mountain bike rides. I think the descriptions of the parks themselves and the rides therein are well-written and clear. The author gives the kind of information you'd want to know before setting off on a ride, and does it in a colorful, sometimes very deadpan funny way. There's also some cool trivia about the parks and good, useful information about where to buy supplies, repair your bike, do laundry, take showers, camp, and other stuff like that. I think this is a book that shows you how to take part in the most fun sport in the world (bicycling) and do it in some of the most spectacular places in the world (the national parks of California). A must for any travelers to the national parks who want to get out of their cars and explore. (By the way: it's not just for hardcore bicyclists--there are numerous family and beginner-level rides as well.)

This book must be the first of its kind--a guidebook about bicycling in the national parks. The author shows that the common misperception that bicycling is not allowed off-road in national parks is just that-- a misperception. This book features some outstanding road rides as well as mountain bike rides. I think the descriptions of the parks themselves and the rides therein are well-written and clear. The author gives the kind of information you'd want to know before setting off on a ride, and does it in a colorful, sometimes very deadpan funny way. There's also some cool trivia about the parks and good, useful information about where to buy supplies, repair your bike, do laundry, take showers, camp, and other stuff like that. I think this is a book that shows you how to take part in the most fun sport in the world (bicycling) and do it in some of the most spectacular places in the world (the national parks of California). A must for any travelers to the national parks who want to get out of their cars and explore. (By the way: it's not just for hardcore bicyclists--there are numerous family and beginner-level rides as well.)

I just returned from a mountain biking vacation to Joshua Tree National Park, Mojave National Preserve, and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreational Area and this guidebook proved indespensible. It contains almost all information necessary to plan your trip and somehow manages to be both concise, thorough and readable.

Story introduces each chapter with a brief description of the geography and history of the park. Then Story lists several rides within the park, each accompanied by detailed descriptions (including technical and aerobic difficulty, best time of year to ride, overall length of trail, etc.) and maps. Though some road bike routes are included, most trails are for mountain bikes. Each trail I rode was accurately described. Each chapter also contains boxes describing the fauna (animals) and flora (plants) you'll likely encounter within each park.

This book isn't just a cycling guide, it contains virtually all the information you'll need to plan your trip. Story concludes each chapter with information about local lodging, camping, bike shops, grocery stores, and restaurants (his recommendations are first rate). He also provides helpful contacts (park visitors centers, etc.) which should be able to provide any other information you might need. Story has also eliminated the extraneous elements so many other cycling guidebooks seem to contain (elevation maps might be visually enticing, but let's face it, they aren't necessary).

What is really remarkable about this book is Story's terse, engaging writing. The abundance of information this book contains is presented in readable, often witty language. He doesn't just describe, he gives the reader a feel for each park and the surrounding communities (when applicable). Unlike most guidebooks I've read (which usually contain flat, predictable humor), Story's humor actually works; it isn't "laugh-out-loud" funny, but wry, witty humor that always relates to and never detracts from the subject matter.

The only improvement I would suggest for future editions is to provide a general map of each National Park. The trail maps only feature a small segment of the park where the trail is located. It is sometimes impossible to decipher where each trail is located within the entire park itself. This is particularly difficult for visitors not familiar with the area (like me). It was sometimes impossible to tell from the maps where the most convenient place to stay (closest lodging to the trails) is. The next edition should provide a map showing where each trail is located relative to the entire park. Before visiting a park, you should obtain a complete map from the National Park Service (Story does tell where to obtain these).

Story has set high standards with this guidebook, the first in the "Bicycling America's National Parks" series. It's the kind of book you'll enjoy reading even if you don't plan to hit the trails anytime soon. Story's writing is so engaging that finishing the 300-pages is effortless (300 pages may sound long, but it really isn't). This book is a must read for any cyclists interested in visiting the National Parks of California. I can't wait to read the subsequent guidebooks for other states.

This is a wonderful collection, full of barreling energy and vitality. A brave and precise writer, Ruland explores violence without flinching, and even locates the genuine humor sometimes latent in it. A range of styles keeps this collection fresh and witty. "Kessler Has No Lucky Pants" uses a Q & A format to marvelous effect, while the concise "The Hitman's Handbook" features a mob rub-out from several different points of view. Several stories take "genre" material--mobsters, fairy tales, Western desperadoes--and spin literature out of it. The most striking example is "Red Cap," a pitiless descent into a young girl's experience of war. The writing is inspiring; Ruland never commits a cliché.

