Tracks Books

I worked in Law Enforcement and in my particular law enforcement branch I use tracking everyday. I have personally met Mr. McDougall and have spent sometime with him in the woods during a private three-day tracking and survival class. Mr. McDougall is very knowledgable and lives to be near to nature. He owns several wolves and has overwelming knowledge in wildlife. I used to live in Michigan and it was a pleasure to meet and spend time learning from Mr. McDougall. I only wish that I still lived in the U.P. and could benefit from his knowledge, face-to-face, still further.

Shawn Wilson

Overall, it is somewhat an interesting read but, it contains false, misleading information through out the book. One example is that the author states on page 75 "Feral swine lack tusks (although some with mixed blood have them)". Domesticated and Feral hogs are both born with canine teeth (tusks). Farmers remove the canine teeth within a few days of birth so swine will not injure each other, their owners, or damage property. The crude drawings of scat (animal droppings) aren't very useful aids in identifying animals, color photos would be much more useful.

After reading McDougall's book, walking in the outdoors is a whole new (and much richer) experience for me. And that includes the local city park as much as anywhere else.

The book does a very good job of showing habitats, tracks and scat of different animals, as well as pictures of each animal (although I wouldn't have minded a few more pictures than what he has). He also includes stories from what he has observed himself and stories from others as well. This makes the book very readable - the story about the badgers by the side of the road on page 166 is especially hilarious.

There is interesting information about different species on almost every page. There is also a great amount of information about observing and tracking wildlife, including tips like wearing hats and avoiding perfumed or color-brightening laundry soaps.

This is really a very interesting book and I would recommend it to anyone who is willing to open their eyes and see more of the world around them. It has something for the casual observer and for the serious hunter.

This is the best tracking book I own. In fact, it's the best tracking resource I'm aware of (including web-based material). The author writes well, so the book is well organized and the information is presented clearly. The index is excellent -- much better than most books -- so it's easy to locate the info you need. The tracks are illustrated by drawings rather than photos, which I might have preferred, but the drawings are clear, and I suppose they illustrate key features better than most photos would. Best of all, this author really knows his stuff, and he writes about animals with passion and insight. As a result, this book is much more than a "track identification" manual. It provides serious -- but easy to read -- information about the animals whose tracks it covers. And the author has enriched the descriptions with interesting personal anecdotes about his own wildlife encounters. Finally, the author has included very helpful information about finding and observing animals in the wild. Highly recommended for people who enjoy wildlife observation.

If you go to the Natural Resources Commission office of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians in Petoskey, Michigan, you'll find The Complete Tracker on their reference bookshelf. If it's good enough for a tribal biologist to use as a reference, this book is certainly good enough for me.

Andy Stern, president of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) comes now with his own addition to the host of literature that describes how the re-distribution of wealth in the United States is harming workers and the nation. This is a vitally important topic: Lee Iacocca wrote about this more than 20 years ago, Michael Moore wrote about this more than 10 years ago, and recently, everyone from Jim Hightower to Arianna Huffington to Al Franken have joined in. With enough voices, perhaps people will finally force their elected policy makers to reconstruct the safeties that were in place to prevent the degradation of the middle class that we are watching accelerate right now.

But will "A Country That Works" convert people from consumers back into citizens? Stern's ideas are good, practical, and positive, but they are not new. What has been lacking is an activism to force these ideas onto the agendas of both parties. To his credit, Stern does not "red-bait" the reader, but his ideas will never make it past the right-wing. Were this possible, we would not be in this fix, with economic and political uncertainty looming with growing immediacy. Stern has great ideas but he presents no plan of action; no intent to mobilize the SEIU toward national momentum.

Stern includes some backstory to his life and some snippets of the labor movement, but nothing in depth. He chooses his words carefully, especially as regards John Sweeney--Stern has been a good, effective leader but this has forced him to become a politician in his own right. There is nothing wrong with this, this is the nature of things, and Stern doesn't want to rock the boat too much.

So, with very little information in the form of memoir or history of labor, "A Country That Works" serves instead as a bullet-pointed list of excellent progressive ideas that were released as a $24.00 hardcover book. Many service workers might have to work three or four hours to pay for this book. It would have helped workers more if it had been published as a pamphlet.

