1 comments about An Island Sheltered: Shelter Island Celebrates 350 Years.

1. This book is really interresting. I am from the Island, so I can add to some of the info. I think it is missing a lot of really important land marks though. I know for a fact of at least 3 buildings in the Heights that should be noted and weren't even mentioned. Some of which are over 100 years old! All in all, it's an interresting book, but needs some more beefing up.

2 comments about New England Golf Guide 2008: The Directory for Public Play (New England Golfguide).

1. This is the definitive book for public golf in New England. The coupons alone pay for the book at least 10 times over each year. And each year it keeps getting better. The database is accurately maintained and always up to date. Tee times, phone numbers, course ratings, slopes, tips for each course, you name it, it's in this book. I wouldn't think of starting a year of golf in New England without it.



2. This is a great book to have. Save time from looking up on the internet and searching for courses in the New England area. Great for the price too! Buy it today!

3 comments about Thoreau's Country: Journey through a Transformed Landscape.

1. A must read for people interested in the environment and how to interpret their surroundings. Beautifully written, thoughtful and intelligent. One of the best books I've read.



2. Henry David Thoreau was intrigued by the natural world around Concord, Massachusetts, and a few other favorite New England sites. And whenever he was interested in something or wanted to mull over something, he jotted his findings and his musings in his journals. David Foster has analyzed the journal entries and has compared all the descriptions of Thoreau's New England landscape of the 19th century with our present-day environment. The result is a marvelous insight into the complex intertwinings of natural succession and human land use over several centuries.
   
   At first glance, you might think this book is just another mere compilation of quotes from Thoreau's journals. Nothing could be further from the truth! The chapters address a variety of aspects of the landscape. Each chapter begins with Foster's original explanation of the topic, and he backs up his interpretations with Thoreau's dated journal entries. We are fortunate to have these daily observations and to be able to see the pond of "Walden" fame as a microcosm of the 19th-century New England landscape. For while Thoreau wrote that he "went to the woods," the place he went to was a far cry from what we would now typically call "wooded." Foster says, "It is ironic to recognize today, when a high value is placed on nature, wilderness, and old-growth landscape, that America's premier nature writer and propounder of conservation and wilderness values lived at a time when the New England landscape was arguably the most tamed and most dominated by human activity in its entire history." (p. 222)
   
   And while the writings of Thoreau are generally approached through American literature classes, we've been remiss in not giving more credence to the *science* in his observations. He had ideas about sustainability that were unusual and ahead of his time, and we are gradually coming to realize that his notes make perfect sense today. "More than half a century after Thoreau laid out the story of succession in painstaking detail in his journals, his lessons had to be relearned by the forest ecologists at Harvard." (p. 226) David Foster has the benefit of being able to draw on both knowledge bases: Thoreau's and his own, and he can easily compare the two in this volume. Indeed, this is exactly the kind of book that Thoreau would have read and would have been captivated by, for he was forming his own theories about the trends he found in Nature.
   
   In this volume, Foster puts a new spin on the concept of conservation, preservation, and exactly what is "native" or "a natural state." Every inch of our world has been affected by some sort of human activity. "We are caught in a cultural dilemma in which we seek to maintain what we know and what is becoming rare even though it is largely the consequence of intense human activity." (p. 225)
   
   The text is accompanied by the beautiful pen-and-ink illustrations of Abigail Rorer, who has done similiar work for other "Thoreau books." Foster's additional bibliographic essay provides documentation and the processes he went through to conduct his research. A list of sources plus a 10-page bibliography cap off this work.
   
   While this is an easy enough book to read, Foster's narrations and conclusions take time to digest. They must be savored and absorbed. The reader needs time to stop and think about what he/she's just read. So while this is a worthwhile read, it isn't necessarily a quick one. Recommended for Thoreauvians (of course!), and should also be mandatory study for land managers throughout New England, the Northeast, and in other North American regions. Even lifelong New England residents will learn something new here.



