Home Ground: Language for an American Landscape

Book Description

Barry Lopez asked 45 poets and writers to define terms that describe America’s land and water forms — phrases like flatiron, bayou, monadnock, kiss tank, meander bar, and everglade. The result is a major enterprise comprising over 850 descriptions, 100 line drawings, and 70 quotations from works by Willa Cather, Truman Capote, John Updike, Cormac McCarthy, and others. Carefully researched and exquisitely written by talents such as Barbara Kingsolver, Lan Samantha Chang, Robert Hass, Terry Tempest Williams, Jon Krakauer, Gretel Ehrlich, Luis Alberto Urrea, Antonya Nelson, Charles Frazier, Linda Hogan, and Bill McKibben, Home Ground is a striking composite portrait of the landscape. At the heart of this expansive work is a community of writers in service to their country, emphasizing a language that suggests the vastness and mystery that lie beyond our everyday words.

Customer Reviews:

Home Ground.......2007-07-17

Everything Barry Lopez touches is guaranteed quality reading. "Home Ground" a wonderful reference for understanding various geographical/landscape features. Pulling the reference to same from literature onto the same page as the definition is a brilliant idea. I enjoy opening it and reading it at random and also referring to it to refresh myself on terms.

A Beautiful Book.......2007-05-23

If you have a passion for the land, for the language, for fine writing, for earth's mysteries, and for peculiarities of places; and especially if you like books that are simply well-wrought objects, this is a truly beautiful volume. Trust to accident, and crack it open anywhere - you will be enlightened about some little place or feature you likely never knew existed. A true treasure.

Home Ground.......2007-04-04

The format of this interesting exploration of the landscape lends itself to those occasional free moments when one wants a connection with something of worth. Here is a wonderful blending of history, language and the land. Home Ground deserves a permanent place on the coffee table.

Nature Lover from Portola Valley loves Home Ground.......2007-01-23

I'd recommend this book to anyone who reads widely and loves to discover the derivation of geographical terms pertainig to nature. What is unique about this book is the input from 45 well known writers to define unique American landscape terms. I ordered 3 copies for all my family located in the Pacific Northwest and they agree that this book is a great resource.

Landscapes and Language.......2007-01-12

The book defines (with illustrations) terms used to describe land features, such as barranca, grand bois, quaking bog. It is primarily a book to dip into for fun or to consult as a reference. If you like descriptive terms (e.g., meander scar) or puzzling friends with new words, you will like this book.

History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Average customer rating:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers
Pants on fire?
Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed.
Very Interesting
History as Science Fiction

History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Anatoly Fomenko
Manufacturer: Mithec
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 2913621058

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

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Cute, but a little too precious
Pithy Insights About Homes That Don't Fit Lives
Charming and provocative reflections on how we live

Geography of Home
Akiko Busch
Manufacturer: Princeton Architectural Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1568984294

Book Description

Geography of Home has been hailed as "an appealing, insightful collection of musings on the architecture, psychology, and history of house and home in America" (Kirkus). Now available in paperback, Geography of Home reminds us that the house is home to many things. Far more than four walls and a roof, it contains our private and public lives, our families, our memories and aspirations, and reflects our attitudes toward society, culture, the environment, and our neighbors.
In a literary tour of the spaces of our homes, noted design essayist Akiko Busch reflects on how we define such elusive qualities as privacy, security, and comfort. Part social history, part architectural history, part personal anecdote, this rich and delightful book uncovers the hidden meanings of the place we call home.

Customer Reviews:

Cute, but a little too precious.......2007-04-05

I found the core notion that our home designs don't fit our lives to be very interesting. But be warned that the book is a series of very personal, sometimes bordering on superficial, essays. Beyond the core notion, I didn't find much to relate to in Busch's observations about her own
(upper class, domesticated) life. She often makes blanket statements about how "we" live that more than once made me feel like she was writing for a whole other group of people I've never met. That said, if you do feel included in her blanket statements, you might love the book.

Pithy Insights About Homes That Don't Fit Lives.......2003-11-25

This little book of essays is a fine read -- brightly written, free of the usual jargon, quick with insight. It helps the reader to understand why that expensively furnished living room lies silent while the kitchen bussles with everything but cooking. I enjoyed it immensely.

Charming and provocative reflections on how we live.......1999-06-26

Bravo! Aki Busch takes us on a charming and provocative stroll both through her home and each of ours. Ever wonder why you still have a front door? Or whatever happened to the front porch? Or why your kitchen and closets and garage are so essential? READ THIS BOOK and find out!!