Andy Stern does a great job of addressing the elephant in the room, corporate globalization, that is sold to populations around the world as "inevitable," but is being resisted all over the world. This particular form of globalization (also known as "neoliberalism" - although, not having anything to do with progressive liberalism) has been more of an investor's rights agreement, protecting shareholders while leaving other stakeholders in society - labor, local economies, the environment, indigenous communities - in dire straights. Stern recognizes what concerned people all over the world know, that the policies of NAFTA, CAFTA, the WTO, the IMF, et al, are not laws of gravity and are subject to reform, if not complete rejection.
International Socialist Review

Interestingly, Governor Bill Ritter of Colorado recently recommended Stern's book during an interview on a 50,000 watt station here in Denver. That's the sort of media activism on behalf of labor that all sorts of people need to be doing; to counter the years of anti-labor rhetoric all over the airwaves that are owned and sponsored by Big Business. Manufacturing Consent - Noam Chomsky and the Media

While some segments of organized labor have seen declines, SEIU is growing; thanks to the sort of popular ideas in "A Country That Works," and also due to the organizing efforts of both documented and undocumented workers. I imagine the aggressive organizing of the immigrant population is part of the reason why there has been such a harsh dehumanization campaign and an increase in ICE raids, deportations and so forth. Working class people across borders need to recognize that with capital and corporate executives operating transnationally, labor needs to do the same. No One Is Illegal: Fighting Violence and State Repression on the U.S.-Mexico Border

For another good resource to teach people about the importance of labor organizing, I'd recommend the movie starring Adrien Brody that the SEIU helped to produce. Bread and Roses

"Labor is prior to, and independent of, capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much the higher consideration." - Abraham Lincoln, speech to Congress, 12/3/1861

Andy Stern deepens and extends previous efforts to describe and analyze the state of America's -- and, implicitly, the globe's -- socio-economic condition, and he supplies suggestions and proposals meant to remedy the more egregious symptoms of our civilization's decline. Long ago, Stern became the first major American labor leader to point publicly to the need for workers' action at the global level, and he turned heads three years ago with the somewhat heretical suggestion that US labor reconsider its monogamous relationship with the Democratic Party, a frequently unfaithful partner. For those who favor social change, A Country That Works provides a thoughtful overview and myriad leads toward a better future for all.

After a long period of corruption, arrogance and distain for American values and American working people, a new generation of leaders is beginning to emerge...fresh voices with solid ideas and much to say to the Amerian people. The author of this book is one of them and he is inspriring the younger generations. Read this to understand how and why! A must read! Those who favor the status quo won't like it at all..those who are more optimistic will love it.

This book spells out in a clear and compelling fashion the challenges that American workers face in our global economy, and what can be done to stop the American dream from disintegrating any further.

You may think of unions as a quaint, irrelevant relic of a bygone era, or perhaps you see them as a blight on business. After you read this book, you'll understand how Stern's progressive union, the SEIU, has the potential to be a real force for good, not just for workers, but for employers and the country as a whole.

The best thing about Stern's book is that it doesn't just describe all the problems plaguing American workers, it offers innovative solutions from a union leader who is, on the one hand, willing to reach out to CEO's and conservatives, while also taking on Wal-Mart and other corporations who shortchange their own employees to boost their bottom line. Stern's even traveled to China five times to get a handle on our competition and how best to handle it.

I got to hear Stern speak at a book party for A Country That Works the other night, and he spoke so passionately and persuasively that I decided I really had to get a second copy of his book to give my dad, who's always held an anti-union bias. Unfortunately, Stern did such a great job pitching his ideas that they sold the forty copies of A Country That Works his publisher had provided before I could get my hands on one. Looks like my dad will have to settle for an unsigned copy!

If you have to choose just one book to read dealing with adoption issues, this is the best book you could ask for.

Practical information combined with actual life-experience imbue this well-written guide with important insights into the maze which often surrounds the adoption process.

"How-to" information as well as important caveats about the whole journey are included, making this the outstanding reference book on the subject.

"Two Thumbs Up".

My wife and I will use the adoption process to start our family. Like many couples, medical reasons have us pursuing this avenue. We've begun by reading a number of books and engaging adoptive support groups. We both read Fast Track Adoption, and will undoubtally pursue the approach that Dr. Burns explains. The book gave us confidence in knowing that we'll be successful, because of its many practical tips.

