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Book reviews for "Vareldzis,_Georgia_M." sorted by average review score:

Abbeville Farewell: A Novel of Early Atlanta and North Georgia
Published in Paperback by Other Voices Press (30 November, 2001)
Author: Estelle Ford-Williamson
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Great Book!
This is a great read, especially for history enthusiasts. It is a wonderful, insightful glimpse into the past. Abbeville, Farewell would be a great choice for high school students taking U.S. History. It has been painstakingly well researched and is entertaining.A good book for everybody!

Great read!
What a great read! I picked up this book one Friday night and stayed mesmerize all weekend. Abbeville Farewell is an easy recommendation.

As the child of the old south, Estelle Ford-Williamson transported me back to my roots. I felt she was writing about my family and their early 19th century journey from South Carolina and Georgia. There is mystery in the uprooting of the young Morgan family from their home in Abbeville, the adventure of the overland migration to Marthasville (present-day Atlanta), the human and personal struggle of building a new life for the family in this raw frontier city and, once settled and successful, the need to move again. Time and the times play their part in the story as children grow and personal perspectives change. And as you turned the pages of Estelle's great story, you find the growing social issue of slavery festering. In many ways the message of the book mirrors a struggle of any age - personal morality versus accepted community standards.

There is a villain in the story, but he is more a prop than a player. The real story is family and family relationship. The Morgans are good people and, if you end up judging one right and another wrong, you miss the essence of plot. I closed the book with a smile and promise. I will re-read this book. Re-reading books is something I seldom do and only on those rare occasions when they have had the ability to touch me deeply.

Estelle's writing style is open and honest. I feel she is talking to me. Her words flow easily off the pages of her book. Her character development is strong and her ability to build emotion and create rich drama is superb.

An Example of How To Bring History Alive
I finished your book this morning and just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it. I cannot imagine the amount of research you must have done to provide such in depth information about the geography, technology, organization of the society and the political attitudes of the times. The characters you developed in your novel reacted to and evaluated the events that were happening, and in the process made this period of history come to life. Thank you!


Alfred Stieglitz: Photographs & Writings
Published in Hardcover by Bulfinch Press (1999)
Authors: Alfred Stieglitz, Sarah Greenough, Juan Hamilton, Georgia O'Keeffe, and National Gallery of Art (U.S.)
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A beautiful book
The photography and the text of this book has been described in other reviews, but I want to add that this is now one of the most beautiful books that I own. The typesetting is flawless, the paper is of a much higher weight than I have seen in other monographs, and, of course, the reproductions are class. These points are magnified by the sheer size of the book-- check the dimensions given in the details above. The book is a work of art.

"The Meaning of the Idea Photography" -- Alfred Stieglitz
This book clearly deserves many more than five stars. It is one of the most remarkable expressions about and by an artist in any genre that I have ever seen.

Before going further, let me caution those who are offended by all forms of nudity that this book contains many female nudes. These are all tastefully done, and will not offend those who look with a desire to see the essence of beauty.

Alfred Stieglitz was a seminal figure in 20th century art. One of the foremost photographers in the century, he also helped other photographers define what the aesthetic means in photography. He also was a champion for many of the best known photographers, and seriously boosted their careers. In painting, he was an early advocate of important 20th century artists like Arthur Dove and Georgia O'Keeffe. In addition, he published two influential journals about photography, and exhibited art in his famous gallery in New York. Clearly, though, photography was his first love. "I have all but killed myself for Photography."

This book focuses on his central vision of photography ("search for objective truth and pure form") which increasingly was about "antiphotographs" or images that move beyond simple representation. This concept is examined both in 73 of his best images and through numerous excerpts from his voluminous writings on the subject (over 200 essays).

This book is based on the famous 1983 show of Stieglitz's work, and has been reproduced with amazing care and quality. The images are produced in tritone to give more texture and detail. The paper is of archival quality. Most people's diplomas are not on paper this good or this thick. There is a luxurious feeling to just hold the pages.

The 73 images were selected by Ms. O'Keeffe, Juan Hamilton (her friend and assistant), and curator Sarah Grenough from approximately 1600 images in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Ms. Grenough selected the writings to be used, and wrote the wonderful introduction.

