Oregon Books

As a native Oregonian, the attraction of reading a diary of one who made the Oregon Trail journey was met with eager anticipation. Early on, the diary though very interesting, soon became a series of calamities that left the reader thinking, what else could this poor family possibly endure? As the journey continued, it became apparent that the author had taken great liberty and creative license to spice up this historical adventure. By the end of the diary it was discovered that this work was fiction, which resulted in great disappointment, leaving the reader feeling mislead. As a work of fiction based on possible Oregon Trail experiences, this book proves to be entertaining, however it is not a true diary.

It has been years since I have read this book. I can still, to this day, remember the effect this book had on me. I was eight or nine at the time. I remember reading the diary entries and feeling as if I were right there next to Hattie, walking in the dirt or the snow. I cried at times when something bad had happened to Hattie or the people around her. I felt compassion, and found myself wanting to reach into the book and help the people myself. I learned many things about life in that time period that I had never known. I had learned about pioneers in school, but I never imagined that it would be as hard or as rewarding of an experience for them to go through.

The book made an impact on me from page one. I highly recommend it.

This book is a great one. It is about a girl named Hattie and about her life going on the Oregon Trail. She faces many troubles and all the things that happened to her. It is very emotional. There's good times : ) and bad times : ( . But it all works out well!!!!!( I hope I didn't spoil the ending for you!!!!) : )

I read this when it first came out, when I was about 8 or 9 years old. I loved this story and could not put it down. Plus, when we started talking about the Oregon Trail in class, I was really interested in it and prepared for it. It is my favorite book of the Dear America series, and it is one of the most amazing children's story ever. The only criticism I can make is that sometimes it is hard to sympathize with Hattie; she is not the best Dear America character.

I love 'Oregon Trail' stories and this one was no exception. The story is stunningly written, and a careful line is trod between emphasizing the dangers and discomforts of the trail without making the story seem scary or unpleasant to the reader.

My only real gripe about this book (and not even a big enough gripe to drop a star, so take it for the whining that it is) is that the adult characters can be pretty stupid at times. I know this is a staple of children's literature in order to forment conflict (after all, conflict couldn't form very easily if all these adults were competant), but it's simply infuriating that the two resident thieves in the group are continually treated with 'Christian charity' in an atmosphere where one's possessions often meant the difference between life and death. It may seem very natural, to our modern American eyes, to overlook the theft of a sweater, but when that's the only sweater a child owns and a cold night is falling, you can bet that is a much bigger deal than previously realized.

Nevertheless, this book is still superb. Buy it, read it, enjoy it. Just be prepared to explain to your children that being 'charitable' doesn't mean you have to be a victim.

I met Mr. Wiener after listening to him speak about his life as a Holocaust Survivor. I am a teacher. Reading his book was a necessity after hearing his story. I had to discover more about this amazing man and how he could convey such a positive message about life and mankind after surviving one of the more horrific events in our world's history. Mr. Wiener connects with the reader and brings the Holocaust to life, yet with all of the atrocities comes a story of forgiveness. This is a book that will take on new meaning each time it is read. I have read it twice cover to cover and will read it once a year to remind myself of why we continue to teach tolerance. Mr. Wiener's book leaves the reader with a feeling of hope. It, in my opinion, should be in every library in the world. This book will leave a positive mark on the life of anyone who reads it. It is a "must read."

I've had he honor of hearing Mr. Weiner speak twice in person at the youth corrections facility where I teach. He has an uncanny ability to give a human voice to the most horrific experiences, and he made an indelible impression on my students. Thank you, Mr. Weiner.

Alter Weiner's poignant memoir of the Holocaust, "From A Name To A Number," should be required reading for all high school social studies students, and indeed, all those who seek public office. The systematic abuse and horrors that Weiner experienced in the absence of a rule of law should not be forgotten by today's society.

Weiner's honesty in describing confronting the terror and tragedy of his Holocaust experiences and the random randiness of post-Holocaust encounters with women, also scarred and broken by the war, bring a special sense of humanity to the book, and to the times he descibes, that is often absent in Holocaust accounts.

As we live through another time of war, this one not being shared by the general public but by only one-half of one percent of the US population who is either in unifrom or who has a family member in the military, we should reflect upon the enormous and crushing burden our leaders have placed on those in harms way...and think about the innocents caught in the malestrom of war.

Weiner is a profile of courage and I awed and inspired by his ability to carry on after all he's lived through.

