I often hesitate about writing these reviews, mainly because I'm horrible at writing period. However, for this book I am willing to make an acceptation. This book not only discussed the controversies that surround one of the countries most famous youth organizations, but also took you into the role of a parent in a Boy Scout troop. With believable characters, and unbiased points of view this book is by far the best work of non-fiction I have ever read.

Those not previously connected in some way with the Scouting movement will likely find this book highly entertaining nonetheless. I was disappointed to reach its end.

Those that were or are Scouts / Scouters (as I was & am,) and who, like me, have experienced very painful internal conflict with the public unpleasantness the BSA has experienced in recent years will, in all likelihood, find a soothing balm in Mr. Applebome's ruminations on the issues at hand: God, Gays & Girls.

Sharing Peter & Ben's (father & son's) journey via this book elicited queries from my wife: "What in the world are you reading that you're laughing out loud at?"

Thank you Peter. Good night Scouts.

Now this is entertainment. Bookish dad joins eager son on a boy scout adventure into the great outdoors where both encounter their hopes and fears through a succession of comic and sometimes dramatic experiences. And that's just for starters--add an insightful exploration of the history of Scouting in america and various musings on the meaning of fatherhood, family and community amidst the distractions and disoriented values of a competitive consumerist culture and you've got what I think is a minor modern classic. This is a fun and funny book with a lot more on its mind than just an unlikely foray into the woods. Someone in hollywood should pounce cause Bill Murray is due for a big comeback and this could be it.

If you really want to know the truth about "diversity", just read Peter Wood's new book. Of course, some in the diversity crowd don't want the truth told, but Wood provides a very competent historical background and analyis of this doctrine. An intellectually honest treatment that helped me pull it all together in its historical context. A fantastic contribution! His message is one that America needs to know.

Must reads are everywhere. But few of them address such a toxic and dangerous plague as this one. The diversity movement, hiding in the garb of peace, love, and tolerance, is working hard to destroy the qualities that make America America. Sound harsh? It is. But Peter Wood documents with names and dates.

Why is education heading down the toilet? Well, there are many reasons, but diversity is certainly a major contributor. How about the fact that what passes for art these days leaves most people cold, if they're lucky, disgusted if they're not? Diversity again.

Diversity is a new concept, as Dr. Wood scrupulously points out. It is not an American ideal, but a recently coined invention to disguise the failure of affirmative action. Its purpose is to remove judgement and evaluation, to protect the incompetent and the insignificant, and to force everyone to embrace everyone else (except those cranky, right-wing wackos...don't embrace those nasty people!)

The reason I knock this down a point on style is that when Dr. Wood is good, he is very, very good. There are pages that are as funny as they are illuminating, Thus the weaker stuff looks much lamer in comparison. But minor quibble. This is an important book, a book that will go a long way to helping us rid the country of the bad ideas that are masquerading as the only possible good ones. If we read it. And share it. And promote it. Please do so.

I heard Dr. Wood speak in Washington before I purchased the book and he is as eloquent in person as he is on the page. It is difficult to discuss this matter in the public square given the emotional sensitivities in our society when one tries to talk about race, and no doubt many on the left will dismiss Dr. Wood out of hand. But he gives a reasoned, thoughtful discussion on an issue that is still very central in our lives and society - but as Dr. Wood points out, if the left weren't so focused on "diversity" we would likely be much closer to the colorblind society we all seek. An excellent and timely read!

Peter Leschak's style of writing tales of life up north is both immediate and reflective. He starts out philosophically sounding a bit like a contemporary Calvin Rutstrum, but avoids being "preachy" by moving quickly into interesting but everyday stories of rural life. I am glad he has written other books: I plan to read them all!

Peter is one of the best authors I've read. The reason I address him by his first name is because *know* him.. Lives quite close to me. I've read each of his books several times over...and as for the feeling of "being" in the north woods, I sent a copy of this book to a friend in Texas--and she said she felt as if she were here. I promise--once you read this books, you'll be hooked, and want to go one with each of them...

