Pacific

Author Jerry Shad has over the years compiled in book form( he also write articles for various publications) the best throughly life experienced hikes for the outdoor enthuisiast. This is the only book you'll need to explore San Diego's trails, both popular and less traveled. His explanations and advice for options on the trails are invaluable and accurate. I have two copies of his book , a vintage edition(still good information) and the current publication, one in the vechicle and one for home reference. Take a look at the index in the sample pages and you'll see that all of the points on the county compass are covered. This is an essential tool for the hiker. The organization of the book is simple , concise and specific covering all areas of the county. The photographs and illustrations are helpful too. As stated by others this is the only book you'll need to explore San Diego on foot. Buy this classic and you'll get years of pleasure from the advice before you hit the trail.

If you have any interest in getting to know the natural side of San diego County, this book is a must have. From simple, family accessible hikes to challenging overnight treks, the information is accurate and well written. I personally have completed over 50 of the hikes included and have never found any wrong information.

Jerry Schad's style of writing is clear and informative. He is also very accessible, as I have e-mailed him to ask a detailed question about a particular hike.

Believe me, if you want to hike in SD County, this book is your indispensable starting point. support this treasure and buy now!

This is my all time favorite guide to exploring the Anza Borrego Desert. I did most of the hikes in the desert region over the course of several years, and got a great sense of the author's relationship to the land. I'm buying it again after having lent it out and lost it. I wish there were hiking guides this good for other places I love.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book ! Bart Smith explains that he hiked the PCT intending to photograph it along the way, and soon discovered that Thru-hiking and serious photography are simply incompatible. Bart returned to the trail over a period of 6 years to capture outstanding images of the spectacular backcountry, and then asked Karen Berger to write the accompanying narrative from her own Thru-hike experience. Karen's story blends humor, science, insight, and an obvious love for the trail. I thought her level of detail was perfect, telling the story meaningfully without getting bogged down. If you enjoy mountain hiking and share my facination with the PCT you are certain to love this book.

The photographs of the PCT by Bart Smith will take your breath away. I've section hiked long parts of the PCT and the sheer beauty of certain parts is etched in my mind forever. This book brings back a flood of memories and makes you feel as if you're back on the trail, enjoying all the stunning vistas, meadows and expanses of wildflowers. Though the photos are the backbone of the book, there is also an interesting narrative by Karen Berger, who has written several other thru-hiking books about the PCT. Berger tells about her own hiking experiences on the trail and the text is never intrusive, merely instructive and entertaining. She narrates a story about her time spent near Thousand Mile Lake near Mammoth and alongside is a stunning color photo of the lake.

Anyone with an interest in the Sieraa range, the PCT, hiking or who simply enjoys beautiful photographs, will gravitate to this guide. Rarely have so many sumptuous pictures been grouped together in one volume. If you're not a hiker, this book very likely will persuade you to get in shape and hit the trail. The vast majority of scenic wilderness in the United States can never be seen from a car window. You must lace up your shoes and get out there. I highly recommend this book for its simple beauty and awesome photos. If it persuades one coach potato to explore the endless beauty of California, then it's worth its purchase.

and it perfectly compliments Berger's and Smith's description of the determination needed to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail. I frequently find myself pulling the book from the shelf as the wonderful photography by Bart Smith provides the perfect escape from the "big city" life in Northern Virginia.

I anxiously await Bart's upcoming book, "The Appalachian Trail: Calling Me Back to the Hills" to see what he can do with the the natural beauty in the East!

If you're a fan of Disneyland and it's history, then this book is a must! I was astounded by the scope of this work, and the attention to detail. It covers Disneyland from it's beginnings in the early 50's to the present day with individual "stories" about the different aspects of the park. Accompaning these "stories" are hundreds of rare photos and artwork along with the postcards the book is named after. This is a definite must have book for fans of the California park.

