Canada Books

Great book to throw in your backpack and take with you on the cruise. You can bone up on a bit of the history and it will get some ideas ffor excursions or places to visit on the islands.

These books are great tools. I have cruised many times and I still consult them before every cruise. I would say they are must haves for first timers. They summarize the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii, as well as many debarkation ports. What I find most useful is the information provided on each of the cruise lines and cruise ships. If you are unsure which ship would be best for you and your family this book will definitely help you decide. I would caution potential buyers visiting very small or less popular islands. Places like Anguilla, Trinidad and Tobago are noticeably absent from the book.

I have always turned to Frommer's for honest reviews of just about any destination. Their website is full of great info too

I have cruised many times before and found this book to be quite honest in its observations. We are sailing to Hawaii and I was able to find the information I wanted. I think this is a great resource for anyone considering a cruise vacation.

I read this book about 1982. I used to work the night shift at a hospital and on Sunday mornings, I recall listening to a Sunday Morning NPR talk show. One morning, Howard Cosel interviewed the author of Righteous Gentile. I was completely fascinated by this story that I had never heard. Howard was masterful in his interview and I was so taken that I immediately purchased the book and read it. It is riveting and I could not put it down until I had consumed it all. I am always in amazed wonderment at ordinary people who perform extraordinary acts under dire conditions. Wallenberg was such a man. The story is, of course, a tragedy of Shakespearean proportions, as Wallenberg disappears into the Russian Gulag. I irony of his imprisonment in the Gulag after having saved so many Jews from their fate in the Holocost. It is one of those books that is uplifting because it reminds us of both the good and evil that humans are capable of.

John Bierman's terrifically tragic Wallenberg biography,'Righteous Gentile' is divided into two parts;the first 119 pages lead up to his kidnapping by the Russians on
January 17,1945.The last 97 pages deal with the world's apathy in securing his release from the Gulag.Thousands of Jews and some non-Jews owe their lives to Wallenberg's intervention on
"behalf of the Swedish government"-which dealt with the Wallenberg kidnapping issue as buroucracies tend to do.Bierman's Wallenberg book was published in 1981-and there were credible reports that Wallenberg was still vegetating in the Soviet prison system.The sin of allowing this to happen-is beyond unforgivable.

Raoul Wallenberg was a Swedish aristocrat who managed to save thousands of Hungarian Jews from the gas chambers in the closing months of 1944. His relief agency in Budapest issued bogus Swedish passports to as many Jews as possible. By dint of his commanding personality, his ingenuity, and his talent for pulling the wool over the eyes of dimwitted Nazi functionaries, he contrived to convince the German and Hungarian authorities to respect these entirely extralegal documents. In mid-January 1945, he was summoned to the Soviet embassy in newly-"liberated" Budapest, and he was never seen again.

This is a great and inspiring story, and "Righteous Gentile" does justice to it. Bierman doesn't really succeed in explaining the origins of the idealism that led Wallenberg to volunteer for this job in the first place, but probably nobody could. What he does show is the skill and energy with which Wallenberg executed the task assigned to him. Actually "skill and energy" are ludicrously inadequate terms. Wallenberg not only distributed his passports, he tirelessly roamed around pulling Jews out of death marches and off trains bound for Auschwitz, he bossed Nazi thugs around in impeccable Hochdeutsch (and they listened), and he confronted Adolf Eichmann himself, all the while taking the most extraordinary risks. I can't say that Wallenberg was the greatest hero in recorded history, since I'm not familiar with all of it; suffice to say that he is by a very large margin the greatest hero I've ever read of, in fiction or history, and it is an inspiring and hopeful fact that someone like him ever existed. I am grateful to John Bierman for bringing this figure to such luminous and memorable life.

The only problem I have with the book is that half of it consists of speculations and rumor-cataloguing to the effect that Wallenberg was alive in the Gulag until about 1980. I believe that most authorities now think he was murdered by the Soviets long before this, perhaps after they failed to recruit him for espionage. This part of the book is therefore something of an anachronism. However, it doesn't detract from the general value of the book, which should be required reading for everybody, period.

A five star book about a five star hero.

The second world war threw-up some gigantic figures but ironically Raoul Wallenberg from neutral Sweden towers over all the rest.

Like the Good Samaritan he didn't pass on by but instead left his safe homeland to assist others by putting himself in danger day after day in the inferno that was Hungary during the dreadful days of 1944-45.

