Return to the River: The Classic Story of the Chinook Run and of the Men Who Fish It

Book Description

"I was on my claim,
I told myself over and over...
Nothing bad could happen to me here."

With a mind of her own and a handsome suitor who loves her for it, seventeen-year-old Jane Peck is the darling of the Washington Territory. She's outwitted wild animals, vengeful ghosts, and a disloyal fiancé, but when her finishing school nemesis Sally Biddle invades Shoalwater Bay, Jane discovers that the most dangerous thing on the frontier may be an impeccably dressed debutante. As the Biddles of Philadelphia charm their way into Jane's close-knit community, she finds everything she holds dear threatened -- including her true love, a rakish sailor named Jehu. Will Jane's claim on happiness slip away?

This third book of the richly historical Boston Jane trilogy carries on the tradition of rip-roaring romance and adventure that began with Boston Jane: An Adventure and Boston Jane: Wilderness Days. Jane has survived the wilderness and claimed herself a home, but her frontier trials are far from over. It will take all of the spunk and spit Jane can muster to protect her land and preserve her dreams.

Customer Reviews:

A pleasing installment........2004-08-09

"Boston Jane: The Claim" is the third "Boston Jane" book in this series, and while it's not as adventurous as the other two, "Boston Jane: An Adventure" and "Boston Jane: Wilderness Days," it gives off a familiarity, with new problems. Even though Jane can handle grizzly bears and men, she shows weakness to her female peer that is definitely realistic. I was disappointed in her friends for befriending Sally so quickly, and discarding Jane hastily, but the ending is satisfactory. Hopefully, we won't have to wait two-years for a fourth installment, like we had to before. I good read - I recommend.

Pretty good..........2004-06-12

Okay, the third book wasn't as exciting as the second or the first. But I thought the first was the best of the Boston Jane trilogy. The first was more original, spunky, funny, entertaining, fresh, and totally unpredictable. The others are kind of like add-ons; they didn't have much of a polt to the story. But I enjoyed reading the book and all the rest as well. All in all, the book was thrilling, romantic, and fun to read over and over again and had a sweet ending.

dissapointed:(.......2004-04-27

This book wasn't even half as good as the first two! In fact it was quite annoying! Im sally shows up again? And williams back? I thought it was a bit sad that holm had too bring back old villians instead of makeing up someone new and interesting. And Janes "friends" are quite a dissapointment as wel. None of them stick up for her and jehu is a horrible rotter in this book! He barely comes in except to disbelieve her and be annoying. And there is barely any romance! All and all it wasnt the worst book i've ever read but it certainly wasnt the greatest.

Jane is as spunky as ever in the third Boston Jane Book.......2004-04-14

Ok, this book was awsome once agian holm does it with Jane Peck, 17, with her spunk and wit and charm, as she fights for her belief's, Jane has outwitted a cutthroat ex- fiancee' William Baldt, she's handled bears, murderers and a very long ocean Voyage not to mention proved herself a survivor not only to the pioneers of the washinton territory but to herself, when three of her loved ones dies in short succession. but just as Jane begins to settle into her life. a old ghost has reappeared, Jane's bitter rival who's ALMOST as stubborn as Jane, Sally Biddle appears to ruin Jane's life, especially with the rakish sailor Jehu, the man Jane loves to death. not only this but Will's back threating Jane's Claim stake, as women are not allowed to own land, as Sally with her charm and charisma begins to push Jane out of her circle of trust, on a subplot, a well loved white man the territory dies suddenly leaving his daughter and chinook wife to fend for themselves as racial tensions begin to mount, as the white settlers try to take the "Half Breed Girl" from her Indian Mother. so readers will cheer Jane on as her spine gets some starch as she has the courage to put Sally back where she belongs and defend her beloved indian freinds from an all out race war agianst them... the only thing disappointing was that it needs another sequel or a proluge I give it five stars

Good; not great........2004-04-08

I really liked the first two Boston Jane book and was really looking forward to this one but it didn't live up to my expectations. It was pretty good; I didn't put it down until I was done reading it. But the plot was pretty predictable. Jane was pretty annoying - she really let Sally get to her even though
1) Sally wasn't very convincingly nasty and
2) If Jane can take care of criminals and bears, it seems pretty foolish for her not to be able to take care of a girl.

Book Description

The new edition of this extraordinary book tells of the creation of the world champion checkers computer program, Chinook. In only two years, Chinook had become a worthy opponent to the world champion, and within four years had defeated all the world's top human players. Jonathan Schaeffer, the originator and leader of the Chinook team, provides an engrossing account of failures and successes. He describes the human story behind the program and his own feelings in learning from mistakes and technical problems in a continuous effort to improve Chinook's performance. Beginning in 1988, we follow the development of Chinook from an innocent question asked over lunch through to the final match against then world champion, Marion Tinsley, and ultimately to its recent triumph, perfecting checkers. As the story unfolds, readers are introduced to its key figures, and to the rules of checkers and the basics of computer game programs. As a result, all those interested in computing and games will enjoy this book.