It was such a privilege read Alter Weiner's story. In his own words he tells of life before the war and then the horrors we cannot even imagine. His book is spellbinding. With such a tragic story, I found the book uplifting. He points out the good in humanity, yet he saw not hundreds, but thousands of people die at the hands of the Nazis. He's a living testimony that no matter what happens to us, the human spirit can still soar.

Since I read his book, there hasn't been a day that I don't thank God for the life I live. As Alter and other Holocaust survivors share their experiences, they educate, strengthen and warn us. For a man that lost 122 members of his family, Alter Weiner tells the story without rage or hatred--a lesson to us all.

Alter Wiener has taken his story of horrific tragedy and used it for such great good. I have had the honor of not only reading this book, but hearing Alter speak, sharing a meal with him and connecting him to many students. His story is told in a way that is completely attainable for everyone. He brought history to life for all of us. His story is one that he lives with everyday. I think what impacted me the most was the fact that the holocaust has continued for him many years after his freedom. This is something we do not hear enough about. The aftermath of the psychological and relational devastation it has on everyone who was involved and in fact for us all became apparent though this book. We often hear the stories of the holocaust, concentration camps, horrible furnaces that burned people, loss of life and dignity, but we rarely hear what the survivors lives are like afterward. Alter has such a beautifully resilient heart and mind, he could have chosen to close this story up forever, however by sharing it, he give others hope in the most devastating of situations. The most valuable element of this book, is perspective. Perspective on our lives today, perspective on the sacredness of life. Alter, thank you for telling your story and touching my life as well as the many others you have changed and will touch.

The Real Deal! No "Steve Mcqueen" character, but everyone a true hero.The Great Escape

It's a shame the publisher decided to put a picture on the cover of Steve McQueen wrapped up in the barbed wire at the end of his big motorcycle escape attempt. Because, you see, that never happened in the TRUE story of the Great Escape contained in this book. The movie (while good) took serious dramatic license, while Brickhill's book presents the facts. And they are quite inspiring and thrilling enough without the addition of fictional elements such as McQueen's stunt riding.
I first read this book while in elementary school, and was hooked to the extent that I've read it many times since over the decades. A truly outstanding story.

If you want to know how to make something out of nothing, this is the book for you. I've been reading and re-reading this book since early childhood and that's how I learned to make a needed item out of just what was at hand. McGyver had NUTHIN' on these guys.

MRS. Dee Schauer
Texas

I love the movie the Great Escape and I loved reading the book it was based on. The movie did an excellant job of following the book but reading the book gave me so much more of an understanding of what these men went through and the courage they had. To truely understand the courage these men had and what they went through, you have to read the book.

This is the (true) story of the efforts of a multinational group of POWs to escape during WW2, and led to what is one of my favourite films.

I anticipated the book to be a bit of a let down after seeing the movie, but it really wasn't. They emphasize quite different aspects, and some parts of the movie were clearly made up with entertainment value in mind (people jumping motorcycles over fences for instance!). I can't blame the movie makers of course, because the compelling essence of this story is the daily slog of tunnelling set against the backdrop of the mind-numbing drudgery of incarceration. No movie could be long enough to get this point across, but the book allows one to build up a better picture of what captivity was like, particularly because it provides such incredible details. I was really struck by the ingenious ways the prisoners found to fake German uniforms and official passes, improvise tools, and build radios and other vital pieces of equipment. The book provides sufficient descriptions to allow you to get an impression of the main characters and camp layout, though I personally would have enjoyed a few photographs of the people involved (good and bad), though I realise these wouldn't have been easy to obtain.

The author has a relatively dry style typical of a historian rather than a dramatist, and at times relates key events remarkably passionately. The book ratchets up the tension without having to try too hard however, and I could sense the tension that existed whenever the guards entered the barracks to check for tunnels. The depression that accompanies every uncovered tunnel jumps out of the page, as does the resolve to keep trying to escape without ever accepting captivity.

I was also pleased that the author described the events some time after the final escape, so that I could see how thoroughly the Allied authorities pursued the main protagonists, and what was their evetual fate.

This book was a fine testament to the memory of the brave men who didn't wilt despite literally years of incarceration in conditions that can best be desribed as spartan. If they had all died without anyone knowing their story the world would be a poorer place.

