No comments about Puritan Conquistadors: Iberianizing the Atlantic, 1550-1700.

5 comments about Pancakes For Supper.

1. Pancakes For Supper is a delightful book. The illustrating is excellent and most of the fun of this retelling of an old story. My kids love this book and never fail to laugh at the illustrations. As they'd say, "It's an owner, Dad!"



2. Isaacs, A. (2006). Pancakes for supper. New York: Scholastic Press
   
   Synopsis: Based on Helen Bannerman's (2003) folktale, The Story of Little Black Sambo, Anne Issacs puts her own twist on this amusing story. Toby is a pioneer girl riding on the back of her Ma and Pa's wagon when suddenly they hit a bump that sends Toby flying high into the air. When she lands with a bound, she is presented one by one of several animals that would like to create menace for Toby. In an effort to appease each animal, Toby offers each of them an article of clothing. The animals find hilarity in these pieces of clothing and go away feeling they are each "the grandest beast, west or east". Readers find each animal's reaction hilarious and ridiculously funny. In Bannerman's tale, the tigers melt into butter. However, in Isaacs' version, the animals' melted form is absorbed by the maple tree which produces the sweetest tasting maple syrup thanks to an exuberant woodpecker. Toby and her family have quite a feast and continue their journey westward with full bellies and big smiles.
   
   Evaluation: Anne Isaacs and Mark Teague pair up to make quite an amazing twist on Bannerman's (2003) original tale. Readers are drawn into this story by its lyrical language, purposeful rhythm, and fantastic illustrations. It is quite a treat! Teague's brightly colored oil paintings mimic 1930's American cinematic pop art. His vivid illustrations and imagination capture Toby's quick wit and the animals' boastful swaggering pride. The energetic illustrations are a perfect match to the bouncy and lyrically written text. The New England forest landscape with its indigenous North American animals and Toby's plucky song about her clothing, do not make this story an instant classical tall tale. However, Isaacs gives this classic tale a new and spirited heroine.
   
   Reference:
   Bannerman, H. (2003). The story of little black sambo. New York: Handprint Books



3. I believe the poor review of one reviewer was based on a misunderstanding of the story. It's a tall tale that relies on hyperbole for its humor and charm. Very young children won't get it, and may be frightened by the scary animals. It takes just a bit of the sophistication, say, of a fifth grader and above, to appreciate a tall tale.



4. This book is essentially a retelling of Helen Bannerman's story Little Sambo. Isaacs' protagonist is a girl who is bumped out of her parent's wagon, flies through the air, and lands near an assortment of wild animals. Threatened by being eaten, Toby offers her blue coat to the wolf, yellow sweater to the cougar, boots to the skunk, brown dress to the porcupine, and orange mittens to the bear. The animals race around a maple tree, similar to the tigers with Sambo, and blend into the tree making maple syrup. Toby reunites with her parents, and they enjoy a dinner feast of pancakes with maple syrup. Continuing the parallel with Sambo, Papa eats 27 pancakes, Mama eats 55, and Toby eats 169, since she was so hungry.
   
   I thought the writing was a bit wordy made the story plod a bit. The illustrations are very colorful and illustrate the action of the story well. Although many professional reviews are quite positive, I would rank this book as an optional purchase.



5. I thought that this was a cleverly written and beautifully illustrated tall tale. Children older than 5 years and most adults will enjoy reading this book, and my kids did. The animals in this book are not scary, they are exaggerated. I would have to respectfully disagree with the reader who thought that this was the" worst book" they've ever read. I believe that this person completely missed the fact that this book is a tall tale. A tall tale is "an improbable (unusual or incredible or fanciful) story" by definition. It just takes a little imagination.

4 comments about Time and Tide: A Walk Through Nantucket (Crown Journeys).

1. I'm one of the author's three sons, so I won't pretend to be unbiased. But listen, this book is great, empirically speaking. Dad light-heartedly provides a fun and fascinating window into the small island so many of us love.



2. Frank Conroy speaks from the heart. Nantucket Island has gone through some dramatic changes in
   the last 30 years, most not for the better. For some of us that still live here, it`s wonderful to be able to read and remember those times when the Island felt like a place of sanctuary from all else. The stories give the reader the felling that the Grey Lady`s Skirt has been torn but her sole has not been touched.
   Thank you Mr. Conroy
   A Chef from the Rock



3. I just started this book this morning and am almost done. It made me nostalgic for my old home, the way it used to be, yes, but for those of us who have had to leave Nantucket for one reason or another, it will always be a wonderful place. Reading it I feel like I am on a wonderful visit home. It's one of those books you don't want to end but at the same time can't put down!



