Washington Books

A great book! This is a compilation of short stories representing the author's eight-year career as a Washington DC police officer. This book provided unique insight into a career that many people would shy away from, especially in a notoriously high-crime area such as Washington, DC. The author showed that even though he faced dangerous and stressful situations on a regular basis, he maintained a level head and his hope to help the community. The stories are poignant, allowing the reader to experience a range of emotions along with the author. In a job that often carries a stereotype of big egos and power trips, it is refreshing to see a portrayal of an officer with a sensitive and vulnerable side. I highly recommend this book.

Archer gives you an inside look at what it's like to be a police officer in one of America's toughest cities. He will take you on an emotional journey that many police officer's endure throughout their careers. You will see how as a police officer you see the best and the worst sides of humanity and still try to balance your own life. Overall, this is an excellent book and if you decide to take the journey with Archer, you won't put the book down until it's finished.

Miles To Go...is a quick and enjoyable read. It certainly gives the reader an interesting insight into a police officer's day to day life, as well as a new found respect for what our law enforcement does on a daily basis. More importantly, this isn't just a day to day journal, but an honest account of why the author became a police officer and how he got through his days out on the street, whether it was doing undercover work, or trying to bust down the door of a brothel. I enjoyed the fact that the author could see the different perpetrators as people and could understand and appreciate where they came from rather than just chalking them up to another "collar." I highly recommend it!

As a cop, I know that we don't like to share our emotions. Especially about the things we see or experience on the job. These things are typically sealed in compartments and packed away, too difficult to contemplate or share. Christopher Archer lifts the thin blue line and exposes what his eyes saw, his body felt, and his heart bled with sincerity. You will frequently have to pause while reading this book to laugh, gasp for air, or swallow hard. I wish that the author had woven a common theme through this collection of stories, but perhaps I'm asking too much from someone who has exposed so much.

Christopher M. Archer has written an OUTSTANDING book. Detailing the life of a cop in The Nations Capital. The stories are real and shocking. Each chapter tells you a different story of the daily life of a cop wanting to "Protect and Serve". Once you start reading this book you won't want to put it down. The stories are all true. I know first hand, I had the pleasure of working with him during our RDU days. Great Job Chris!

I found this book valuable for identifying plants associated with the lichens I collect. It is easy to use, the photos are good and I really appreciate both the range maps and phisiographic map (on the inner back cover). Dana Ericson

Over all this is an excellent field guide. Two minor complaints: some of the plants have no accompanying photo, just a line drawing detailing their seed pods or flower. Also, some have very brief descriptions and say things like "Indigenous people used to eat this". Okay, why'd they stop? Is the plant considered toxic? Did the Indians get sick from it and stop using it?

This is simply an outstanding text. I used to work outdoor school in the pacific northwest, and this book ranked space in my day pack every day of the week. Very clear photos show you exactly what the plants look like, and text is clear and interesting. Highly recommended.

For anyone interested in Northwest Native Plants, this is an essential reference. Arthur Lee Jacobsen's "Wild Plants of Greater Seattle" is another useful book, although not as detailed. "Vascular plants of the Pacific Northwest", by Charles Leo Hitchcock, in 7 volumes for $300.00, is much more detailed but not as handy. I have used my "Pojar" so much that I wore it out and had to get a second copy. I found it useful when I was just beginning to learn about native plants, and now that I can identify over 200 species on sight, I still use it to learn about ethnobotany, which plants are edible, and where to plant them in my garden.

Another reviewer complained that the book does not list common names in the index. This is just plain wrong. You can look up plants in the index by common name or scientific name, or you can browse through the photos until you get a match. You can also use the keys, which is the best way to learn about the relationship of one species to another, but I'm usually too lazy to work through the process. The way the plants are grouped, it's easy to narrow it down and find your plant.

My one complaint about the book is that it is sometimes difficult to pin down whether or not a particular plant is actually a native. This is usually implied, especially when they tell how indigenous peoples used the plants in everday life, but I wish the plants were clearly marked Native and Non-Native.