The "Nickel Tour" is an excellent pictorial review of Disneyland's history. Using postcards from pre-opening to the present the book explains how Disneyland came to be, and how it evolved into the cultural icon it is today. If a postcard does not exist to illustrate the topic or time period discussed the authors have found numerous rare photos and drawings to give visual heft to what they are explaining. This brings up what I most enjoyed about the book. Both authors are Imagineers (Disney's word for the engineers who design their theme parks) and they give detailed explanations concerning every postcard (or picture) in the book. They also spend a great deal of time explaining how certain attractions came to be, and the history of each area of the park. This includes many Disneyland attractions that we all remember, but which no longer exist. It was great to see my favorite childhood ride, "Adventures Thru Inner Space", again. If you are a fan of Disneyland, and want to really understand the Park's history there is no better source than this book. I highly recommend it despite its rather high price. You won't be disappointed.

What memories this brings back! Not only are the postcards wonderful, but the narrative is very entertaining - much more than I had hoped for - and the postcards are supplemented with some wonderful photos to fill in some of the gaps. A great way for us (we?) older Disney fans to share our memories of Disneyland with our children (and later grandchildren), too. I know I will get many hours of enjoyment from this book over the years to come. I am so glad I decided it might be worth the price - it's worth many times over!

"The whole thing reads thusly...'He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names. Psalm 147:4.' It means that to God, you are as precious as every fixed star in the sky. He calls you by name, Marie." So explains the printer to Marie, the Ioway Indian woman whose journey towards hearing and grasping this simple truth provides the theme for this absorbing story.

EVERY FIXED STAR by Jane Kirkpatrick, the second book in a trilogy that began with A NAME OF HER OWN, is not merely the retelling of the migration west. Rather, it parallels the life of Marie Dorion to the struggles and adventures experienced by those brave pioneers who came in every size, shape, color and creed, with motives ranging from noble to nefarious. What a task for both the original protagonists and for the writer who accepts the challenge to write it down for us.

This phase of the journey begins after Marie has lost her husband and first-born daughter to the wilderness that the family had set out to conquer. She finds herself an outsider in encampment, where she alone is responsible to pay off her husband's debts and for the survival of herself and her two sons. There are no credit cards, no food stamps --- only a knife given to her by Sacagawea with which to gut and dress a fallen doe so that the children can eat during the difficult winter.

EVERY FIXED STAR offers enrichment on many levels. There are words of wisdom that are spoken by both Natives and Christians who try to help Marie on her journey. Her Chipewyan friend, Sarah, tells her, "Regret is the robe grief hands you. It promises warmth but gives only weight. It is woman's work to turn regret into something of worth."

There are the questions raised by Marie's unconditional love for her sons and her lack of skill to communicate that love, a lack of communication that leads the boys to have skewed perceptions of their mother --- and each one deals with his feelings in ways that wound her over and over.

And though there are the two strong, brave men who love Marie, accept her as she is and provide her support, still there is always the underlying theme, "You don't trust the good things that happen to you, eh?" She cannot see her worth; she does not understand her purpose and must struggle to accept even the smallest of gifts.

EVERY FIXED STAR will delight you with pictures of love, bravery, struggles and triumphs, all painted on a historically accurate canvas. Sit back and enjoy the many gifts that are given in this beautifully written book.

--- Reviewed by Maggie Harding

Jane Kirkpatrick's wonderful style of combining accurate historical facts with fiction in her novels is captivating! This book of the TENDER TIES series stands by itself, but invites the reader to anticipate getting "the rest of the story in a book to be published in 2004. This second book in the series continues the saga of Marie Dorion, the Ioway Indian woman who came West with the Astor expedition in 1811. This second book chronicles Marie's struggle after arriving in the Oregon Country as a widow with two small boys. She seeks to find meaning in her life through the pain of constant change. She searches for answers to complex questions of life, relationship to God, and the search for peace and comfort. The book shares the conflicts and questions she asks herself, as she seeks to fulfill her "metier" - the French word for "calling" in her experience. For the person who craves historical fact from this era, there is much to learn in this book about the settling of the Oregon Country. But for any woman who has ever had children, or who has walked through pain, separation from those she holds dear, trials and conflicts, there is comfort and encouragement in this tender, captivating tale. I highly recommend it as a "must read"!!