4. Quite coincidentally, the second consecutive book I've read by an author with the last name of Conroy, the first the overstuffed The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy. This is one of a series of slim books on the micro-geography of famous places:
   
   Hallowed Ground: A Walk at Gettysburg (Crown Journeys)
   Washington Schlepped Here: Walking in the Nation's Capital (Crown Journeys)
   
   that I've read and reviewed that are not exhaustive or encyclopedic, but instead personal and intimate.
   
   Conroy describes the small and shrinking (literally and figuratively) Nantucket Island on which he has spent some time as a near-native year-round resident, and where he still owns property.

4 comments about Cranberry Cooking for All Seasons.

1. I have read many cookbooks which include cranberry recipes, but none with such an extensive look into the magnificent fruit. Mrs. Cappelloni provides the reader with an enlightening view on the subject of cranberries. I would say it is certainly the best single subject cookbook I have ever encountered. I recommend it to all.



2. When my wife came home with Cranberry Cooking, I was more than a little uneasy. The only time I ever eat cranberries are in the chutney my wife makes on Thankgiving, and that's usually just to avoid an argument. However, one day, being curious, I started flipping through the book, and was amazed at how delicious the cranberry recipes actually looked. I made a few of them, and they were outstanding to say the least. I'd like to thank Mrs. Cappelloni for this amazing edition to the world of cookbooks, and for changing my view on Cranberries.



3. The cranberry is a distinctive part of American culinary history. Not only colorful, beautiful and tasty, the cranberry is an excellent source of Vitamin C, devoid of fat or cholesterol, low in calories and sodium, and relatively high in fiber. In Cranberry Cooking For All Seasons, Nancy Cappelloni has assembled a superbly illustrated cornucopia of 125 outstanding recipes showcasing cranberries. From Cranberry Maple Syrup; Nantucket Roast Loin of Pork with Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing; Sauteed Chicken with Cranberries and Apple Cider Reduction, and Cranberry Orange Raisin Walnut Conserve; to Pork Chops with Simmered Cranberries; Roast Saddle of Venison with Cranberry Essence and Celery Root Puree; Cranberry Tangerine Loaf Cakes; and Shaker Cranberry Pie, Cranberry Cooking For All Seasons will prove to be a truly "family favorite" addition to any kitchen cookbook collection!



4. This book is my go-to for a variety of favorite main and side dishes and desserts---I love the simple acorn squash stuffed w/ cranberry recipe, cranberry apple crisp, and cranberry sauces. The recipes are straightforward and involve all the right touches so everything comes out looking and tasting beautiful.

1 comments about The Peregrine (New York Review Books Classics).

1. This is nature, hard core. The line between Baker and his prey disappears during the year he spends with these birds. Magnificent, heart-stopping, sense-exploding writing. I read it slowly because it made me more observant of everything I miss when I rush. Makes you a better creature on the earth for reading it.

No comments about Michigan: An Explorer's Guide (Explorer's Guides).

5 comments about The Minute Men: The First Fight: Myths and Realities of the American Revolution (History of War).

1. The Minute Men, by Major John R. Galvin
   
   The "embattled farmers" of Concord and Lexington were part of a vast colonial army with a long tradition of organization and training going back to the early 17th century as defenders against Indian attacks. Most of this book is about "the shot heard round the world" on April 19, 1775. The 'Prologue' says a lot of legends and anecdotes have obscured the reality. The Minute Men and militia were well organized, commanded, and controlled from nearly constant warfare over 140 years. The militia system was changed to meet varying conditions (p.13). Minute Men were drawn from the militia, trained and equipped to assemble rapidly for combat (p.14). This concept was adopted by the other colonies (p.15). Chapter 1 tells how the needs of the times created changes in the Colonial militia (pp.21-22). The Indian wars fostered cooperation between the towns (Chapter 2). The end of King Philip's War was followed by 80 years of intermittent warfare (p.31). A bounty was paid for every Indian scalp (p.33); they were vulnerable in winter times but not defenseless (p.35). This training and experience would be needed in the future (Chapter 3). Chapter 4 discusses some of the events in the French and Indian War.
   