This book seems to be more about how to gain a birthmother's trust and confidence in order to get her baby, and how to work the adoption system. In so doing, the book loses sight of the fact that adoption exists in order to provide children with loving homes, not to provide infertile couples with children.

She does, however, help to explode a myth: that children placed for adoption are "unwanted." This is of course far from the truth, as Burns points out that birthmothers today usually aid in picking their child's parents and nearly always want to see, hold, and spend some time with their newborns prior to relinquishment.

Still, some of the advice can get potential adoptive parents into trouble, such as placing ads for a baby. In many states this is illegal.

Some advice in this book is helpful, but I must still urge potential adoptive parents to seek the assistance of a licensed adoption agency.

Our attorney recommended this book. I read it from cover to cover. It's fantastic. If you're serious about adopting, take the proactive roll, advertise and forward the calls to your personal cell phone. This book is easy reading and so informative. I can't tell you how great it was. We were very fortunate and adopted quickly and smoothly. Get involved with the adoption process and the search for a birth mother. Your communication with her is essential. Best of luck!

Fast Track Adoption is a wonderful book full of practical advice on everything from how to write a good letter to a prospective birthmother to how to handle the birthmother's hospital stay. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to anyone considering adopting.

It is amazing how vivid it all came back to me, since I was about 8 years old and the name Bannister became passed around. What is exceptional about this account, is how chosen pivotal athletes seem to be in their respective sports, so that when we read their stories there is much to be mined. After reading this offhand, medical student's on-the-run account of those heady days, I am even more convinced how special he was to the sport and the discipline of life. Like Ray Berry, Johnny Unitas's wide receiver on the Baltimore Colts in the late fifties, Bannister possessed an incredible self-awareness and keen analytical skills that pre-date the modern athlete. Outsiders only see the athlete, but inside is the scientific mind at work, attempting the impossible feat of cheating nature and man's limitations. It was apparent to this reader early on, that Roger Bannister was about to make larger contributions in the medical field as well. It was also gleaned how foolhardy Steve Prefontaine was in his training habits by letting his heart run free; Bannister explains how the body had to be trained for higher performance, not just willed. Bannister's philosophy about running appears clinical, serving notice to all, that the pathway to a widened life is unrestricted if one leads an examined life.

May 6, 1954: 3,000 spectators, a number of competitors, one runner with a historic goal.

On that afternoon, Sir Roger Bannister broke through a mythical barrier, running one mile under four minutes. It was accomplished during a meet between British AAA and Oxford University at Iffley Road Track in Oxford.

This 1955 autobiography is more than a chronicle of his chase for immortality; it is an exploration into disappointment on the international stage - he did not medal in the 1500m in the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games - self-sacrifice and the balancing of a number of goals on a variety of tracks in life.

While runners will never tire of the story of this challenge within the mind and body, those who have never laced up a pair of racing spikes can appreciate a spirit of motivation that can be applied in all facets of the daily grind.

"The man who can drive himself further once the effort gets painful is the man who will win," says Bannister. And those words resonate on the drive to any finish line.

Short read, perfect for the summer vacation on the beach. A really talented man, amazing what he accomplished considering some of his training ( smoking and hung over collegiate). The book is very literate, and illustrates a personal side of an accomplished doctor.

As a cross-country runner in high school this book by Roger Bannister was a great inspiration to me. His description of the assault on the 4 minute mile barrier is fascinating but also memorable are his recollections of the Helsinki Olympics (where Bannister failed to achieve a medal), and his success at the Commonwealth Games where the only two sub-4 minute milers met face to face for the first time.

It's now about 40 years since I first read the book and I was very pleased it was republished in a commemorative edition.

Reading the book again was a joy. The book went very quickly and had most of the excitement of when I first read it. It was not surprising tha the prose and impressions seemed less mature than when I first read them, but that was to be expected as Bannister wrote the book when he was in his twenties.

I was disappointed that the pictures were not the same as the original edition, with perhaps too many pictures of Bannister in later years. The original pictures of the Helsinki Olympics and other competitions were an integral part of the book and it's a shame that they were missing.