Every Fixed Star by Jane Kirkpatrick is an historical novel based upon the life of Marie Dorion, who was the first mother to cross the Rocky Mountains. Marie is haunted by a past filled with mistakes and she struggles with more than just the physical stresses and dangers of early pioneer life in the Northwest. Marie believes she is undeserving of a rich, good life -- until she makes a life-changing discovery. A technically flawless recording, Every Fixed Star is very ably narrated by Barbara Rosenblat. Highly recommended listening, Every Fixed Star is also available in a CD format.

Jonathan Gold is a master at finding interesting, delicious, out of the mainstream kind of places. He's introduced me to so many different cuisings and he really knows what he's talking about. I always feel like he has researched the different cuisines and goes regularly, unlike most reviewers who deign to visit a hole-in-the-wall once and talk about it forever. With respect to my title, this book proves LA has more interesting ethnic and "real" food restaurants than NY. This book is a bible for serious food people, living in LA or not.

Gold, who now writes about the New York restaraunt scene for Gourmet magazine, is a wordsmith beyond compare. Before I found this book (thank the lord I did!)I would repeatedly read and re-read his reviews in back issues of LA Weekly- I hungered for his words about food almost as much as I did for food itself! Gold is a true poet of food- in the same vein as MFK Fisher or Brillat-Savarin, and that is good company. He takes as his subject (for the most part)the obscure ethnic cuisines and restaraunts of L.A., from Afgahn to Uzbeki. He takes his food seriously, only in this book could you find recommendations for thai frog legs, corndogs and tongue tacos. For restaraunt reviews that read like great literature, and that will absolutely make your mouth water with uncannily poetic descriptions and wonderful, mature prose- this is what you are looking for.

Like the Pauline Kael of food. His descriptions of LA's ethnic eateries are vivid, perceptive, and hilarious. Unfortunately, many great places have gone under since publication. (RIP FuRaiBo Little Tokyo!)

Another Putnam book with excellent quality information of Japanese aircrafts during World War Two. perhaps Zero or Zeke was the most famous Jpanese fighter of World War Two. The Zero was not the only Japanese fighter, nor the best on but one of the best fighter Japan designed. Although the total number of aircrafts manufactured by Japan is much less than US, Japan didia great job in military aircraft design. This book covers fron-line, prototypes and experimental aircrafts with detail technical, historical and perforamnce data. This is the most important book for whoevery wants to know Japanese military aircrafts or thew air warfare of Japan with China, US and other countries with colones in the Pacific area.

Another Putnam book with excellent quality information of Japanese aircrafts during World War Two. perhaps Zero or Zeke was the most famous Jpanese fighter of World War Two. The Zero was not the only Japanese fighter, nor the best on but one of the best fighter Japan designed. Although the total number of aircrafts manufactured by Japan is much less than US, Japan didia great job in military aircraft design. This book covers fron-line, prototypes and experimental aircrafts with detail technical, historical and perforamnce data. This is the most important book for whoevery wants to know Japanese military aircrafts or thew air warfare of Japan with China, US and other countries with colones in the Pacific area.

Much in the same way that William Greene is the expert on German Aircraft of WW-II, Rene J. Francillon has researched this subject (off and on) over a period of about 30 years. The orignal edition of this book came out in the 1970's and has been updated as information from the files of the US Department of Defense has become declassified and "Pubic Domain".
One of the most interesting of the facts that one may come across is that many talented German Aircraft designers TRAINED Japanese aircraft design engineers during the 1920's and early 30's, because the Germans were prohibited by the Treaty of Versailles to engage in the design of war planes in their own country. This led to a close working relationship between German and Japanese warplane designers and a great deal of commerce between the two countries in war time designs.
Someone may eventually write a refernce book on this subject. I would if I had time.
Bob Clark
President
International Military Technology Historians
fsearch@yahoo.com

I'm a cross country skier and avid hiker. I had never been to the Eastern Sierra before and this book piqued my interest. All the trails listed were true to their descriptions. You can really get the flavor of the area from this book. It includes driving tours, fishing spots and tips on how to fit in like a local. It's fun to read and I definitely recommend buying it.

About a decade ago, before I started an academic career, my wife and I reviewed travel guidebooks. We published several books on the subject, the last one covering about 3,000 books. I mention this only to underline the fact that I have looked closely at a lot of guide books, including myriad hiking guides. With that in mind, let me underline my overall opinion: Alpine Trailblazer is as good as they come.