Average customer rating:

A Truly Spiritual Geography
A beautiful book.
Not for everyone, but I loved it.
must read for all dakotans and transplants to the midwest
To Read and Reread

Dakota: A Spiritual Geography
Kathleen Norris
Manufacturer: Mariner Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0618127240

Amazon.com

After 20 years of living in the "Great American Outback," as Newsweek magazine once designated the Dakotas, poet Kathleen Norris (The Cloister Walk) came to understand the fascinating ways that people become metaphors for the land they inhabit. When trying to understand the polarizing contradictions that exist in the Dakotas between "hospitality and insularity, change and inertia, stability and instability.... between hope and despair, between open hearts and closed minds," Norris draws a map. "We are at the point of transition between east and west in the United States," she explains, "geographically and psychically isolated from either coast, and unlike either the Midwest or the desert west."

Like Terry Tempest Williams (Refuge), Norris understands how the boundary between inner and outer scenery begins to blur when one is fully present in the landscape of their lives. As a result, she offers the geography lesson we all longed for in school. This is a poetic, noble, and often funny (see her discussion on the foreign concept of tofu) tribute to Dakota, including its Native Americans, Benedictine monks, ministers and churchgoers, wind-weathered farmers, and all its plain folks who live such complicated and simple lives. --Gail Hudson

Book Description

"A book of stories, a book of prayer, a book to be read meditatively and well," DAKOTA offers a timeless tribute to a place in the American landscape that is at once desolate and sublime, harsh and forgiving, steeped in history and myth. From the award-winning author of AMAZING GRACE, DAKOTA is Kathleen Norris at her most thoughtful, her most discerning, her best. She gives us, once again, a rare "gift of hope and balance, a place to begin" (Chicago Tribune) and assurance that wherever we go, we chart our own spiritual geography.

Customer Reviews:

A Truly Spiritual Geography.......2007-06-09

The key to this book is right there in the title. The Dakota of Kathleen Norris' experience, depiction, and understanding is a decidedly spiritual state of being. Just as "deep calls unto deep," so the austere, high plains landscape both evokes and instructs Norris' interior world. Having traveled with Norris through her "Cloister Walk," and having learned her lexicon in "Amazing Grace," I was prepared to look around Dakota with her penetrating vision, to listen to the wind with her attentive hearing, to think deeply about what we were seeing together, and to let my heart grow still as she taught me. Now, though I've never yet been to the high plains, I have truly been to Kathleen Norris' unique and personal Dakota -- and is that not the best accolade for a travelogue, that the reader honestly feels that he's made the trip? I gave this book to a deep-souled friend who needed the time of quiet contemplation it provides, and I recommend it to you as well.

A beautiful book........2007-01-09

I read this book every couple of years and find it a fresh, new read everytime. I recently ordered an extra copy for some friends. To my parents, this was one of those books you love and give copies of to all you friends, siblings, and children. I think I will be doing the same thing.

Not for everyone, but I loved it........2006-11-07

Having moved from a large city to a small town in West Texas, I could totally identify with this book. I learned a lot about the dynamics of a small town, both good and bad. Spiritually, I came to the realization that I found my own desert. The insights that accompany that realization along with the prose of the book are definitely worth the time.

That having been said, this book is not for everyone. It is highly spiritual and insightful, but in an understated way.

must read for all dakotans and transplants to the midwest.......2006-09-26

Norris offers an insight-full monastically minded view into Dakota life, not just North and South Dakota, but the fascinating cultural differences between east and west of the Missouri river that divides So. Dakota. In what I consider a very telling paragraph (p129) she begins a dialogue on sacred space saying that those who ask what is sacred really are asking "What place is mine." Dakota seems to emanate from Norris' own coming to grips with place and aims to help others do the same. That love-hate relationship that many feel toward home is evident within. For those who know rural life in the midwest "Dakota" is penetrating and beautiful on one hand and so frustrating it made me want to move on the other. At times she portays a rural ghetto of resisting outside influence (p.62), exclusionary unity (p, 59) lower professional standards which she also claims to be part of the small town charm (p.55). It is both bitter and sweet but not from judgment, rather from her claiming this land as her own...this is where she belongs...this is where she planted and rooted.

