Arizona Books

Early in the seventeenth century, Spaniard Fray Angelico wants to bring the word of God to the natives living throughout the New Mexico Territory. To his shock, the Hopi ignore his plea to save these savages from the devil. Though disappointed by their rejection of his deepest beliefs, Fray tries to protect his "wards" from the greedy rulers of New Spain, especially Captain de Leiva who sees the native wealth as a means of restoring honor to his family name.

Though somewhat successful in defeating the Hopi, de Leiva finds the Navajo willing to battle back, led by Cougar. When Cougar meets the Hopi's Morning Butterfly they fall in love with one another. However, even a foreign invader who destroys everything sacred may not be enough to bind the tribes and unite the star-crossed lovers.

Vella Munn is one of the great writers of historical fiction. Her tales always make the era she writes about seem as if events are unfolding in actual time. Her latest treasure, SOUL OF THE SACRED EARTH, is a superb tale that showcases the Spanish intrusion into the lives of the Hopi and Navajo people. A bit of romance softens the impact of a tale in which tragedy seems to be the only path for all the prime players.

Except for a brief prelude set in 1599, the events in this book take place during the summer and fall of 1628 in what is now Arizona. The Spanish have come to Oraibi, a Hopi village atop a mesa. Their contingent is small: a captain seeking the fabled riches of the area, a small number of soldiers, and a Franciscan priest intent on saving the savages' souls. Their arrival sets into motion not only a clash of Spanish and Hopi cultures, but also an encounter between Hopi and Navajo traditions. Morning Butterfly is a young Hopi woman who knows some Spanish, and is drafted to serve as translator for the newcomers. Cougar is a Navajo from a nearby settlement who arrives to steal the soldiers' horses. Cougar understands the Hopi language, making communication possible between these two communities. While both the Hopi and the Navajo lament the intrusion of the soldiers and the priest, they react in very different ways. The Hopi are known as the Peaceful Ones. They attempt to live with the invaders, and even, reluctantly, help him to build his church. Fray Angelico believes he may be making headway in converting the Hopi, since some submit to baptism, but it is clear to readers that the baptisms and sermons are not turning them from the own beliefs. The Navajo live as raiders, and are proud of their ability as warriors; their reaction to the Spanish is very different. A sense of tradition and place permeates this book. Words from legends, songs, and chants are woven throughout the story. Readers also learn of the two groups' beliefs through the explanations Morning Butterfly and Cougar give each other about their people. Fray Angelico and the captain represent two very different, but equally disruptive, Western attitudes: one missionary, the other exploitative of the people and land. The land is sacred to both the Hopi and Navajo, and their strong relationships with it become clear in this book. Tony Hillerman's novels have introduced me to the place and some of the beliefs in this book, but the time period is new to me. The book seems very well researched, though not intrusively so. Soul of the Sacred Earth is a compelling read. I was desperate to see the Spanish leave, so that the Hopi and Navajo societies wouldn't be further disrupted, but feared being too hopeful, knowing how history has turned out.

Trudi Jacobson, for the Historical Novels Review

Of all the books my brother, Bill has written, I most love this one. SUNSTRUCK is about the area of the world on which he is an expert, a remote area of the Sonoran Desert, but more importantly, these are thought-provoking essays on life and living. Even if, like me, you don't usually read essays about the natural world I think you'll appreciate his writing style and world outlook. Bill shares anecdotes about the outdoor life, hiking, those he meets and gets to know in the desert (including la migra and people escaping the border patrol, mountain lions, rattlesnakes, bighorn sheep) that make the reader feel as if they are there with Bill at the moment of encounter.

So I hope you'll enjoy a book about a wondrous place in the world that few people visit, and even fewer understand: El Gran Desierto, the Devil's Highway. Yes, this review is written by the author's sister, but don't hold that against me. Given my proclivity to reading fiction, I might not have picked up this book if my brother hadn't written it. I am so glad I had the opportunity to enjoy his vivid use of language and to vicariously experience some of Bill Broyles' adventures in the desert.