From looking at these remarkable images, I came away with the impression that Stieglitz was at his best (for my taste) when he was doing portraits, abstractions, and cityscapes. Those subjects seemed to allow him to strip away the unessential better than the others he used. My favorite images in the book are:

Sun Rays -- Paula, Berlin, 1889

From the Back-Window -- 291, 1915 Self-Portrait, 1907

Marie Rapp, 1916

Arthur G. Dove, 1911-1912

Charles Demuth, 1915

Hodge Kirnon, 1917

Marcel Duchamp, 1923

Georgia O'Keeffe, 1918 (3)

Margaret Treadwell, 1921

Waldo Frank, 1920

Dancing Trees, 1922

Music -- A Sequence of Ten Cloud Photographs, VIII, 1922

Equivalent, 1931

His writings are as rewarding as his photographs. I was particularly interested in his ideas about how humans make progress. "Progress has been accomplished only by reason of the fanatical enthusiasm of the revolutionist . . . ." "Experts . . . are the result of hard work."

After you have finished enjoying this astonishingly revealing volume, I suggest that you think about how you like to express truth and beauty in your life. How can you be more direct and simple in this expression?

Be sure to live a life of "constant experimenting" like Stieglitz did!

Wonderful collection of his writing and photographs
This is far more than a picture book; it contains 73 high-quality plates and its real treasures can be found is the twenty page introduction and the fifty pages of selections from his writings about his work and views on photography. As a full time artist, I found this book to be both rich and inspiring. If you have lost sight of why you shoot pictures, try this as a reminder of clearer moments.


Beans, Greens, and Sweet Georgia Peaches: The Southern Way of Cooking Fruits and Vegetables
Published in Paperback by Broadway Books (1998)
Author: Damon Lee Fowler
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Don't Let the "Booklist" Review Scare You
This book is a treasure. I was so pleasantly surprised that it wasn't "weird" and un-southern like "Booklist" led me to believe. Now I can almost cook like my great-grandmother did. (I need more practice.) Not only is this a great cookbook and reference, it's full of very enjoyable reading. I find myself picking this up for my recreational reading and getting hungry. It also tells me all I want to know about the vegetables themselves, like how to choose a ripe cantalope, and why sweet potatoes are sometimes called yams. However, it's very well organized and laid-out if you need to get a recipe and skip the conversation. (But that's not very southern of you.) I can't get enough of that braised cabbage!

So much more than collards and grits!
Damon Lee Fowler's "Beans, Greens, and Sweet Georgia Peaches" is a follow-up to his successful "Classical Southern Cooking", concentrating this time on the Southern cook's way with fruit and vegetables. It is, however, much more than merely a book of recipes. Instead, Fowler serves up a delightful treatise on the philosophy and outlook of Southern cooking, in which the recipes act more as examples of his principle arguments, rather than the book's main raison d'ĂȘtre. It is clear that the author is more interested in explaining the 'why' of Southern cooking than the 'how' - something that is very useful when you find yourself needing to make substitutions because of problems of availability! In addition, his enthusiasm for his subject shines through on every page. In all, this makes for a fascinating read. The book also contains some really wonderful recipes!

Throughout, Fowler concentrates on Southern traditional ways, always aiming for the authentic touch to his dishes and methods of preparation. Consequently, even though this book is mainly about vegetable dishes, prepared Southern-style, it is by no means a vegetarian cookbook. Traditional Southern pork dripping or ham, as well as seafood features prominently throughout the book. Nevertheless, Fowler remains sensitive to the fact that its title and subject matter may well draw the attention of those seeking vegetarian recipes and so he thoughtfully (and tastefully!) provides true vegetarian (and even vegan) alternatives wherever possible. While these may not be totally true to their origins, the results are every bit as tasty.

My copy of this book was given to me by my wife, as a memento of our first trip to Atlanta. Even though some of the ingredients are a little hard to come by the UK, it has nevertheless come to be one of my favourite sources of inspiration in the kitchen. And it is a wonderfully mouth-watering way to be reminded of the hospitality the Southern States!

YUMMY!!!
Southern cooking is more than pork fat and collards (though these are good things). Southern cooking is--like any other important cuisine--making the most out of nature's bounty. Damon Lee Fowler knows that. He takes the natural abundance of Southern gardens and creates (or in many cases) recreates recipes that make eating your vegetables the best part of the meal.

If you grew up in the South and/or (like me) had a Southern mother or grandmother who cooked lots of seasonal vegetables. This book is chock full of recipes and memories.

I have tried about 2/3 of the recipes so far and I haven't found one that I disliked.


Camping Georgia
Published in Paperback by Falcon Publishing Company (2002)
Author: Alex Nutt
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A must have!
I've owned and utlized this 'guide' for approximatly two years. We reside in the Atlanta area and are avid mountain bikers and cyclists. This guide is essential for trail markers, ride routes and cool treks off the beaten path. The book is small enough to tuck away in your camelback and use while riding! FANTASTIC! I would highly recommend if you are looking for trails in Georgia...