This book took me a little longer than normal to finish because I had to put down between stories as it kept tearing my heart out. The stories of healing and compassion are so very heartwarming but it was the author's own story of overcoming tragedy and how she managed to turn her life into one of servitude to broken souls is what truly captured my attention. Many people would have sunk into a deep depression and a life of "why me?" but she instead turned it around to help others and if she got a little preachy I was able to brush it off because it seemed like her faith was something that helped her get through the rough days. This was a very inspiring book and I hope she someday writes a book based on her life and her struggles to get where she is today.

To all of us men that grew up not knowing how to cry (and being ashamed if we did), it is probably best not to get this book. Otherwise, you will shed tears and it will touch your life.

If you can overcome that, make sure you get the next book that Kim Meeder wrote after this one.

Finally, if you are going to say how great these things that the Meeders' organization is doing, don't just spell it out here. Support what she is doing!

[...]

I loved this book and could not put it down. It tore at my heart strings and lifted my spirits. To the author, Kim ..Thank you for such an honest and incredible book. Even more importantly thank you so much for what you do at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch. I have every intention of visiting and supporting your cause. I was so moved by the heartache and the triumphs of each story, each life and each journey. There was so much honesty and thoughtfulness in each recount of each chapter. To be able to capture the power of the human spirit (in even small packages) and the willingness to still be magnificent .. (in the "angels in horse hair") was such an amazing thing to witness. Thank you for noticing, thank you for sharing and thank you for sharing it with others.

The one story of the little boy and the horse that hugged him...well you're just going to have to read it. This book is filled with wonderful stories that is a must for every horse lover out there! (Christian or not)

This book was recommended by a friend to read. Was a little uncertain about it it untill I reached the 2nd Chapter. Found it gives another insight to the neglect of horses and that someone is prepared to undertake to help. THe Christian aspect to where young people are helped through contact with such animals made it a great read. Found it difficult to put down. Recommend it to anyone and garantee you will come away a different person from having read it.

HEART OF THE BEAST by Joyce Weatherford

HEART OF THE BEAST is the debut novel by Joyce Weatherford, which tells the tale of a family that has farmed and ranched for many generations in eastern Oregon. Their history ties them to the Nez Perce Indians, who now claim that the land, known as Heart of the Beast, belongs to them, and they plan on fighting for it until they get their land back.

Iris Steele, 28 years old, is the youngest survivor of this ill-fated family. She returns home to see to her dying mother, the beautiful Elise, and to help settle the estate. Iris's father Ike and older brother Jake have long ago passed on, and she is the only one remaining that will inherit the land that her parents farmed. Upon the death, Iris locates her crazy aunt, Hanna, Elise's sister, and she arrives promptly straight from the psychiatric hospital with her "heads", sculptures of several generations of Steeles and Winters. Hanna is obsessed with these heads, and now she needs to complete the very last one, that of Iris. Hanna cannot rest until this is done.

Iris is informed about a law suit against her family, in which the Nez Perce Indians claim the land she's inherited, The Heart of the Beast, is theirs, and she now braces to deal with yet another problem. And as she readies herself for this trial, she remembers her past, her life growing up in Oregon, and the tumultuous story that was her family.

This novel can only be described as tragic. Iris's family history is filled with men and women that farmed for a living, raising horses and cattle and growing crops, from the first generation that traveled the Lewis and Clarke trail as they made their way from the East Coast to Oregon, down to her own parents. But it was not out of love that they lived on the land. It was with a hatred and a violence that is graphically described quite succinctly and with much detail by Weatherford. Iris's father was a man filled with hate, showing only disdain for his children, anger towards his wife, and ruled the land and their home with a military arm. But as Iris relives her family's history, it is obvious why her father Ike Steele was as cruel and sadistic as she knew him to be. A family history of larger than life men and women fill the family tree, and it is this history that Iris remembers in detail, as well as her own childhood and memories of what living on the land meant to her.

HEART OF THE BEAST will be one of my favorite books read in 2004. It's told on an epic scale, taken out of American history books, yet most of it takes place in contemporary times, which is hard to believe as the images one gets from reading this book reminds one of days of yesteryear, when the West was still being tamed. It is mention of songs by Prince and Ever Clear that brings the reader back to the present. However, the story of the Indians and the white men that helped build this part of the country makes one think HEART OF THE BEAST is a story that takes place in the past. This reviewer feels that anyone that loves to read a good novel is going to enjoy HEART OF THE BEAST. Highly recommended!

I loved HEART OF THE BEAST so much, I had to own a first edition. If Jane Smiley's A Thousand Acres could win the Pulitzer, BEAST certainly should have. While they're both rural family dramas, Weatherford's debut novel is considerably better in every category: first-class writing (almost every paragraph is startling somehow and cliché-free), gripping plot (with truly original turning points, rare depth), and convincing, intense characters like no one I've ever known (with dialogue to match). If Weatherford keeps writing like this, they'll have to create a new genre just for her: Triple Threat.

