Canada Books

I am writing a mainstream novel and a young adult historical fiction novel and I'd like get published as soon as I polish them up. I think this book will be a lot of help.

I did a TON of research on my own to attempt to find an agent. I picked up this book, hoping to add to my knowledge and list of available agents. I discovered I had wasted some of my precious writing time. Some of the agents I wrote are not accepting queries in 2001. This book would have saved me time, money and efforts had I bought it first.

This book offers supreme quality listings and a complete guide to every single agent in the U.S whether fee charging or not. It's a MUST HAVE to any develpoing writer.

It may seem strange to say that you love a big listing literary agents but I do. I've been writing my whole life. Just recently I decided to look into getting an agent for a book I wrote. I bought this book, sent out six queries, and already have an agent requesting to read my book. This book is indispensable. Read it if you are even thinking about looking for an agent.

I am planning way ahead. So far I only won a few poetry contests. However I have half of several novels, pieces of screenplays, and other odds and ends. If I ever do something real I want to have an agent (even if I do not need one.) This is part of the fun in writing.

This book is well organized with the types of agents and what they require. You can read the front cover and see that there are new listings and even e-mail addresses.

Contents at a glance:

Articles About Working with Literary Agents

Before You Start

Narrowing Your List

Contacting Agents

Before You Sigh

Literary Agents Listings

Articles About Working with Script Agents

Script Agents Listings

Writer's Conferences

Resources

Agents Index

Listings Index

Under the front cover is a Key to Symbols and Abbreviations used in the book.

It's been a few years since I've read this, but wow! Amazing

Kobalenko reads a lot up in the tundra, and it shows in his literary style. The book is a pleasure to read.

The Horizontal Everest is first and foremost an autobiographical account of one man's love affair with a very special place on Earth. Others have been seduced by Ellesmere's siren song; Jerry Kobalenko's is arguably the extreme case. "I wanted to embrace every inch of Ellesmere's 76,600 square miles." [roughly the combined area of England and Scotland]

It is also a wonderful smorgasbord of arctic history, exploration, culture, and wildlife as well as accounts of fascinating and often harrowing journeys. Indeed, many the folk you'll meet in this book don't get out alive. There are homicides, suicides, deaths by starvation and exposure, and some unsolved mysteries of explorers who simply vanished.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves adventure. In addition, arctic history buffs will find much to chew on. For the dedicated, the book also includes an excellent annotated bibliography.

While a serious book, the author occasionally treats us to his brand of earthy humor. For example, he describes the challenge of eating enough to stay warm..."I simply could not hoover in more than 7,000 calories a day. My jaw ached from chewing, I got hemorrhoids from all the activity of a supercharged metabolism, and I ran out of things I wanted to eat. Even a whole strawberry shortcake every day palls after a while."

Kobalenko educates the reader on adaptations necessary for arctic. "Of all arctic skills, learning to relinquish expectations is the most important." "Every journey throws unnerving twists in the traveler's path. Some of us thrive on this insecurity, or at least accept it. Others crack."

Now and then Kobalenko treats us to his philosophy of living. "...hard wilderness travel...simplifies your own character, so that if you are basically good, the effort can make you purer and better..."

Although toughened by the harsh environment he frequents, Kobalenko remains awed by the sheer beauty of the land. Gazing on the ice caps of western Ellesmere, he waxes lyrically "...everything just looked incredibly pure. The perfect curves of white against an intense blue sky could have been drawn by the hand of God." On one occasion, while soaking up the spectacular beauty of Alexandra Fjord, he listened to Beethoven; "'Ode to Joy' seemed particularly appropriate" he notes.

Jerry Kobalenko is a true original; such folk come across our path only rarely but when they do, they help make this a life worth living. This book makes such an encounter available to all.

In the Epilogue, the author talks about amateurs seduced by Ellesmere. "...they proudly hump sixty-pound packs in a place where it snows in July" while their "social circle vacations in Hawaii..." He emphasizes his point by noting that one such crazy "who lost part of his big toe to frostbite considers it a badge of honor that connects him to the old explorers." Jerry Kobalenko suggested that I so regard my toe. I have had the pleasure of meeting him and listening to his tales first hand on two serendipitous occasions; both were on Ellesmere Island. Where else?

