Washington Books

This is the best free camping guide I have ever seen of its kind. The driving directions were precise and easy to follow. We never once found ourselves in the middle of nowhere. It was surprising to discover that the author had done all of the work for us. No reservations were needed, and we camped free all over the state of Washington, just as the book described. We recommend this book for even the most inexperienced campers, and anyone who cares to enjoy the spectacular beauty of the Pacific Northwest free of charge. It also is a great gift to give to friends who like to fish, hike and camp in the middle of nature, instead of a Wal-Mart parking lot.

This wonderful camping book has given me great pleasure. While camping out I have found great places to camp and cheap. The spiral note book made it handy to keep the campground I was searching for easy to find. The pages were easy to keep at the right place at the time I needed. Not that it was hard to find the campgrounds. It was just very handy and made my traveling a lot easier. The hikes were breath taking. The quotes and jokes are an enjoyment to read on the trip!! Thank you for this wonderful camping book.
I am looking forward to the Oregon camping book, so I can give it to my kids?? And maybe enjoy some camping trips along with them. Thank you for this wonderful camping book.
Erna Berghuys(Washington)

What an original way to inform the world about our beautiful scenery here in WA state! I love Ray's Guide! It is very informative. Hey ther Ray hows Mexico?? Miss ya =)

Love
Laura

I recently took this book with me to read on a trip to South Africa. The book is outstanding in every way. I will recommend this book to every reader that I know. Washington was one of the great men of U.S. and world history. The book does a great job of bringing George Washington to life for the reader.

This book was well written.. and it is very easy to read... even for kids. George Washington was a man of character. He is a great example to follow. This book will help you understand why he did what he did... why he refused to be King George... why he got involved in the revolutionary war. And after reading this book, you will gain a tremendous love and respect for the founding father of our country. And you will understand why they called him "first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen".

The authors have gone to great effort to include and document quotations from original documents including personal communications. In a very readable style, they cover Washington's life, the historical events taking place during his life and his role in them. I found it to be enjoyable reading as well as an excellent research source.

Everyone should purchase this book.

It is a chapter that contains information about the murder of my maternal grandfather, Walter Gunn.

Norrell's book gives a detailed story of the movement in Tuskegee, the home of Booker T. Washington. It clearly shows of the Macon County's progress away from the accommodationist views of Washington. For those who are not familiar with the movement outside the realms of Martin Luther King and others, Reaping the Whirlwind is a great source to fill your mind.

The struggle for civil rights was a long and argous process, and Robert Norrell's Reaping the Whirlwind, is an example of how the movement progressed, grew, and eventually was successful. In his book he traces the lines of leadership at Tuskegee Institute in Macon County, Alabama. As the novel progresses, society increasingly adapts to the ideals behind an integrated community. The struggle for equality was not won as easliy as the court battles suggested rather, true equality could never have existed due to the white exodus of the "model city." This is an excellent portrayal of the events in this small town, and this novel should be mandatory reading in any civcs or Civil Rights History class

I thought the book was great because I learned a lot about the struggles that the older generation went through. It opened my eyes to a history that I never knew before. The stories were well written and I enjoyed the photos and historical essay. I highly recommend this book.

A must-read, must-have for anyone interested in effective presentation of oral histories. Awesome for library research and as a personal coffee table book. I couldn't put it down.

Very moving, intimate personal portraits of the lives of 71 Chinese Americans who talk about the very harsh era before World War II, when discrimination and poverty were prevalent. A few of the photo portraits and stories are memorable, quite touching. Immensely readable throughout.

The interest of this book goes beyond architecture or urban planning; it places the emergence of a modern city in the context of the wider power relationships of the time (imperial and otherwise). The illustrations and maps are very helpful. A superb resource for not just for those interested in Istanbul, but for anyone trying to understand cultural change in modern Turkey and the Middle East.

