1 comments about Fodor's Maine Coast, 2nd Edition: With Acadia National Park (Fodor's Gold Guides).

1. FODOR'S MAINE COAST, 2ND EDITION is a great guide to everything you need to know about coastal Maine, whether it's shopping at the Maine Mall in South Portland, great outdoors-y stuff such as beaches, hiking, and seal watches, or important historical sites such as the home of Neal Dow, father of Prohibition. The only problem with this book is its failure to mention Bull Moose Music or any radio stations, but that's a minor quibble, as THE INSIDERS' GUIDE TO PORTLAND, MAINE and THE INSIDERS' GUIDE TO THE MAINE COAST cover those areas more than ably.

2 comments about The Ambiguous Iroquois Empire: The Covenant Chain Confederation of Indian Tribes With English Colonies from Its Beginnings to the Lancaster Treaty O.

1. Francis Jennings, long associated with the Newbury Library American Indian collections has brought his vast knowledge to bear on the subject of the Iriquois as the fearsome 5 or 6 nations who independently cowed both their fellow tribes and the English and French colonists. He proves it wasn't so with so many documents of which we have never heard in our schoolbook history texts that I wonder how such material escaped notice previously. In the process he slays some American Sacred Cows such as Francis Parkman. One learns that the Indian frontier was no such thing and didn't exist but was a commonly inhabited piece of terrain, peopled by various tribes and the European invaders who traded with them. Relations were, for the most part, reasonably amicable, which accounts for the fact that during later wars the Eastern Indians frequently exhibited what we call civilized treatment of enemies and prisoners. (Of course there were the exceptions, usually well justified.) But in the beginning, the Dutch, Swedes, English and French, all found it necessary to deal with the various tribes quite diplomatically in order to survive, and use them in their wars of empire with one another. Furs in return for trade goods were king. The undoubted reality is such a vast contrast with the accepted picture of our frontier that this book, as well as Jennings others in this series, should be required reading to repair the damage done in our schools by claptrap such as Parkman and other revered historians who followed his lead, writing off the Indians as barabarians and the frontier as a clearly delineated line across which whites stepped only if they were willing to take their lives into their hands. Instead we find two cultures living amicably in common communities up until the first half of the 1700's when the balance was upset by driving out the Indians such as the Delewares and Shawnees so that they located in the Ohio country and became relatively independent. The Iriquois had a large hand in this and it was their undoing. Read the book. It is a complicated subject but well worth digesting. I recommend reading it in small doses and having an atlas nearby.



2. Our standard secondary school history jumps abruptly from Jamestown and Plymouth Rock to Lexington & Concord. The intervening 150 years are barely mentioned. The Jennings trilogy examines this period. In the instant volume we see the native Americans neither as passive victims nor noble savages but as politicians, diplomats, merchants and power players. Though probably doomed from the start due to the absence of immunity to European diseases, for a period of several decades they interacted with the early colonists on a basis of near parity. The Iroquois actually attempted with some skill the become the central player that would resolve the French-English rivalry and leave them at the center and in command. Jennings shows us that though this didn't happen and though the odds may have been against it such goals were far from fantasy. It's enough to cause one to imagine that "chutzpah" is a Mohawk term. One can only wonder, if the Indians had not been devastated by disease what the political map of North America would look like today.

1 comments about Foraging New England: Finding, Identifying, and Preparing Edible Wild Foods and Medicinal Plants from Maine to Connecticut.

1. Tom Seymour, acclaimed as a naturalist from the State of Maine, has written a fascinating survey of nature's bounty. This book is highly recommended to readers with an interest in ecology and the world of nature. The author supplies much hard to find information concerning nature's many hidden treasures: edible plants, medicinal plants, and the like. The book features superb color plates, cross-referencing, and a writing style that says "keep reading...."

5 comments about A New Leaf (Cape Light, Book 4).

1. I am sorry to have to say these things but I feel it necessary to be honest. I am a avid reader and I picked this book up to try this author. This book was very slow and the characters are very shallow.I felt no attachment or pull to any of them. I kept waiting for something to happen but to my dissapointment it never came. You as a reader can tell from the first few chapters exactly what will take place in this book. There was nothing in this book of interest to me as a reader and I will think twice next time before reading anything from this author.