   The conquest of Canada saw the Colonies turning to discuss politics and their right of self-governance (p.49). There was a list of common grievances (p.50). Ministers took the lead in opposition to British policies (p.53). The closing of Boston port and the massive attack on the old charter lead to a change in political opinion among the people (Chapter 5). Chapter 6 tells of the demonstration at Worcester against the Intolerable Acts; it show how united the Colonists were in defense of their rights. This led to the new militia system: all officers chosen by the people in each regiment; one-third of the men ready to act at a minute's warning (pp.64-65). Resistance grew in the fall of 1774. Chapter 7 describes how this new militia was adopted (p.71). The adoption of elected officers led to an improved sense of involvement and responsibility, and the elimination of Crown loyalists. Weapon handling was more important than parade drills (p.73), but earnest training began in 1774. The British regular regiments had little combat experience (p.75). General Gage received wishful advice from the Tories of Boston (p.103). On April 16 General Gage was told to attack Concord where the Provincial Congress was meeting, and guns, powder and other supplies were stored.
   
   Chapter 12 to 26 tell of the historical events of that day with more details than in any general history. The militia at Lexington were in formation on the green, not blocking the roads or in ambush. They did not expect an attack, but it happened. The British then marched to Concord. Faced with a larger force of militia, they returned back to Boston while under continual fire. They were saved by a relief column from Boston, which was attacked in turn. Chapter 27 tells of the aftermath, Chapter 28 of the use of the concept for the New Army (men ready to assemble on a minute's notice). This ready reserve would "reinforce the continental army".
   
   Chapter 29 sums up the Minute Men. Few then or now realized there was "a well-organized, well-equipped, and relatively well-trained army of 14,000 men". It is a myth that the minute men "fought well with no organization, no equipment, no training, and no planning" (p.256). The minute man concept went back over a century in the various wars. Galvin says the legends and anecdotes often conceal hidden information (p.258) [like history as entertainment rather than information]. I think this legend was created in the late 19th century when our "well-regulated militia" came under attack form the newly powerful corporate aristocracy. History was censored for their purposes.



2. I am an admitted history nut of the American Colonial/Revolutionary period and have at least a couple dozen books on the period and this is one of the best. The writer is a career high ranking military member and brings a different slant to the story of the minute men and their place in our country's history. He looks deeply into their origins and their history leading up to and through the battles of Lexington and Concord. If you are going to read only one book on this subject this is the one.



3. John Galvin's "The Minute Men" is a well researched, well written, and an extremely interesting and important work on the American Revolution.
   
   In his book, Galvin, a soldier of distinction (he retired as a four-star general, having served as the Supreme Allied Commander Europe), a historian, and a native of Massachusetts debunks a number of myths surrounding the New England Minutemen. He shows that both the Minute Man concept and the alarm systems that mustered more than 14,000 men, who, marching and fighting in companies and regiments, defeated a British column of some 1,000 men at Lexington and Concord, were deeply embedded in Colonial history and culture.
   
   The authors makes a strong case that the Minute Men were better led and more experienced than their British counterparts, many of them having served in the Seven Years War alongside the British, against the French and their Indian allies.
   
   In comparison, most of the British soldiers, despite the long history of their regiments, were either new recruits or had never seen combat before. The fact that the first American volley at Concord bridge sent a British company there into headlong flight, stunning their officers, is proof of the inexperience of the red coated regulars.
   
   After Lexington and Concord, British intelligence showed that the New England colonies alone could put some 30,000 men in the field of combat, without affecting the farming ability of the colonies. By the end of the Revolutionary War, Massachusetts alone had contributed some 26 of the 80 regiments raised for the Continental Army. And the small Colony contributed more than 620 private fighting ships to the American cause.
   
   "Minute Men" is an easy and fun read and ranks among the top ten books on the American Revolution. Anyone interested in the beginnings of American independence should start here.



4. When George the 3rd decided to impose tyranny upon the American Colonies, one of the many things he did was to begin dismantling the existential threat to his rule: the local militia system. General John Galvin, US Army, Retired, has done a wonderful job of describing not only the Special Forces units of that militia - the Minute Men - but also the first battle of the American Revolution, the 20-mile running ambush called Lexington & Concord.
   
   The self-defense system of the colonial period was composed of two parts: the general militia, which could be considered regular troops, and the Minute Men, a special force of militia ready at a minute's notice and specially trained for rapid response, assault, and communication - much like today's Special Forces. Much of the battle on April 19, 1775 was fought by Minute Men, and it was they who fired the first American shots at the Concord Bridge.
   