Zeynep Celik does an excellent job in summarizing the Ottoman politics in the 19th century and relating the social and economic structure of the empire to Istanbul's architecture and urban planning. The book consists of seven chapters, which include her clear analysis of the regularization of the urban fabric, transportation and some grand schemes proposed by the european architects and planners. She makes references to other european cities, and makes good comparisons for what certain things did/ did not work for the replanning of Istanbul. The book is very easy to read, comprehensive and very illustrative. The maps, diagrams and photographs are very revealing. Great work!

During the 19th Century the imperialist powers of Europe redeveloped their capitals on a grand scale. The Remaking of Istanbul details the attempts of the later Ottoman sultans to apply Western planning principles to their ancient capital in a similar fashion. Celik provides a historical survey describing the disintegration of the regularized Byzantine street network under the Ottomans, and also explains how the placement of mosques, bathes and other public spaces prior to 1800 presented problems in revitalization plans. Transportation issues are given their own chapter, where the inequity of tram service in the old city compared to the new suburbs and Ottoman attempts to regulate ferry service are discussed in detail. Perhaps the most intriguing element of the book is the section devoted to grand schemes which never came to fruition; the scope of the plans, which involve fantastic bridges, expansive squares and broad boulevards, will surprise readers who know modern Istanbul. An architectural historian by training, Celik includes a chapter on architectural pluralism detailing the myriad of styles that appeared in Istanbul during the period and the controversy they caused. The political and economic situation of the Ottoman Empire during the period is repeatedly touched on, and the disparities in wealth and influence between the city's Muslim and Christian populations and the crippling effects of Ottoman concessions to Western concerns are addressed at length. More than just an architectural history or a planning survey, The Remaking of Istanbul tells the story of how the Ottomans, in their rush to modernize their capital along Western lines, would find themselves strangled by the pursestrings of the European nations they had commissioned to carry out the work for them.

Unrivaled militarily as he is, an American cowboy has got bogged down in the quagmires again and again.
Seemingly, cowboy has had troubles fighting in the Orient, and then, what could be the reason, I wonded.

I think the author suggests that with 'hard power' of Amrican military strength, closely combined with 'soft power' of Oriental mentalism, an American cowboy could lead and rule this world again in 21st century also, through his spiritual rise of morality based on Christian love.

When I read this novel last week, I felt it is so sincere and eclectic approach to the piled-up karma of America in the Oriental sense of meaning. I thought this book is largely based on the real experiences of author, including a sad love affair, and various first-hand experiences with a famous Korean psychic concerning the coming future of the USA now at war on terrorism.

There seem to be two types of history. There's the official version, usually written by the victors; and there's the account of what really happened, to ordinary people in daily life. In "Rise, and Fight Again" Charles Bracelen Flood delivers four hundred pages of the latter, and does so in that rarefied way that lets history flow like a novel. His primary research centered on the diaries of regular soldiers and militia men, and so we come to know the names and thoughts of human beings lost to the pages of the official versions. This is consistently exciting and insightful writing.

Flood ends his five-part book with Yorktown, as he had to. But the first four parts are not about victory, but crushing, debilitating defeats for the Continental Army, ranging from September of 1775 to June of 1780.

Some of the defeats are governed by simple bad luck, despite the very best of human determination. Others find roots in hubris, stupidity and outright cowardice. Flood varnishes nothing for the sake of myth, the most notable being Paul Revere, probably the most endearing image of the American Revolution. His alarming ride at the start of conflict was to be his finest hour. His later service was stained by a lack of fortitude, likely desertion and, at Revere's own request, a court martial.

So much of history concerns people who succeed because they didn't know what they were trying to do was impossible.Flood describes American fighting squads living on green peaches, shoeless in the winter, and in one case literally naked in crude winter quarters. In 1780 massive defeats in the south decimated all American forces below North Carolina. He notes state and federal treasuries spent dry, with no way to re-supply troops, much less pay them. It's not surprising, then, that towards the end of the war British generals were utterly astonished by an enemy that just didn't know when to quit.