Mountain Biking Georgia
An absolute must for any level mountain biker. Trail reveiws are very accurate, maps well marked and easy to read and elevation profiles are helpful in gauging the trail's difficulty level. North Carolina FalconGuide book is also worth checking out. Buy 2, one for your bookshelf and one to keep with your bike eqipment or give to a friend. One complaint - not enough trails in Metro Atlanta area. ...

The Best Trails in GA in one book!
Alex Nutt, former president of SORBA (Southern Off Road Bicycle Association), does a fantastic job of listing the best rides in North Georgia. The book includes very accurate directions, maps, and photos of the trails. This is the best trail book I have seen for Georgia. As former president of SORBA, Alex knows the trails better than almost anyone in the area.


Carved in Stone: The History of Stone Mountain
Published in Hardcover by Mercer University Press (1997)
Author: David B. Freeman
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Part Of The South
Having lived in Atlanta until 1985, I played on and around the mountain most of my childhood, but knew little of it's history. Mr. Freeman's book is very informative and explains in an interesting way how the park came to be. If your interested in what some call the "8th Wonder of The World," I would suggest this read.

A good start.
This tells the story well. However, I would like to see more murals carved into the granite on the rest of Stone Mountain's sides. For a more balanced memorial to those who served and suffered in the years surrounding the War of the Secession, these should include images of Dred Scott, John Brown, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Abraham Lincoln, Clara Barton, and Frederick Douglass, as well as the Cherokee Trail of Tears.

A story of the mountain and the dream
I just recently got done reading this book that I picked up on a trip to the mountain. There is still so much left to see, and i have been down there five times already. The history is rich, and very informative. It is a shame that politics got involved and that the original dream was not able to be fullfilled, but alas we got something


Christmas in Georgia
Published in Hardcover by Peachtree Publishers (1985)
Author: Celestine Sibley
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MERRY CHRISTMAS 2000
Dear Friends, I miss Miss Sibley and I miss Georgia. I tell you, if you were born in the South, no matter where you live forever after, you carry it with you in your heart. The way I get close to my heart these days, when I miss the South the most, is to read all of Celestine Sibley's books. I am so heartened that they are now being re-printed. If you have not read any of them, you are lucky. You have the whole wonderful experience to look forward to. I wish you peace.

PS. Since Miss Sibley is not here to tell you new iron skillet owners this, I will tell you. Do not wash it with soap ever, after you have seasoned it.. Use a brush and really hot water. A good way to season an iron skillet at first is to fry a large amount of potatoes in it. That way you season the skillet and get something good to eat at the same time!! :)

WE NEED ALL OF MISS SIBLEY'S BOOK REPRINTED!
Celestine sibley has written about 25 books. Almost all of them are either out of print or out of stock. I tell you, this is a fine how do you do! Some publisher will do all of us a great favor, and do LIFE one too, if he/she will please get these books back out into the stores. I never read one I didn't like. If there WAS one I didn't like, I liked it anyway. They make me glad. Do you KNOW how special that is? These books make me remember to slow down and cherish all of life. They make me wish I had a porch!

This book brings back so many fond memories
My mother used to read this book to me and my brothers every Christmas season when we were children. Being in a military family, we rarely spent Christmas in Georgia, which was our home of record. When I was expecting my first child and part of a new military family, my mother gave me a copy of this book and all those cozy memories of Christmas readings came back to me. If you can't celebrate Christmas in Georgia, Celestine Sibley takes you there with her timeless tales.


Dreamseeker's Road
Published in Hardcover by William Morrow (1995)
Author: Tom Deitz
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Great Reading!
I think in this day and age to find a book that is interesting and a short series is something good. Although I enjoy long series....I hate waiting for them.....this book was refreshing. Thank you Tom!

An excellent read...a must for Deitz fans
I loved this story of Tir-Nan-Og...as all the others. This whole series is great for the simple reason each can stand alone...in an age where books are constantly "to be continued" his works are fresh and the characters as strong as ever.

Dietz does it again!
Once again Tom Dietz has managed to combine an insight into the lives of the average young American with a truly fantastic world of magic and fantasy. As with all of his books, this was a true delight to read, and I honestly did stay up all night until I finished reading it


