North America Books

my kids loved it when the BBC series came out years ago. the concept is good, the story, excuse me, novel. But the execution could be revised somewhat, maybe extended and needs to be less author-driven and the theme as a whole could be taken further. It is a book of its day. but it's still a good read in this time of hit-and-run writing.

When I started reading this book, I thought: "Oh great, a boring story about some girl who's sick in bed. Fun." But, as I got into the book it became incredibly interesting. I started to feel I was Marianne, even though I'm a boy. When she met Mark in her dream as the boy she drew, because her tutor Mrs Chesterfield told her about him, I really felt for him. This book is really and truly gripping, an amazing read. When it ended, I was really sad because I wanted it to go on forever and follow the rest of the adventures and Marianne and Mark.

Overall, this book is incredibly enjoyable and I would recommend it to anyone.

I really liked this book. What I couldnt understand was what was wrong with Marianne? I indeed did find it a little scary but more eerie when reading at night. I loved reading it from front to back and I have read it again the same old plot not getting old.

I absolutely loved this original tale that beautifully captures the world of a sick young girl. Marianne is ten when she develops an illness that confines her to bed for several months. She passes time by drawing a house on paper, and dreams feverishly of the same house while asleep. Her adventures in the house with a boy named Marc become more frightening as her illness worsens. In the dreams, Catherine Storr touches on the dream-like fears of the children while in real life they deal with more substantial fears, such as illness and lonliness. Sometimes Marianne's fears turn into nightmares, which I found frightening but still appropriate for children. This is not the case for the movie, Paperhouse, which was way too much for pre-teens. All in all, I'd say that this is a book that crosses all age bounderies and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a simple but facinating story.

And a bit odd too. Parts of the story that are supposed to be scary just end up being mearly curious. I mean I would not be scared by a boulder with an eye. Nor would I constantly eat sausages, like Marianne and Mark do. And they are particulary fond of the word "beastly". Every second sentence contains this word.

I won't go into detail about the story as the other reviews provide enough info but I will say that the book differs from the film (Paperhouse, in which Marianne becomes Anna Madden) greatly. It doesn't feel as menacing nor does Marianne have the same kind of cockiness and early-adulthood intelligence she has in the film. Instead, she's a year younger and seems more childlike. The story of Marianne's absent dad and having him appear in her dreams as a madman is not here either. The evil forces take the form of monolithical stones with eyes. And the stones chase Marianne and Mark?!

Very weird indeed, I'm not quite sure how the physics of that works tho. It's probably all subtextual. But I can't figure it out. The ending is also completely different from the film too.

I wish this book was darker and had a bit more evil in it. The boulders with eyes just don't do it for me. It didn't feel threatening at all. Althogether this a bit of a disappointment. It's not fully engaging or mysterious and seems too tame. I can't figure out what audience Catherine Storr was writing for but it seems a little unmagical for kids and a too tame for adults. Maybe it was different back in 1958 tho.

I loved this book! Marsha Scarborough's journey to the heart of Native American spiritual healing is so human, so vivid, so damn funny, I felt I was with her every step of the way. I loved the reality of it all. Marsha seems such a clear-eyed and practical person. Her encounters with the mystical realm thus seem all the more believable as we share in her own struggle to see beyond the surface, into the deeper nature of things. Through it all, she keeps her own fine sense of the absurd - of how ludircous it is to be offering a cake to the spirit of your dead mother in your own back yard, hoping the neighbors aren't watching! To go from there to the scortching desert ritual dance of the final chapters is such an amazing journey. What a gift that she has shared that journey with us.

I am compelled to write my first review as this book is truly a MUST READ!
Marsha Scarbrough writes in a tone that flows easily as we travel on a journey of Deep Insight and Discovery that leads to Healing. As we travel on the journey along with her, we learn about family, friendship, betrayal, acceptance, joy, and self-realization that all lead to Healing. We learn about the profound revelations and the freeing power of Love & Acceptance as the author takes us with her on this sacred healing journey. Bravo!