In many ways Flood's central point is that the revolution was not so much won by soldiers, as just by people who acted upon a visceral awareness that grew into full consciousness. The rebel forces were the Continental Army, by name and definition, but this was an army very often of women and children, of barely trained farmers, of legitimate soldiers with no uniforms.

In 1775 European armies were very much based on aristocracy. An officer was granted a commission and promotion based far more on his pedigree and social rank than his battlefield valor, or his intellect. To whatever extent the Continental Army resembled its enemy (after all, many officers and soldiers, including George Wahington, had served in the British military), by the end of the war that resemblance had faded. Flood writes about an aristocratic German fighting for the British at Yorktown, who was furious that he had been defeated by "peasants, money-grubbing merchants and shopkeepers."

Two hundred thirty years is a blink in geologic time, and only a very little span in human history, and yet in that time the United States has become the most formidable nation in history. It is profoundly to our benefit, especially now, to understand what can be accomplished by people who perceive an injustice and who are compelled to action, regardless of the sacrifice or circumstances.

One final point to screenwriters and producers. These are engrossing stories of human will. Any of the four have the potential to be an excellent film or television project.

A must read for every history buff. This book is so interesting, I could hardly put it down. During the first part of the book I had to keep reminding myself that they DID win the war, because the first part chronicles their losses. The second part gets so exciting it's breathtaking, they have all these victories. I highly recommend this!

One of my 3 favorite books on the American Revolution, "Rise & Fight Again" focuses on four disastrous American defeats --- the Battles of Quebec, Fort Washington, Penobscot, and Camden-- and in doing so, captures more of the desperate spirit of those times than generally comes through in accounts of American victories. The reader comes to appreciate how nearly we lost this war.

Flood has laced his military history with the personal observations of folk who experienced the war first-hand-- Alexander Graydon, George Little, Otho Holland Williams, William Hutchings, among many others-- and the reader meets them not just as military characters, but as humans with interrupted lives, who keep re-emerging, sometimes with bewilderment, in the torrent of events. I found myself caring very much what happened to these people, and wanting to know more.

Flood's style of narrative is strong & sharp-flavored, and his pictures vividly drawn:
"Along the trail men were sitting in the snow, unable to stand. Some were coughing, many had extreme constipation, all were starving. Here and there was a man who had passed out on the march, pitching off the trail, lying facedown in the snow..."
He breaks his chapters into vignettes, and the reader races along. It's hard to put it down once you start reading.

While Flood employs a good deal of imagination in fleshing out the unknowable details of the stories, his bibliography and footnotes testify to this being a thoroughly researched book. He has quoted generously from letters and diaries, and provides several maps and a section of portraits. This is an excellent read for someone new to the history of the American Revolution, likely to give them an appetite to learn more, and is just as fine for the Rev War scholar.

I first found this book in a college library over 16 years ago. I've since seen only 3 other copies of it. This is a great pity, as it is surely one of the best written novels any where in the world. Dmitry Merezhkovsky has recreated the conflicted life of Leonardo: genius on one side counter balanced by the pagan world in conflict with the fanatical religous climate in which he lived. If you want to submerge yourself in Leonardo's world, I highly recommend this book for doing so.

This book is mostly unknown, although it is, in my opinion, one of the greatest novels ever written. The accuracy and depth of the historical reconstruction give a keen insight into the times of italian Renaissance, providing an extraordinary and original portrait of the great genius and his lonely wanderings through late 15th century Italy. The insight the author manages to give on the artistic and scientific thought of Leonardo are unique, and rival any scientific text. The sublime reading pleasure is hence greatened by the wealth of knowledge which can be extracted from this wonderful book. A pity the author is greatly unknown, not only in this but also in all his other works.

I have never picked up a book and been touched as I have been with this one. The other reviews are accurate, this book is one of the the greatest novels I have ever read. The insight into the mind of Leanardo is amazing. I will cherish this book forever.