The man who saved a 100,000 jews from the clutches of Adolf Eichmann, the SS, and the Hungarian facists, the Arrow Cross ultimately fell foul of the Russian 'liberators.' He was never seen again as a free man after being taken into 'protective custody' by the Reds on 17 January 1945.

I read John Bierman's excellent book some 20 years ago and he charts the extraordinary crusade of his subject with a deft touch.

This is a book that will both inspire you, with Wallenberg's humanity and courage, and anger you that such a man could lose his liberty after fighting so hard for the freedom and safety of others.

In the pantheon of heroes Raoul Wallenberg-the righteous gentile-would have to be at the very top

This story was my litle sisters favorite back in 1986, and my daughter found her book. Now it is my daughters favorite;so much so, that I had to buy a replacement! Geraldine's Blanket is a story about a girl and her "blankie". Her parents think it's time for the blanket to go - it's getting old. Gerladine has a bit of a stubborn streak in her, and finds inventive ways to hold onto her blanket!
This is a good bedtime story, showing ways to compromise within a family!

This has been one of my favorites ever since I was little (and I never had an extreme attachment to a blanket, stuffed animal, etc.). I still have my original copy, although it's very tattered and hard to read (with the cover and pages coming apart). I'm now purchasing a new copy for my daughter. I highly recommend this for any little girl.

As a future elementary school teacher and a student in a children's literature class, I came across this book accidently in the library one day. It caught my attention immediately, and I couldn't put it down. Like many, many children, I too had a baby blanket that I couldn't give up (and it looked JUST LIKE GERALDINE'S!) I read the book once, then twice, then to my mother and friends and then to my literature class. I loved it so much, that I had to buy it after I returned it to the library. All the people I read it to could relate to how Geraldine was attached to her blanket and the extreme and clever measures she takes in keeping it with her always. My mom especially liked the mom and dad in the story because she was just like them too. This is a book I will keep on display and in my heart just as I will keep my baby blanket as a treasure of my childhood.

Over the years, I have purchased over 300 books for my kids library, this being one of them. My sister recommened this book because her daughter like it so well. This book soon became one of my then 3 years old daughter's favorite, probably because she was a "security blanket kid" just like Geraldine and could relate to Geraldine's struggle to retain her blanket. Even when she was in early elementary and passed the blanket stage, she would often pick this book to read from her many early readers. The pictures are darling and the story line is clever so this book isn't a "yawner" for parents to read to their kids. Now that my daughter is eleven, I have given many of her kids books away, but she insists on keeping this one. She loved it that much.

I loved this book it was a great resource to me in building my Women in Alaska's History page. It was both well written and visually appealing, it flowed nicely and had excellent graphics!

What an awesome book! Couldn't put it down. The odds these women fought against to chase their dreams during such a dangerous journey, not to mention the hardship of simply being a woman during this time in history is astounding! A must read for any woman looking for inspiration and motivation to follow her dreams!

Jane G. Haigh and Claire Rudolf Murphy have compiled a book about women of Alaska that is both concise and comprehensive. Glancing through this slim volume reveals a starting place on every page and creates an urge to read it all in one sitting. That would be a mistake, however, since the history contained in the pictures, biographical sketches, journal excerpts, maps, and historical cameos deserves to be savored in small slices and contemplated at length. Haigh and Murphy not only catalog names, dates, and places, but they have managed to create a view of the Gold Rush Women of Alaska and the Yukon that instills a sense of pride in their daughters, granddaughters, sisters, and nieces. These women defied not only the hardships of survival in the north, with its harsh climate and unforgiving nature, but most of them also defied the social conventions of their day to travel alone, or in small groups, seeking adventure, employment, and riches in much the same way as the men usually associated with the gold rush. Many of them found all they were seeking and more, while others died trying. Some took up the illicit trade of prostitution or worked to deprive successful miners of their treasure. Most simply worked hard, took advantage of opportunity as it presented itself, and prospered in the self reliance and skills they possessed. Gold Rush Women includes stories of educated, sophisticated women from the privileged societies of America and Europe, illiterate but highly skilled women from poorer levels of those societies, and the Native women who adapted to the invasion of their homeland and created new lives for their own families. From Harriet Pullen, who owned the most elegant hotel in Alaska, to Klondike Kate Rockwell, known as the Belle of the Yukon, to Sinrock Mary, Reindeer Queen, every story in this book inspires admiration for the women who settled, civilized, and survived one of the most famous human stampedes in history. Not all of these women succeeded in reaching the goals they set for themselves, but every one has a fascinating story to tell her late 20th century sisters. We are not the only ones to establish our independence, prove our abilities, and conquer life with all the adversity it may throw at us. The Gold Rush Women were here first!