3. This book is an analysis of Thoreau's observations of the New England forest and its changes. Early in his own career, Foster noted that the landscape described by Thoreau was not the landscape he encountered in his own New England experiences. Although Thoreau made a few journeys to the Maine wilderness, most of his writings were set in the environs of Concord, Massachusetts, an area that was well settled and extensively used for agriculture. Even the woods where Thoreau roamed were not wild, but mainly woodlots around Concord. In this book, Foster collates Thoreau's descriptions and observations of a variety of topics concerning daily life, types of woodlands, forest fauna, and ecology and uses these to provide a window into the world as Thoreau saw it, a world whose appearance is very different today.
   
   Foster points out that the migration from New England farmlands was already happening in Thoreau's time. He argues that this migration wasn't necessarily to richer farmlands in the Midwest, but rather to manufacturing jobs in cities, and that transportation improvements such as the new railroads were the main impetus for the migration. The abandonment of farmlands was followed by a transformation of the landscape, from the cleared fields and heavily used woodlots of Thoreau's youth to the second growth forests punctuated with housing developments found today. Hence, what Thoreau saw and described in his journals is quite different from the scenes one would find today in the same locations.
   
   Since Thoreau covered so many different topics in his journals, from spirituality to bird sightings to politics and friendship, it can be difficult to focus on Thoreau's detailed observations of the environment when reading his journals. Foster provides focus here by selecting several topics concerning land usage and forests, and then collating excerpts from Thoreau's journals relating to those topics. Concentrated in this manner and organized by topic, the excerpts demonstrate the astuteness of Thoreau's observations, and how valuable they can still be today for those interested in understanding the land and forests. Foster points out that in addition to coining the term "succession" as regards to forest change, Thoreau had also noted the unlikelihood of successfully growing a new pine forest where one had just been cut; had foresters of the early 20th century studied Thoreau's journals, they could have saved themselves decades of fruitless efforts in ill-conceived reforestation programs.
   
   Foster argues that one of the most important lessons that can be drawn from Thoreau's observation is the inevitability of change. Thus, he notes "It must be recognized that if we set out with expectation of protecting and preserving any landscape as it is today, we are certain to be frustrated, for it will inevitably continue to change." Foster stresses the contradiction between Thoreau's modern image as a wilderness proponent, and the fact that "Thoreau lived in a landscape where the woods were relatively few and heavily cut, where fields and farms predominated, and where people were actively and incessantly working the entire countryside for all available natural resources." Yet "Thoreau was able to find wildness in a thousand scenes, each one shaped by human activity." Thus, Foster concludes "Wilderness and perhaps all possible experiences in life can be found inside oneself." And, "Every landscape has been touched by people, and we can use [Thoreau's] approach to appreciate, understand, and conserve our countryside today.

5 comments about The Lighthouse Keeper's Wife.

1. An autobiographical account of life keeping lights on the Maine coast, the author born in 1901 grew up in Lubec, Maine, married a man who went into the Lighthouse service, together they served at several light stations for decades: At Channel Light in Lubec Channel, at Avery Rock in Machias Bay, at Sequin Island at the mouth of the Kennebec River, at Dochet Island in the St. Croix River, and at the light in New Castle, N.H. Retired and later widowed, she wrote her experiences and is now known as an authority on lightkeeping on the Maine Coast. She currently lives in Portsmouth, N.H.

   This is a thoroughly delightful book about a way of life that has almost become extinct, but which the memories and lessons are preserved to our great edification. -DMM




2. Although I have had this book since 1986 when it was first published, I recently read it for the first time. I met Connie Small when she was living in Foxwell Senior Citizens complex in Kittery, Maine. She was a neighbor to my grandmother and I enjoyed meeting her. I enjoyed reading about her first hand accounts of her many experiences in lighthouse keeping. I would very much like to know if she is still alive. It would seem unlikely since she would be 100, but I do know she was still living in 1998. If anyone has information about her, please email me, I would love to write her a note.