If you've ever spent a winter in the northwoods, and even if you haven't, you'll enjoy this book. He accurately chronicles living in a small town in northern Minnesota. His writing in excellent, and as you read you will feel that you are standing next to Peter as he sees the wolves and the northern lights

Reading this book I truly felt that I was walking with Peter O'Shea through the woods listening to his wonderful stories. This book is lovingly written and provides the reader with vivid, memorable descriptions of what I know to be a magnificent area of New York State. Well worth reading!

Peter O'Shea's "The Great South Woods" is a detailed and heartfelt account of the flora, fauna, geography and people of the Northwestern part of the Adirondack Park. All the native creatures of the area are described in detailed narratives similiar to one heard around a deep woods campfire. Golden eagles, racoons, bears, bobcat, snowshoe hare, beaver and white tailed deer are just a few of the animals reviewed in detail and passion. O'Shea easily describes the large variety of trees native to the area. Black cherry, white ash, tamarack, sugar maple, white birch and white pine read more like personalized characters rather than simple plant materials. The rivers and famous waterfalls of the region are also portrayed in delicate prose, prompting one to want to visit them over and over, if only in this book. Hiking along these ancient trails, O'Shea conveys a magical aura to everything he views, including the sweeping vistas from the many peaks and the experience of having a quiet hike interupted by a flight of a grouse or the discovery of a rare plant in a bog. Not content to stop with these topics, O'Shea delves further into the local lore and legend with well researched stories of the trappers, guides and sportsmen that first discovered and then protected this land. You'll find many favorite passages here and a wealth of information that will last lifetimes.

Opening volume I of "21st The Journal of Contemporary Photography" places the viewer in a world of quiet contemplation, made possible by the rich, luxurious photographic reproductions and insightful commentary found throughout. The tactile beauty of each page invites us to keep turning, while the content only makes us wish for more. Further volumes will answer this wish, incorporating the same attention to detail that is sorely lacking in other photographic publications. The annual publication of "21st" is the antithesis to a society dominated by consumables, 'dot coms', and digitalization. Great art takes time and "21st" is no exception; the tri-tone reproductions inside are breathtaking, while cover photographs by Keith Carter and John Dugdale(Vol. II) are worthy of display. Add to this some of the finest writers on the subject of photography, and it is clear why a lavish publication such as "21st" takes time. This is a book to be opened again and again, much like the finest photograph demands repeated viewing. One will never tire of "21st The Journal of Contemporary Photography" because it is not only meant to be looked at and read but more importantly, to be savored and treasured.

Opening Volume I of "21st" places the viewer in a world of quiet contemplation, made possible by the rich, luxurious photographic reproductions and insightful commentary found throughout. The tactile beauty of each page invites us to keep turning, while the content only makes us wish for more. Further volumes will answer this wish, incorporating the same attention to detail that is sorely lacking in other photographic publications. The annual publication of "21st" is the antithesis to a society dominated by consumables, 'dot coms', and digitalization. Great art takes time and "21st" is no exception; the tri-tone reproductions inside are breathtaking, while cover photographs by Keith Carter and John Dugdale(Vol. II) are worthy of display. Add to this some of the finest writers on the subject of photography, and it is clear why a lavish publication such as "21st" takes time. This is a book to be opened again and again, much like the finest photograph demands repeated viewing. One will never tire of "21st The Journal of Contemporary Photography" because it is not only meant to be looked at and read but more importantly, to be savored and treasured.

This is an excellent book with a well written narrative discussing the history and modern situation of the American Wood Duck and its Asian cousin, the Manadarin. This book is a must read for anyone wanting to learn the natural habits of these great waterfowl. Furthermore, the pictures are simply breathtaking. Highly recommended.

For anyone interested in woodies or mandarin ducks there is not a more delightful informative book available(I know because I have them all I think). Well written, beautiful photography,a real joy to read.