   Gen. Galvin spends a few chapters describing the evolution of the minute man concept - a council of war, ready at a minute's warning, with a decentralized command structure and integrated communications system, then proceeds into a detailed description of the battle. Despite their lack of technology, Minute Men were extremely adept at what they trained for, and highly capable - even if their enemy did not think of them as such. This difference in attitude is particularly well described, as Galvin shows not only that it takes training and equipment to be an effective soldier, but attitude as well. The Americans had the attitude of soldiers preparing for war, while the British Redcoats had an attitude of contempt towards their enemy's supposed inferiority.
   
   Fred, of Fred's M14 Stocks, is fond of saying that April 19th, 1775 was the date when "marksmanship met history, and liberty was born". While this is true (the Americans were much better shots than the Redcoats) there were other aspects of the battle that played perfectly into the hands of the Americans. For instance, the British suffered not only from disunited command throughout the day, but also allowed the Americans time to assemble, reinforce, and prepare ambushes. Galvin's description of the battle is extremely detailed, omitting nothing.
   
   For some reason, I wrote a lot of marginalia in this book, something I'm not prone to do. The text lends itself to that, with it's short and succinct chapters, well summarized ending paragraphs, and easy readability. A war college could easily adopt this as a text for a specialized class on tactics, or general study of the battles of the Revolution. If your interests cover either, you should pick this up, for it is well worth your time.



5. This is a review for John Galvin's "The Minute Men." The author deserves credit for presenting a different perspective on the nature of the Minute Men and their role in the period just before the Revolutionary War. He makes a strong case for his theory and provides a scholarly approach to an important period in American history. I also appreciated an excellent index for locating individuals and the cited pages. The presentation would be of greatest value to readers interested in military strategy and history. This was not particularly my interest leading to my score. I was a little overwhelmed with the numerous names of military leaders given & lost track of who was who and sometimes which side they were on. It might have been helpful to have included occasional figures showing the chain of command of key individuals and the towns or armies they represented.

2 comments about True Stories of Maine Fly Fishermen.

1. Hall is a great writer and I have loved his previous books. This new book is every bit as good, and a delight to read especially as another fishing season opens before us. These are great stories sensitively written and a treat for non-fishermen as well.
   And, as if to invite everyone to the sport of fly fishing, Hall has put a neophyte on the cover -- note his low back-cast. A wonderful subtlety, as is his writing.
   Don't miss this one!
   
   Michael LaCombe
   Augusta, Maine



2. Mr. Hall always has a point to make in each of the sketches. But it is always subtle, difficult to summarize, and appears gradually as the incident unfolds, emeerging from the interaction of character, opinion, orneriness, colorful local speech, and the lore of the sport he loves.
   
   He has evidently chosen a certain way to spend his time (fish bum), and though some more dedicated to the Protestant Ethic may quarrel, here the grasshopper of the parable clearly has a song to sing and music to make. Can one find fault with that?

No comments about Rhode Island, a History (States and the Nation).

5 comments about Whitney, My Love.

1. It's almost the same plot as "Sabrina" the movie... really a shame for such a great author!
   If you have seen the movie.. don't bother to buy the book!



2. I read this book many moons ago...devoured it to be exact. I have never fallen in love with a book like I have this one. Clayton and Whitney are an amazing couple and you root for both of them all the way. I didn't want her to give in to him but so wanted him to catch her.
   
   I did want to smack both of them upside the head a few times, to open their eyes and see what was right in front of them. But, then we wouldn't have had the story that we have now.
   
   If you love historical romance and haven't read this..I hope you will and I also hope you love it as much as I did.



3. This is my all time favorite book. I own every McNaught, Balogh, Garwood, and Dodd book, but I have to admit that Judith McNaught is my all time favorite writer. Whitney, My Love is the first book I've ever read of hers. Her writing style is absolutely captivating. It made my laugh with joy- my heart clench with sorrow. I've read many historical romances, and I can say that not many, if any at all, ever made me cry. Some readers with strong feminist views would object to this book, but keep in mind that the setting is in the regency era. This book was worth every minute of read!!!