I've never read a more compelling or vivid exploration of the emotional heritage of hatred and the suffering (and ongoing hatred) it begets. There are paragraphs so divine I keep re-reading them to my friends and myself to try to figure out how Weatherford did it (and in her first novel!).

This novel is single-handedly responsible for raising my standards for literary fiction: Now that I know it's possible to produce a story as full as this, I want it this good all the time.

What captured my interest most in this novel was the psychological journey of the main character, Iris. At the beginning of the story, most of Iris' family is dead. However, all of her dead family members linger on in her internal world, continuing to cause varying degrees of harm.
Throughout the novel, the reader follows Iris as she struggles to continue to operate her family farm, but we also witness a process much more subtle, which is the rebuilding of the main character's mind. In my opinion, this is creatively expressed in the process of recasting the family sculptures, specifically those of herself, her mother and her father. A very interesting book, full of many levels of meaning.

I could not put this novel down! When I finished, I sincerely missed Iris, Henry and the rest of the Steele clan. The author's love for her characters is not only evident, it is passed on to the reader. Weatherford breathes life into her characters by addressing their faults and allowing the reader to accept them. Each word is written honestly, intelligently, beautifully, and with tremendous passion. Never have words been more perfectly chosen and never has a story been more deserving to be told. The entire spectrum of emotions can be found on a single page, and the reader feels involved, rather than like an on-looker or outsider. "Heart of the Beast" is an amazing experiance, unique from any novel out there.

This book was absolutely wonderful- a beautifully written gripping story. It has marvelous descriptions of that harsh and brutal land and the people who have to sometimes be harsh and brutal to survive it. Having been there, she described Eastern Oregon to a tee, although I have no first-hand knowledge of the ranch life (thank heavens!). I chose this for my book club, and everyone loved it. I knew the author when she was in college, got in touch with her after 20 years, and she agreed to participate in our club's meeting via phone. She was as interesting as her writing. I can't wait for her next book!

My ex-wife is of Chippewa descent and I have attended many pow-wows with her family. To see Native peoples drum, sing traditional songs and "fancy dance" is humbling and wonderful. A people united to reclaim a heritage stolen from them. Stolen by the pursuers of the Nez Perce, as told so purely in Kent Nerburn's book. Some of the examples of the elderly, pregnant and very young Nez Perce being terrified by the U.S. Cavalry's cannons are harrowing and hard to read. The idea of these people leaving their old, blind and mortally wounded alone on the trail to die by themselves with dignity, signing their death songs, is unimaginable. Joseph was never the "Chief" of the Nez Perce, as Nerburn clearly illustrates. That was a role fostered on him by the white press and politicians to create a cunning and evil adversary. Man, how things have not changed. Weapons of Mass Destruction anyone? And to my ex-wife, who inspired me to learn the real history of the Native American people, "I will fight no more forever."

Though I have read a significant amount about the Nez Perce, this was my firt introduction to kent Nerburn. The moment I held the book in my hands I felt the heart it was written with reach out to me and draw me into it. Kent, through his intense dedication and depth of soul brought the story alive. Most writings on the subject are accountings-here I felt the people involved and became part of the story. That depth of unity IS Native American.

This book so reached me I immediately ordered several other books by the same author, as well as more copies of this book to give to friends.

Kent Nerburn's story of Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce is that of one of histories great, proudest and yet truly humble men. Nerburn writes smoothly and convincingly as he traces the our government reversals and flight of the Nez Perce through bitter winter in an effort to reach and cross the Canadian border.

Chief Joseph's efforts to avoid conflict unless cornered, and how he still tried to lead his people to safety is a story of courage, betrayal and near extinction, written by an author who picks up on the soul and pain of this man--and his people--who must never be forgotten as a truly memorable part of indian courage and dignity. This is a book worth reading--and reading again.