Pamela Erens, author: The Understory

Jim Ruland is an incredible writer; his short fiction not only entertains, but provides a blueprint for how short stories really should be written. The problem is, I found it nearly impossible to dissect them and analyze them, because he trapped me; I couldn't step away to take the long view. Each of these 13 tales is compact, unique, surprising. For instance, The Previous Adventures of Popeye the Sailor is a droll take on a pop-culture icon; Red Cap also springs from literary pop--Little Red Riding Hood--but twists the heart and leaves a chill in the stomach. And A Terrible Thing in a Place Like This should be declared a classic for its elegance, visceral impact and masterful, harrowing blend of reality and dreaminess. Wonderful stuff; well worth reading.


Susan O'Neill, author: Don't Mean Nothing: Short stories of Viet Nam

Jim Ruland arises from L.A. like a new John Fante for the post-McSweeney's generation. The diverse stories here are whip-smart, weird, and Imaginative with a capital I. One bad-ass debut collection, Big Lonesome will be beating up and taking the lunch money of lesser collections for years to come. Ruland's genre-twisting genius returns us to the days when reading short stories was fun---Remember? In a book full of innovative characters and circumstances, one highlight is the brilliant title story, a Pynchon-meets-Old-West tale like none you've read before, where even a robot Indian can find love and a mad scientist can try his hand at bounty hunting. I don't know about lonesome, but this collection is big fun.

I enjoyed Big Lonesome, Jim Ruland's debut collection of short stories, immensely. His writing is clean and spare and original; his stories funny and unsettling. Among the faves: Kessler Has No Lucky Pants, a bittersweet comic tale told in interview format; the touching Night Soul Man, one of several of Ruland's stories featuring the charged interplay between man and nature; and Brains for Bengo, the most disturbing story in the bunch. To me, Ruland's writing evokes a distinctly American landscape of love and death, good luck and bad, metal and muscle, the ugly, the wild, the old and the young. He takes contemporary fiction readers out of their comfort zones, but he does it in a generous, human, seemingly effortless way, and delivers on the rewards.

After Sam Lipsyte's HomeLand, Big Lonesome is my second favorite paperback of 2005. Just when it seems language has lost its edge, Ruland comes along and fornicates the hell out of it. Most of these stories will rot your mind faster than a cloud of white phosphorous, and the rest sound great cranked to eleven. I mean it. Ruland's got esprit out the rear. He honors our founding fathers. He knows what to cut and what to kick. And he does not repeat himself, Madame, he does not.

FRank, honest, open look at life. With twists and strong support for education, family, relationships (friends, couples, families).

i've read the book a couple of times and keep getting something different each time. the last time and though the short scifi story Sister Planet at the end of the book was supposed to be part of a dream taken from contemporary The Bonus this time when i read the entire book again i got the impression that Sister Planet was really the main story that pulled in The Bonus which is the longer and more detailed story at the beginning. you can read the book from front to back or back to front and get two complete stories and not sure which complete story is really the lead story. it's a book that i'll read again because it follows the calendar and pulls in sports, summer stuff, holidays, and also has EXTREMELY detailed relationships between adult couples and families. some funny dejavue and true to life stuff that kicks off the holdiay seasons. some stuff that's actually happening in the news today is also in both stories which makes this book good and based on when it was written which might make it seem true scifi but also nonfiction.

The book was different in that it starts out and makes you think its just another love story but then you get a lot of clues in just the next few pages that made you realize you're reading something different in all kinds of ways. It sets you up because you start liking all the characters -- also in the scifi story at the end - and then you're not sure if the author is going to do something to the characters at the end of both stories that will make you REALLLLLY mad.

Author added wrapped revised and took two books and turned everything into this one book and completed a circle!!!!

This fiction//nonfiction story book//textbook format covers everything from education through politics with messages covering race relationships love politics society militrary family government disabilities space exploration has extremely good eye for detail and ability with detail and unique way of writing drawing attention about things that happened after book was written. Rates FIVE STARS.