I devoured this book, I couldn't put it down. It was so powerful and wise, I stopped a lot to deeply reflect on the content to evaluate my own life. It was so humble and refreshing. You must read this book.

Medicine Dance is so engaging and funny that I couldn't put it down. I hope Marsha Scarbrough is working on a sequel.

Medicine Dance grabbed me from the first page and didn't let go until I finished the book. It's full of life lessons and laugh-out-loud humor. A great gift for your best friends - and yourself.

I just finished a ride of a little over 1000 miles from my home in NJ to and through WV and VA. I used this book to guide me on some really terrific roads and through some truly beautiful areas. This was the first long, extended ride I've ever taken and it was in large measure due to the "encouragement" expressed through this well written resource. If you're thinking of traveling through the Appalachians then I would recommend that you purchase and pour through this well written book before you go.

I just got back from a near-1000 mile trip through the Appalachians. I used this book to guide me through some thoroughly fascinating and beautiful areas -- the author, Dale Coyner, has create a terrific resource! I am not exaggerating when I say that VA Route 39 has changed my view of the eastern United States (I lived in the West -- Alaska, Utah, and Arizona -- until 2000). I'm sure I won't be the first, but I've set a goal to do all 36 rides in the book.

I showed this to the clerk at the bookstore at the Peaks of Otter wayside on the Blue Ridge Parkway. She's a rider, so she took the name of the book down with considerable enthusiasm and pledged to talk to the manager about stocking the book in the store. It seems strange NOT to have your book on the shelves in such a rider's paradise!

great book detailing not just roads, but local custom and color for the mid-atlantic area from PA down to the Carolinas and eastern Tennessee.

numerouse routes from a central point in each region are detailed and the local dining, lodging, and other points of interest are detailed in an interesting style of writing.

useful for anyone who wants to tour the mid-atlantic region and take their time doing it...

I worked in the motorcycle industry for over 10 years as a service manager and still ride with all my old co-workers.

We thought we knew all the best roads in our neck of the woods but we were wrong.

We pick a route, get into the middle of nowhere and then get lost.

This book has filled in the blanks for us.

A must have if you're a real rider.

For me there are three parts to a good trip - the preparation, the adventure itself, and then the memories. This book has helped me a long way in achieving all these pleasure points. The maps and text are wonderful; the crafty photo's with tasty captions peppered appropriately throughout this guide left my partner (who does not accompany me) recommending more sights than I could handle. A keeper, if not just for that.

This book is a great collection of primary source documents about the Native American experience in America through the development of the country. Very useful for American literature and American history courses and anyone interested in the Native American voice in US History.

Native Americans have been fighting for ages to tell their side of the story, but they haven't been able to get through to the mainstream. In this book, Nabokov presents us the Native American perspective from prophecy to present. By reading the testimony of Native Americans themselves, we get a clear picture of their plight. This book doesn't give a detailed history of Native Americans, but rather gives us a finger on the pulse of the Native spirit.

Native Americans have lost a great deal. When Europeans first arrived in North America, they did what they could to help these new brothers, and were happy to share what they had. However, the Europeans kept on coming and they started taking what didn't belong to them. The Europeans started fencing off the native lands. They destroyed the land and the animals with their greed. The Native Americans were continually pushed off their ancestoral lands and were driven to less desirable lands. They suffered the loss of their lands, traditions, and way of life. It's important for us as Americans to examine this sad episode of our history. We should take this lesson and apply it to our lives, and think about how we treat others who are different from us. I really recommend this book to those who are interested in reading the other side of the history of our nation.

I bought this book to help me learn about my family's history as a Native American Indian. I was always concerned that the Native American Indians had a unfair portrayal in American History. This book I think is a valuable literary piece. It breaks events down in historical order. They are easy to read. Once I finished with I felt I had read the Native Indian's perspective which is amiss in the Northeast school teachings of history. There were some interesting stories that were accounted as well.

Testimonies from all different tribes of Native Americans which are grouped by subject in part and chronically in part. Very informative primary sources. Wonderful for research.