Kathleen Norris has helped me to return to my roots, not in South Dakota, but Iowa. It has given me a new found appreciation of the land and culture which I was and still am planted in. For those in the midwest much of her insights will transfer to other contexts. And for those not from the midwest or small towns it will be an interesting read into how the other half live and will likely offer some fine opportunities to reflect on your location.

To Read and Reread.......2006-04-05

I loved Dakota. I've read it and reread it. It has so much to enjoy. First, Norris writes like a poet. Her words are beautiful. They pull you along. Second, her description of the Great Plains and the monasteries transports you. I've been wanting to visit Dakota ever since I read the book. Finally, there is the conversion that takes place in Norris herself as she is changed by the place. Dakota is slow reading, but it is not boring. This isn't a Tom Clancy book. However, a book on farmers, monks and poets should be slow. Norris reflects on herself and her environment. If you slow yourself down to keep pace with the book, you will find an appreciation for yourself and your own environment. If you get impatient, go read Clancy or Grisham, but come back to Dakota.

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Geomatics
Barry F. Kavanagh
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 013032289X

Book Description

This state-of-the-art exploration of the theory and applications of geometrics recognizes the expansion and advances in the field and the broadening of the allied disciplines that have a direct interest in the newest technological approaches to geo-data collection, processing, analysis, management, and presentation. Exceptionally well-written by a teacher/surveyor manager with many years of experience, it provides a comprehensive insider's view of what's important, what works, and how it all fits together. Divided into three parts—Fundamentals, Remote Sensing, and Engineering Applications—it covers both traditional topics in surveying and the more recently developed topics in geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning (GPS) and airborne imagery, together with satellite imagery (remote sensing)—all with a focus on applications of interest to the fields of in civil, surveying, and geological engineering, physical geography, environmental, natural resources, etc. Features an appendix of 11 field projects involving the fundamentals of taping, leveling, and angle acquisition, and applications in data gathering, stake-outs for buildings, curves, and pipelines. An Introduction to Geometrics. Distance Measurement—Taping. Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM). Leveling. Angles and Directions. Transits/Theodolites. Traverse Surveys. Electronic Surveying Measurements. Topographic Surveying and Mapping. Geogramic Information Systems (GIS). Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Control Surveys. Land Surveying. Airborne Imagery. Satellite Imagery. Highway Curves. Construction Surveying. For anyone interested in the state-of-the-art theory and applications of Geomatics/Surveying.

Organize for Disaster: Prepare Your Family and Your Home for Any Natural Or Unnatural Disaster

Average customer rating:

Very Basic
Great advice
Excellent Book But Only Does What Title Says
A Book Everyone Can Use
Disaster Preparedness Books

Organize for Disaster: Prepare Your Family and Your Home for Any Natural Or Unnatural Disaster
Judith Kolberg
Manufacturer: Squall Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Disaster Relief | Current Events | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0966797043
Release Date: 2005-02-01

Book Description

The world is a more dangerous place than it used to be. Organize For Disaster closes the gap between awareness to prepare and actual implementation by providing organizing tools like shopping lists of provisions; storage ideas; sample family communication, evacuation, and escape plans, checklists and tips. It is current with information about terrorism as well as natural disasters. An excellent ready-reference, Organize is also a 'good read' with first-hand accounts of disaster survivors and advice from disaster experts. Perfect for today's busy families.

Customer Reviews:

Very Basic.......2007-08-28

If you've done any research on the web about emergency preparedness, you already know much of what's in this book. It might be good for a family or individual with no prior consideration of the issue, however.

Great advice.......2007-08-23

A lot of the information is common sense, but there were many suggestions that I had not thought of before. I would definitely recommend it to everyone, and will likely give this book as gifts this Christmas to my family members.

Excellent Book But Only Does What Title Says.......2007-07-20

First - this is NOT a complete book on disaster preparedness. It is a book on how to organize your belongings and information in case of disaster - period. In that respect it is excellent. It is an essential part of a disaster preparedness library but you will need other books that cover other topics.

A Book Everyone Can Use.......2007-05-08

All of us, no matter where we live in the US or Canada, are vulnerable to some type of natural disaster - hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, floods, mudslides, tornadoes, blizzards, etc. - as well as the possibility of terrorist attacks. And now we also have to worry about the possibility of the avian flu.

In her introduction, Ms. Kolberg presents research that indicates a very large gap between our awareness of the need to be prepared for a disaster and our implementation of the steps necessary to meet that need. "What accounts for this gap between awareness and implementation? Two things: instruction and organization."