THIS BOOK TURNS YOU IN EVERY DIRECTION SO THAT YOU'RE NOT SURE WHAT'S NOT TRUE. And especially with some of the things happening in the news that are in the book. It makes you think, laugh (some times out loud!!!), cry, and wipe your brow and go "WHEW" in diffrent ways.
The book has money, politics, sex (& birth control), education, some profanity (not near as much as some books)for more expression, families, history, holidays, music, military, disabilities, sports, humor.
There's different things going on in both stories but the two stories are related; and the stories can be read together as one complete book even starting from the back with the modern day scifi story that has politcal undertones and then read THE Bonus at the front a modern day contemporary story that also touches on politics so that the book becomes a complete scifi book.
But you can also switch and then read THE Bonus from the front through SISTER at the back and get an entirely different and complete story that becomes all TODAY and contemporary. Or read just one of the stories and still get a complete story. It's like having three different books all in one but still telling one story.

Adjust yourself into your most favorite reading place, and prepare to enjoy this gem's story well-placed in it by the magical hand of its wizard-author Baird. I stand in awe in the light of Baird's tale. A great deal of the characters'histories is handled masterfully by this master bard in the first two chapters--revealing the richness and the riches. If you, like me, hunger for new dimensions of richness, please read R. Dennis Baird's book here...The light of his gem transferred into me

I fell in love with the characters as the story unfolded and enjoyed the strong moral values it contains. I love this story and the civilization the author has created. You won't be disappointed in reading this book. I highly recommend!

In a decade when the fantasy and science fiction genres are burgeoning like never before, the lack of worthwhile reading material has been at a surprisingly all-time low. Mr. Baird's Brazen Serpent Chronicles is one of the rare exceptions. Talon of Light breaks away from the current trend of 'trying to be different' from the traditional greats . . . and usually failing miserably. Mr. Baird truly understands the need for a clear line between good and evil, the traditional struggles--both corporeal and spiritual--that make a great fantasy story great, but he also understands what really makes a fantasy unique . . . not the basic underlying themes, but the people the story involves and the individual journeys they each must make. Without being forced, Talon of Light succeeds at being different. It is an intensely character-driven tale, each with their own quests and trials, each culminating in a powerful harmony. I highly recommend The Brazen Serpent Chronicles: Talon of Light.

An engrossing fantasy with some unexpected twists and turns that make it all the more enjoyable. there are things here that don't happen in most fantasies--an ancient prophecy which is out-of-joint, a reformed villain...and a hero who is NOT the first to receive the magic sword...Characterisation is exacting and well-built, and there are plenty of dragons for the dragon-lover.

Talon of Light is a thrilling book. You never know what will happen next and it kept my interest all the way through. There are many exciting battles and wars wich are not gory or gross but moments of true character. The charecters are very well developed so you get a feel for them. You are always on the edge of your seat to find out what will happen to them. They are also very well defined as good or evil, and throughout the book are morals that make you think. This is not a book that you will forget about. You will always remember the lessons and morals and maybe even apply them to your life.

What a fascinating read. I thought I knew a lot about mental illness but this family went the extra mile in their efforts to help a gravely disabled daughter. What dedication and love this family provided. A real page turner and so insightful.

For loved ones with any sort of mental abnormalities within the family this is a wonderful story of dedication, love, and tireless patience. I was amazed at these two parents and how they stretched themselves in every direction to help their suffering daughter.

BROKEN GLASS: A FAMILY'S JOURNEY THROUGH MENTAL ILLNESS tells of an unhappy child who grows up to have a serious personality disorder. Elene reached her teens in the middle of the counterculture years: her professor father here shares his story of the family's struggles with Elene's ongoing mental health issues, charting hospital and doctor snafus and interactions, family adjustments, and ups and downs which eventually led to helping her raise her own children. An eye-opening story evolves with plenty of lessons for other families struggling with mental illness.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

I have read "Broken Glass" and found it extremely good.
I notice one of your reviewers calls it a novel. I can understand that
because it reads like a novel, a real page-turner. But it really is
not fiction but what the author says, a heartfelt account of a
father's relations with his daughter. Being a parent to a beautiful daughter, this book makes me realize that I should always support my daughter as Dr Hine always did.
I assume Dr Hine is right in saying everything is told as it was.
I have friends who can be called mentally ill, and reading
this book has helped me enormously in my feelings toward them.
Dr Hine is thoughtful, kind, and generous, and he understands and
explains all the paraphernalia of the mental health world. I completely agree with the W. Los Angeles reviewer, this book should be a must for people majoring in Health and Human Studies. A high recommend.

Dr Hine thanks for the beautiful, very descriptive and magic way of your writing, I also enjoyed your "Second Sight" book very much (a must) !!
I guess I'm an avid fun !!