author of THE SWAN: Tales of the Sacramento Valley

This book is divided into 3 parts: 1) background, 2) the war of 1877, 3) the post-war years. Nerburn doesn't get bogged down in details of troop movements and other minutiae, but does a pretty good job of recounting the war. If this is your introduction to the Nez Perce war of 1877, perhaps this will whet your appetite for more in-depth scholarly studies. The real strength of this book is found in part 3 where Nerburn recounts the sad post-war years which generally receive only passing mention in most books that deal with the Nez Perce war. One fact becomes crystal clear in the reading of this part: this was very much a war pitting native religious beliefs against Christianity. Of course the Christians win, but the reader should keep in mind that cultural might does not make right. As Nerburn illustrates, the Nez Perce were cruelly starved, terribly mistreated and lied to -- all in an effort to break their will, weaken them spiritually, with the ultimate goal being conversion to Christianity. I guess some people just need a little extra help "seeing the light." [Please note my sarcasm.] It is very interesting to note that not one of the 23 reviews before mine mentions this Christian aspect of the book. As for Nerburn, he never lets the reader know where he stands on this topic, though I suspect he was against it. In any event, their treatment was truly disgusting.

Continuing, I would like to point out three other details about this book: There is an error/typo on p. 358 (May 1878 should read May 1879) and on pp. 121-122 Nerburn claims a brotherly relationship between two Indians that was new information to me and I am unsure of its accuracy. The last thing I want to point out is that there are no footnotes in this book though he does include a "Notes on the Sources" section which is pretty good. But due to the lack of footnotes, I'm left wondering where he received some of his details. And he frequently states things like "there were numerous deaths on the reservation" but never gives numbers (this is too vague and left me with an empty feeling). All in all, this book is a very good read and satisfactory introduction to the Nez Perces and their tragic war of 1877.

This book is a great choice for those who never read anything about the Nez Perce, as well as for those who thought they already read everything there is to read. The book is written in an easy-to-read, unique narrative style. The last third of the book covers Chief Joseph and the exile of the Nez Perce after the famous surrender, much more thoroughly than any book I encountered previously. As the title indicates, the story of Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce has not been told as completely or in the manner told in this book, to my knowledge.

When reading this book you will find yourself reticent to put it down and looking forward to your next chance to read it when you do. You will learn a great deal about this proud people and their undoing by Christian missionaries, white settlers and the government. You will probably also learn quite alot about yourself and your own beliefs. I highly recommend it.

Beverly Cleary, an esteemed librarian and author of numerous children's books, shares her story about growing up in Yamhill, Oregon in the roaring twenties and depression thirties. She was born in 1916 and resides in California today. I quickly ordered the sequel, 'My Own Two Feet".

The book is a revealing glimpse at a sensitive and curious young girl, an only child, coping with early childhood and her school years in Oregon. The Williamette Valley and Portland, Oregon, are beautifully described as the area was in the early 20th. century.

Beverly shares family pictures, provides pioneer ancestor background, describes her schools and teachers, social life and interests in a delightfully easy to read manner. Her mother taught Beverly book appreciation, as well as music and reminded her always to "use her imagination"!

I love this woman for her keen insights and independence, and recommend her memoir (and all her children's books as well.) It is surprisingly different from other memoirs and holds your interest all the way thru, leaving you wanting to know more about her as she connects with the reader in a personal way.

Beverly Cleary
A girl from Yamhill
Author: Beverly Cleary

Mostly all children love and grow up reading Beverly Cleary's books. But some wonder, "What was her childhood like?" In this autobiography, Beverly Cleary tells the story of her life. It starts out from when she's a little girl living on a big farm in Yamhill, Oregon and goes all the way until she's in her senior year in Portland. Beverly lived in Portland near Klickitat Street which inspired her for the Ramona series, which are one of the most favored today.
Once, Beverly's elementary teacher assigned her class a creative writing project. When Beverly turned in hers, her teacher was so pleased with her writing that she read Beverly's paper out loud to the class and told her she had a gift for writing. Beverly wasn't a really good speller in elementary school. Her class held a spelling bee and she was given the word "beautiful" to spell. She started out with "beau..." but someone gasped which made Beverly think she'd spelled it wrong. Beverly ended up spelling the word "beau..." and was disqualified. When she was younger she wouldn't read any books. Her mother didn't understand. All of Beverly's relatives loved reading. Eventually, one time she was sick, she finally found her love for reading.
I really enjoyed this book and would rate it a 4 and a half because I myself love Beverly's books and it was really interesting to read about her life. I usually don't like biographies/ autobiographies, but this one really got me interested.
I think Beverly's a little like me because we both refused to read when we were little. I didn't hate reading, but all of the books I wanted to read weren't the kinds of book my mom wanted me to read. I wanted to read books about teen life and very up-to-date. My mother wanted me to read historical fiction and/or nonfiction. I love all books now except for nonfiction.
Beverly's style of writing is creative, descriptive and very fun to read. Most of her books are for younger children but she has written a couple for teens.