Nabokov's book is a fantastic compilation of Native American history as remembered and documented by the First People of America. I bought this book for a class that I am taking and will definitely keep this in my library as a valued treasure. It's easy to read and is in somewhat of a chronological order

The Sociey for American Archaeology chose this book for its Public Audience Book Award. It is a fine choice.

This beautiful book has many things to recommend it: the importance of the subject, the beauty of the artwork and the photography, the quality of the contributors and the masterful presentation by its author, Dr. Bradley T. Lepper.

Ohio is loaded with treasure for archaeologists. Not one but four ancient Ohio sites are likely to receive World Heritage status from UNESCO in the next few years. These include Fort Ancient, the Newark Earthworks, the Serpent Mound and the earthworks at the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park in Chillicothe. Just this winter the U.S.Department of the Interior has released a list of fourteen sites it will present to UNESCO for consideration - including all of these. And of course Ohio has even more amazing ancient places and stories to offer.

Such treasures call for stunning images, and there are many here. There are also fascinating contributions by more than twenty of the world's authorities on ancient Ohio. It is hard to imagine a better team to teach this subject. But this is more than a coffee-table book and is not an anthology of independent articles. Bradley Lepper leads us through the story from the ice age to the era of early contact between American Indians and Europeans. He writes wonderfully and is the master of both science and story telling.

Ohio Archeology is a must read, with beatiful photos and illustrations, for those wishing to learn the most up-to-date information on the Native Americans of the Woodland Period. Learn how archeologists decipher the mysteries surrounding the amazing earthen monuments of these early Ohioans.

As a long time citizen of Ohio and long time fan of Archaeology, I should have had a much higher awareness of just how much incredible history there is to be had right here in my home state. While I always had a vague notion that people have lived here in Ohio for thousands of years before the first European settlers arrived ... I never encountered any material that seemed to do a very good job of shedding light on this period of the state's history. Well, Mr. Lepper's book does a FANTASTIC job of bringing this part of our state's history the attention it deserves. Great text, diagrams and photos.

Ohio Archaeology is a splendid overview of Ohio's native American cultures and sites. Beautifully illustrated and photographed (including photo's of assembled artifacts) it deserves a place in any collection of materials on the subject.

One of the best acquisitions I've made this year.

Dr. Lepper has written the book I have been waiting for. As a new resident of Ohio, I have been working to understand my new home better, and this book answers many of the questions I have about the earliest residents of this area. I am still reading it so cannot comment on its entirety but it features gorgeous color photographs, helpful maps, and a text accessible to the lay (as in non-professional archaeologist) reader. This book may also answer one of the questions I brought with me from my former home in New Mexico: Where are the builders of the mounds now, and why have so few of their works been preserved? Reading lists and references will help me extend my understanding.

I love Jamie Sams style of writing, and she opened many doors that were closed lifetimes ago.
Other Council Fires Were Here Before Ours: A Classic Native American Creation Story as Retold by a Seneca Elder, Twylah Nitsch, and Her Granddaughter, Jamie Sams

Provides thoughtful insight into a much retold Native American story of previous yugas. Ought to be required reading for the future leaders of our world.

This book is fascinating from cover to cover. Jamie Sams and her grandmother, Twylah, are master story-tellers. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Native American beliefs! It is the Seneca version of creation and history, our relationship with Mother Earth, and events still to come! Thanks Jamie and Twylah!

I came to this book due to my interest in Jamie Sams and Twylah Nitsch. For people who have questions about the First through the Fifth Worlds from reading other books by Jamie Sams, this book fills in the blanks. For those who have no knowledge of Sams and Nitsch, this book is so playful and delightfully written that it could be underestimated by the reader.

As always when reading books by Jamie Samms or hearing the teachings of Twylah Nitsch, we find the gifts that we need too. The Medicine is always pure and healing.

I was eight years old. I read the paperback edition of this book every night, cover to cover. The story of the effervescent Plop and the conquering of his fear of the dark is as enduring now as it was when it was first published over 30 years ago.

This version is abridged and illustrated from the one that saw me safely to dreamland as a child. No matter. The spirit is preserved and the illustrations are wonderful. Great for any kid with any phobia. A magical book.