The amount of thought and hard work embedded in this book is amazing. Alpine Trailblazer is more than just a description of hiking trails. It is much more versatile. If you are interested in outdoor activities (be they hiking, packing, biking, skiing, fishing or whatever), if you want to explore the Sierra Nevada mountains from Tahoe to Yosemite, but especially that less-discovered gold mine of a county called Alpine, Jerry and Janine Sprout will provide you with more well-informed, good ideas than any other single resource.

The Sprouts are long-time residents of Alpine County and have enthusiastically explored its trails and hidden pleasures for more than two decades. That they are willing to share their discoveries with you must have come after considerable soul searching. But we are all the beneficiaries.

And such attention to detail! From what should be an award-winning cover to the careful organization of materials, from the informative and beautiful black-and-white photographs to the practical hiking advice and Happy Jack's Campside Cookbook, this book has it all. Each suggested route is tied to the appropriate topo map and succinctly but informatively described. The types of outdoor pleasures most applicable to each route are clearly noted. The many choices are indexed in great detail. For example, routes that are best for wildflowers are then broken down into three subsections: early season, lower elevation; mid-summer, mid-elevation; and high elevation. Day hikes are organized under headings such as falls and cascades, old growth conifer quests, snow-free in late spring, short hikes with small kids and grandparents. And so on in incredible and useful detail. If you can't find what you want here, it doesn't exist.

The hiking tips are short and to the point, capturing the wisdom of years of trail experience. The only advice I take exception to is the choice of external over internal frames for backpacks (though, of course, they are entitled to their opinion). While external frames have certain advantages, as the Sprouts detail, the internal frame provides my back with a comfort I only dreamed of with an external frame--and that, at least for me, is priority number one. Then again, perhaps the Sprouts are made of stronger stuff. Let your own back be the judge.

In any case, I can't yell it loud enough (especially in print): grab a copy of this book without delay and visit the Alps of the Sierra Nevada. You won't be disappointed.

This book turned out to be a handy guide to one of the quietest corners of California where the fishing can't be beat. I took it with me when fishing season opened and the snow was just melting off the highest peaks. The book distilled out the lower elevation hikes which made choosing trailheads and streams very easy. I car camped near the ghost town of Bodie and followed their day hike suggestions around the base of Tioga Pass and Mono Lake. This is a one-of-a-kind book that's alot of fun to read with amusing insights and historical lore.

Superior route photography and excellent route overlays set this book apart from all the rest. Gauthier's aerial photographs depict recent glacial conditions, and the generous number of photos show many of the routes from a variety of descriptive angles. The route descriptions are excellent and reflect the author's tremendous knowledge and experience all around the mountain. The first half of the book provides a comprehensive text on skills, strategies, and preparation for climbing Mt. Rainier. Anyone unfamiliar with Rainier- whether a novice climber or a seasoned alpinist- will find a wealth of useful information unique to this mountain. Gauthier addresses not only the fundamentals of mountaineering on Rainier, but provides sound advice coming from years of climbing the mountain in all seasons and conditions. Experienced climbers new to Rainier will appreciate the author's insights to safe climbing strategies on the mountain. Many experienced climbers have underestimated Rainier and have become the subject of a surprising number of rescues on the mountain. The author presents sound principles of "mountain sense", as particular to Rainier as anywhere else, that every climber should learn. Whether you're a novice climber aspiring to climb Rainier, a Rainier veteran looking for a new challenge, or a climber of any ability seeking to learn as much as possible about climbing this mountain, this book is a must-have.

This is a GREAT book! Incredible photos, excellent route descriptions and comprehensive information make "Mount Rainier: A Climbing Guide" the A-Z directory for your Rainier summit dreams. Gauthier is an expert; his enthusiasm and vast mountain experience are amply shared with the reader. Well organized and easy to follow, the book has 2 sections. The first details everything you want to know when thinking about or planning a Mount Rainier climb; what it takes, how to prepare, what to expect, when to go, where to get current information on permits, weather, route, avalanche conditions, guide services, rescues, and more. The second section is devoted to the 39 climbing routes and variations. These descriptions are easy to read and understand; outstanding photographs with route overlays clearly show the mountain and its climbing routes. All combined "Mount Rainier: A Climbing Guide" is the authoritative book to own when considering any climbing trip on Rainier. You won't be disappointed!