This small book's size belies the wealth of information it contains. The book gives brief (2-5 page) summaries of the lives of a wide variety of women that participated in the Klondike Gold Rush. The authors write as if they personally knew these women and were telling their friends about them. Their writing style is easy to read, brief and very descriptive.The women include a native woman whose husband made an early stike; a woman whose son didn't return from the Klondike so she followed to search for him; several women who started/worked in businesses in the Klondike and women and families that entertained the prospectors. Photos accompany each biographical sketch.These are poignant stories that made me marvel at the strength of character of these women. Many made fortunes and found husbands in the Klondike but most suffered emotional or financial loss later.This book can be savored as either a very enjoyable read or for the historical bibliography it provides. I've referred to it several times and will continue to re-read it.

"... the most useful guidebook... a great reference." The Traveling Golfer

Northwest Airlines WorldTraveler Magazine: " Make sure you have a copy on hand. This tome is the only pre-trip guide you'll need to research not only golf courses, but nearby lodging, restaurants, and additional recreation - for after-golf or non-golfing spouses. The book covers more than 600 courses. The authors have rated the top 50, breaking those down into 38 large and 12 small resorts."

A guide written by golfers for golfers. Hundreds of resorts are described in this book, with details including fees, course profile (par, hazards, yardage), resident pro information, accommodations (with prices), dining options and equipment rentals. All establishments are open to the public.

"If you love golf, Golf Resorts is for you." Relax Magazine

I wrote the first review for this book, but it seems I must edit it. I still think the book is wonderful. However, my earlier review makes it sound as though The Good Mother is autobiographical. It is not. The book is purely fiction. Kathy has molded most of the characters after some of our family members. Therefore, they are "true to Life." When I read the story, I can hear the same coloquialisms that I heard as a child, whenever I would visit certain relatives. That makes it even more colorful to me. Kathy has done a wonderful job telling a very moving story. It is a very good read.

I have just finished reading "The Good Mother" by Kathy M. Dixon and I highly recommend it. Ms. Dixon has a gift for making her reader feel the emotions of the characters to their deepest level. The sights and sounds of a small town are very real as she depicts the community in which Melanie was brought up. Even the animals she encountered are the more endearing because you experience the deep affection she had for every living creature. As you watch this young girl develop into an

insecure woman your heart is torn because of the absolute hopelessness of her situation. At the same time, however, her inner strengths begin to shape her into a productive and happy adult. This is the story of unspeakable injustice to an innocent child and yet it is victorious in the fact that without even being aware of it, Melanie has depth and strength that she is totally unaware of. As you finish the last page you are cheering for the plans she has for the future. It is a story of difficulty, trial and hope. I give this a 5-Star rating. Luan Adams

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Kathy has a colorful way with words. I know this author personally. While the setting and time was changed, every word of her novel is true. She uses vibrant, poignant descriptions of everything and everyone. The people her characters are modeled after are every bit as colorful and genuine as she writes them. How can I say that? Because they are my own family, and she is my favorite aunt. In parts you will cry, in other parts you will laugh yourself silly. Read the book. Get a glimpse of the true southern life in days gone by. It is wonderful. I love you, Kathy. Good Job.

Reading any worthwhile novel we all tend to identify with at least one of its main characters, usually the protagonist, and in so doing we may here and there catch intriguing glimpses of the author's own personal reality. Perhaps more importantly for us, though, is that we also, now and then, gain new knowledge of unknown or long-forgotten aspects of our own inner selves and this is certainly what happened for me while reading Kathy M. Dixon's "The Good Mother". Whether in rural Oklahoma, or downtown Timbuktu, the manifest cruelty of children towards a perceived 'odd child out', and the long-suffering indifference and downright meanness of so many role-model adults, seems to be nothing less than par for the course and Ms Dixon's poignant story readily recalled from forgetfulness the troubled days of my own childhood. So, naturally enough, I quickly found myself empathising with Melanie and appreciating her need to escape into dreams of a good mother ever ready to protect and nurture. Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed Ms Dixon's novel, and as with any good book found it very easy to pick up but very hard to put down. I rate it 'tops'.