2. Book arrived in excellent condition. Shipped 2 days after I placed order and received in 3 days. Excellent service.



3. From the first time I picked up the first book in the series, I can not wait for the next one to come out. This is truly a wonderfully written series and I enjoy every minute I am reading them.



4. Great service. I was very satisfied with the book and the timely matter that it got here.



5. The book arrived in a very timely manner and was in very good condition. I was pleased with my purchase.

5 comments about River's Edge.

1. Even the prologue grabs you right quick and doesn't let go. I had to go back and re-read it again after I finished the novel, as her descriptive prose about the Connecticut River (pages 6 and 7) makes the reader feel as if you were standing at the River's Edge.
   
   This is one of the best novels I have ever read, and by a "newbie" so to speak. This is only her second novel, but is written as if the words just flowed effortlessly from her fingertips. I just love the way she puts her words together and by the time you finish this book you feel connected to the characters in a way that doesn't easily leave you once you close the cover and put the book on the shelf.
   
   The story line revolves around World War II, but is not about the war itself, although historical facts and a few actual incidents and characters are portrayed. It is about a young German girl, Elise, who is sent by her father to live in the States just prior to war-time. Her mother is dead and her father is an officer in the German military and fears for his daughter's safety. An American minister and his family take her in to live with them on their tobacco farm in Connecticut and consequently raise her and love her as one of their own. The other children in the family find her strange and resent her, and Elise struggles to earn their approval and trust, in a land totally unlike her own. After the war breaks and hatred spreads for the Germans and for the loss of American life, Elise is the target of prejudice and hatred in the town where they live, just for what she is and where she came from. The reader accompanies Elise in her struggle to forgive, to understand, to grow, and yes to love, all the people that influenced her on her journey into womanhood. It is amazingly written and wonderful. Don't miss it. Buy it today, and pick up an extra one for a gift. Christmas is right around the corner. Thanks Marie, for a wonderful story. This is a great discussion book for our book club.
   October, 2006



2. Once again, Marie Bostwick produces a novel that reads like the loveliest painting. Her magical ability to portray every facet of life inspires the reader to self reflect while becoming immersed in the joys, hopes and fears, and challenges of a young girl, as she grows and matures. Interspersed with historical fact, the story creatively places us within the depths of World War II and its affect on families of both Germany and the United States. Although River's Edge points out that life is filled with innumerable boundaries and contradictions, it teaches us that fulfillment is achieved in learning that we are all connected, we have all that we need when we embrace family and friends. Do yourself a favor, buy the book, read the prologue, and I know you will find a connection and want to continue.



3. This is the story of Elise, a young German whose mother has died and whose military father sends her to America to live with distant relatives she has never met. You feel her pain and frustration for being sent away against her will to a strange land that she eventually learns to love. Then as WWII develops and the US becomes involved, you again feel Elise's pain as she is scorned simply because she is German. And you grow to love the family that took her in as their own and defend her. The story line is amazing and the emotions run deep and the characters are well described and feel like family -- you understand their faults but love them anyway. This book will make you laugh and cry and stay in your thoughts after the last chapter is read.



4. Before I state my opinion, let me just say that The River's Edge is a well-written book. There's nothing wrong with the writing, or story line. I gave it a 2-1/2 stars because it is not my cup of tea. It was a bit slow for me and too "clean." It read to me like a Christian type of book that I would pick up at a Christian bookstore. Again, nothing wrong with that, it's just not for me. It felt a little drawn out for me, but it wasn't a bad book.



5. This is a great book for historical fiction fans, especially those who like World War II stories. The characters are very believable and I especially enjoyed the warmth of humor of Elise's adopted family. I love the way that the author paints a picture, the descriptions are so vivid. I read Marie Bostwick's FIELDS OF GOLD also and I can see that this new authors books are worth my continuing attention. These are stories I continue to think about after I finish the last page and I hated to see them end.

5 comments about The Boston Italians: A Story of Pride, Perseverance, and Paesani, from the Years of the Great Immigration to the Present Day.

