John Steinbeck hated critics. More precisely he had a fierce resentment toward the indivduals who wanted to tear apart his life. As with most successful writers, their work is their life, and in my opinion no one described the lives and ways of the American people better than Steinbeck. Writing is ultimately about the chosen word, and for him ideas often become deep, describing a story within a story. Steinbeck won the Nobel prize for literature in 1962 along with James Watson, Francis Crick, and Maurice Wilkins for their work on DNA. He won the award "for his realistic and imaginative writings, combining as they do sympathetic humor and keen social perception." This particular volume contains his strongest work. I think that critics of his work were envious of Steinbeck's ability to entrance his readers, as only master storytellers are capable of. The Library of America bindings are wonderful and are the perfect size for a hardback of fiction. The best thing about LOA editions is that they hold up. The pages do not seem to yellow and the binding is strong. I have 10 copies and they are my favoite books. To me, reading Steinbeck is reading the best of American literature, and the LOA editions are great little books you can enjoy for years.

grapes of wrath is a great book. it is about a family that goes through ups and downs every chapter. and a man who wats to get his family back on track, cause his father lost his farm land in Oklahoma. So they head to California to find new jobs but there new jobs arn't the same as having there own land, cause when they had there own land they had no boss but when they head to Cali. they are not happy cause they are bossed around.

It is surely a shame that Mr. Steinbeck forever will be confined to the archipelago of socio-economico-political literature. Too often a smug reviewer writes of Steinbeck's "moving" portrayal of the Joad family and their struggle against a growing America. "Oh, how I can 'identify' with the Preacher!" HUMBUG. Mr. Steinbeck wrote words, not ideas. His art is exquisite and melodious and stock-full of imagery. His structure, even in the volumunious Grapes, is compact and economical. His style, even in the scientific Log, is artistic and exact. And his ideas, even in the idea-ed Harvest, are irrelevant. Buy this book. But don't buy it because the blurb on the back says something about the Joads being an American archetype of the twentieth century; instead, buy it because it is literature - American literature - at its finest. Every sentence. Every word.

I am so excited to find this book on amazon.com!
I read it to all my kids and their school classrooms in grade school. Those kids are now 16-22. Their friends still remember
my reading it to them, even years later when we see them about town. It is out of print and has been for years! My children and their kids will love continuing the tradition!
The pictures and the story teach children to rely on God and themselves, that He will lead you if you let Him!

I've always been beautifully haunted by this book. It's such a wonderful mystery for a young mind. I look forward to sharing this book I have treasured since childhood with my now 6y/o daughter. I've been anxiously awaiting and hoping to hear for a sequel Dwayne promised. Please buy this book it's wonderful.

I also read this book as a child. I received it for my 10th birthday. It was lost in a move from Alaska to Washington. I was very excited to find it here on Amazon!! I read it several times when I was young, and now I can read it again! My son is in line to read it next. It is written so wonderfully and the pictures are so beautiful it was easy to imagine everything in the hidden land!

Stunning photographs of America's number one wine region. Every page of this masterpiece is a feast for the eyes.

If you have no idea where the Napa Valley is, or that it is an exquisite little Eden, & if you like the wines that come to you from this delightful part of California, then A VIEW FROM ABOVE NAPA VALLEY will be a grand adventure.

Come fly with Charles Feil in his gyroplane, & see the mists over the patchworks of vineyards, the rows of vines as they undulate over rolling hillsides, the startling & poignant blends of water, trees, roads & fields; catch glimpses of the elegant architecture of the wineries, hot airballoons over sunset fogs.

Perhaps the most telling feature, as we glide above this inspiring landscape, is that all the things we human have made are foursquare & angled, whereas all the vines nurtured & groomed, are in flowing patterns following the contours of the earth.

There are so many photos that take my breath away & the fabric of corduroy often came to mind.

A great gift idea!

Not to brag, but I have personally seen California's famed Napa Valley, the foremost wine-growing region in America, from above - courtesy of a half-hour glider tour I took some years ago. Of course the sights I saw from that airborne vantage point have faded from memory, so I was pleased to receive this lovely book that provides much of the same experience to the general reader (without requiring you to strap into a fiberglass flying machine). A number of towns, well-known vineyards, and geographic features such as the Napa hills and Lake Berryessa are all seen here from the expert eagle's-eye view. This book is one in a series from veteran high-flying photographer Charles Feil; through his lens you can also look down on Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Key West. If you want to get the lay of the land before planning a trip to Napa, this volume provides a spectacular overview.

This is a great book. It details the Napa Valley and the families in a great photographic format. I was completely fascinated by the imagery and the passion that they conveyed about wine making. Mr.O'Rear is a skilled photograher teller that weaves a silent story about the lives and art of wine making into one great book.

One of my desires is, after I retire from futures trading, is to own a vineyard. Mr.O'Rear has written a book that has convinced me that is what I should do.