It is fun to read about what makes Jerry Kobalenko happy. It will be even more fun for the huge majority of readers to realize how little fun they would have doing the same things. The minority who fantasize about being chased by a polar bear, sledding in midnight daylight, or camping at 58 degrees below zero Fahrenheit will find lots of useful information in Kobalenko's book, _The Horizontal Everest: Extreme Journeys on Ellesmere Island_ (Soho Press). The rest of us may shake our heads in wonder, and be glad that reading the book is as close as we need get to one of the harshest environments on Earth. "Where is Ellesmere Island? Think of the little metal disk that sits on top of a globe: Ellesmere is under that." It is a Canadian island, just 450 miles from the North Pole.

He doesn't live there all the time (he lives in Canada), because he does have to make a living, which he does mostly by taking photographs and writing about his travels on his island and other inhospitable spots. For the past fifteen years, he has roamed the island in various expeditions, often solo. He has traveled, by foot, thousands of miles across and around the island, more than anyone alive. He doesn't use dogs. He has no radio. He hikes, pulling a sled full of the stuff he predicts he will need. He writes about preparing beforehand 54 peanut butter and jam sandwiches (one per day) because "long ago, I had discovered that making a sandwich on the arctic trail meant hacking for fifteen minutes at toffee-hard peanut butter with a Swiss Army knife and laying the shrapnel between crumbly pieces of frozen bread." Coated with butter, each thousand-calorie sandwich was like "vegetarian seal blubber," full of energy required for a freezing pack animal.

Much of this book tells the story of other travelers in the area. Kobalenko recreates some of the expeditions from the past, visiting the campsites from the last two centuries which the arctic cold has preserved. He is delighted whenever he finds cairns, the traditional rock piles set up as commemorative markers. Sometimes there is a note in a bottle, and he is the first to poke around and bring it back home. He might turn up rusted cans, matches, buttons, and shell casings, as he did at Starvation Camp, where most of the members of Adolphus Greely's expedition died in 1884. He feels guilty making his simple meals there. He sees for himself Crocker Land which was sighted by Perry in 1906. Perry knew that explorers make names for themselves by finding new territories, and also that they finance their expeditions by flattering those who back them. Perry named Crocker Land after a backer of his expedition. A later one sent to find it demonstrated that Perry had only seen a mirage. Combining history, natural science, and adventure, Kobalenko's surprising observations, written in smooth, calm, sensible prose, are entertaining throughout.

The first point to make about Jerry Kobalenko, author of The Horizontal Everest is that he is exactly whom he represents himself to be: a resourceful, self-reliant, self-sufficient arctic trekker. My introduction to Kobalenko was while standing in the lee of Skraeling Island watching a lone skier, man-hauling a sled on the southern side of Alexandra Fiord. I had just finished a dogsled navigation of Svedrup Pass in a conflict ridden and dissension riddled group, much as had been experienced by the author on at least one occasion, and some of the treks he describes of others.

This is a well-written book, which describes on a very human level the personal and physical effort of the arctic experience. He easily brings to life personalities and events much better than the score of history books I have read of the arctic.

Three kinds of readers would enjoy this book. Firstly, the reader who occasionally randomly chooses a book in hopes of being entertained educated or enlightened. Another person who would derive pleasure is someone who has an academic interest in the arctic, or, who enjoys books of personal effort, and enjoys histories and descriptions of arcane places and events. Finally, anyone with actual arctic experience who wants to relive places and experiences would find this book captivating.

One warning: begin this book when you have a free weekend, because once you start it, you can kiss your weekend goodbye, as you will be unable to put it aside.

On a personal note, though Kobalenko gives little credibility to the Cook claim, it was a passing comment by him that got me interested in the Peary/Cook controversy such that I am now on the board of the Dr. Frederick A. Cook Society. Also, however well written, listening to Jerry describe his Gun Fight at Polar Bear Corral is much more entertaining while sitting on insulated sleeping mats, drinking hot Tang while warming one's hands on the walls of the insulated mug, near the ice foot of an island, in a frozen sea of ice.