The first chapter, It Could Never Happen to Me, sets the stage for the rest of the book. As we all saw post-Katrina, first responders can be overwhelmed for days or even weeks after a disaster. It is up to each of us to not be a victim.

Each chapter of the book begins with a short If I Only Knew Then What I know Now.... story by disaster survivors and ends with a box entitled What Kids Can Do. The information Ms. Kolberg provides is concise, specific, and covers such topics as hunkering down, what to pack in a grab-n-go bag, family communication, first aid and protecting your home and its contents. An entire chapter is devoted to documents - what's important, what's essential, what to have copies of, where to store originals. There are nine forms and checklists (e.g. vital contacts, home inventory) in the appendix.

This is a book everyone should read. Even if you don't implement all of the suggestions, you will achieve a good deal of peace of mind for each item you do implement!

Disaster Preparedness Books.......2006-10-05

If you're like I was, you're looking through the various disaster preparedness books wondering which one is best. I have worked my way through 7 of the most popular books and offer a shared review of all of them here. I hope this comparison helps you make a decision.

Book 1: Crisis Preparedness by Jack A. Spigarelli
Like many of the disaster preparedness books, this one begins by answering the question, "Why bother being prepared?" It also outlines a framework for being prepared that includes accumulating supplies, getting mentally and physically prepared, and having your finances in order. One thing I particularly liked was the emphasis on the importance of knowledge. It wasn't just about what items you need, but also what skills and knowledge you should develop. But this book is mostly about food preparation for a major disaster, with emphasis on having a year's food storage, milling your own grain, growing sprouts, home canning, dehydrating, freeze-drying, etc. There are detailed tables showing the calories of various foods including their protein, fat, and carbs. The final third of the book offers advice on other topics, including weapons, hand tools, clothing, energy, medical, sanitation, transportation, communications, and home preparation. The book concludes with a list of recommended books and a brief listing of companies that sell disaster preparation items. Overall, this is a very good preparedness book. I probably should have given it 5 stars, but I thought it went a bit overboard on the food plan. That said, it is the most comprehensive of the preparedness books.

Book 2: Preparedness Now! By Aton Edwards
This is another thorough disaster preparedness book, one that focuses more on emergency situations (fire, chemical attack, etc.). It is organized into brief chapters (some only a few pages) on a variety of important topics, including: water, food, shelter, sanitation, communication, transportation, and protection. It is also filled with many packing lists detailing what you should get in preparation. It introduces the e-kit (a very lightweight kit to keep with you) and grab-n-go bag with more extensive items. Final chapters of the book discuss various possible disasters, including earthquakes, tsunami, infectious diseases, chemical and bio warfare, crime, fire, and extreme weather. Some of the commentary is a bit questionable, but the technical content is good. Note the deficiency with this book is that it does not offer any detail on food storage.

Book 3: Disaster Preparedness for Dummies
First of all, this isn't a book. It's a DVD video. I wasn't paying attention when I bought it, and was a bit surprised when it arrived. I generally like the Dummies series. They are well researched and serve as a good summary. This DVD offers a lengthy video discussing many disasters (hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, etc.), briefly outlining how you might prepare for them. It also has an overview of how you should react in case of a terrorist attack (nuclear, chemical, and biological). But the advice is all very general, and is more like what you'd expect to hear from your local weather station. For example, the video repeatedly advises you to "stay calm" and "evaucate in an orderly fashion." The videos are high quality, but don't expect detailed outdoor survival tips or food storage suggestions. Everything presented is relevant and useful, but it feels more like a FEMA public service announcement.

Book 4: Emergency Food Storage and Survival Handbook by Peggy Layton
This book is broken into six main sections. The first section offers decent but very incomplete summaries on preparing for short-term emergencies. The second section discusses how to store and purify water. The third part talks about the logistics of setting up a food-storage program, and has some suggestions on how to store food. The fourth section details what types of foods you should store. The fifth section has blank inventory planning pages. And finally the last section has some recipes. About half of the 285 page book is either blank planning pages or simple recipes. The first half of the book is pretty good stuff, but I found this book to be incomplete. It does however offer some good advice on food storage.