Bannisters achievement in breaking the Four Minute Mile was a milestone (pardon the pun), as was the fact that he did it as an amateur and while he was in the middle of his medical studies. In my opinion his book is also a great achievement and is certainly worth the read.

A great story about a great runner! You keep reading only wishing that he had put more about his career. It reads really slow and much of the book could be skipped over. I recommend the book if you are looking for a background of Bannister starting from birth. I was looking for something about his running.

Author Marc Bloom captures a special quality of cross-country through his chronicle of coaching a team that may have been small in numbers, but rich in faith, from start to finish.

Bloom, an observant Jew, was at the helm of the St. Rose harriers - a private Catholic high school in New Jersey - and shows how the journey is more than lacing up the shoes for daily workouts and weekend races.

That the team - which ended up with a scant seven runners - earned a state title is secondary to the paths taken by the coach and each runner in a quest to be the best they can be, on and off the turf.

This is a wonderful story that would certainly make a great movie. It definitely has all the elements necessary: a main plot and little side stories that are very important to the big picture. The author's strength is displayed as a magnificent coach, friend, and teacher, but it's his spirituality that plays a huge part in the team's building to where they mature and become winners. His Jewish Faith combined with the team's Catholic Faith show the Higher Force as what He really is: The all-loving and caring God. There are life lessons to be learned from this book. Plus, it's a delightful read! You'll love it!

Cross-country is the Rodney Dangerfield of sports in many high schools, overshadowed by the soccer craze and derided as a fall-back for those unable to make the cut in the glamour sports. If more people read "God on the Starting Line" they might see this sport for what it is: a demanding test of willpower, pain tolerance and team cohesiveness played out in a natural setting.

As Marc Bloom illustrates through this vivid depiction of his undermanned squad's break-through season, cross country is completely at odds with the pressures and temptations faced by today's adolescents in our video-game, fast-food culture. It's his ability as a coach to connect with these kids and instill a desire to rise above the ordinary that makes this simple story such a triumph.

The author, in his exuberance to connect with the reader and in his meditations on the larger meaning of running, lapses into a series of seemingly random associations in some passages that break up the training and race descriptions. Yet those with the patience to follow his train of thought through these interludes may come away convinced that the purification-by-pain and honest living demanded by cross-country running do indeed bring both coach and athlete closer to the divine.

-Kevin Joseph, author of "The Champion Maker"

This a very personal real story of an expert on Track and Field (Bloom) and empty nester with a desire to coach the pure running sport of Cross-Country. Remarkably, his only taker in New Jersey is St. Rose, a private Catholic School. Although Jewish, there is a prompt mutual respect between the team and Bloom. At this point in the book, Bloom has been coaching his team for several years but every summer he faces a challenge in team depth and symptoms of a summer of too little training. With his skeleton team, Bloom develops and gets to know each individual. He works personal motivation, skill in workouts, a touch of psychology and a mix of father figure and teacher together to help guide the boys through life. The book is surprisingly personal as Bloom reveals much of himself, his past and his family along with his own running experiences as he in turn learns about the boys under his tutelage. Bloom acts as a total coach knowing each boy's personality, personal conflicts and athletic needs while providing versatile training that promotes a team running style while also perfecting their training to the course they will run on at the Parochial Class B Championship. There is a great blend of faith as Bloom shares in their prayer before each race, holds a boys crucifix while he runs hoping that rubbing it will power the boy forward and at other times touching his own mezuzah for the same reach of faith and power. The final race is exhilarating as the boys give a tremendous effort and do run as a team as there coach has continual emphasized. Whether they win or not, they run as great heart, each one showing great improvement. The final sprint to the end is exciting as you literally sprint with the coach along the course to see how they finish. Without peeking at the end, you will find their final efforts surpisingly rewarding. Throughout the book, Bloom discusses the issues such as the detrimental effect hard training has on young girls, the effect multi-year sports has had on distance running (particular soccer) and insights to past great runners. The book may be more appealing to the mature runner as it's not all races and training but a look back at Bloom's life from mid life with an introspective look at the boys' lives and future as well. The book will be a treat for those former cross-country runners who enjoyed the simple purity of the sport and who also know that when the summer final cools, making your sweat turn cold, its cross-country season.