It is officially called El Camino del Diablo-The Devil's Highway. It's also known by a variety of other names best left out of this review. It stretches for some 130 miles of desert from Sonoyta, in Mexico's state of Sonora, to Yuma, Arizona, on the Colorado River. There is precious little permanent water and ground temperatures can, and do, reach 150 degrees and more. It includes parts of two national monuments, a national wildlife refuge, and a gunnery range in Arizona not to mention various intities in Mexico. The are can be explored via foot or four-wheel drive vehicle. It can be done. It's done every year by experts and fools, lots of fools, legal and illegal. Many don't make it. It is a killer. If you are intrigued by scorpions, drug smugglers, sidewinders, bandits, illegal aliens, rattlesnakes, sand storms, unbearable heat, lack of water, a military gunnery range, and a host of other unbelievable challenges this is the trip for you. I don't know of any typical travel or guide book that will prepare you for this trip but this book comes as close as any to providing one with a sense of what to expect and when to go. It is probably the very best book ever published about this special place. The author and photographer have a knack of presenting a highly readable, visually accurate account of the dangers and beauty that await the visitor to a place noted author Charles Bowden says "...we finally get to face ourselves because we are alone with life itself." I have done this trip in a four-wheel drive vehicle and can only say be careful...very careful. This is a must read both for the armchair traveler and boots on the ground type.

This thought-provoking work of social anthropology is a revision of the author's doctoral dissertation, but is nevertheless highly readable for the non-specialist. Taking as her theme the idea that "the queen is what the queen does," Hayden proposes that the Sovereign -- or at least this Sovereign -- has far more influence, both politically and socially, than might generally be thought or that the English constitution might envision. She does it both by distancing herself, personally and ceremonially, from her subjects, but also by drawing in the aristocracy (the closest people available who resemble herself) for close support. This mechanism can be seen in action every time the royal family poses on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, and by noting the long list of things the queen simply does not do, such as attend the funerals of non-royals, give anything away (ever), or permit anyone else to initiate a conversation in her presence. This puts her on a higher plane than ordinary mortals. Moreover, much of what is regarded as "ancient" ritual dates only from the early 20th century; Victoria was a very different sort of monarch, and a much less astute one. Hayden does an excellent job of explaining the royal system as it operates in Britain, and her insights also help to explain later events -- such as the Royal Family's ham-handed confusion at the outpouring of popular grief on the death of Princess Diana.

There are lots of books about the British Royal Family out there. Many are blatantly pro- or anti- this or that Royal, or insider 'exposés' from former valets or aides. This book isn't like that, and that makes it all the more worth reading.

Author Ilse Hayden looks at the Royal Family and the insititution of the British monarchy from the standpoint of a social anthropologist. She argues convincingly that the Sovereign's influence over government and society is both greater and more direct than is usually recognized. Much of that influence is camouflaged by ritual that seems to be ancient, but is really, for the most part, surprisingly modern.

Hayden takes a comprehensive view of Royal ritual, from big events like coronations and funerals, through Trooping the Colour, to bread-and-butter events like Royal visits and investitures. She also addresses questions like why The Queen carries a purse when she never uses cash, and what's up with the hats and white gloves. She also analyzes how the aristocracy both enhances and draws from the lustre of the Monarchy.

It's no exaggeration to say this book changed my view of the British Monarchy entirely. Whether you're monarchist, republican, or agnostic, you'll find valuable insights here. For anyone interested in moving beyond quick-and-dirty biographies to substantive analysis of what the Monarchy is really all about, you'll find true food for thought here.

This book was a coming-of-age story of a different sense. It's not the typical teen girl becomes woman story. Instead, it appeals to the young adult (like myself in my 20s) or I would imagine any yearning adult. If you've been wondering about your next step in life or love, this is for you. If you've been wondering about your family, or reflecting on your past, this is for you. If you're leaving one physical/geographical place to try out a new one, this book is for you. It's about discovery and reflection.

And a great first book. Lovely images and a good story about love, life, the West, growing up, and everything. Recommended if you like modern literature and fiction.