Years ago as a child I rad something about Ellesmere Island in a magazine and thought about what a forbidding but fascinating place it must be. Reading this book made it clear that my long-ago opinion of Ellesmere was not mere childhood fantasy but the plain truth. Jerry Kobalenko makes one of the most remote places in the world much more accessible to one's imagination, even if physically getting there remains a costly challenge. Ellesmere truly is a remarkable place, and the author manages to convey his sense of awe in a way that readers far away in more hospitable climes can grasp. He also has an ability to weave travelogue and history together almost seamlessly, in a way that very few authors can. Speaking of history, the account of the ill-fated Green expedition of the 1880's is by itself almost worth the price of the book. Just the thought of being reduced to eating bird droppings and candle wax for survival is almost beyond comprehension.
My only minor criticism is that the map of Ellesmere is not as detailed as it could have been. But let me emphasize, it's a minor point. I recommend this book very highly.

The only creatures to appear more often in historical artwork than horses are humans. "Horse: How the Horse Has Shaped Civilizations" is the tale of this beast of burden and how it has shaped the cultural evolution of humanity through the ages, whether through practical use or as a source of inspiration. Veterans of war, stars of rodeos and races, Horses have always been and still are a massive part of society. "Horse: How the Horse Has Shaped Civilizations" is a deftly written look at the creature, a top pick for horse fans and community library collections dedicated to pets and wildlife.

This is no straight history of the relationship between mankind and horses. Chamberlin somehow manages to convey the horse spirit in terms both mundane and mythological. One feels the muscled power of the beast, and can both see and hear a breath expelled from velvet nostrils on a cold rural morning. I picked this up in idle curiosity and was smitten with Big Bird. Could not stop turning the pages. I now "get it" - what all those horse lovers are about. Very cool book.

I thought I knew a great deal about horses and their history until I read this book and now I feel that a wealth of information has been added to my tiny store. This is a fascinating worldview of where horses came from and where and how they traveled, in addition to the relationship between horses and civilizations. Bravo!

This book is the best cultural history of horses and humans from earliest times to the present that I am aware of. I especially liked the passages on horse racing and horse games around the world, from the Scythians to the Sioux and from the ancient Greeks and Romans to the quarter horse races of the Old West. The author makes connections between ancient and modern races, and describes race courses, audiences, and horse breeding techniques around the world over thousands of years. I had no idea that so many cultures played on horseback, from the tournaments of medieval knights and the polo of India's Moguls to the pato of the gauchos in Argentina and the chicken fight of the Navajo. This is both great fun and food for thought!

Chamberlin's book describes the deep emotional connections between human beings and horses, which transcend civilizations. His discussion of the historical artifacts and art forms depicting horses reveals that our respect for the horse has existed since long before recorded history, and extensively details the strong positive feelings horses have consistently evoked among 'horse people'. I also particularly enjoyed Chamberlin's selection of historical anecdotes, which included vignettes illustrating Genghis Khan, Napolean and Alexander the Great's enduring relationships with their horses (among others.)

As a whole, the book was a charming portrait of how humans have seen and loved horses, which changed and broadened my view of the most important of inter-species relationships. The stories, images and facts related comprise a fascinating whole, one that I plan to revisit in the near future. This is a book that I will read and re-read.

It's a word without words these days. I can only imagine that once people were telling their kids to put down the books rather than their video games, TV, or to get off the computer. Now, with all the gagets and technologic advances, books are becoming obselete. What to do to make kids not just readers but to be literate enough to get by in the world? This is a great how to for parents and educators (short and sweet) about how to get kids to read not just as kids but to condition them for life.

This book is very easy to read and provides advice for every age from infant to adult. It also gives great suggestions on what books to read for each age group and how children transition from reading words to critical thinking. I could not put it down, and will be recommending it to all of my friends and my children's principal.

This book had great practical advice for each stage in your child's reading life. Particularly helpful were the suggestions on overcoming difficult stages when children might tend to become apathetic towards reading. I also appreciated the emphasis on the total experience of reading, rather than the simple ability to identify words on a page. In addition I found it reassuring to hear that my husband's and my own enjoyment of reading will go a long way towards influencing our kid's desire to read.