The CD in English IS abridged. We first discovered Plop on cassette, and it ran 1 hour. This CD runs 20 minutes. It remains a delightful, short bedtime story for my 6 year old who has it memorized, but it IS abridged. I still would love to locate a truly unabridged CD that has the detail of the cassette.

I totally loved this book when i was little and still do now (I'm nearly 21!). I've lost the tape so I'm looking to get another one so I can show my boyfriend how good it is too. i would highly recommend that every child should have a copy of this book.

Originally published in 1968, "The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark" is considered a classic in England. Now reissued with a whole new illustrator, we members of the United States finally get a chance to read this rather adorable tale. Though not a cutesy story in and of itself, illustrator Paul Howard has drawn a book that has perhaps set the standard for adorable barn owl tales everywhere.

Plop (an unfortuanate name, but whatcha gonna do?) is a small barn owl. Plop is also afraid of the dark. Though his parents attempt to inform him that there is nothing to be afraid of, he remains unconvinced. Finally, they tell him to ask various people and animals for information about the dark. From a boy the owl learns that the dark is exciting, with fireworks and such. From an astrologer he learns that the dark is wondrous, allowing us to see the many constellations in the sky. And so forth. In the end, Plop is convinced and is able to safely fly in the sky with his mother and father without fear.

If you'd like to read something to your little one that doesn't contain much in the way of tension or drama, this book's your ticket. Though Plop does partake in various escapades, none of these ever become dangerous. I was particularly interested in a section where he asks a black cat about the night. Considering that a cat would undoubtedly view a baby barn owl as a yummy snack, I was a bit amazed that nothing bad happened between the two. Nothing so much as the cat licking his chops or thinking to himself, "Boy could I go for a little fowl right now". Nuthin'. Which is fine. Illustrator Paul Howard has added pictures drawn with pastel pencils. The result is that Plop is the fuzziest, cutest, cuddliest little fluffball of an owl to ever flutter across the pages of a picture book. In addition to being a useful book for children that are afraid of the dark, it is also a good story for convincing children that owls are nothing, in and of themselves, to be afraid of. Just don't pair this story with Avi's "Poppy". All in all, this is a sweet little story with fuzzy-wuzzy pictures. Cuddly and adorable all at once, it is certain to be a child's favorite as the years go by.

I am now 13 years old, and I still listen to this classic tape when I have nightmares at night. When I was little I used to listen to it every single night. I listened to it so much that I almost broke it. If you are a parent looking for a good childhood book for your child I highly recommend it, from firsthand experience of being a child. Thanks

For Novices, all they need to know to be respectful, comfortable and a vital part of the experience. Good job!

This book provides an excellent overview of native ceremonies. You feel that Julia lives what she is writing about. An excellent book for those who want to get involved in native philosophy seriously.

Julia provides her reader with a straight forward and easy to understand guide to Pow Wows. She provides all the information they need to get the most out of their Pow Wow experience.

Julia White has captured the essence of the pow wow. The information provides the proper protocol for being part of a pow wow to prepare the viewer as a courteous participant. I particularly enjoyed Julia's descriptions of the various dances. I have been to several pow wows and have seen "guests" do all the wrong things and act in a way that would be considered offensive to Native Americans who are sharing their culture with us. These events are "gifts" to those of other nationalities and it is important to show respect when attending a pow wow. These ceremonies have sacred meaning and it is incumbent upon us to to know what is expected of guests. Julia presents the information in an interesting manner - straightforward yet very easy reading. The supplemental information about Native American background leaves me wanting to know more. Her knowledge is exemplary and she herself is a very special person. I highly recommend this book to any who attends pow wows or just wants to gain additional insight into the Native American culture. I personally appreciate that I can go to a pow wow and act in an appropriate manner. I hope Julia White is planning on writing additional books. I will be first in line for anything else she comes out with.

This excellent book tells in great detail and wondeful illustration, the history and tradition of the modern Native American Pow Wow. Readers will find great information on where to find Pow Wow's as well as how to act when they attend one. A must read for all those interested in Native culture.