God on the Starting Line is an excellent non-fiction book about a NJ high school cross-country team and its coach. Bloom's smooth writing style brings out the joys and heartaches experienced by cross-country coaches and runners everywhere. I have coached x-c at two different Catholic high schools (in NJ and PA)and Bloom's honest description of the day-to-day experiences is very accurate. Bloom makes the reader feel a part of this team and his descriptions are both brutally honest, yet thoughtful for each team member. His race descriptions and training methods can be appreciated by runners, coaches and fans of distance running. Highly recommended!

I'm a "mystery" fan and this book kept my attention. I really enjoyed gaining knowledge of the horse-racing industry. I only wish there were more stories in this book. The book ended too soon.

This is an objective look at some of the biggest mysteries in the horse world. Unlike many writers, the author doesn't slant for or against...he puts the facts there. What do you believe? Is Shergar alive? Was Pharlap the victim of a tragic error? Mysteries, history and horses in one book. Worth the time to read.

From Eclipse Press and John McEvoy comes one of the most intriguing horse racing books to date. Some of the tales you will find within the book seem too amazing to be true. And the scary part is, they are true. Every single word is true. What's more is that the mysteries go unsolved. You will have to form your own opinion of what happened based on the fine detailed print McEvoy gives you to base it on. The book has great amazing cliffhangers that leave you wondering til the end of time. Great for mind stimulation and concept. Very well-researched and a very entertaining read. This novel is highly reccommended.

Great Horse Racing Mysteries: True Tales From The Track presents true stories of crime, unsolved puzzles, and cases that remain debated to the present day concerning the world of horse racing. Tales of murder, suicide, arson, fraud, and animal kidnapping reveal the dark side of this popular sport. Luridly revealing the worst in human nature in the racing and racehorse raising profession and keeps a tight grip on the reader's attention and does not let go.

Ripped off by Amazon. Maximum price of this book was $24.95 new through the vendor Half.com. Amazon charged $38.94. Shame on me for trusting Amazon. It will not happen again because I am closing my account with these rip off artists. Be very careful before you purchase from this company.

Explodes common myths about prerequistes to success. Illustrates other criteria mainly external focus for doing well. Success has been equated directly with wealth, one aggrandizes, this in my opinion needs to be viewed with a pinch of salt, at the same time not underestimating the liberating effect wealth can have on the way we live our lives. All in all an easy read, however number of examples cited by authors could have been curtailed.

Ever become angry because you worked late every day, spent weekends at the office and generally did everything you could to prove you were top dog at doing your job, only to see a promotion slip away to someone who never worked late, left early many days, and was definitely less deserving? Read this book and develop a better understanding of why.

Ries and Trout are two of the top, if not the top, marketing strategists in America and have been recognized as such since they first published their seminal work, "Positioning." In "Horse Sense," they turn their attention away from the world of corporate markeitng and advertising and focus on how people really get ahead in life. Hint: working your tail off ain't gonna get you there.

Essentially, you have to get a horse to ride. That horse could be another individual, an idea, a relative, any number of things. The central idea is that hard work is not what leads to success, rather in most cases it is what so many of us suspect: its not what you know but who you know.

THe authors offer example after example, sometimes to the point of redundacy, to demonstrate that few people are successful simply because they put their nose to the grindstone. In a world where everyone works harder and later, hard work will not get you noticed.

While the authors sometimes stretch their Horse analogy a bit too far, this book is a definite eye-opener and may well change you attitude on how to truly get ahead. I think you'll agree with them on most of their observations and suggestions. Read it and find out for yourself.

Ries and Trout pull no punches in telling you how most people really get ahead. Hint: postive thinking and affirmations have very little to do with it. It's all about how to use the outside world (read: connections) to get ahead, rather than trying to do everything yourself. A real eye-opener.

This is a great book and worth tracking down. And if you like it, check out Ries and Trout's other books, like "Marketing Warfare." Great stuff.

explain in simply words how to succed in life and ecourage you to go for the things you trust must

One of the most practical books I've ever read. Clearly describes various paths to success - those that are obvious and several that are not so obvious. I immediately identified three of the "horses" I've ridden in my career. Also, found new ideas that can be easily and practically applied. (After reading this, you may find yourself identifying the "horses" others are riding.) Written in an easy to understand style that is tongue-in-cheek, but very serious about the subject.