Stunning imagery of the Napa region and the people behind the industry. O'Rear shows the reader the real Napa, and his breathtaking pictures do justice to this terrific region. The centerfold is a four-page foldout of the ornate wooden gates of each winery in the region; both clever and masterful at once. O'Rear shows Napa as only a true insider can. This is the one to buy and will impress anyone who opens it. A must for the true wine lover!

Napa: yep, that's it. The area just breathes the atmosphere of old times as can be found in the south of France.. but now in today's California, just north of San Francisco. And this book captures it all. The only thing *missing* from the book is the actual taste of the wine.

Once you've been there (either by car, or the famous Napa valley wine express) and you have seen and tasted this beautiful area, you will love the book as a souvenir. The quality of the prints is overwhelming - ranging from super-macro closups of cobalt blue grapes till wide, outstretching landscaping views.

And the book puts a face to the labels of your favourite wine. All the labels are listed, together with the matching winery's door, and some of the most famous Napa valley characters. Looking at these beautifully lighted out characteristic faces will give you an impression of the world behind the wine you are drinking.

WARNING: don't read this book if you are out of wine. You'll get too thirsty to resist.

Now let's wait for the video, Chuck! And the poster with the foldable airplane-ready frame.

I first became acquainted with the work of essayist Willem Lange through his appearances on the Vermont Public Television program "RFD," which normally ends its weekly broadcast with a piece by this wordsmith. The essays in this charming little book are culled from other writings and are perfect examples of Mr. Lange's style. With a minimum of very well chosen words, Mr. Lange paints a detailed picture of people, places, and events and wraps us in his love for all. There are some very heart-felt expressions here: A Letter to a newborn grandchild; A sudden understanding of his wife's life-long torment; An appreciation of past leadership provided by a mentor. In all, there are 18 tiny gems here, none longer than four pages, but the scope of their sentiment is unending. This is a book to treasure and read over and over again. If only it were longer.

Mr. Lange's stories of life in New England awake memories of the reader's own experiences that transcend any geographical boundaries. In this collection of essays, Willem Lange celebrates the experiences of everyday life in New England with humor and honesty that connects with readers in every corner of the land.

This thin book delivers powerful images of how New England was and strives to remain. Short essays cover typical events and personalities, most often humorous, always interesting. A great way to discover why we think there's no other place to live.

One of those rare books that really gives the reader a feel for the mass confusion of combat and how the little things can win or lose a fight. Makes one wonder why the 196th didn't get more recognition for their performance--lot of good soldiers.

Humphries is extrememly qualified to document the day-to-day action in the Que Son and Hiep Duc valleys of northern I Corps. He has researched the official files to glean the fine details of the units involved in fierce action against the Viet Cong and NVA.

Adding to this scholarly research, Humphries has first hand accounts of the men that fought it out with a persistent and fierce enemy. Their stories tell of the cost that was paid in the effort to secure the South Vietnamese countryside.

A special treat is the numerous maps and sketches that show the movements of the opposing forces. Paired with the gripping descriptions of those who were there, THROUGH THE VALLEY fulfills the need for the truthful telling of the sacrifices made by American soldiers in this costly war.

Every soldier that fought in Vietnam should have his story told. Humphries helps complete this necessary effort. This book is a must read.

Candor and truth imbued with wonderfully woven metaphors tells a story yet tackled about the most critical years of the Vietnam war; 1967 and 1968. Well researched and documented by those who were there is the manner in which Colonel Humphries has preserved, immortality, a part of the Vietnam War that has long been forgotten.

Gut wrenchingly honest and soul penetratingly provocative this true story chronicles events validated by over 50 soldiers interviewed that were there with Captain Humphries about an intensely controlled territory of the formidable North Vietnamese Army. A soldier's story about soldiers; what they are confronted with and how they overcome it in combat. This important book addresses all battle field conditions from survival, to being captured to being wounded.

For me, a fellow soldier, the journey into the thought process of a battlefield commander at company level was mesmerizing, insightful and validating of the importance of good leadership at the working level. Humphries describes countless situations were the commander made the ultimate difference of life or death.

In his low key, metaphorically enriched writing style, Colonel Humphries unfolds the situation on the battlefield on both sides; enemy and friendly. He adds to that a smattering of thought processes and decision-making at all levels of command from Private to the Colonel and grippingly tells it, 'like it is'.

His unique approach of weaving survival in with accomplishing the mission captivates the reader. Closeness to his men and a few select officers dominate his leadership style. This is a lesson for senior commanders to think about their commands because the subordinate will execute the command with vigor. They have the fate of the men in their hands.

In the eye of the enemy Humphries battlefield tactics were calculated and dynamic allowing the company to accomplish the mission. From a ground pounder's view, the foot soldier is seen at his craft, surviving and charging ahead as directed.

There were no drugs or liquor or fooling around, probably because these fighting men had no time. Their concern was fighting for their very survival. There has been little written about this critical battle-ground. I submit for the same reason; there was no time.