3. Am very disturbed not to have received this book as yet. Please, I don't understand what the delay iis. This author was on television in June describing her life. Can you hurry so I can have it soon? Thanks



4. This book is loaded with charm. Highly recommend it.



5. If you live on an island, the coast or anywhere near a lighthouse you can really appreciate this book. Connie writes with a charm that warms our soul, enlightens our spirit and gives us inspiration
   in a day and age where we need to slow down...HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!

5 comments about Five Little Peppers and How They Grew.

1. "The Five Little Peppers" are Ben, Polly, Joel, Davie, and Phronsie. Their father died when Phronsie was a baby and Mrs. Pepper struggles to earn enough money to support the family. Despite their poverty, they are a loving family, full of spirit and adventure. Ben and Polly do what they can to support the family, but a bout with measles threatens the well being of the entire Pepper clan, especially Joel and Polly. The family has other adventures and befriend Jasper King during one of them. This friendship will enrich their lives in ways they never thought would be possible.
   
   It's always interesting as an adult to reread a book that I loved as a child. When I was young I thought how much fun the Peppers had and longed to belong to a large family. As an adult, I realize how poor the family really was and how quickly the children had to grow up. As a child I thought how terrible it was that Polly couldn't read for days on end because of the measles; as an adult I realize the Peppers couldn't even afford to buy books.
   
   First published in 1881, "The Five Little Peppers and How They Grew" is old-fashioned (the doctor even makes house calls!), but still enjoyable. The Peppers are all delightful children, with Joel being the most honest of the bunch as he complains about having to eat the same food every day. Margaret Sidney was a talented author, who could make even inanimate objects, such as the stove, seem alive. The children's adventures may seem simple to today's young readers, who are used to Harry Potter and the like, but it's a refreshing change.



2. I bought this book as a gift b/c I remember loving it as a child. This edition is very poorly edited & filled with typos. There are even several sections where whole paragraphs are repeated. Its obvious this publisher doesn't care enough to have someone proofread the editions they sell.



3. I purchased this book after I read Cheaper By The Dozen and it was mentioned there. I plodded through the first several chapters hoping it would get better and it did. I can't wait to read the next one.



4. I recalled reading and loving the book as a child. We recently listened to the audio version of the book, as narrated by Bernadette Dunne, 9 hours of tapes, on a 700 mile journey from PA to Indiana with four young children in the car. The children were totally enthralled. Four hours in, Daddy would have driven the car into a tree to end the misery had the tale not turned the corner from a horribly contrived and predicatable shower of sugar to a joyful over-the-top opportunity for satire. Anyone who does not understand this description just look up the Monty Python sketch entitled "Four Yorkshiremen" on YouTube for enlightenment.
   The children were utterly disappointed in the anticlimactic and contrived ending but since that time the story has provided endless joy around the home. Complaints about the lack of familiar luxuries are answered with quotes or verbal satire of the characters from the story. Even the youngest child will repeat "Oh, Mamsie, could we please have twigs or hard raisins for breakfast?" when a complaint of an improperly toasted PopTart is voiced. So, as you sip from your handleless teacup, waiting for "your ship to come in", we only hope you garner one tenth of the enjoyment we have experienced after surviving an entire reading. If you don't "I'm sure I don't care".



5. "Five Little Peppers and How They Grew" book has positively influenced me since I was a child forty years ago. The great lessons to be learned in this charming book are those of frugality, love of family, resourcefulness, cheerfulness in the face of adversity, loyalty, charity and diligence. They don't write these books like they used to, but they should! I also recommend the works of famed, best-selling novelist of yore, Booth Tarkington, another charming and witty American writer--a Hoosier, from Indiana.

No comments about The Vermont Gardener's Companion: An Insider's Guide to Gardening in the Green Mountain State (Gardener's Companion).

No comments about Spirit of the New England Tribes: Indian History and Folklore, 1620-1984.

5 comments about Lonely Planet Boston.

1. This is a great place to start if you don't know anything about Boston. It gives lots of interesting places and attractions to visit. Even thought most of the places mentioned by LP is concise and accurate, be warned that some of the "attractions" mentioned are over rated.