The history of the Floridas and its Black peoples has for many years been relegated to the back pages of American history. Jane Landers' important work will move the history of Black Florida before 1820 to the forefront of American history. She presents the people of color of Eastern Spanish Florida free and enslaved, as active participants in shaping 500 years of American history. Landers helps to dispell the one dimensional template (and inaccurate) of slavery taken from the central Southern states: cotton fields, the big house, field hands and the few and despised priviledged house slaves. Life during Spanish rule was similar but different. Landers certainly doesn't let the Spanish off the hook, but brings another dimension to Blacks living enslaved or free in the eastern Floridas. These were multi-lingual people Blacks, who traveled throughout the ports in the Caribbean, or interacted with the many cultures of the Florida's port cities. Landers forces the reader to look at Blacks in Florida in a different light. The early sons and daughters of Florida "MET" the immigrants from Europe, the Upper South and the Caribbean at the docks of St. Augustine, Tampa etc.

Jane Landers' thorough research of St. Augustine unearths fascinating histories of Black families who live in present day Florida.

Hopefully the readers of this book will look for the imprint of Florida Blacks beyond the Spanish Rule.

For historians, or fans of African-American history, or American history, Lander's style will captivate and compell them to search for more histories on the Afro-Caribbeans of Florida.

his book would have to be good-a picture is worth a thousand words ,so how can it miss with Burne-Jones' awesome pictures in it?

Compared to books such as "Voluntary Simplicity" by Duane Elgin and similar books, one realises that many of these ideas are nothing new when one reads Walden by Thoreau. In fact, what strikes me is that we as a Western society have not overcome many of the issues pointed out by Thoreau 150 years ago. Thoreau left Concord MA "disdainful of America's growing commercialism and industrialism", the slavish materialism of that society then. One wonders what he'll say if he would see the extend today - in the post Coca-Cola society. But then Thoreau was a man who clearly stepped to his own drum. Becuase of slavery, he refused to support the state on moral grounds. How would his views have been tolerated today?

I am not luddite, but my favourite quote from the book is this: "We are in great haste to construct a magnetic telegraph from Maine to Texas; but Maine and Texas, it may be, have nothing to communicate". Does this say something about the Internet, newsmedia and our contemporary information overload, or what?

I liked the introduction and footnotes of Meyer. Just enough to provide context and explanation, but never intrusive. This book is as relevant today as it was during Thoreau's lifetime. Highly recommended.

H.D. Thoreau is the first and most important figure in U.S. Radicalism. This collection provides the essential background for the latent radicalism inherent in American politics, especially as it was vocalized in the Civil Rights and Anti-War movements of the 1960's.

Disobedience is the shorter of the texts, but probably more important. It is an attempt to justify moral anarchism and a call to act on individual judgements about justice.

Walden can be interpreted as an important treatise against consumerism and the dangers of specialization, as well as an appreciation of the natural environment. Those interested in anti-globalization/anti-free trade movements would do well to read Walden to gain an understanding of where anti-consumerism came from and an examination of its ethical implications. However, it also pays to remember that Walden is a failed experiment and, in the end, Thoreau returns to Cambridge.

Thoreau, as political philosophy, has certain problems. Moral anarchy and denial of the social contract is difficult to replace in civil society--Thoreau makes no more than the most vague references as to what could replace it, seeming to rely on the fact that his personal sense of justice is universal.

Nevertheless, Thoreau's conscience has resonance and is as relevant today as ever. His rejection of consumerism as the basis for society and its stratification also teaches important lessons.

Thoreau represents that first step in understanding the other part of American political thought--extremely different from that of the Constitution and Federalist Papers--but with profound connections to the work of Dr. Martin Luther King.

I can only speak from experience on this one. This is one of the most remarkable books I've ever read. Thoreau influenced my views on liberty, justice, and integrity [following what is right, not merely that which is deemed law]. The inner journey Thoreau got me started on has continued throughout my life. I credit him for instilling within me the concept of "Teach me how to think, not what"--invaluable to the fledgling independent thinker and philosopher. I highly recommend Ralph Waldo Emerson, in conjunction with Thoreau.