I'd actually give this 4.5 stars if I could. This is a great all around guide for the west side of the Cascades. It doesn't include every plant, particularly in the sections towards the end on bryophytes, but most plants you'll want to see are in there. I'm torn on the aboriginal use data tht is presented throughout the book. On one hand, it really is quite fascinating, but on the other hand, probably several dozen more species could have been covered if these data were omitted. The maps can be a bit difficult to decipher given the range this book covers, and although most of the photos are good, a few are pretty poor. Still, it is a must-have for any nature buff in the PNW.

Kudos for J.R. Norton for pulling together our Founding Fathers and our current foundering, floundering politicians. Reading Norton's quick-minded, incisive writing is to bask in the sunlight of memory recovered--he reminds us of the progressive stance of the founders of this country. One cannot read this book and then listen to the news in the same way. Reading Norton's book will make you want to do your own careful analysis of the current war, if you haven't done it already. Norton's book is a wonderful reminder of the principles on which this country was founded and how far we have allowed our country to be pulled from those noble and ambitious principles. Should be required reading!

This fascinating, meticulously-researched book takes a biting, clever and frequently hilarious look back at the founding fathers, the revolution they fought, and the constitution they miraculously crafted. Norton deftly connects the biggest issues and controversies of today with the cultural and political ideals of the founders, arguing convincingly and passionately that, contrary to what the Right would have us believe, the founders' policies, beliefs and priorities were incredibly progressive by today's standards. In fact, it is the the Left, and modern day progressives, who are the rightful heirs to the founders' legacy.

Filled with illuminating (and often quite amusing) quotes from the founding fathers' letters, books and speeches, this book transforms the remote, infallible, wig-wearing deities of elementary school parables and the "heads" side of money into real, flesh and blood men. By the end of the book (which I devoured in a single sitting), I felt like I KNEW these guys. But more importantly, I was reminded of how much I love this country and what it stands for, despite how horrifying and frightening I find its current leadership and policies. And, above all, how vital it is that the progressive, rational, tolerant, civic-minded people of this country -- the rightful cultural and political descendents of the founders -- fight to take it back.

Saving General Washington is a cleverly written treatise calling us to task on our national lack of historical memory. Norton's is an amusing ride, simultaneously weaving history and current events into one sharp commentary on who we are, where we came from and where we ought to be going.

Norton uses his firm grasp on current political events as a hook into the excellent contemporary literature on the founding fathers, creating a text that's easy to read if you are familiar with either -- and entertaining if you're familiar with both. It's hip and full of witty references -- but never to the point where it gets cutesy or the author becomes more into himself than the idea. I was most impressed by his ability to pull from historical research to provide a concise argument without getting lost in the details or horribly glossing over the historical subject matter.

One criticism could be that it doesn't go extremely deep into the history, but I'd argue that it serves its purpose by providing a good entree into the subject matter for those interested. There's worse things one could do than convince someone to pick up the latest McCullough biography. I'd also recommend Gordon Woods for anyone into these ideas.

For an example of the style, take Norton's discussion of business and politics -- where he contrasts Bush / Cheney to Franklin. Norton's description of Franklin, 'the official funny fat guy of the founding fathres and the nation's inspirationally folksy old bastard' is on the mark and hilarious. Norton does and excellent job of doing what our schools should have done -- reveal these old codges for the fascinating, contradictory, but ultimately foresighted people that they were and suggesting what lasting principles we might learn from them.

Saving General Washington reads like an entertaining friend walking you through a compelling argument -- that modern Republicans have hi-jacked the memory of our founding fathers and now we're taking it back.

Norton's dropping Burrs and Hamiltons like Samberg, and so should you.

Like the previous reviewer, I read this text in one sitting. It's well-written, insightful, and useful for any folks like me who have a huge critique of the current administration but a less-than-perfect understanding of history to articulate why the current state of affairs is such an assault on patriotic values. Brilliant! I'd recommend it to everyone. Bought it for my father. Bought it for my friends.