A great collection of Rumi's poetry from 7 different translators, some with a very literal, scholarly style of translation and some with a more free-verse style. This is a great introduction to Rumi and will also be well-loved by those of us more familiar with his poetry. Has some great footnotes about Sufi mysticism and teachings. I love the beauty of this little book, from the calligraphry on the cover to its sewn-in ribbon bookmark. The compact size of the book makes it easy to carry into coffeehouses for inspirational reading.

This poetry book is among my top favorites. The poetry of Rumi gleams and sparkles with meaning for modern times ... amazing as it was written in the 1240s A.D. The natural imagery used is always surprising. He never fails to capture human emotions and the human condition, using original and sometimes highly provocative but very 'on-target' terms.

The subject matter of each poem is varied, although the theme of the book is 'work' ... it really is about much, much more than work. I can not praise the themes of the poems and contents of this book enough. One outstanding poem uses "grapes" as imagery. Rumi describes for the reader, "How It Is with Grapes". When they are immature they jostle competetively in the bunch ... after maturing, the grapes soften, the skin rips open and become one juice. Rumi reassures us, it is just the same with humans. We are also told some grapes grow stone-hard but the secret to that sour tightness remains hidden. What is more important is ... that we grow ... with each breath ... through the help of the heart master.

Another poetic masterpiece is "Die Before You Die". We are told about a riddle, that the opener and that which is opened are the same ... Rumi states, "The day and the daily bread that comes are not to be worshiped for themselves. ... That it is the ocean inside the fish that bears it along, not the riverwater. ... The time-river spreads and disappears into the ocean with the fish." "Be one of G-d's fish who receives what it needs directly from the ocean around it - food, shelter, sleep, medicine." In conclusion, "A seed breaks into the ground. Only then does a new fig tree come into being. *That's* *the* *meaning* *of* *die* *before* *you* *die*." This is truly phenomenal poetry that has been tested over time. It is 800 years strong and still filled with enlightenment and human insight into the phenomenon called "Life".
Erika Borsos (erikab93)

This was a wonderful read on poetry, and I especially enjoyed the creative imagery, the recognition of the meaning and value of work and the subtle weaving metaphors as the author worked to uncover the underlying truths of all of our lives.

Scissors, Paper, Rock is an unusual novel. On one level it is about dying - from AIDS, cancer, heart failure, war. Death comes in so many different ways, yet it results in loss, both of the deceased and of the memories that lived with that person. Death changes people in unique and complicated ways. Johnson explores this theme with tenderness and grace.

He also explores the role of myth in history. Are those things that we know as true really fact, or are they those things that we believe are true because they define who we are. Are our parents really who we believe them to be or is our understanding of them based on the stories that they choose to tell? Does this lessen the power of the stories or lessen the veracity of the story tellers? Johnson very adeptly addresses this theme.

Among these deep levels, there is a story of a family in rural Kentucky and their lives together and separately. The characters are well portrayed and the background is very true to life.

This is not an easy book, but it is well worth your time.

No other book has ever moved me the way this one did. Picture this: me, 20, working at a mall kiosk on Christmas Eve, and crying as I read this beautiful, moving work. It was not my finest public moment, but the book should not be faulted. The story of Raphael and his difficult relationship with his distant father is one that you can feel. This is the best work of gay-themed fiction that I have ever had the pleasure of owning. It is a must buy!

Author Fenton Johnson tells a moving story peopled with colorful, believable characters. Raphael, the gay son of Tom Hardin, returns home to his dying father. Each chapter is a complete and satisfying story. The stories are told from perspectives of various family members at different points in their lives. The chronology is not linear, engaging the reader's attention in interesting ways. Johnson convincingly presents the emotions of human relations, against the detailed backdrop of one southern family. He transports the reader into the world of a son striving to come to terms with his father before it is too late.