I summitted Mt. Rainier in July, 2002, and bought this book beforehand. Pretty good book if you're looking to climb multiple routes on Rainier. Very imformative, and very well written. If you're heading out there to climb this beast, I'd definately recommend this book.

The Malinowskis are the real thing, divers we could count on for straight poop.

There were a few little rust spots here and there so we gave it a four.

We bought the Maui/Lanai version of the book and found it was the book we used most once we got to Maui. We spent 6 days snorkeling in the mornings and this book gave us exact information about where to go! Some of the sites were wonderful and off the beaten path.(None of the other books or the dive shops had ALL of this information.) Well worth the small investment!

After reading reviews from everyone about this book, I had to purchase it myself before a trip to Maui. This book was an indispensable guide! It offered great advice about snorkel equipment and safety which was VERY helpful for us beginners. The authors rate snorkeling places according to quality and difficulty. Maps and detailed information are provided so that even the most remote places are easy to find. We did the "'Ahihi-Kina'u unmarked trail" and loved it! It was amazing to have a beautiful cove all to ourselves. I definitely recommend it for anyone wanting to snorkel in Maui.

It has taken me awhile to write a review for this book due to the fact that I have been testing as many recipes as possible and while in Seattle compared the restaurant version with the home version. The verdict is: Get the book.

The recipes are very easily done in a standard home kitchen and they are the recipes of the restaurants in question. If there is a flavor difference it is easily explained by the author such as, the restaurant version of the salmon rub uses smoked paprike (very hard to get) while the home uses the sweet variety.

The book reflects a deep love of Seattle and is informative in a chatty way. I think though, for the Asian food information sections you may want a little more depth with Bruce Cost's book on Asian ingredients. For the experienced cook this is a great book to have on the shelf showing a fusion of traditional and international influences in the menu.

For those looking for soemthing in between a beginner's and a hardcore pro level this book is excellent. People at my various parties and catering gigs have loved the food prepared from this book and it has achieved the status of favorite on the shelf. It is approachable in tone, style and technique. It is also helpful that he provides a supplier section for those hard to get items like kazu.

The fish section maybe a no go for some people due to freshness issues but the section on grilling/barbecuing is nice and the dry brine method for roast chicken was very reliable. All the side dishes were easily done as well with a standard grocery store available.

Recommended highly and I look forward to his next work.

Tom Douglas' Seattle Kitchen is an entertaining trip through the heart and soul of Seattle. Whether you cook or not, this book will provide a glimpse of the elements that make Seattle what it is; trips to the International District, Safeco Field, Pike Place Market and some of the unique shops that provide the fresh ingredients for Tom's recipes. My father in law is obsessed with Tom's creme caramel at Etta's and after finding the recipe in the book pronounced, "I may take up cooking." There are loads of helpful tips, too. Skills such as "How To Clean A Squid" and "How To Cook Perfect Roast Beef" are explained in an easy to understand format. If you feel that you might like to do more cooking but are searching for inspiration, look no further. Tom Douglas' Seattle Kitchen, a cold Redhook IPA and a sense of adventure are all you need!

Now I may be biased because I live in Seattle but there is not a recipe in this book which is not simply perfect. I have tried about 10 recipes including the crab cakes, blueberry coffee cake, Short Ribs with Rosemary white beans and the Lobster and Shiitake Potstickers and not had a bad one yet.

All the recipies are pretty easy to make, use simple fresh ingredients and usually recommend a wine to pair with it. These are not always the types of recipes that you want to whip up in 10 mins when you get home from work but for a weekend dinner where you have 1/2 hr or more to cook, you will be well rewarded. There is definitely a seafood bias for this which is fine with me. In the middle of the book are about 10 pages of pictures of many of the dishes.

I have lots of cookbooks with several good recipes but never one with so many winners and absolutely no losers. I have been to 2 of Tom's restaurants in Seattle but this makes me want to cook at home.