It was so good, I read the entire book in one sitting. I couldn't stop. The author does an excellent job marrying history with humor and making a statement in the process. The bibliography and the end of the book I thought especially useful.

This is one of my first expedition kayaking books, bought back in '93. Many of the facts presented there still stick with me. The newest edition is the best yet. Dowd's writing is accurate, interesting, and necessary for a sport that is so much fun but has a dearth of writers able to translate that fun into print. Really makes one want to go kayak! Highly recommended.

This is a great book! I read it as a beginner, and will hold onto it as a reference. Anyone who kayaks should know the info in this book. Written with enthusiasm for the sport, it is not at all a dry read.(Pun intended.)

I am not an avid reader, and I usually lose interest in a book and place it on the shelf mid way through if the author doesn't keep my interest. John Dowd had not only captivated my interest, but made it hard for me to put it down. Some of the best and informative information about Sea Kayaking that I have read yet. It should be a "Must Read" for any person involved in the sport of Sea Kayaking, beginner to novice. 5 Star Rating above all others!!!

Dowd has a way of sounding like your dad and the tone of the book is very relaxed and easy to follow. It claims to be pitched at intermediate kayakers starting out on expeditions yet basic skills like bracing, sculling and rolling are included. Even the most basic things that are left out are assumed by their absence and that keeps the book from being patronising in an overly wordy `beginners guide' type way.

He gives a very informative overview of the sport and its locations from polar kayaking to the tropics. He also gives a reassuring overview of a sea kayak's `sea worthiness' (dependent on the paddler) explaining some hurricane force winds he has personally endured in a kayak. He also discusses at length the issue of kayaking alone and concludes that one can kayak safely alone, in fact he even suggests kayaking in numbers can give a false sense of security.

Dowd discusses buying a kayak and refreshingly advises `keep in my mind your original image - how you saw yourself with your boat' which I found to be excellent advice.

This book is a very good introduction to sea kayaking and an interesting read. It is also a bible-like source of information. As Paul Theroux said on the jacket "quiet simply the best book available on this wonderful sport"

This is a fabulous book on sea kayaking. I loved reading it because of the very useful information and mix of serious and humorous writing styles. A must read - and you'll want to read it several times to soak up all the great information. Highly recommended for any kayaker. His exploits are impressive and inspiring.

Have read every J A Jance book! They are equally well written and compelling. They have a wonderful flow to them, fascinating characters and she never gives up the mystery of who and why until the last few pages....excellent reading and nearly impossible to put down til its completely done.

J.P. Beaumont is one of the most likable and intriguing characters in the mystery genre. He is a divorced detective who has a daughter in college and enough money that he does not need to work, but he enjoys his job. J.P. is the proud owner of a long list of failures with women, not all of which were his fault. It starts with his divorce, and then follows with women with which he gets involved and who end up either dead or on the guilty side of a crime. Whenever I start a new book in this series I ask myself: will it be different this time?

This time around, the case involves a dead man by the tracks and a woman's shoe near the body with blood on its stiletto heel. This is complemented by another dead man, apparently from natural causes, in the house of the first victim. J.P. gets the case and he immediately suspects foul play in the case of the second body. And the discovery of a pack of cocaine in the victim's pillow adds timber to the fire. From then on, the plot starts moving full speed and there are plenty of twists and turns along the way to keep our interest at a maximum level.

All of the usual players are present in this story. We have the femme fatale, the annoying Maxwell Cole, who hates Beau's guts, and a new partner. Beau's new sidekick is Big Al Lindstrom, but we will soon see his old partner, Peters, help from the hospital. Peters is there due to a broken vertebrae, and after a period of depression he decides to start "living" again and pulls a "Lincoln Rhyme".

J.A. Jance has done it again. She delivers another novel that moves at a fast pace and that keeps us guessing as to what is really going on until the last few pages. The author shows how good she is at varying her style, and the contrast between this series and the one featuring Joanna Brady could not be clearer. She does a fantastic job in both series though.