4. I was actually quite fond of this book in the beginning- it had such potential. She, an outspoken vibrant child who swore to become a lady to gain the heart of her childhood crush; he, an emotionally absent, rather overbearing man who was determined to have her the moment he laid eyes on her. I knew how this would turn out: she would grow into a beautiful, vivacious young woman who would have every eligible man in Paris begging for her hand. He would somehow win her heart and in the process learn he loved her too. Because of his love for her, he would learn to view women (her in particular) as treasures worth protecting instead of objects to be thrown away once he tired of them......Oh my, was I ever more wrong. (WARNING: Lots of spoilers)
   
   I must say first, I truly admire Whitney for her razor-sharp wit (that phrase is often overused, but it actually applies here). She was, in the beginning, a heroine I could actually enjoy reading about. But everything was ruined the moment she set foot back in England. First, he aquired her hand in marriage by paying an enormous sum of money to her father...without her knowledge. I was at first willing to forgive this, as the general opinion in England at the moment was that the women were expected to do as the men wished. So, of course he should act like that! I understood it, but knew he would eventually change....right? Haha, NO.
   
   Second, at every possible turn, our "hero" sexually assaults the willfull lady and repeatedly hurts her physically with his brute strength. This bothered me, but I just KNEW this would get better. It HAD to... After hearing rumors in her small town that she had eloped (WHEN HE ALREADY KNEW THAT THEY WERE GOSSIPPING ABOUT HER AND PAUL ELOPING) he became enraged. Ok, so I forgave him for that too. Big deal, he is mad, he will confront her about it, she will tell him otherwise, and the matter will be resolved. Sigh.....
   
   He tracks her down, believes the lie of a vicious woman whom he knew hated Whitney (I MEAN SERIOUSLY, HOW FRIKKIN STUPID IS THIS GUY?), grabs Whitney, and proceeds to rape her. Oh no, too late, he finds out she is a virgin, and the other chick was lying. And he feels just awful about it.
   
   This is where my dislike for Whitney comes in.... she is hardly traumatized by the experience. She displays none of the signs of a woman who has just been raped; she cries then feels better, then forgives him! Ya, it hurt, but oh, how could she hate such a wonderful man? He decides to break off their engagement, she finds out, and is furious! Hell, I would be too! But, wonder of wonders, he is again blindly furious that she would not tell him she loved him! WHAT??? He just RAPED her and now he is in a snit that she doesn't faint at his touch......is it just me, or is there something wrong here?????
   
   Anyways, she is reduced to begging and he makes sure she is completely and utterly humiliated. But the wedding is back on and everything is all roses again! Yay! Oh, but then he finds out she is pregnant, and through yet another miscommunication, assumes she had slept with someone BEFORE they were married and married him to hide her pregnancy. They have been married 5 months and he STILL doesn't trust her. GOOD GOD. He is mad at her for possible sleeping with someone else, after he had raped her, when he has slept with half the women in France?? Where does this guy come off?
   
   So he treats her absolutely terrible, knocks her around a little, as expected, moves out, and is determined to make her as miserable as any human can be by taking her baby away. Ya, I mean, what's not to love about him? Whitney again dissapoints by trying to win him back instead of simply running away where she could be SAFE and give him the cold shoulder he so richly deserves. She actually (finally) does move to his mother's house, who is sympathetic. He finally catches up after his lightbulb finally clicks on (wow, you mean, Whitney, who never gave even the hint of ever being deceitful, is trustworthy? Golly, what an idea!). She, of course, takes him back instantly. YAY, the happily ever after!
   
   Haha, do you want to know the kicker? After everything is said and done, HE IS UPSET WITH HIS MOTHER FOR SHELTERING WHITNEY FROM HIM. (Ripping hair out). I mean, SERIOUSLY?? I thought he would have been thanking her for giving Whitney a place to stay so he wouldn't continue to beat her until either her or the child died....
   
   In the end, they have their happily ever after, with him just as disgustingly overbearing as in the beginning, and her with a broken pride and spirit. Lol, I would actually love to read the sequel where she is having a nightmare and moans some other man's name in fear, he hears it, then flies into another rage. I can just hear it now... "HOW DARE YOU DREAM ABOUT ANOTHER MAN! I'LL SHOW YOU WHO YOUR MAN IS!! (proceeds to rape and bruise her yet AGAIN)"



5. I read this book multiple times. even went out and bought the newer version, She changes a few things. In first book her father has a mitress in 2nd addition he does.. Just a few small things..But since I had read it so many times I notices.
   
   I have no idea what others are talking about this is a awesome book, I wish she would write more like it.. and the continued books one about the Dukes brother is just as good. The one about nicholas was alittle disappointing he deserved his own book not a short story.
   GREAT book.. I suggest buying it today !!!