When Melissa's grandmother and parrot are kidnapped by pirates (along with her grandma's delicious noodle strudel), she doesn't hesitate before running to save them.

She ends up captured as well, but, as you can expect, ultimately thinks up a way to secure her escape.

It's very well-drawn and well-written, not too scary for sensitive readers, funny in parts, and pretty exciting... but not so much that your kid will unsettle for sleep!

This book was the favorite for myself and my two sisters growing up. It has a brave heroine, wonderful pictures and a witty story.

Great story of brave females outwitting brutish pirates. My four-year-old loves it and shares it often with his pirate-loving friends. Let's get it back on the presses!

One of my all-time favorite children's books, either alone or with the audiotape. Entertaining illustrations, heroic girl, humorous pirates, energetic grandma, clever plot, and nautical jargon woven in. Beautifully read by this popular Canadian author (audiotape version) and much fun to read aloud. Hard to believe this is out of print. Revive this great pirate adventure for little girls and boys alike!

This is a great book with lots of details. It is a very good reference book.

I have had this book for a few years now and used it extensively. I am in north central Iowa, zone 4, and this book has helped me to choose shrubs and small trees that can withstand my extremely bitter cold winters. What I love about this book is there are many photos, many nursery resources listed, and it is full of very valuable information.

If you are gardening/landscaping in a cold climate and need to know which cultivar's can survive in zone 4 or 3 or 2 then you need to have this book.

This book has been more helpful to us in many different areas. It explains everything from how and when to prune to how and when to fertilize. It shows both common name and scientific name in the table of contents to quickly find what you're looking for. If you are looking for a book that explains how to take care of everything available in the cold northeast, this is the book for you. Gardeners can't go wrong with this book.

How wonderful to have a book that provides the level of detail made available here for those of us who shiver through our winters and worry about whether the new additions to the garden are as hardy as the garden center promised.

The details? Everything from pronunciation to names of various suppliers. How to plant, feed and prune and informed odds about whether a particular plant will survive transplanting. Plants aren't merely promised to be hardy; charts give the specific temperature to which varieties will survive. The charts also show information about flower color and fruit, the plant's anticipated size, and comments about the variety's assets and liabilities for the home gardener.

Photographs are large enough to show detail and convey actual information: aspects of a particular plant or its appearance in different seasons, and variables among varieties.

This is a fine book and, in my view, unusual in that it is certainly well worth its sticker price. It is organized like an encyclopedia, notwithstanding some useful material in chapters outside the alphabetized plant list. As such, it does not have an index -- which might be useful -- and some of the text can be recursive. But these are minor flaws in an outstandingly useful and beautifully published book.

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.

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.

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 cannot rave enough about this book. I wandered into a gift shop in Jasper searching for a geological map, but no one knew what that was (I was offered topographic maps by the staff.) Finally, several gift shops later someone suggested this guide. I initially hesitated, since it was more then I had planned to spend. All I wanted was a brief outline of local geology, and I got so much more!
Absolutely fabulous! Entertaining, comprehensive, beautifully illustrated, authoritative and yet written with a sense of humour. I felt fully prepared to pick mushrooms, face bears, or lecture random hikers on the behaviour of gulls. Worth every penny! I am in awe of Mr. Gadd, and I thank him with all my heart for this gem of a book.

The third printing of the second edition has been updated for 2003. This book is the definitive all-in-one guidebook to the Canadian Rockies. It can replace a flower guide, a plant guide, an animal guide, an insect guide, a bird guide, a fish guide, a geology guide, a history book, a trail guide and even a road map! It is divided into sections for each of these topics and is well illustrated with colour photos and drawings. It is the most comprehensive and useful guide to the Rockies that I have encountered and I have lived here for over 25 years. If you are only buying one guidebook to the Rockies make it this one.

Gadd's book is an excellent resource for anyone who wants more knowledge and information on the splendor of the Candaian Rockies. Detailed, yet easy reading information is presented on flora, fauna, geology, climate, and hiking.

In our recent trip to the Canadian Rockies my wife and I referred to it often whether in the car or on a Mt. trail. Whatever bird, flower, or geological formation you wanted to know about, Gadd's book provided all the information.

An excellent, broadranging book that includes anything and everything about the Canadian Rockies. One suggestion, however, buy the book in Canada. It's available in any regular bookstore up there for $35 Can, which is about $24 US.