I recommend this book to everyone that loves a good mystery, but I just want to give you a word of advice. Do not start this novel close to the end of your day, or you will find yourself reading well into the night. There is no letting go; trust me, I learned this from experience!

THE BOOK CAME IN GREAT CONDITION AND I AM SURE I WILL REALLY ENJOY IT. I LOVE THE AUTHOR AND HER WRITING. THANKS SO MUCH. JANICE

I feel that the fans of J.P. Beaumont will love this one. It is so typical J.A. Jance. I enjoyed every page of this one. Another reviewer has done a wonderful job of outlining the plot, so I will not repeat what is obvious. Jance's character developement (this author's strongest skill) holds very true to form with this work and we learn more and more of her detective Beaumont. We also get a look at the drug culture in that part of the country (Seattle of course) and some of the alternative life styles found their. This work has some fascinating twists (no spoilers here) and as one reviewer points out, just when you have things figured out, you get the rug pulled from under you. Of course, the book will be much better for those who have read the preceeding books dealing with this seattle Cop, but the book is also able to stand on it's own and is simply a good read. Recommend this one highly.

Buy this book and all the others.
If you want a great read Start with the first JP Beaumont book, and read them in succession.
I love JP Beaumont!

Wonderful photos from Seattle's past. Brought back a lot of memories. We had great fun looking at the photo's and sharing our own memories and good times. This book gets a lot of attention from our visitors.

Although I have now been gone longer then the duration I lived there, Seattle will always be my "hometown." This book does a lot to make me wistfully recound the 'small town' city that I grew up outside of (M.I.) from 1972-1986 (yes, my father moved us there when the famous "...turn out the lights?" billboard was up). Anyhow, the book is also a great reminder that while I can go back (and often do), it will truly never be the same. It really is unfortunate that this series is page-limited; I'm certain that more photos of other "vanished" landmarks could have been included (and that is my only gripe).

All of us boomes over 50 that grew up in Seattle loved this book. We took buses to downtown when we were in our early teens and visited the stores and resturants mentioned in the book. In our early 20's we went to the bars highlighted in the book. It was a great trip down memory lanes.

This book not only explores landmarks that have defined Seattle and given it its unique character over the years, but examines many other aspects of Seattle culture that have gone away. This includes businesses, events, commercial products, and radio and television shows. The book is complete in its listing and is well detailed. I can't think of anything that is missing, or any way that it could be improved. I came into the world in the 60's and remember much of Seattle's unique character that has vanished. Those items that are before my time are described in detail and can easily be appreciated by anyone.

I own several of these IMAGES OF AMERICA books and I'm never disappointed.

This particular (picture) book is about Seattle in the past, and shows photos of some past landmarks that helped to create Seattle.

As the book's title stated, this book is about the "Vanishing Seattle", because all the landmarks are no more.

If you grew-up in Seattle, as I did, you will love to look through this book and reflect on some of the famous landmarks that were so wonderful to visit, but that are now extinct.

It's clearly written, very informative, and enjoyable to read besides. I learned a lot from this book. I learned there are many more things to see and do in Washington than I knew. It's an invaluable planning aid, since I now know which sites will bore our son and which he will enjoy. The book also gives ideas on how children can have educational fun in our capital, tips on getting around, and more.

This book makes seeing Washington so easy and painless. The sights are grouped according to location, so you know what you can see together in a short amount of time. I discovered gems in Washington that I never knew existed! And just when the kids are getting cranky and hungry, there is a list of good places to eat. The directions by metro are very helpful and well done. I highly recommend this book to natives and visitors alike!

Washington, D.C. is the most unique city in the world. Whether you are visiting the area or live there, one cannot possibly know the wealth of information found in Washington, D.C. with Kids. I grew up in the area, but I have lived away for more than twenty years. Without this guide, I would have difficutly finding the places I want to see when I am back. I wish there had been such a book when my kids were younger. It's always such a challenge finding entertaining and worthwhile activities when on family trips. Imagine showing up in a city and having a resource that gives you a map, a subway map, addresses of places, times of operation, and even suggestions for meals! This book even indicates which venues are appropriate for various age groups. All of that and more is found in this superb volume. It's a "must have" for anyone planning a visit to Washington, D.C.