1. I really enjoy the book...It appears to be everything they forget to teach you about the Italian History in school...It's a real eye opener on what our country expected from new citizens. Being Italian and German I had Italian Grandparents who arrive durning the turn of the century. Had no idea what they had gone though to become citizens...I consider the book a very well writen book...



2. This is a great read even if you're not of Italian ancestry! This book does a fantastic job of recounting the obstacles that many ethnic minorities had to overcome to build a better life for themselves and their families. The author does a great job of providing not only historic context but a personalization level that is often missing or when included seems out of context or innnapropriate.
   
   I think the author's commitment to defending the Italian people against Hollywood and Madison Avenue sterotyping presents a unique perspective, often times not heard. He does not deny that the Mafia exists but is strongly, and rightfully, offended that the only portrayls of Italians in the media are of thugs or mobsters.
   
   All in all a great read and hugely enjoyable.



3. Having grown up in Boston's Italian North End in the 40's, 50's. and 60's, I found this book to be both informative as well as nostalgic. Many times it brought me back to memories of my youth by describing scenes that I remembered clearly myself. Most fun of all was all the talk about North Square, my family home from the age of 9 until my marriage at age 23. My grandparents owned the building next door to Sacred Heart Church's rectory and across the street from Paul Revere's House.Thank you to Stephen Puleo for a wonderful book!The Boston Italians: A Story of Pride, Perseverance, and Paesani, from the Years of the Great Immigration to the Present Day



4. Interesting history because my family lived there for many years when they arrived from Italy. Met the author - great speaker - fascinating.



5. I follow this author from his first book on the Boston Molases flood, to his second book on the sinking of a US Navy patrol ship off Portland ME, by a German U-Boat that itself was sunk off Block Island.
   
   This book takes the reader through a comprehensive, yet enjoyable and readable history of the Italians in the North End of Boston. From Ellis Island and their push North to the docks of Boston itself, they came. They came, stayed and made their neighborhoods. They rebuilt geographic bonds in Boston as they were back in the old country. Mr. Puleo makes this all seem to makes sense.
   
   What brings the North End to life and to the headlines is World War II. The War seemed to be the great neutralizer as the boys started coming home with war wounds. Mr. Puleo's grasp of the events of WWII in and its affects on the homefront are gripping.
   
   Also noted were pre-war rising political leaders and its populace voting, the North End was being heard at city hall.
   
   Great book for any history reader. Great book for any general interest reader.

2 comments about In Danger at Sea: Adventures of a New England Fishing Family.

1. This is a fascinating book.
   
   It is a collection of recollections from growing up in the Jerusalem and Galilee, Rhode Island area in the 1940s and 1950s. It is a collection of short stories.
   
   The book recounts lising a ship. Another run over by a large Russian trawler, the dangers of fishing for swordfish, hauling up a torpedo, hauling up a WWII era plane with the crew still in their seats, sighting a German submarine, and so on.
   
   As it is a collection of short stories, it is a great book to also leave out on a nightstand in a guest bedroom for overnight guests to enjoy.
   
   I will make a trip to the Jerusalem and Galilee, RI area soon to see the area.



2. Awesome book,best book since Ellery Thompsons Draggermans Haul and Come aboard the Draggers.Kept me on the edge of my seat.I grew up in Stonington Ct ,Grandson of Ernie Biron ,shipwright at the famous Stonington Boat Works,been waiting a long time for a book like this.spent alot of time with fishin folk as a boy in the 60's.always went to Georges in Galilee for my birthday,with my other grandfather who worked as a draggerman. This book is a must read for all that love an era that is fading away .Thanx Sam for sharing your story Christopher S Duncklee ,Maritime artist

4 comments about New Hampshire Atlas and Gazetteer : Topographic Maps of the.

1. This atlas is fabulous for driving around the back roads of New Hampshire. It has the names and route numbers of every single road in the entire state, even dirt roads, even indicates which is which. It is not very helpful for roads in cities or large towns, showing only the main ones. But in addition to that it lists canoe trips, state parks, every single private campground in the state, tons of hiking trails (in detail), national forests, snowmobile trails, downhill and cross-country skiing centers, some biking trails, fishing spots (in great detail), museums, historic sites, natural features, the arts, golf courses, covered bridges. Absolutely essential for exploring New Hampshire.