I just finished reading this wonderful book. I REALLY enjoyed all of the rich history of the Rim Country. As I was reading through the stories I felt transported to a time and place when the West was being built. The heroism of those early settlers, braving through harsh land and tough weather to make a new home was just incredible. I gained a new appreciation for the native people's struggle to reach out to these foreign settlers and at the same time try to keep their land and their lifestyle to no avail.

Aside from the historical perspective, the book is also littered with funny little sub-stories like how Gisela (which I always thought was pronounced "Jizzela") and the Baby Doll Ranch got their names, as well as uncle Frank chasing the hatchery truck.

There is a great blend of history and storytelling that kept me glued to see what adventures awaited in the next chapter. It truly gave me a new appreciation for that wonderful state of Arizona and all its rich history.

Thank you for putting pen to paper to share your collection of facts, stories and personal memories. I became so attached that I almost feel like I lived that history myself.

The Tale of Two Rivers: Pioneer Settlement in Arizona is just the kind of book we relish. The area it describes is full of great histories, and the author has brought everything up-to-date with current descriptions, and directions on how to get there... It's clear that this is not a book of undocumented tall tales but rather a book of utterly fascinating histories, carefully researched and described.
We especially appreciated the Indian history woven into the narrative-- so tragic and yet fascinating. Among the many places described we'd love to visit; we are especially intrigued with the descriptions of the Mazatzal Wilderness and the pueblo ruins near Payson. Since we probably won't be able to see these places, the book is providing us with great images--ones that help us feel like we are part of innumerable scenes and the histories.

This is an extremely good book about Wide Ruins Trading Post in the late 1930's and 40's. I have read other books about this trading post, but this book covers the Cousins' experiences throughout their lives with other trading posts too and their relationship with the Navajo Indians in the Southwest.

A wonderful and tender love story. A true accounting of the life of an Indian Trader on the Navajo Reservation and surrounding communities. Great history of the famous "Wide Ruins" rugs and how they came into being. A fast & easy read, well worth the price.

Malotki and McCreery have created a masterpiece with this wonderful book. It contains fabulous photographs of seldom-seen sites, plus numerous drawings that allow the reader to compare various figures found throughout the region. Malotki, I suspect, must have spent much time living among the Hopi (as a teacher, perhaps?) because he has considerable knowledge of the Hopi language and culture, and these insights appear often in his explanation of images and their relationship to one another.
Rock art is one of my great passions, and I've photographed a substantial amount of rock art from Northern AZ, Nevada, and California. Tapamveni is, in my opinion, the very best interpretive book on the subject, though limited to the "Palavayu" area in Northern AZ.
If you want to learn about the role and function of rock art in the culture of the ancient ones (to the extent that this is possible in our modern age), this book is invaluable.
If you're looking for a book that gives directions to rock art sites, this is not it. Due to the prevalence of vandalism and the senseless destruction of our precious cultural resources, locations of sites are kept vague - as they should be.
Keep this book out on the coffee table because you will want to refer to it often.

Tapamveni is a carefully researched, well written, and highly informative book about Petrified Forest's collection of rock art. Its lavish color illustrations are captivating. A must for Indian rock art buffs.

The public, not just here in Arizona, should read this book. Sheriff Joe is considered a "hero" by many, but I think, if they knew about the inhumane treatment that is going on here, they would have a different view. It is beautifully written and a very fast read. As a retired lawyer, it seems that what is going on in Tent City is a violation of the constitutional rights of everyone that is there as a prisoner, as well as those , who have had the unfortunate experience of having a "stay" there. PLEASE READ it. I am recommending it to anyone with whom I talk.

Cindy, Maricopa County, Arizona resident

"Tent City" is an uncomfortable read that one doesn't want to miss. Do you remember when Freedom was a comforting word that made you feel proud and safe? To maintain a society based on Freedom meant taking pride in being a responsible, accountable, involved, aware, moral citizen. Read "Tent City" for a story that's a microcosm of what's being played out repeatedly on the global stage. This story -- based on one woman's experience multiplied many times over -- demonstrates how our Freedom is being railroaded by weak bullies who stroke each other's egos and bully those who aren't part of their good-ole-boy group. Nora's experience is appalling, and is the direct result of one Sheriff in Arizona who has repeatedly been re-elected. He makes a mockery of the very Freedoms he was elected to uphold. Read this book and feel outraged as well as warned. The precious Freedoms some of us love about our country are being distorted and abused by at least one Sheriff who wears pink underwear and thumbs his nose at the real meaning of justice...AND Freedom.