Book 5: Organize for Disaster by Judith Kolberg
This book goes an entirely different direction than the other preparedness books. Emphasis is on understanding the federal resources (i.e. FEMA, Red Cross, etc.) available, creating a personal intelligence network, organizing essential documents, maintaining insurance coverage, listing a home inventory, preparing your house for disaster, basic first aid, and having a good family communication plan. There is also a good list of necessary items to have on hand that would suit many common disaster. I recommend this book for its common-sense look at disaster preparedness. However, it is not the only book you would need, because it doesn't detail food storage, water purification, heating, etc.. That said, it covers some topics that the other books overlook.

Book 6: Making the Best of Basics, Family Preparedness Handbook by James Talmage Stevens
This book is almost completely about in-home food storage and preparation. There is little discussion outside that (except for basic water issues). Many chapters discuss food in significant detail, to include things like grains, recipes, preparing sourdough breads/biscuits, dairy products, honey, sprouting, drying of fruits/vegetables. At the end of this book is a huge compendium of preparedness resources, telling where things can be purchased in every US state.

Book 7: No Such Thing as Doomsday, by Philip L. Hoag, revised in 2001
This book offers well-researched insights into disaster preparedness. Topics include water, food, heating/cooking, light, power, communications, medical, sanitation, and security. Those subjects are well done. However, much of the book reads like a bit of doomsday prediction, with many pages devoted to scaring the heck out of the reader... focusing on missile attacks, chemical dangers, nuclear war, radiation, decontamination, communist threat, etc. For me personally, I would have like to see more pages devoted to likely threats (e.g. hurricanes, floods, earthquake, blackout, fire, etc.). Also note that Amazon may not carry the latest version (updated in 2001), so you may want to buy directly from the author.

Overall, if you can only purchase three books, I would recommend Book 5, Book 6, and either Book 1, 2 or 7. With those three, you should have a balanced look at common sense organizing, food storage, and emergency items to have on hand. If you can buy only one book, I recommend Book 1.

I've created a useful disaster preparedness list for your automobile on my Amazon author blog (just click on my name above the review).

Written by Arthur Bradley, author of "Process of Elimination" - an intense thriller in which a martial artist, a greedy corporate attorney, and a conspiracy theorist try to stop a world-class sniper out to shape the next Presidential election.

Please be kind enough to indicate if reviews are helpful.

Surveying Fundamentals and Practices (5th Edition)

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Surveying Fundamentals and Practices (5th Edition)
Jerry A. Nathanson , Michael Lanzafama , and Philip Kissam
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0130977365

Global History and Geography (Barron's Regents Exams and Answers Books)

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Helps for the SAT II World HIstory
It was a great help

Global History and Geography (Barron's Regents Exams and Answers Books)
Martin & Streitwieser Lefton
Manufacturer: Barron's Educational Series
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Accessories:

ASIN: 0812043448

Book Description

These ever popular guides include study tips, test-taking strategies, score analysis charts, and other valuable features. Each book contains between 5 and 20 recently given New York State high school Regents exams. They are an ideal source of practice and test preparation. The detailed answer explanations make each exam a practical learning experience.

Customer Reviews:

Helps for the SAT II World HIstory.......2001-03-14

There aren't too many books published to help specifically for the SAT II W. Hist. So before I took that exam I bought this book for some practice problems, and it did help. I scored a 710 although I it had been 2 years since I took W.Hist. If you also plan to buy the Barron's How to...World History, read the review section, which is pretty good, but don't let their exam questions tarnish your perceptions. The questions intensified popular misconceptions and what not. That's why you would want this book for practice questions. Ironic: same publishers, two different recommendations.

It was a great help.......2000-06-08

This book really gave me good practice for the regents

American Home Life, 1880-1930: A Social History of Spaces and Services

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American Home Life, 1880-1930: A Social History of Spaces and Services
Jessica H. Foy
Manufacturer: University of Tennessee Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 087049855X

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A Familiar Home: Compelling Characters Reflecting Universal Struggles
I'd buy 10 copies!
geographies of home
geographies of home
Unflinchingly Bold

Geographies of Home
Loida Maritza Perez
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0140253718
Release Date: 2000-02-28

Book Description

A luminous first novel about the Latina immigrant experience, peopled with "characters whose humanity is so vivid and universal that one cannot help but be swept into their torment" (Miami Herald)

After leaving the college she'd attended to escape her religiously conservative parents, Iliana, a first-generation Dominican-American woman, returns home to Brooklyn to find that her family is falling apart: one sister is careening toward mental collapse, another sister is living in a decrepit building with her abusive husband and three children, and a third sister has simply disappeared. In this dislocating urban environment Iliana reluctantly confronts the anger and desperation that seem to seep through every crack of her family's small house, and experiences all the contradictions, superstitions, joys, and pains that come from a life caught between two cultures. In this magnificent debut novel, filled with graceful prose and searing detail, Loida Maritza Perez offers a penetrating portrait of the American immigrant experience as she explores the true meanings of identity, family--and home.