For the last year of my life I have been wallowing in the depths of "I'm 40 years old and washed up". I was exhausted, stressed out, feeling useless and left-out/left-behind, and had given up on life. Apparently it was only I that gave up...God didn't. I met Craig only a few short weeks ago through a mutual friend and one of the first things I did was read his book. I just couldn't believe that we were the same age! Since then, we've become friends and I spend lots of time with him and his beautiful wife Patti and the children. The book is truly him and I'm encouraged to know that he's as real in person as he is in written words. It will be fascinating to watch this man over the next 40 years...if he can do so much as a young man, one can only wonder what he can accomplish as a mature man. I, for one, will be following him closely...for a blind man, he's incredible. But he has something called "Inner Vision" to share with us all and it's this inner-vision that you discover in his life story presented in the book. He's a true tower of inspiration! Read his book and you'll see! Do a search on the net too....Craig MacFarlane is a name that is known world-wide!

There is such a huge difference between motivational and inspirational books. Craig's is truly inspirational. I have the honor of knowing Craig, and working with him on several occassions. His book is truly a great story that is also easy to read. I recommend it highly

This is one of the most amazing person I know. I am in the Air Force and recently met him at a professional Military Education course on Dec. 5, 2001. He has accomplished so much and is so successful because of his personality. He gives credit to his parents for his determination and will. He is so inspirational, that it makes him one of the best motivational speakers around. His life story alone is a good reason to buy this book. One thing that you people must understand is that this guy has everything.....he is very successful with two degrees. He is world known! he could easily just sit home and relax and just spend the day with no fear..but he doesn't. He would rather travel the world and share his story and give motivational speeches because that is his way of giving back to the community...or the world. The only thing he doesn't have is his eyesight. What makes him special and I will always remember what he said to my class when asked if he would dissappointed if he ever got his eyesight restored because things would maybe not seem the way he imagined them, He said,"No, because one of the good things aboyut being blind is that you don't see race, color of someones skin, or anything of the sort. I get to know the person and only the person. I do not know racism, or prejudice. That would probably be the only thing that would disappoint me. The way people judge by the outside first...and that is not possible for me." Take those words and use them. Apply them to your everyday life. Oh and to let you know....he has hit a hole in one on the golf course. I saw it on video. He can do anything!

craig is my uncle and his book is extremely good! people are always criticizing him for something or another but i think you people are just jelous that he has found great success in never giving up. I have been around him my whole life and found him to be more of a father figure to me than my own dad and that means a lot to me. if you would like to hear an amazing story about the worlds greatest blind athlete read this book

Inspirational? Yes. Encouraging? Yes. Will young readers benefit from reading this book? Well, Maybe. My problem with the book, which young people will hopefully overlook, is the message that as long as you are pursuing your goals and doing what you want to do, no one else really matters. . .even your own family. In the book, Mr. MacFarlane raves and raves and dedicates many pages to his young son, "his best friend", Dalton. His daughter, who lives with Dalton's mother (Craig's x-wife), is mentioned once. I was reading the story and found it difficult to be encouraged by this man when all I could think about was: "What if that was my Dad? What if I was reading this book and hearing my Father sing my older brothers praises, and my name was mentioned once - almost customarily." Mr. MacFarlane's personal relationships are certainly not the issue here, nor are they neccessarily any of our business. As a parent however, I am concerned that a book which, will no doubt be read by many young people, is sending the message that parenthood is whatever and however you want it to be. That it's okay to have 2 children and cherish and love one, and treat the other as if they do not exsist. I came away from the book feeling that, although Mr. MacFarlane truly has a triumphant spirit and is a great athlete, he seems extremely self-absorbed, arrogant, and almost cocky. In todays society, where it's almost rare when a young father handles his responsibilities selflessly, and without question, the last thing we need is to send a message that selective parenthood is okay.