We got hooked on Thomas Guide books when we bought our first one in San Diego. Then bought another when we lived near Wa. DC, and another when we moved to Arizona. Once you experience a Thomas Guide book, you can't go back to any other. The fact that it's a spiral bound book makes it SO easy to use and store in the door of your car or under the seat. No flopsy folding to deal with. Large detail makes it easy to read. Index in the back has every street in the city, and additionally, categories such as schools, hospitals, parks, etc... If you're going to live somewhere for any period of time, you will absolutely love the Thomas Guide book and will truly appreciate how easy it makes traveling around town. WELL worth the price.

Once you've used a Thomas Guide, they quickly become like old friends. Their detail is absolutely stunning, and if you can't find a street or location any other way, you can with a Thomas Guide.

Presentation is spiral bound, making it easy for in-the-car use. Street names are listed in the back for easy cross-referencing. The maps themselves are based on a grid system, so that any location can be easily found. A number like "1213 A3" means you flip to map page 1213, and find the corresponding grid for A3. Each grid, if I recall correctly, is approx. a half square mile. (Other maps in the guide give general area overviews)

These Thomas Guides are especially handy for those looking at real estate. Many real estate listings will have a space for "map codes" on the listing sheet itself. With a Thomas Guide, you can find the house with ease even if you're not familiar with the area - - a great way to check out neighborhoods you might have otherwise missed.

Not everyone might need this level of detail, but personally, I love good maps, and wouldn't do with anything less than a Thomas Guide if I was seriously interested in exploring a city. I love to keep my Thomas Guide with me in the car, and a laminated 'flip map' of the same city tucked in the visor of my car. The flip map is handy for quick reference, and my trusty Thomas Guide can lead me the rest of the way.

Rehabilitation or punishment? Which serves the innocent public better? Let alone the offender. And what of the other victims - the families of the offender?

In Ken Lambertons previous books of essays from prison he focused on seeing prison through the eyes of a naturalist. I almost said naturist - which would actually make for a, perhaps, more compelling read. At least there would be no concealed weapons on such an inmate.

In this book he speaks of the natural environment as observed from an environment that is, by its design, very un-natural. But he also meditates on crime, punishment, the crime of punishment and rehabilitation remorse and regret.

Most of these guys are going to get out some day and walk among us. How we treat them in there has a direct effect on how they they will act out here. The innocent masses have a stake in how the guilty few are treated behind those walls and razor wire. Humanity is in our self interest. Ken Lambertons case is a strong one and is spoken from an insiders (12 years behind bars) perspective. The book not only makes a compelling argument but is also an interesting and well written peek into a world that most of us will never see and probably don't want to see. But we have to see it. Out of sight out of mind doesn't work here. What goes on in there very much affects those of us out here.

Just the other day I heard an AM radio commentator describe how all sex offenders (of which Mr Lamberton is one) should be locked up forever. Easy to say but not very pragmatic and perhaps not very humane. The reality is we have more prisoners in this country per capita then any other nation. We can't lock everyone up.

This is, in my opinion, the most compelling of Mr Lambertons "trilogy" of prison books (including his award winning book "Wilderness and razor wire"). If you like this one then read the others but if you only read one naturalist sex offenders meditations from prison book this year then this has to be it!

I found the book to be a compelling, sometimes gut- wrenching tale of how society has twisted justice into a system of retribution and punishment. The tale is a prime example of what happens when overzealous proscecutors and coerrectional? staff have free reign to impose their personal concepts of justice on those who have used poor judgement. It seemed to me, while his actions were irresponsible, they did not seem to be criminally inspired. A tale of courage, of his, and of his family.