"A powerful debut novel."-- Newsweek

"With haunting magic realism reminiscent of Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Isabel Allende, Perez underscores the dual existence every immigrant child navigates."-- Latina magazine

"Geographies of Home will leave you feeling both amazingly breathless and wonderfully redeemed."-- Edwidge Danticat

Nominated for a Quality Paperback Book Club's New Voices Award
Perez was named one of El Diario's "50 Latinas of 1999"

Customer Reviews:

A Familiar Home: Compelling Characters Reflecting Universal Struggles.......2007-05-21

Schizophrenia!! Rape!! Child Abuse!! Even magic!! are embedded in the novel Geographies of Home by Loida Maritza Perez. Perez writes a beautifully written story about a convincingly real Dominican-American family with severe issues. The novel is about a college student, Iliana, returning home after hearing voices in her head, which she believes is her mom, telling her to go home. After arriving home, she finds a sister on the border of mental illness, a sister with an abusive husband, another sister who's lost, and parents in constant denial about their family issues. Basically, Iliana deals with all these situations while at the same time dealing with contradictions, superstitions and the struggle of migrating to a new country (from Dominican Republic to New York City). In turn, Iliana finds herself in a cliché-esque identity quest. Presenting both the horrors of immigrating to a new country and family issues, Perez creates a haunting feel for the book. However, by creating these unorthodox characters, it makes the reader get swept into the book by listening to their unusual stories. In truth, Perez's characters were the foundation of this novel because of their bizarre situations. The stylistic methods she uses to describe the characters are effective in developing the authentic situations of the characters.
The author changes point of view every now and then, which became confusing at times, but became the most effective way to present the story. Each shift in perspective hinted a change in the family's status or dynamic and gave the reader the most engaging point of view to further understand the characters' situations. The novel starts off with Iliana, the story's protagonist, who is a college student heading home after hearing voices in her head that her family is in trouble. Right off the bat, the reader sympathizes with Iliana because she is simultaneously introduced to the family's descent as the reader. Having Iliana's point of view, for this instance, gives the reader that sudden state-of- shock feel that which sets up perfectly for the other stories.
At some parts of the book, Perez describes the characters situations almost perfectly but ironically only uses short, feeble sentences to display them, which I found to be very effective. For instance, Perez describes a scene where Marina, a mentally-ill victim induced by rape, believes that her rapist was in her room. Perez narrates, "Her instinct was to run. Yet she could barely breathe, much less move...Eyes adjusting to the dark...Now there it stood: the embodiment of her worst fears. She had known it would arrive. But not so soon, not for her, not as the man who'd raped her" (16). Perez's short and abrupt sentences seem almost elementary but surprisingly at the same time, give just the right amount of information needed to develop the characters. This particular scene allows the reader to explore the effects of rape on a Marina, which if found to be chilling. Also, the style of it adds to the whole eerie sense of the book because it is as if she is only giving selective details to the reader providing for a constant uncertainty.
What I believe really helped in gaining interest for this book was the level of reality it brought on the table. It touched on subjects that embodied the struggles of everyday life, which any one could relate to. Iliana was a college student eager to become independent and escape the strains of her parents, which any teenager can relate to. Moreover, facing the trials of immigrant life after settling in New York can easily relate to a spectrum of immigrants living within America. The theme could even be more generalized into drastic change between something home-like and something new. Most importantly, anyone can relate to the idea of family problems whether its rivalry, acceptance, abuse, mistreatment, etc. However, Perez does incorporate some illusive spiritualism in the story, which, I think, represents things that we want to be real giving the reader a sense of the conflict between illusions versus reality.
The disappointing part to this book, however, is the ending, which is not completely followed through. It is as if Perez ran out of things to say when she ended the book. This leaves the reader unsatisfied and somewhat confused pondering about the complete resolution. The abrupt ending makes the reader feel like the characters are still continuing, while the reader is left out of the story. This parallels the common family struggles, which are constantly changing but has no clear endings. Many things are left unexplained and unanswered which ends the novel in a haunting sense.
However, overall, Geographies of Home is a great read that incorporates much of the modern struggles we face today by creating these untraditional characters. Perez's style in this novel helped create a sense of reality for these characters ultimately making it easier to relate to these characters.