I have several copies of this book in my library so I can always have one at hand. Some of them have worn out covers because I refer to them so often. It is loaded with ideas for designing ones own track plans. There are layouts for shelves, the ubiquitous 4x8 sheet of plywood, shelf around the room, fill the room, and monster unlimited space layouts. I agree with earlier reviewers that it is a must-have for anyone serious about model railroading. Some regard the actual plans in this book as "old school". This might be true, but the ideas are still there and are timeless. In contrast for "new school" plans one could also consider the excellent books by Iain Rice.

Don't expect it to contain plans that will be a one-one match with sectional toy-train tracks, it was written when people laid their own track tie, by tie, and rail by rail. Also don't get this book expecting it to contain step-by-step how-to instructions for building each of the plans contained within the covers. Some of these plans simply cannot be built with sectional track on the market today. This is much more an ideas book. If one wants exact piece-per-piece track plans there are many books of that type on the market. Atlas comes to mind. They print several books with plans to exactly match the track sections that they manufacture.

This book was awesome...it really helped me get a good, working track plan. I'm now ready to tackle another one.

I bought this book to get ideas for a N-scale layout and found many interesting options, at this price it is almost a no-brainer for model enthusiasts.

That said, converting to N-scale isn't painless. The 1/2 of the HO measurements doesn't leave enough room and the tracks are already very close and the turnouts much smaller that what we have available pre-built (both these problems become worse because I use Kato Unitrack). This can be solved by giving yourself a little more room (I converted a 10x6 HO layout to a 7x4 N layout and used the free XtrkCad software for the details).

Good book with plans for all scales and space. I was looking for plans that included the track material requirements to make such layout possible. Experience helpful as far as track goes otherwise guess work is a requirement.

I think I have bought this book 3 or 4 times in my life. It has been around for a very long time. I have never built any of the layouts presented within but it has served as a great idea book from time to time. That's really what it is for.

This book first made its appearance before the advent of N scale but the tables have been updated. Each plan gives scaling dimensions for N, TT, HO, S and O. Try finding anything else with TT information!

The sizes present range from simple bookshelf layouts and small plywood tables to large building club layouts. A good idea can be had from anywhere. The book is still around because it remains and will probably always remain a source of inspiration or daydreams.

I couldn't put it down. I literally read it cover to cover in less than a day. It was an honest look into her life that was absoltely brilliant. It's the best book I've read in a long time.

This is a wonderful book. It may be a bit deep for some people (judging from one of the reviews), but go ahead and jump right in as long as you're not afraid to think outside of the box. I have been a female athlete since I was 8 years old, and totally understood everything Heywood writes about. Performing... the drive to make a name for yourself... the way life can seem to get out of control when you're trying so hard to control it... this book is very true to life. I really think any parent of a hard-core athlete should read this; it just might help them understand where their daughter is coming from.

I am a 17 year old girl and a distance runner on my high school track team. I found Leslie Heywood's book to be an abosutley incredible memoir that touches the soul. There are so few people in this world with the drive, determination and dedication to make themselves the absolute best they can be. It is obvious that Heywood has the true heart of a champion, that not only made it in the world of athletics but struggled and conquered things like sexual harrassment, (and just harassment in general), bulemia, the tourturous colligate track life, and made it through all of it to write an extremly powerful and well written novel. She is a role model to the girl athletes who strive to do what she did.

I suggest every father or mother who has a young girl interested in sports read this book. It is apparent everyone can take something away from Leslie's mistakes and triumphs. She has written a clear,captivating and disturbing memior. It is truly an eye opener and a page turner. Leslie, "Keep on Rocking in a Free World."

I am the same age as the author of this book. I graduated from a high school a few miles from the one she attended. I should have enjoyed this book more than I did. I found Ms. Heywood's prose style irritating: "It is 4pm. I am writing a customer review for Amazon. My feet are cold but I do not put socks on. Breathe, deeply breathe." One sentence in the book simply reads "My legs are big in the world." In the world? As opposed to Mars? Annoying prose style aside, I felt that the book lacked a truthful core. I feel that the author presented herself in a positive but not entirely honest light. Did she abuse drugs as a teenager? Was she promiscuous? Though she was taken advantage of by a reptilian coach, one wonders how impaired this girl's judgment was. I did not get a strong sense of Ms. Heywood as a person, of the time and place in which the events of the book occurred, of the other people in her life, or of the particular difficulties women athletes face. For me "Pretty Good for a Girl" was not a very successful memoir.