This helpful book is aimed at parents who struggle everyday with their mentally ill children. The author, Robert Hine, not only helps the reader understand mental illness in children, but also provides the tools and resources to help assist parents deal with such a challenge. Parents play an important role in the first line offense of mental illness in children. In being able to identify the early warning symptoms, it is the author's hope that we can reduce the stigma and improve the quality of life for such children.

This book should definitely be a required text for those majoring in Health and Human Studies. It is also a great resource for practicing mental health services providers such as, social workers, psychologists, nurses, etc. Needless to say, law enforcement officers and law practitioners are not immune to the type of problems parents and mental health providers encounter because they also assist individuals with severe mental and emotional problems.

The focus of the book is on communication and patience and its approach is humanitarian, emphasizing empathy in dealing with the child welfare system and the juvenile justice system, as well as practical in suggesting guideliness for dealing with specific situations. Elene is among the few fortunate children whose parents never give up on them and support them in all aspects trying to figure out what's in their children's best interest. Broken Glass is the type of book you will want to read to the end. It is a remarkable story about Mr. and Mrs. Hine's strength and determination to travel in any direction on any road at any given time, just so that they could provide their daughter with the tools to achieve self sufficiency.

Dr. Hine, thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story of heartache and triumph. Your unbreakable spirit shines throughout this book.

This book was fantastic! It was a great guide for the Eastern Sierra. It took us to places we wouldn't have otherwise gone and that I'm glad we didn't miss. For instance, without this book I would have had no idea that there were hot springs in the area (Hot Creek) or that the Alabama Hills would be both beautiful and interesting. The photography in the book is fantastic and it's just beautiful to look at even if you never intend to go. My only complaint is that the author didn't say more about the Little Lakes Valley. It was an absolutely spectacular hike, although I had to hear about it from a stranger at a campground. The author mentions it briefly, but in my opinion, it's a "can't miss" area that she should have said more about.

The pictures are terrific. The coverage is complete, but doesn't go into excessive detail. The only problem with this being a great coffee table book is that people will won't stop reading it. Also the maps are very high quality.

I was fortunate enough to purchase this book on the first day of two-week vacation in the Sierra. Since part of the vacation was a planned visit to Mono Lake, the title attracted me. A brief perusal demonstrated the exquisite color photography throughout the book.

After reading sections of the book, plans were changed to include much more time in the Owens Valley and kindred points. We saw and experienced many things that I had never imagined, such as the Long Valley hot springs, the Owens River Canyon, rockhounding areas galore, Fossil Falls, the Coso Domes, Convict Lake, etc., etc.

The book is well writtten, and very well organized, taking the reader from south(Mojave Desert) to North(Bridgeport area, about 100 miles south of Reno) in successive chapters. Although written for any person with a high school background, the book is particularly well suited for students of earth processes, including physical geology, weather, and field biology. Attractions such as the Ancient Bristlecone pine forest, home of the worlds oldest trees, and the Mono Lake volcanic domes, one of America's most recent sites of volcanic activity, are especiall.y well discussed.

One of the most impressive features of this work is the careful road directions included at the conclusion of each subsection discussing a particular attraction. Without these guideline, finding some of the areas would have been much more difficult.

Mixed in with the recitation of attractions, and things to see and do, is a history of the area, where you will find discussion of the various mining ventures in area mountains and dry lakebeds, as well as a narrative of the Owens Valley Earthquake of 1872. America has not experienced a quake of this magnitude since that date.

The book was a treat to possess, both during my vacation and now. Its photography and text rekindle memories of this wonderful region of our country, and I recommend it as highly as possible.

The photos in this book jumped out at me and encouraged me to purchase it, yet I was very happily surprised by the thoroughness and readability of the text. I made a road trip down highway 395 this past summer through the Eastern Sierra region and this book proved to be an invaluable resource. It turned me onto many great places to visit off the beaten path. There is excellent history, wildlife and geological info, and descriptions of the towns along the way. The photos are just great, making this both a coffee table book and a great visitors guide. I stopped at the Interagency Visitor Center in Lone Pine (which I would recommend as a good starting point for anyone exploring the area) and among their large selection of books about the region I found this book to the best single source if choosing just one. You'll be very happy with this purchase.

This book has been a good friend to us over the last dozen or so years, as we have made many trips into the east Sierra/Owens Valley area, mostly for photography. The book is well-written, well-organized, and has thoughtfully-chosen sites to visit.

The photography, of couse, is wonderful, from some of the top landscape photographers in the western U.S.

If you might ever be headed in this direction, you need this book.