I'd buy 10 copies!.......2005-01-21

I spent a whole Sunday in bed reading this book. I was so engaged, I didn't even want to get up to use the bathroom! Through Iliana, Ms. Perez told a complicated story of the dreams and struggles of a large Dominican family. Geographies of Home was written so poetically that the words seemed to wrap around me and I imagined myself in each character's shoes. I appreciated learning about the Seventh Day Adventist faith and reading about a Dominican-American family that dispelled some New York City stereotypes about Dominicans (Washington Heights residents, single-parent homes, devout Catholics, etc.). Although the story started kind of slowly, it's well worth the reader's time.

geographies of home.......2004-12-02

loida maritza perez has written a fantastic book. All Dominicans should find the time to read this very informative book. Twelve of the characters are real members of her family. All twelve are alive. About 95 percent of her story is true. She invented about five percent of the story to create a little drama. Marina really had a nervous breakdown because she was raped. HER VIRGINITY WAS REALLY TAKEN AWAY FROM HER ON THAT DAY. Her sister Betrise did vanish. She went away to college. She returned years later . Pasion was really a low life who manipulated the oldest sister. She married passion to prevent being an old maid and she stayed to honor her marriage vows. There were millions of happy moments and I consider her parents to be heros. They were both uneducated and yet they manage to raise twelve children. Most of them are successful, some are millionares, others own millions in realestate, some attended ivy universities, and other colleges. THEIR RELIGION HELPED SHAPED THEM INTO RESPONSIBLE ADULTS AND NINE OF THEM ARE STILL IN THE SAME RELIGION. ALL FAMILIES HAVE PROBLEMS AND YET THIS FAMILY MANAGED TO BECOME A COMPLETE SUCCESSS. LOIDA COULD NOT WRITE EVERYTHING ABOUT ALL THE CHARACTERS BECAUSE SHE HAS ENOUGH MATERIAL TO WRITE ONE NOVEL ABOUT EACH OF HER BROTHERS AND SISTERS. MAYBE ONE DAY SHE WILL WRITE ABOUT EACH ONE AND ALL QUESTIONS READERS HAVE WILL BE ANSWERED. RUN AND BUY THIS BOOK.

geographies of home.......2004-11-04

THE FAMILY DESCRIBED IN THIS BOOK IS REAL .LOIDA IS MY AUNT. SHE WROTE ABOUT THE BAD THINGS THAT HAPPENED TO THE FAMILY AND LEFT OUT ALL THE GOOD TIMES WE HAD. A BOOK ABOUT GOOD THINGS WOULD NOT SELL AND I UNDERSTAND WHY SHE WROTE IT THAT WAY. THE BOOK IS EXCELLENT. HER PARENTS WERE POOR ,BUT THEY MANAGED TO SEND THEIR CHILDREN TO COLLEGES AND IVY LEAGUE UNIVERSITIES. SOME OF THE CHARACTERS OWN BUSINESSES AND ALL ARE DOING WELL. THEY ALL GREW UP IN A STRICT SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST HOME AND ENDED UP AS STRONG INDIVIDUALS. NONE OF THEM COMMITTED CRIMES, USED DRUGS OR BEEN ARRESTED AND IT WAS BECAUSE OF THEIR RELIGIOUS UPBRINGING.

Unflinchingly Bold.......2003-09-14

GEOGRAPHIES OF HOME is riveting from start to finish. Loida Maritza Perez, in her evocative, attention-getting prologue alone, establishes a tone of richness and depth. What follows is a story well beyond conventionality. She presents a compelling tale that flows beautifully as if it were an intimate, personalized character analysis of members of a very complex family. The author has structured a work both mystical and convincingly realistic about a severely troubled Dominican family. Perez, in my opinion, is brilliant first, in creating complicated, authentic characters and then telling their stories with graceful, inventive language. The reader shares the horrors of contemporary migration with all its incumbent trauma. However, I suggest that it is the predominance of Caribbean spiritualism that gives this story its illusive, absolutely haunting character. Loida Maritza Perez is masterful at her craft. This novel will stay with you. Very Highly Recommended. Te felicito profundamente, Loida.

Alan Cambeira
Author of AZUCAR! The Story of Sugar (a novel)

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