This is the only EDUCATIONAL guide to Washington, DC with kids -- and is now available in its 2nd Edition, published by Fodor's.
The second edition completely updates the sites and the restaurants and the recommendations -- based on input from readers as well as extensive research by the authors.
Washington, D.C. with Kids, 2nd Edition (Fodor's) is available on the Web and through all major bookstores!
HIGHLY recommended by its readers!

I found this book easy to read, full of useful and fun information. I have recommended to friends that do not have children and are planning a trip to the nation's capitol.
The information is interesting and concise. The book is well-written and includes many interesting and little known bits of information, as well as the more typical tourist spots.

This is a very cute book about how the presidency works in the United States. It is easy to understand and kids can enjoy what can be a dry subject. I highly recommend it and used it with my middle school ESOL students.

I have purchased the entire series. They are wonderful. My students better understand and have clarity in the government. The author puts this series in a very kid friendly way! Awesome

Karen

I bought his book for my daughter who really loved it. It is a very didactic book, with a very interesting subject and also, very nice drawings for every age.

The artwork in this book is fairly unsophisticated (in fact, in some places, it's pretty amateurish), but the clever story and cute mice make up for it.

It's intriguing to watch how the authors manage to describe the president's constitutional duties in easy-to-follow rhyming verses. Against long odds, they do it. E.g, "The president is required to study each "bill" / That Congress delivers from Capitol Hill / If he signs it, a bill becomes law -- it's approved / If he gives it a "veto," it's rejected, removed."

My kids love to find their favorite mice, which sometimes are slightly hidden on the page. I like the thought that they are learning -- even just a little bit.

Woodrow, the White House Mouse and the whole series are fantastic. Illustrator, Cheryl Shaw Barnes does an amazing job of bringing the White House to life with her beautiful watercolor and ink drawings. The rhyming text in each of the books is hilarious and instructive. These books will stay in our family library forever - treasures all!

I checked the first edition of this book out from the library and then I didn't want to return it I liked it so much. A lot of other hiking books are hard to read and don't have pictures to help you visualize where you're going. When I saw the new edition with COLOR PICTURES, I had to buy it. This book is great-- it gives good directions, it has a picture for each hike, it even tells you if there is a campsite to say overnight or if you should expect crowds. Trail etiquette is also a good thing to include; hopefully people actually take it to heart. I love the handdrawn sketches of the trail; they do a great job of showing the topography of the hike. If you live in Portland and like getting out, this book should be at the top of your list. So many beautiful places so close by. There was one beautiful hike that was literally across the river from my favorite campsite, and I never would have found it without this book!

Typically, I buy Falcon Guides, but in this case I would recommend this guide. Not that the Falcon Guides of this area are bad, but this book is preferred. The author's living in the area shins through. His recommendations on hikes are excellent, and I found the book easy to use.

I have lived in Oregon for twenty years, I bought one of the first editions of this book, found it on my shelf yesterday. I can say its the best hiking book around, reading it was a trip down memory lane. I have done a lot of hiking, biking, kayaking over the years. Bought a new copy , time to redo a lot of my favorite hikes, Hamilton Mountian, Dog mt.
This edition is improved, the flower guide is really nice.
The best feature of this book is the small sctech maps showing the elevation and trails. No, it does not replace a real map, but its nice to have a viusual. ( years ago I was doing the Ramona falls hike and I meet a couple backpacking arounf Mt. Hood without a map! and they were lost!)
If you want an guide to the best day hiking in the Portland area,this is it .

If you live in the Portland area and like to hike, this book is a must own. Sullivan's reputation as the definitive source for hiking information is well deserved. And this wonderful, well-researched and incredibly detailed book is the only item I need when I am out hiking (aside from food and water)!