2. I highly recommend this atlas book. It has large maps, easy to use symbols, it loaded with colors and highly useful and interesting information. This atlas depicts all roads both big and small and tons of other useful information. It's nice to to look at different areas and discover new routes and attractions. I'm going leave this one in the car for all around reference and driving assistance when in a pinch.



3. I always buy a Gazatteer when going hiking in a new state. The New Hampshire version is as helpful as the other states that I have. I like the trail detail and the elevation markings.



4. I have one for every state I have lived in or visit on a regular basis. They are a must for anyone traveling off the beaten path.

3 comments about Foghorn Outdoors New England Hiking: The Complete Guide to More Than 380 Hikes (Foghorn Outdoors).

1. I live in CT and wanted to take up hiking.. I was pleasantly surprised with the range of hikes covered in this book. Especially areas I never would have thought had a decent hike, like my hometown of Waterbury! Because of the amount of hikes covered, the info for each is pretty short. It does suggest other places to get info though and is great for what it is- a survey of New England hikes, not in depth for any one area or type of hike.



2. This is an excellent hiking guide to New England and pretty exhaustive as well, especially in the White Mountains region. The book is very well organized and Mr. Lanza has a simple but ingenious rating system for both the scenic beauty and trail difficulty, both rated 1 - 10. So, you can pick how much work you're willing to exert for the visual return on your effort. The trail descriptions are quite good and driving directions are included. No maps are included but each trail description references appropriate maps and other information sources. Mr. Lanza is well written in this field and is a regular contributor to Backpacker Magazine.



3. I have owned this guide for almost eight months and have already hiked many of the ones recommended in this book. I have never been disappointed, unlike last year when I tried to use 50 Hike in New Hampshire to find a good hike and was twice disappointed with vague driving directions and confusing hiking routes. New England Hiking is a great starting point for beginning hikers or people new to the area, but also terrific for locals searching for new adventures. While not as exhaustive as the AMC guides, this book has the benefit of being easier to read and choose hikes from than the AMC guides. The one downfall of this book is that there are no maps included, but I think that, given the scope of the book and the wide range of areas included, it would be nearly impossible to include maps. Many of the hikes I've been on have been rather complicated and would have been very tricky without maps, so you'll have to use the resources listed in the book to get maps because I wouldn't recommend hiking without them. This is an excellent resource for all New England explorers.

5 comments about Roadside Geology of Massachusetts (Roadside Geology Series).

1. James W. Skehan's Roadside Geology Of Massachusetts will please residents of Massachusetts and any with a special affection for its local geology, providing a geologic history of the mountains and rocks of the state. An organization by area makes it easy to locate the part of Massachusetts which is of particular interest, while geologic facts assume no prior scientific knowledge - lay readers will relish this guide.



2. I have bought other titles in this series when on vacation in the States, so I was delighted to find this book in a bookstore on a recent visit to Boston and Cape Cod. The descriptions of peri- and post-glacial geology were particularly illuminating as I walked beaches and trails on the Cape and Islands. Comparing these descriptions with older books on the geology of the Cape it is amazing how much detail is encompassed in a small number of pages. Similarly, descriptions of other areas familiar to me, such as Cape Ann, Boston and the Concord/Lexington area, all gave me a much better understanding. I look forward to visiting unfamiliar parts of the state, with this book in hand. It is not just for residents, but is a must for the vactioner interested in the natural history or landform of Massachusetts.



3. I read this book from cover to cover and was impressed with it's depth of information. I then actually brought this book into the field and it served me well. A great guide!!!!!!



4. I have been looking for this sort of detailed, hands-on guide to Massachusetts geological formations for a while, & am delighted with Skehan's book. It's a bit of a tome yet readable and easy to bring along on roadtrips and hikes.



5. Skehan uses the fascinating geology of Massachusetts to teach amazing amounts of geology. Great for anybody who'll be traveling around the state who's interested in understanding the land. I want more!