_A Girl From Yamhill_ by Beverly Clearly is a memoir. She writes about her memories of Beverly's early life to where she escapes her home to go to junior college in California.
Beverly tells us when her first baby tooth came out, when she recieved her first love letter from a boy she liked for 3 years. Beverly also tells us about her first date Gerhart she despised.
It is a great book that everyone will love.

i loved the ramona quimby books growing up. i read them until they fell apart. after reading A Girl from Yamhill, i'm considering buying and reading them all over again. Beverly Cleary writes so simply with few descriptions and yet you can see, hear, smell, feel everything she writes about. i am never left wondering or wanting. her love of people and places, especially when she writes about her grandparents and Puddin', shines through without the annoying wordiness i find in other memoirs.

i especially loved the pictures scattered throughout the books. she is adorable and you can see a little bit of ramona in her. :)

I ordered Beverly Cleary's two autobiographies on Amazon, and recieved them last week. The first of the two is called, "A Girl From Yamhill" and the second is, "My Own Two Feet". Both are excellently written. The first is of her childhood until she goes off to college and the second is her college days and a few years beyond. She has a style of writing that makes you feel as though you have known her your whole life and are the dearest of friends. What amazed me the most about these books is how timeless they are. Even though she grew up during the depression and went to college before the advent of computers and the technology boom, it was eye opening to see that the human condition and experiences don't really change all that much. She is an excellent storyteller, and the words on the page lept into my mind's eye and I could see it unfold before as if I were watching it on a movie screen. I was sad to see the first book end, but glad that I had ordered the second book as well. Then when I finished the second book I found myself wishing that she had written another book to tell more of her life's stories. I finished reading them both within a couple of days and found myself doing something I have never done before. I immediately began to read them again ( I am currently half way through the first book). If you grew up loving her children's books as I did, then these are a must have.

While I agree with those who contend that even in large doses vitamin C undoubtedly doesn't cure cancer, neither do the deadly poisons of chemotherapy and radiation. Unlike the horrible side effects and life shortening poisons of chemotherpy and radiation, even in large doses vitamin C won't poison your system and shorten your life. Having said that, I convinced that you can take to much of even an excellent vitamin such as C.

The mildest form of chemotherapy, mustard gas was used in WWI. It was so difiguring that it's use was outlawed at that time. The form most often used in present day cancer treatment is the most toxic form available. As it burns the tissues, radiation is no safer than chemotherapy.

In the 1970's Nixon declared a war on cnacer, which meant he was declaring war on our bodies. I'm not war with my body, but rather desire to do all in my power to treat as the fearfully and wonderful made creation of God that it is.

While not a cure for cancer either, a truly healthy diet, optimal doses of all vitamins and minerals, fresh air, moderate sun exposure, plenty of rest, dealing with emotional issures, etc, can prolong people's lifes, give them a better quality of life with less pain and in less advanced cases even reverse the disease. Way to often we are looking for a magic bullet supplement or treatment for disease. There are no magice bullets, but rather we all need to take "responsibility" and care for our bodies the way they were designed to be cared for. Prevention of disease not cure should be our emphasis.

User "L. POWER lp542": while Linus Pauling is a great mind and his vitamin regimine is a wonderful way to maintain a healthy immune system, his mega-doses of Vitamin C are ABSOLUTELY NOT a primary treatment for cancer, as you suggested. It is irresponsible of you to suggest that taking large doses of vitamin C can push one's cancer into remission. The only effective prescriptions for cancer are those offered by leading oncologists, like surgery, if possible; chemotherapy; radiation treatment; radiofrequency ablation; monoclonal antibodies; etc. It is irresponsible and morally abhorrent to suggest that vitamins can be an effective primary treatment for cancer when leading oncologists have never supported this hogwash. You are presenting a supplementary treatment as a primary treatment. And, since cancer is a fatal disease, your advice can actually shorten the lives of patients who would otherwise be receiving treatments that actually work and have been proven to do so in double-blind randomized placebo trials. Do you really believe that a random book (written by a Nobel laureate or not) contains secret cancer fighting tools that leading researchers and oncologists are not aware of? If vitamin C loading was so groundbreaking in the treatment of cancer, don't you think there would be articles about it in major medical journals and presentations on it at the annual ASCO (American Society of Clinincal Oncology) convention? There is a reason that mega-doses of vitamins are not used as primary treatment at cancer hospitals. That reason is that vitamin C loading is NOT a proven primary treatment for any type of cancer. There are NO studies proving that vitamins can push any type of cancer into remission. Those cancer patients you mentioned who are alive today are not living because of their vitamin loading. They're alive because of the primary treatment (e.g. chemotherapy, radiation, monoclonal antibodies, etc.) they received.