Not only does it serve as a clear and accurate guide to the hikes of the area, the book makes you feel as if you need to hike all of these hikes.

This updated NW Oregon hiking guide is an ideal daypack essential for visitors and residents alike. Bill is a peripatetic author whose slide shows I attend as often as I can, and this third edition was the subject of one of those. He's a friendly and most genial speaker/writer/ hiker whose words and pictures literally 'pop' from the page and propels the casual reader to 'take a hike'. The 2nd edition was good, but this edition's colorful photos of landscapes and wildflowers, plus traveler-friendly easy-to-follow directions and (new!) campgrounds/cabins listings puts it into the 'must-have' category. As a frequent hiker on Friends of the Columbia Gorge outings, I rely on his impeccably accurate descriptions of each hike. I also recommend Timberline Press Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest plus Moon Handbooks Columbia River Gorge for things to do before and after your explorations!

I moved to Oregon 6 years ago without any backpacking experience. Sullivan's were a perfect resource for me as a backpacker in need. This series has all the info you need and nothing you don't. I have particularly enjoyed photos(included with every single hike), 3d maps, well written directions and even background geologic/plant/wildlife info. Very useful and one of the best purchases I've made.

A word of advice: heed EVERYTHING he says. If it says its bug filled in May, or a small car shouldn't drive a certain road, BELIEVE IT! As someone who's taken 30+ backpacking trips based on Sullivan's books, I can tell you that you will not be disappointed by these recommendations. It's like a good friend who gave you his personal recommendations.

I bought this book prior to a trip to Oregon in hopes of finding some beautiful hikes. This book was a valuable tool in my search. Every hike was accurately described from details on finding the trailhead to distances traveled including the level of difficulty and points of interest along the way.

Over the last several years, I've hiked most of the trails described in "100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon." Sullivan's diving directions, trail descriptions and maps have always been perfect and immensely helpful.

The trail descriptions are both concise and crystal clear. Sullivan does not meticulously describe each detail, which leaves much to discover on your own and allows for a more personal hiking experience. He writes eloquently, and often includes great tidbits of scientific and historical information that add context to your hike. For example, he might briefly describe how a specific area was geologically formed, and point out some evidence that you'll find along trail.

Sullivan's practical advice is invaluable. If he tells you that a trail passes poison oak, you better wear long pants! If he tells you that a trail is open from July to October, don't show up without snowshoes in March! Clearly, he knows these trails well. Readers should not overlook the preface, where he provides an equipment checklist, low impact camping guidelines, contacts for trail conditions, and other useful information.

The one downside of this guide is that so many people use it. If a hike is within an hour of Portland, and is featured in this book, you can count on a crowded trailhead on a nice weekend. Plenty of the featured hikes are off the beaten path, and still consistently provide solitude. Just plan on driving for awhile.

Anybody who hikes in Oregon should consult "100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon," or one of Sullivan's other books. I also frequently use his Oregon Coast and Central Oregon guides, and they too are first rate.

Just a quick additional note: When you do hike, always leave no trace! If you see trash, pick it up! Always be respectful of our Earth, and all of its creatures.

This book is a superb guide to a wide variety of hikes in Northwest Oregon. The first edition was my bible for hikes in this area---it's tattered and torn from all the use! This edition is better than ever--with accurate updates. Every hiker in Oregon should own it!

I bought this book two years ago to add to the many guide books in my library. After two years of hiking many weekends in northwestern OR and southwestern WA, it's become clear that this is the book that get's used the most. Most of the trails are suitable for the whole family. We've hiked into the crater of Mount St. Helens, eaten wild huckle berries in Indian Heaven Wilderness, hiked every slope of Mt. Hood, visited water falls in the Columbia river Gorge that we didn't know existed and more.

Many of the trails are suitable for the occasional dry weekend in the winter months as well. Sullivan provides many low elevation trails which extend the hiking season year round.

If you live in southwestern Washington or northwestern Oregon, you should own this book.