Kropp has real-life advice for parents who believe, as he does, that reading is one of life's great joys. He emphasizes the importance of building a literate household--where fiction, nonfiction, magazines, and newspapers abound--and everyone reads. While you can't pick up a mainstream parenting magazine without seeing an article on the importance of reading to your baby, Kropp deals with keeping your child out of reading slumps throughout school and with or without the support of an 'A' school and teacher to lead the way.

It's a quick read (ironically) and a great resource for parents.

I liked and used many of the author's ideas on how to raise a child who loves to read. In particular, the suggestion to keep reading to a child who does not want to read on his own was a very good idea. Definitely a worthwhile book to add to the library.

Like most people my age, I've seen old movies depicting the Gold Rush, but they were nothing compared to this delightful account of the author's experiences in Dawson and Whitehorse, in the Yukon. From page one to the end, I FELT the cold of the North, learned about the vegetation and moreso, shared in the life of the pioneers AFTER the Gold Rush. Such hearty men and women gave of themselves in the search for gold, few, very feew becoming rich. Yet, they all seem to have enrichened my life thanks to their determination and stamina despite all odds. To read of the social differences that the citizens upheld in Dawson gives one a thoughtful look at the upper classes, who brought their prejudices with them to Dawson. Yet, with time, as the gold became more and more rare, the population dwindled and with it the many differences, which had segretated the classes. Abandoned homes, run-down shacks, empty stores finally gave way to social values, which brought the remaining residents together. As the author mentions, one could not walk down the street of Dawson without saying "hello" to everyone since the life of one touched the life of the others. With only 800 persons left in town, all knew one another and social standing gave way to familial attitudes. It was no longer necessary to give the telephone operator a number, only the name of the person to whom one wanted to speak need be mentioned and the phone rang at the other end. Tragedy and hardships took hold of the life of everyone, but friendship and helpfulness prevailed as their numbers dwindled. A beautiful read, which has opened my mind and heart to these pioneers, who are our ancestors.

I read this book during a travel threw canada in 1985 especially Atlin in the yukon. I like all biographics books which are the witnness of the story of the world.

Ms. Berton's account of life in Dawson from 1907 to the 1920's is too late to tell the story of the Klondike gold rush. Instead it tells of life in a small northern community that has seen its hey-day come and go, describing it's traditions and lifestyle in such detail you soon feel as though you've lived there too.

The descriptive passages are excellent and the book contains several colorful tales of individual struggles, her own and others'. I was a bit put off by the enormous number of names of people she met in the Yukon but didn't find I needed to remember them all to enjoy the book. If you have read the history of Dawson during the gold rush in other books, this is a great afterword that describes many notable figures' lives following the rush, answering several 'whatever happened to so-and-so' questions.

I remember our elementary school library encouraging children to read it, but given its richness of detail and adult perspective it's anything but a kid's book. Despite her matter-of-fact writing style, Ms. Berton's story is emotionally engaging and a great portrait of life in northern Canada.

This is the true story of a woman who moved to the Yukon in the days of the Gold Rush - she went to be a schoolteacher for a couple of years, married a prospector, and wound up raising a family in one of the most spectacular - and harshest - places and times in North America. Laura Berton writes with humor and insight, and has produced a most entertaining book which is interesting as biography, as history, and as just a fun read! Laura also produced one of the most prolific authors in Canada today - Pierre Berton, author of FLAMES ACROSS THE BORDER and THE DIONNE YEARS. This is a book that deserves to be more widely read!

If you ever plan to come up to Dawson City, Yukon you will want to read this book. Mrs. Berton gives an insight to the Goldrush town of Dawson City. I can say that you will still find the house she lived in and some of the houses that she describes in her book. As a resident of Dawson City it is nice to have read a book that is truly about what life was and is in Dawson City.

If you are interested in Canadian immigration or looking for a job in Canada without the help of an immigration consultant or a headhunter then this is the book you need. I found a job with a Canadian company as a Software Engineer and working through a local office via internet in India by following the guidelines and exploring the job search websites in this book. I am earning big bucks now while living in a low cost country. I also prepared and submitted my immigration application under federal skilled worker class by myself EASYLY.

This is the latest and 2nd edition of this book. Over 450 pages, jam packed with latest and updated information. A must buy guide if you are planning your future in Canada.