This novel is very disappointing. Pascoe's invovlement with his forebears just doesn't make for even marginally compelling fiction. The environmental aspect is doubly disappointing because it reveals a political correctness, which we knew Hill felt close to his "soul", but had wisely jettisoned (except for Wieldy), and Hill tries to have his cake and eat it too. He presents environmentalism as a positive good, but also presents it in such a way that it comes across as absurd. Dalziel is depicted callowly (Was he in the novel?) NO way in world that FAt Andy would go for the girl Hill has chosen for her. Finally, the novel is shrouded in "fog" (miasma) I realize Hill was aiming for something special, but for this reader he missed wildly.

This is one of Hill's better Dalziel and Pascoe novels, marred only by the author's continued insistence on showing off his extensive knowledge of the English language. It may be heresy, but I rather prefer the TV adaptations, which tighten and speed things up a bit while keeping the essence.

Ever wondered why Dalziel's name is pronounced "De-ell"? It's a Scottish surname. At one point in the series we are told he was born and brought up in Yorkshire of Scottish parents (now there's a nature-nurture mix to conjure with - growing up in Scotland I was told that a Yorkshireman was really just a Scotsman with the generosity removed!). In the original Gaelic the name has a character that early typographers though looked like a "z" and rendered it so in print, even though it was not pronounced like that. Other Scottish surnames have undergone a similar fate - Menzies should actually be prounced "Ming-iss" and still is, in Scotland.

It is so great to pick up a modern mystery from Hill that has current problems mixed well with the British linguistic skills and which returns to the lucid story-telling origins of British writers of this particular genre. After all, for most intents and purposes, the British were the ones who invented and solified this genre, and who have provided the best examples of excellent writing in it. Hill will probably have his name added to this distinquished group. Other reviewers have complained about Hill's tendency to 'show off' his language skills, but it is not really about showing off. It's about the quality of education that is achieved for many (if not most) in England in comparision to what we achieve here. I suspect if educators (I am one) in the U.S. spent as much time on increasing the reading and writing levels of our own students, the other subject matters (science, math, history, geography) would be easier to reach literacy skills in. An author of the level of Reginald Hill indicates that reading is a skill practiced way beyond that required in the states...to the point that reading becomes an essential part of the life, so this type of language useage comes naturally to Hill. If only we could achieve this in the U.S.!

Lately, I've been coming across many books, both fiction and nonfiction with information concerning World War I. I get the feeling I'm being pointed in this direction, and I am not sure why. I always thought from my previous historical research that the Civil War in the U.S. was the bloodiest and most disgusting war...all this input concerning WWI is rapidly changing my mind. This is one of the first books that have brought the political climate of that time period (as well as the political/social feelings towards WWI currently in Britain) to the fore. I agree with Hill that the mindset of the politicians and generals who manipulated the young men and media at home for their own purposes, belong up there with Hitler and other tyrants who used their own people for the wrong reasons. I think at this point, I can safely add to this group of despicable people, the corporate monsters from ENRON, WORLDCOM, and other American corporations who put profit and greed, before moral standards.

Actually, we do Hill's story a disservice when we only include Dalziel and Pascoe as the main protagonists in Hill's plot devices. I am finding out that the sargeant, Wield, is equally as necessary in many of the stories and he provides great insight into his boss and his friend, as well into the regular folks he has more direct contact with. Ellie, Pascoe's wife, seems to be becoming more important in some stories, and she definitely is involved in this one. Her insight as a woman with social causes provides not only background, but also provides a touch of relative normality for Pascoe. Her insight into his mind and his obsessions, allows her to provide tidbits of information that he can use to make informed decisions. Even Dalziel grudgingly admires her input in certain cases.

Having worked in medical labs, I am all too aware of the rabid cause of animal rights groups. I was lucky in that my work was done on human cells, rather than animals (I purposely avoided it as I too love animals but I also realized medical strides often cannot be made without some animal experimentation). The plot device in this book where someone sought to make use of animal activism to cover up scandals makes an incredible amount of sense. With all the corporate irresponsibility being shown in the U.S. at this point, it should not surprise anyone to find companies using animal rights and environmentalism to cover up their own wrongs.

This was a wonderful read...thoroughly enjoyable all the way through!

Karen Sadler,
University of Pittsburgh