Well done, Colonel Humphries, lets see more books with your witting descriptive story weaving. I'm sure there is more for you to tell the world about soldiers. Thanks for a job well done.

Valley of Death is one of the sexiest and most exciting books I have ever read! The love scenes sizzle and the action beats the Lethal Weapon movies! The characters are beleivable and so real. I'd like to meet Jack Riley in person to see if he's really that good in the sack!

Craig's book pulls you into the world of Jack Riley and Moria Clark, full of fast-paced adventure and romance. Valley of Death was a nonstop thrill ride that kept me intrigued with each new twist and turn. Ceaselessly exciting, Craig's novel keeps you turning pages until the finish.

Valley of death was an awesomely paced page turner that I couldn't put down! It has the action and humor of the Lethal Weapon Movies and the romance of Romancing the Stone! Form Chicago to the Arctic, it never stops and never lets up! if you buy no other book this year, buy Valley of Death!

I loved this book, I just bought it yesterday. I couldn't putit down, it was so full of feeling. The end was very shocking Icouldn't read it with out crying, I knew what all the characters were going though. I lost a friend last year to drugs. This book teaches very good lessons on the dangers of drugs and how takeing risks can be fatel. If you read this book I hope it teaches you something.

I thought that the book was very good. It showed some good moral values without being boring. The book explains to teens how to deal with problems they face at school and at home. It also had a good storyline that was very creative and realistic at the same time. I recommend this book. It was very interesting and I learned something from this book along with having some fun. It wasn't super boring, and it wasn't unrealistic, either. Things in that book happen. It was fun to read. It wasn't one of those books where everything went perfectly and nothing went wrong. In fact, it was almost exactly the opposite. I like Regina's character. She acts like any other normal teenager. She isn't stupid even though she makes some mistakes. She isn't a goody goody, but she isn't super bad. She's normal. That's what I like about her. It mellows the book out without making it really boring. That is what I like about the book.

Francine Pascals really did herself out this time. I loved this bok. It was so well written! I got so into the book that i felt bad for regina. I felt like i was at the drug party she went to and i was teary eyed when she died. Sweet valley is a GREAT series!

The SVH cheerleading squad has made it to the Nationals, where they'll compete against the best in the country. Among their rivals is Reno, Heather's old squad. Marissa James, the captain of the Reno squad, seems to have some sort of power of Heather. What could it be? Ken and Todd are desperately trying to make up to Elizabeth and Jessica. So what do they do? They go to Yosemite, of course! But when Todd, Ken, and Winston get down there, and find out that no boys are allowed at the competition, they decide to take some drastic measures. Will the SVH Cheerleaders manage to overcome their obstacles and take the title?

I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK. IT WAS HILARIOUS AND-I GOTTA ADMIT- I WAS GLAD TO SEE HEATHER GET FLUSTERED FOR ONCE. PEACE OUT Y'ALL.

This book in the 3 book series was by far the best! Jessica and the squad go to nationals! Once they are there they find their competition is going to be Heather Mallone's old school! When Heather messes up on a well known rountine Jessica suspects more then just her nerves. She believes something sticky is going on and Marrissa James is probably behind it. PLUS! If you love Ken, Todd, and Winston, the make us all laugh in this one, doing almost anything to get closer to the girls! and I mean anything! If you are wondering about getting this book don't wonder anymore, "Just Do It!"

Starts with a bang. Can't put it down. Edge of your seat drama featuring missionaries confronting Dakota culture and God's grace working in and through and in spite of them all. Agonize with Simon Dane's years of frustration with a fruitless ministry and his fall from a pedestal to become a mere mortal. Struggle with Genevieve LaCroix as she comes to terms with her French father's thinking, her Indian mother's looks, a white man's God who does not fight back, and the making of a man for Daniel Two Stars. Stephanie Whitson makes you care about the people caught in a gruesome slice of history. Janet Chester Bly, [...]

Valley of the Shadow is the story of the Dane family, Simon, a man of God who feels led to work with the Dakota Indians, his wife Ellen and two chilren. In a related storyline, Genvieve is the daughter of a French trapper and Dakota Indian who meets the Danes and becomes their friend and later companion after she arrives at their mission. Two Stars is a Dakota Indian who also finds himself with the Danes, but for an entirely different reason than wanting education and spiritual instruction. Central to the story is the Dakota uprising, with Gen and Two Stars especially proving their bravery. As Gen and Two Stars begin to fall in love, events in the story constantly interfere to keep them apart. The conclusion of Valley of the Shadow will make you anxiously await the sequel.

An engaging tale of Romans 8:28. Stephanie Grace Whitson creates a haunting story of hope in the midst of death, peace in the midst of war, comfort in the midst of loneliness. An encouragement to anyone walking in their own valley of shadows. --Lisa Samson, author of The Church Ladies.