This is the latest and 2nd edition of this book. Over 450 pages, jam packed with latest and updated information. A must buy guide if you are planning your future in Canada.

This is a great, easy-to-read informational guide and I particularly like the tone of the book. One can tell that the author is proud to live in Canada and that he hopes newcomers will continue to make Canada a wonderful place to live. I think anyone who is immigrating to the country will benefit from the book in a number of ways.

This book gives new immigrants a lot of information that will save them money and time. To gather this information from the internet by yourself would take a lot of time en energy. It also saves a lot of money because with the do-it-yourself kit skilled workers don't need to hire an immigration consultant to get through the immigration process.
It gives a lot of information to get ready before leaving to Canada, and about what to do once you have landed.
On top of that the book gives a lot of structured information about finding employment.
Once again, it is a waste of time to try en gather al this information yourself through the internet, just start by reading this book.

Hockey fans will love this book. If you are not a hockey fan, you may want to read this book. It could change your opinion!

The best part about this book is that it's in the players' own words. For anyone who enjoys stories about old time hockey this is a must read.

Inside stories, inside thoughts, the hows, whys, and wherefores of hockey goaltending. Not just the stars and legends, but the back-ups, the crazies, the philosopher-goalies speak on the art, zen, and fun that is goaltending.

If you are a goalie in any sport, whether hockey, lacrosse, soccer, water polo - you will gain useful insight into your game by hearing how these athletes describe their vocation.

Irvin knows how to preamble and then just let the goalies speak their piece. An excellent read.

This is an excellent look at goalies from the present and recent past. You'll learn more about your favorites and get a welcome introduction to others (many of whom are still playing) you haven't heard as much about. You can open the book, start reading at the beginning, middle, or end, and you'll have a good time!

As a parent of a goaltender, who of course wants to make it to the NHL, I found this book to be very encouraging. Every goaltender can and does have bad games. If you have the heart, you have a chance to make it.

A great and very fun read for the Niagara Falls lover or history buff.

This book absolutly keeps you intrested from the first page to the last. After a recent trip to the Falls ( having not been there since a 9 yr old kid) i was captivated by the wonder of the falls and the respect it comands. I wanted to know more, not just everyday facts, but the inside stories and how lives are affected by the wonder of Niagara. this book captures that and makes the reader gain a respect for the falls and for all those who dare to take on the wonder of it. The stories of those who tept fate at the falls are intriguing and very well told. Again it gives you an added appriciation for the wonder and power of such an amazing place. Anyone with an Intrest in the falls and wants to know more about it and how it affects people has to read this book.

True stories about gut wrenching tragedy and heart pounding rescues that will leave you on the edge of your seat awaiting the outcome of yet another victim that has fallen prey to the beautiful but sometimes deadly river.

T.W. Kriner's style of writing and attention to detail will leave you feeling like your IN THE MAD WATER with them. A must read for anyone interested in the disasters and sometimes bizarre history of Niagara Falls.

And if that wasn't enough check out T.W. Kriner's previous book JOURNEYS TO THE BRINK OF DOOM and he will take you there and back with more tantalizing accounts of mystery and mayhem that have made the falls famous.

Having grown up just a few miles from the falls and working there for four summers, I've seen and heard first hand many accounts of lives lost tempting fate on this incredibly dangerous river (both upper and lower). Perhaps having been a local I have a better appreciation and respect for the Niagara. But I am constantly amazed at the stunts and stupidity people will undertake trying to conquer this obviously unconquerable landmark. After each account you'll be asking yourself the same question locals have for years... what was that guy thinking?

This is the first book on Niagara that has captured both the fact (which many books do quite well) and the FEELING of the place. I grew up on Grand Island, just upstream from the Falls, and growing up on 'that' water was different from growing up on any other, because you always had the nagging sense that four miles away was certain death. When you went fishing, you were afraid to fall asleep for fear of waking up in the Rapids; when you went swimming, there was always the unreasonable notion that somehow the river would not let you get back to shore. TW Kriner is the first person I've ever read to capture a sense of the ominous presence of the Falls just in the background of daily life on the Niagara Frontier.