Echoes of Andersonville
Published in Paperback by Southern Heritage Press (01 August, 1999)
Author: Robert Diel Dean
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Good War Story With a Surprise Twist
I really liked this story because I enjoy the Civil War very much. Unlike some other books I've read that don't portray the very real face of the war, this book pulls no punches when describing combat and the horrors of the battlefield. It describes Civil War combat as the awful experience it really was, shocking, gory and sad.I didn't know anything about Civil War prisons and had never even heard of Andersonville and all the men that died there. This book was very informative and provided lots of factual information to support the storyline, which made it even more interesting. I like authors who know what they are talking about and Mr. Dean is a re-enactor! I really learned alot of history while still enjoying the interesting plot. Andy, Josh and Parson John are all believable characters that seemed so real. Even though it's fiction, it's obvious that this actually could have happened. What sets this book apart from others I've read is the key element of faith that runs throughout it. Even though it's full of plenty of death and sorrow, and portrays the Civil War as it really was, it presents a spiritual dimension that is often overlooked. But it's not preachy or contrived. No matter what age you are, if you love the Civil War, you will probably like this book. It's easy to read and hard to put down once you've started. Parents can feel good about it because there is no bad language or suggestive material to offend young readers. I will recommend Echoes of Andersonville to all my friends who like good war stories. I think this would be a terrific movie!

Echoes Of Andersonville
This is a very engaging book that is a pleasure to read. Quite frankly I had a had time putting it down. The story of how our Lord used the horrors of Andersonville to lead men from both the Blue and the Grey to Christ is wonderful and uplifting. Additionally, for those interested in history, the author appears to have a firm grasp of the events and historical conditions of that era.

A Book Full of Meaning, Hope and Love.
Echoes of Andersonville is a beautiful portrait of the Civil War. It's about two young boys so different, yet so similiar. Andrew Parker is fifteen years of age and an Union soldier. He has no faith in Christ or God. He cannot understand how his friend can belive so strongly in the Lord and Christ. Then, there is Joshua Smith, whom is a prison guard in Andersonville Prison and sixteen years old. Andersonville was one of the most horrid and nightmarish prisons of the South for Union soldiers. Joshua is cruel, and full of a burning hatred that was set within his soul. He,like Andrew, does not believe in Christ nor God. Joshua's own fellow guards even fear him. Andrew Parker is then taken as a prisoner of war to Andersonville Prison, where the boy meets a man named John Brady, nicknamed Parson John. Parson John has a strong belief in Christ and God. He has such a powerful faith in the Lord, a faith that is so undeniable. Parson John's faith changes both the darkness of Joshua's and Andrew's futures from dark to light with his beautiful and strong faith in the Lord. At the very same time, this novel tells of an unforgettable story. A story of two young boys that are in the very midst of an era and place that would forever scar American history. Echoes of Andersonville brings you into Andersonville prison without stepping a foot out of your home. It's a story full of meaning, hope and love. For this story shows that no matter one's age or physical strength, one can conquer and live thru every obstacle that blocks them and that one can do this by having three things hope, faith and the most powerful force of all...love. Echoes of Andersonville deserves a place of honor not only here, but in the Kingdom of the Lord.


The Eclectic Gourmet Guide to Atlanta
Published in Paperback by Menasha Ridge Press (01 November, 1997)
Author: Jane Garvey
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Great reference guide
I'm often asked at work to make dinner reservations for our visiting clients, and The The Eclectic Gourmet Guide to Atlanta has always come to the rescue. Jane Garvey knows her restaurants and her city, and every recommendation has been right on. You just can't miss if you use this book.

A book even a local loves!
This guide goes straight to the heart of Atlanta dining. There's no fluff or obligatory listings - Jane Garvey knows the city and can sniff out those hidden jewels better than most travel writers. I live in Atlanta and love referring to the book for those eclectic finds I might have forgotten. An out-of-towner will be delighted to dine like a real Atlantan instead of a tourist!

Jane ALWAYS knows best...
Whether it is food or wine, Jane has never steered us wrong. And this book is no exception!


Foghorn Outdoors: Alabama & Georgia Camping: The Complete Guide to More Than 380 Campgrounds
Published in Paperback by Avalon Travel Publishing (09 June, 2002)
Authors: Marilyn Windle and Bob Race
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Great outdoor resource!
I've been camping in the Southeast all my adult life, moving from a tent to a popup, then to a motorhome, and this is the first complete camping guide to the area that I've found. This book has it all. Where else are you going to find everything from RV parks to wilderness areas, along with information on where to find wildlife, where the hiking trails are, and even recipes for camp food? It even has a section about camping with children. This is the only book my husband and I need for camping here. When is Windle going to do the Carolinas and Tennessee?

Complete guide to the region
Great guide! It covers everything - RV sites, tent campgrounds, backpacking areas. The best part is how to get your spouse to like camping. My wife used to hate it, and we've been on three trips since I got this book. Better than anything else I've seen on camping here. Get it.

An excellent and helpful camping guide
I was really impressed with the amount of thought and research that obviously went into compiling this book. It was easy to read and I found it most helpful in determining places I would like to visit. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the outdoors!


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