Books

The Dogs of Bedlaw Farm. Dogs and humans share similar trials and tribulations and craziness. Jon Katz relates his first year on the new sheep farm with 3 Border Collies, sixteen sheep, two donkeys and a whole community of new friends. 11/05

House of Straw, tells the story of a house construction and the re-construction of a life. Determination and resolve to build a dream house in the Arizona desert are chronicled by a single mom. 6/2/04

Dogs never lie about love, according to author Jeffrey Moussaieff Mason. Mason delves into the emotional life of a dog. Informative, well-written with lots of fun stories about man's best friend. 1/10/04

Eleanor Taylor Blands's Marti MacAlister mystery, Fatal Remains, is a must-read. Bland has become one of my favorite mystery writers. If you haven't had the opportunity, give yourself a favor and try this author. 1/10/04

ILVMSTRS That is probably too many letters, but if you love mysteries like I do, then Buried Diamonds, by April Henry is a winner. The latest in the Claire Montrose series, is a look at how past actions can haunt the present. Clever automobile license plates are fun. 1/10/04

Another regional selection, With a Hammer for My Heart, by George Ella Lyon tells the story of Lawanda, a young girl ready to take on the world and Garland, an old soldier who cannot shut out his memories of the world. 11/6/03

Ghost Riders by Sharyn McCrumb is an Appalachian historical novel rich in language. McCrumb is a master in bringing history to the present. The Civil War and its impact on the mountain people of North Carolina is a great read. 10/8/03

Lazy-Bed Gardening: the quick and dirty guide. I can't resist a good title. John Jeavons and Carol Cox give an easy-to-use guide to biointensive gardening. 8/10/03

I've just finished Safe Sex in the Garden by Thomas Leo Ogren. The subtitle is: and other propositions for an allergy-free world. Ogren's book relates his research into the relationship between male plants which produce pollen and the rise in allergies in the United States. Lists are provided of "good" plants which have less pollen and "bad" plants that should be avoided. Recommended. 7/31/03