The two reviews below are absolutely correct. Pierre Berton has written a great masterpiece of narrative history. I first read this book almost 20 years ago, and I can still recall the enjoyment it gave. This is perhaps the best book of history in terms of enjoyable reading which I have come across. The only author in the same league today is Simon Schama, and he generally works in somewhat more esoteric, less popular areas. I have also discussed the excellence of Berton's writing in a review of the companion volume Flames Across the Border: 1813-14 which, along with this text, makes up as fine a two volume set of North American history as can be obtained.

A wonderful book by Canada's foremost historian commemorates the War of 1812 as Canada's War of Independence.

The War of 1812 was initiated by President Madison as a war of conquest against Ontario (or Lower Canada, as it was then known). The British forces were arrayed against various un-coordinated American attacks, and the Americans fared particularly badly in 1812-13, notably losing Detroit.

This instalment does not reach the later events of the war, in which more of a stalemate developed (and the Americans scored some big naval victories). But the Canadians never doubted that the campaigns covered in this book - of 1812-13 - had marked a long-term strategic victory, guaranteeing Canada's separate identity, and the inner leadership clique of English-speaking, ethnically Scottish Presbyterians who ran the war effort became the ruling elite of Canada for over a century (if not to this day).

Many key characters of American history come here: General (later President) Harrison; Indian chief Tecumseh; President Madison and President Jefferson. This volume, however, gives equal time (if not precedence) to the Canadian heroes of the campaigns, including in particular celebrates loyalist heroes such as Brock and Strachan. Superb account of the war's critical, indeed decisive, early years.

The invasion of Canada is one of the most engrossing books on history I have ever read. Ms Berton brings to life the characters, events and atmosphere of a continet on the brink of war. This is achieved by Ms Bertons skillfull blend of historical research and artistic licence, which give even the most uninspred reader of history something to get thier "teeth into". I found it avid reading and look forward to sampling more of Ms Bertons work.

This volume is an excellent introduction to the War of 1812. The Canadian author maintains his objectivity throughout the volume, and gives accurate and telling details to causes, politics, and leadership on both sides of the northern North American border and how that affected the progress of the war. After reading this book, the reader will come away baffled and outraged at the level of incompetence shown on both sides (initially the US side however), and the level of audacity and caution exhibited by both sides as well. In summation, a highly recommended book, that will provide a good base upon which a detailed understanding of causes, effects, and results of many aspects of this war can be attained.

Best book on history I ever read. Most books on the war of 1812 focus on the 'high level' intrigue--congressional debates, executive office plotting, etc. This book focuses on the front lines. Learn about how Madison decision to appoint imcompetent generals (He didn't want the war, and it was his way of keeping it from happening) led to human suffering. Get a good sense of life on the frontier and the fear Americans had of the local Indians. Read this book.

sry for anyone who thinks otherwise...but i am joshua jacksons bigest fan...and obsessor...i honestly cannot speak for everyone but almost everyone i know finds out how much i love joshua jackson in the forst 5 minutes of knowing me...so for all those heartbroken girls who dotn quite grasp it..i am joshuas biggest and most adoring fan
xoxo

This book was way cool. I don't just give it five stars, i give it 10,000! Scince I am Joshua Jackson's BIGGEST fan (sorry all those other girls out there, but i know I beat you!) I want to know as much about Joshua Jackson as I can. I thought this book did a lot of that. I could have done with more pictures though. (but of course I already don't think there are enough Joshua Jackson pictures in the world as it is) This book is great, but even if it wasn't i would buy it anyways because it's about Joshua Jackson! What more do you need in a book!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think this book was great because it brought out a lot in his home life as well as his personal life. I kno we all love gossip gals! ! I also think Josh Is the HOTTEST guy on the planet and that also makes this book great ! ! !

I think Joshua Jackson Is Brilliant. He has done a lot for himself. He always looks great and all the films hes been in are exellent! I have seen all of them so far. This book tells you what hes really like. Not pacey in Dawsons creek, not damon in Urban Ledgend but Joshua Jackon,the greatest star in the world. I love him! Email me if you think so too

I really liked this book. It told me a lot about Josh. He's a really great guy, and funny as well as cute. I always loved Pacey, but now I think I prefer Josh.