2. As are almost all lonely planet books, this is a great, GREAT book for covering the metro Boston area. I recommend it as THE book to use, especially if traveling to Boston. It goes into depth on all aspects of Boston culture, down to climate, money scams, and gay and lesbian tourists. Although the book doesn't explain every site on the walking tours, it does give an overall, helpful picture of the tours in general. It also tells about the hot clubs and places to go, with regular updates and good descriptions.

   However, if you're looking for excursions outsiode of Boston, or are, like me, a new resident of Boston, you may not want to get this book, becauise it focuses on the Boston area. In that case, get Lonely Planet:New England, or a new resident's book. And for a shorter, cheaper version of this book, get Lonely Planet Boston:Condensed.

   Hope it helps.




3. Ideal for people who wish to travel to Boston or people who live in Boston but want to pretend they are a tourist to impress a lady or deceive an enemy.



4. Hands down, the Lonely Planet guides win marks for layout and style. These are compact, information-packed guides which can be tucked in any pocket or bag as an on-the-go reference. Most other guide books are great arm chair references but completely impractical for traveling on the road.
   
   The Lonely Planet Boston does not disappoint. It is glossy, full-color, packed with maps, and has a small footprint. It follows the tried-and-true Lonely Planet format: Facts for the Visitor, followed by Getting There and Getting Around practical information, followed by the sights, places to stay, places to eat, entertainment, and excursions out of the city proper. A mind-boggling amount of information is packed into this guide.
   
   The guide opens with the obligatory History section, which is read only by delayed travelers desperate for reading material. The true gems of Boston history and cultural experience are spread throughout the book, as light green sidebars on topics such as The Big Dig, The Emerald Necklace of gardens, facts about the Boston Public Library, and profiles of influential citizens such as Mary Baker Eddy.
   
   Activities and sights are organized by neighborhood, which makes planning things to accomplish in a day a bit easier. One great chapter labels Boston "America's Walking City" and lists dozens of walking routes through the region. One can take public transportation between different areas and then embark on several-hour-long walking tours.
   
   The Lonely Planet Boston has a full index and fourteen crystal-clear, full-colored maps in the back. The maps alone are a reason to buy this book and stick it in your pack while you travel. Overall, this book is well worth the price, and if you only buy one book about Boston, it should be this one.



5. I am relocating to Boston and have been buying guides to do a bit of research on the city. The Lonely Planet Guide is by far the worse of those I have seen. The coverage of the city is spotty; large, interesting areas are left out, and when they are covered it's in a really haphazard manner.
   
   I get the impression this book was created with the thought that it would be good to fill an empty niche in the Lonely Planet product line, with the underlying thought that a bad book was better than none. Steer clear.

4 comments about Ghost Stories and Legends of Eastern Connecticut: Lore, Mysteries and Secrets Revealed (Haunted America) (Haunted American).

1. We are fortunate enough to have met Donna Kent, and yet she continues to surprise and engross us with her command of the supernatural!! We have read many books, some more authoritative, some less, concerning paranormal legends and lore of New England, but this one still manages to tell nuances of stories we THOUGHT we already knew!! Donna's warm personality, combined with her considerable first-hand paranormal experiance, makes this a must-have part of any devotee's libray!! We can only hope and pray that she is working on Part Two already!!!
   
   Steve and Nancy



2. I was hoping for something new about these stories, but there wasn't.
   It was an o.k. book if you've never heard them before, but definately not worth the cost for so few pages.



3. This is a great book on Historicial Eastern Connecticut and lore. The
   ghost stories only add to it. Most facinating stuff. Buy the book
   you will love it.



4. This book is not good or bad, but it is okay but yet I could not put it down. There were some really good stories and them some that sound like a history textbook. I wished there were pictures of ghost orbs. Overall, it was a decent book but is a little overpriced.

No comments about The New Hiking the Monadnock Region: 44 Nature Walks and Day-Hikes in the Heart of New England.