Having just visited Williamsburg, I read The River Where America Began. It brought to life all of which I had just seen, but in clear vivid and historically correct detail. I was instantly immersed into the culture and events of the time. Bob Deans writes beautifully and I can't wait to see whats next.

This history book was very informative. I was born in the area. Very detailed summary of landscape in early times. Well written from political and historical point of view. Easy to comprehend and fully factual. Good book to read more than once.

Hi,

I am reading this book right now and am on page 238 of 287. This is the most readable "history" book I have ever read. I would give it a 4 1/2 out of 5 really. He gets into the baptism of Pochohontas and gets a little sharp with the tongue. Don't pass up on this book though because of a few pages. Everyones opinion still matters. I do like how it's in a storybook format and I do like the authors opinion most of the time. I would say the book is 85% fact, %15 opinion.

Very knowledgable writer. A book that gives you the framework to be educated about American history in discussions with your friends. No thanksgiving story and they lived happily ever after. America was founded by immigrants and freedom fighters, criminals, slaves, and Native Americans obviously.

Thanks. God Bless.

Aaron.

If you didn't take or do well in early American history class, this book will go a long way to help. Bob Deans, informatively and entertainingly, chronicles the first foreign footprints on American soil. In doing so, he sympathetically gives the natives their due, while exploring with reportorial acumen, the inexorable march, good and bad, toward democracy, all of which started "along the James," in Dean's beloved state.

This is a wonderfully written, informative book that focuses on the history that happened on the James River from 1607 to 1865.

Like any good storyteller, Deans illuminates specific characters (John Smith, Pocahontas, Powhatan, Patrick Henry and Abraham Lincoln among them), to shed light on the whole. And the whole is this: That the two original sins of the American experiment -- our near-genocidal treatment of the Indians and our institution of black slavery -- began here, early in our formative years, on the banks of the James River in Virginia. At the very same time and in the very same place, began our very real belief in a democratic government of laws and not of men.

On this river was nurtured the the notion that all men were created equal, even as those who proclaimed liberty and equality denied it (and increasingly codified that denial) to a whole race of men and women.

That such schizophrenia of national psyche could not long endure seems obvious. And the fever that provided the cure finally broke here, too, on the banks of the James in April 1865.

This is a terrific book. However, the publisher, I believe, has let the writer down in two respects: It could use more maps. When Deans writes of someone rounding this point, exploring this tributary or inhabiting that island, I want to have a map close at hand to see for myself. There are a few maps, and they are good, but I would like more.

And here's a thing sure to rankle any West Virginian ex-copy editor: In the chapter on John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry (then Virginia, today West Virginia), it says he was hanged in nearby Charleston. As any Mountain Stater (and probably even some Virginians) know, Charleston, the state capital, is in the south central part of the state. Charles Town, where they have horse racing, is in the Eastern Panhandle. Charles Town is close to Harper's Ferry, not Charleston. (And as any newspaperman knows, Charleston, Charles Town is an AP Stylebook entry. I presume the error is an editor's and not Deans'.)

im glad i got this book i have a better understanding of the cards.
it is worth the money you put out for this book.
you will enjoy reading it and learning from it.

This is a great add-on to the Sacred Cards. This workbook helps you also in understand the meaning of each card and how to take this knowledge and put into practice. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Native American Practices.

Jamie Sams is an excellent teacher for people of all ages and all colors. This book takes your soul on a hand-held journey through the many aspects we all encounter in life that challenge our growth. Full of the wisdom of the ages, Sacred Path opens awareness of archetypes that only the author's deep understanding of human nature can help us discover in ourselves. A beautiful journey of self exploration in a wounded world.

This book allows the seeker to move forward in exploring the Shamanic Traditions more completely.

What a wonderful way to start a day: Picking a Scared Path card and then reading that specific chapter in this fine book! Clear, easy to read, it is an excellent tool for walking the Native American spiritual path, or any spiritual path for that matter. It may be out of print, but get a copy -- no matter what condition. A rare and wonderful book.