I have not read this book, but I somehow doubt that Linus Pauling would suggest in it that vitamins are a good primary treatment for cancer. In fact, I'm sure he didn't. Something this riculous could only come from a crackpot poster on Amazon...

Linus Carl Pauling is regarded by many as the premier chemist of the twentieth century. Pauling received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1962 for his campaign against above-ground nuclear testing, and is the only person to win two Nobel prizes that were not shared with another recipient. The other people who have received two Nobel prizes are Marie Curie (physics and chemistry), John Bardeen (both in physics) and Frederick Sanger (both in chemistry). Later in life, he became an advocate for greatly increased consumption of vitamin C and other nutrients. He generalized his ideas to define orthomolecular medicine, which is still regarded as unorthodox by conventional medicine. He popularized his concepts, analyses, research and insights in several successful but controversial books centered around vitamin C and orthomolecular medicine

Linus Pauling, best known as an advocate of the health value of mega doses of Vitamin C, and a two time Nobel Prize winner.

In a major cancer hospital in 1976, they carried out a study of terminal patients for whom conventional treatment was stopped. The control group of 1,000 who had no Vitamin C therapy all died by August 10, 1976. The test group of 100 patients who were treated with Ascorbate (Vitamin C) had eighteen people surviving by this date. The average survival time of those getting Vitamin C therapy was 4.2 times longer than the control group, on average living over 300 days longer. Some of this group continued to live indefinitely. You can probably imagine that people in a less dire state would show even better results.

Another study indicated that people with cancer tend to have lower amounts of Vitamin C. It is possible that the Vitamin C is depleted because it is being used by the body to fight disease, and therefore it might be reasonable concluded, according to Dr Pauling, that an ill person would need more of this supplement.

Dr Pauling himself took about 18g a day.

There are anecdotal stories in the book. One in particular of a man who took 10-12g a day for a 52mm liver cancer lesion. The cancer was stopped from progressing, and eventually much to the surprise of medical experts shrunk 32%. Dr Pauling recommended he up the dose to 25g daily, and he eventually on his own initiative went to 36 g. At the time he wrote to Dr Pauling he had survived two years.

One of the key issues we face as we grow older is disease of our connective tissue, and inflammation. This is manifested through conditions such as arthritis. I remember reading somewhere that about 80% of people age 60 have some form of arthritis. Vitamin C is an excellent anti inflammatory, and also great for allergies and colds.

If you are interested in learning more about health and longevity, I recommend reading this book.

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My grandmother was taking about 26 different meds for all sorts of conditions, COPD, arthritis, diabetes, cholesterol, fibromylagia, etc. etc. I figured most of her symptoms were a result of over medication and side effects. I first got the book "Best pills, Worst Pills" to review her meds. I highly recommend it. Then I started getting books on nutrition and vitamin supplementation. This book by Pauling is the best I have read. After you read it, it will give you a better understanding of how to look at you health from a big picture point of view. The other book I highly recommend is a book by Hoffer called "Putting it all together: The New Orthomolecular Medicine". He writes more about his clinical experiences. If you read the Hoffer book first, you would probably be a little more skeptical, but if you read the Linus book first, it will give you a better foundation for accepting Hoffer's propositions. GET THE BOOKS!!

A bit out there, I enjoy fantasy more then SF and the basis of this series is a bit difficult for me to believe, but the writer is so good, that I have read the entire series and found I could not put any of these books down... A Great Read..!

The latest in the Ikiah Oregon series maintains the standards of the series; lots of action, mystery, humor, blood and a little sex on the side. Now we find the DEA entering the action. Nice character development with the addition of Atticus and Ru, a real charmer.

Three "Ukiah Oregon" books ago, Wen Spencer was a new novelist with an engaging character and some new novelist faux pas under her belt. I still read "Alien Taste" in one sitting and went out and got the next two books. "Bitter Water" is the toughest read of the group, but every one of them is enjoyable and pulls you through the story.

The first thing I will say about Book Four is you don't need the first three books to read and understand it. But, I believe you will be so engaged by Ukiah Oregon's story that you will WANT them.

In this novel, Ukiah Oregon discovers he has a big brother. While the feeling of not being the only one is good, neither brother can trust the other.

Strongly recommend you read this book when you have several hours to devote to it. You will not want to put it down.

Atticus Steele and his friends always knew he was strange with the abillity to heal from things that kill other people but finding a man who apart from looking younger could be his twin was a shock. The story he is told when the man who is his brother heals is more of one and what he can find out about him makes him wonder weather to trust him at all.
The story only gets faster and more complex after that a good read. I read it in one day.

Spencer introduces Atticus Steele and friends in this latest novel following the trials and tribulations of Ukiah Oregon.

Atticus and his partner discover Ukiah dead in a trunk of a car surrounded by mice. Obviously something they have seen before. Apparently, Atticus had more than his share of run-ins with death and mice. Not to mentioned this "kid" looked exactly like him. So, of course they decide to save him.

I like the fact Spencer decides to add a new character and for much of the book, the story is told from Atticus' view point. The reader also dicovers Atticus' love interest is different from Ukiah, also. Which continues the homosexual theme that began with Ukiah's moms. It also gives the Dog Warriors reason to leave another "breeder" alone. The action is nonstop and the reader can't help but feel for these characters. I really enjoyed all the books from this series.

The reason I chose to give it four stars instead of the usual five is that I felt Spencer should have explained situations more fully. For example, in this novel she shows the cult as trying to save mankind. Yet, they know by know that the sex drug is lethal to humans (many of their own have died from it) and does absolutely nothing to the "demons." Still they continue to manufactor it and sell it the the people. This completely goes against their agenda. There were several other things I found that were a contradiction to the character's or group belief.

Still, if you can overlook these things, I'm sure you will enjoy this novel.

I spent a few weeks in the Pacific Northwest and bought this book as soon as I had arrived. (I love the Lone Pine guides- Plants of the Rocky Mountains, and Wildflowers of Tennessee the Ohio Valley and Southern Appalachians)
I loved using this book; it was worth every penny, even for a short period of time - I carried it with me everywhere. This is a wonderful reference for any level of plant or wildflower enthusiast. And the notes on historical uses and other interesting factoids give the flowers and plants a depth that they never had before! Buy this book!

The most comprehensive guide the plants of the rainy coastal forest of the Pacific Northwest. Good photos, range maps, and general info for most plants you'll find. I've stumped it a few times, but generally every plant I find hiking in the forest is in there somewhere. For the most part well organized. The book is high quality and has rounded corners for backpack use. Highly recommended.

I have several other plant identification books. This is the best one by far for my area (the central Oregon coast). The information beyond simple plant identification is exceptionally useful.

This book is awesome. I learned to love Biology from Mr. Brugman at Toutle Lake High School with Mr. Brugman and his required plant collection. Now I'm all grown up and homeschool my 3 kids with this book! My oldest boy uses it almost every day; searching outside and identifying plants. He is only 11 and has worn the binding of this book out! I've taped it all back together several times and now here I am at amazon to buy him a new one for his birthday! Very informative and easy to use book with lots of neat history facts about our areas shrubs and their uses in the past. Very colorful and beautiful pictures help with easy identification! Others wouldn't probably approve, but my little boy has done 3 of these collections for other high school sutudents who all received A's. (none from Toutle, of course LOL) This book has helped nurture my little boys' love of the outdoors and plants. Thanks again for the inspiring me to love Biology, Mr. Brugman. From ~ Robin (Berry) Hamm

This is by far the best native plant guide for the Northwest that I've encountered. My family has amassed quite a few guides for local plants, but none come close to containing the information that Pojar and MacKinnon have put in this book. Plants are listed according to families, using common family names, though there is a glossary for the scientific names in the List of Keys on p 6. The pictures are for the most part excellent. The Notes are fantastic and I love the tribal use section as I have a particular interest in ethnobotany. The introduction also includes a great breakdown of the NW tribes and their whereabouts and distinctions. This book is very easy to use, making it perfect for the hobbyist, yet I think the information is exact enough with good identification keys and illustrations that hardcore botanists would find it a useful addition to their references.

It's a touch heavy to go hiking with, though if I weren't such a slug I might take it anyway. I usually take photos of any unfamiliar plants I find and then cross-reference when I'm home.

There is a revised edition coming out Nov. 30th, 2004 and I can't wait to get my paws on it! My current copy is completely dog-eared. I just wish the editors and authors (you listening?) would consider a guide to the Northeast coast.