Customer Reviews:

Honest.......2006-11-06

This is one of those books that makes you wince
now and then. Its that transparent. The author
didn't intend it but there is a story here beyond
the program. It unfolds with some interest and
some amaturism, and that lends charm to the
tale. In the end, the greatest player dies but
his legacy lives on in Chinook, the program,
built to defeat him. A negative image surely
but not a bad one.

Chinook, hopefully, is pissing off enough players
that Checkers can experience a revival, though,
like Connect Four and Tic-Tac-Toe it seems
destined for the kiddy heap.

How would Chinook do with a board twice as
large?

Not in the book so I'll pass on that, but by now
the team is on to some amazing stuff, putting
the nails in the coffin of Checkers as a game.

A Gripping Read.......2002-12-17

Well I never thought that title would describe for a book on a project to create a world champion beating chequers playing program!

I originally read the first half of the book when staying with a friend. When I got home I had - for the first time in my life - to buy a book merely to read half of it, so un-put-downable is it.

The book requires no technical knowledge either or computers of of draughts (and to an extent if one approaches it expecting technical insights in to either one will be disappointed).

In practice it's such a good read as the story is well told and gathers momentum the nearer the author gets to the goal. It is focused on the people and the project and not the technicals. Schaeffer recounts his hopes, feelings and motivations with a brutal honesty - never shying away from an accurate description when authorial licence might have presented him in a better light.

Very interesting!.......2001-03-16

Once I started to read this book I found it difficult to put down. Granted I am addicted to playing checkers against my computer when taking breaks at work, but still.... This is very interesting material for checkers players and computer programmers alike.

However, I do have a couple of problems with the book. First, it is very poorly edited. There are a number of grammatical mistakes, [one right on the first paragraph], the author at times goes into unnecessary tangents and, in general the book is too long and repetitive. In addition, it bothered me that, perhaps because of the author's familiarity with chess, he decided to use chess notation to describe the games. This makes it more difficult for checkers players to follow the games while reading the book. The author/editor should have made the effort to use checkers notation or to provide better diagrams.

OK, But.......2001-03-02

I enjoyed reading this book but as a serious checker player was hoping there was a detailed list of new moves , 4, against 3, Ect.. a listing of cooks, detailed, a checker learning experence Something teaching me, some new endgames, something. New openings, challenging the existing openings. Im sure computer/checker players would love this book Since Jonathan chose to not use standard numeric notations as in most checker books, the helpful way would have identified the notations in each illustration of the checker board.

short of ink.......2001-02-28

im enjoying this a bit but im also a checker player and would defintely like the checker coordinates ( numeric notations) shown in every instance as I dont have them memorized, so I can follow the book better. I would not buy it as its more about the ego of the programmer than about checkers.

Average customer rating:

Rangers lead the way
Reviewed by Diane Kasperski
A Ranger's Memoir
Exciting Read
Accurate & Authentic look into the life of a US Army Ranger

BLACK CHINOOK: An Army Ranger's Story
David, A. Combs
Manufacturer: Booklocker.com, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Military & Spies | Professionals & Academics | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Memoirs | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1601450117

Book Description

The riveting account of an Army Ranger's odyssey through years of grueling service in the mostly unknown and unseen world of military special operations. This telling details the intensive training and sacrifice of America's secret warriors.

Customer Reviews:

Rangers lead the way.......2007-10-05

Mr. David Combs shares his experience from visiting the recruiter, training at camps, earning Ranger, preparing and executing missions, and training others to do the same. All the episodes give an honest account without military jargon or exagerations. After reading this book I have gained a fuller understanding of the Army Rangers and respect their way of life. This is a great book for fellow veterans or anyone curious about the Rangers. David Combs continues to "lead the way" with this book.

Reviewed by Diane Kasperski.......2007-01-26

This is a well written straight forward account of the different phases of training of an Army Ranger. Mr. Combs tells of his personal experiences while in training throughout all the phases. Without breeching protocol or security he gives detailed descriptions of some of the harrowing missions he was on. From missions in Laos, the Panama Canal and Korea you will get a true picture of what it takes to be an Army Ranger.

Mr. Combs tells of his dream of becoming an Army Ranger since he was in college and saw a training documentary on them. He barely made it in because there are only a certain amount of spots available per year. He had told them at the enlistment office that it "was the Rangers or nothing." He was accepted and went off to the toughest training the Army can provide.

`Black Chinook' is the name that the Rangers give to death whether while in training (which does happen) or in the line of duty. When a Ranger falls they say the Black Chinook came to take him away. This is a possibility that exists every day of their lives from the moment they start their training. There is a special intensity both physically and mentally that each man who becomes a Ranger must have. Throughout Combs story you will see glimpses of this intensity in himself and the others he served with throughout his tour of duty.

I found this an interesting read if not a bit dry. Black Chinook is very matter-of-fact and probably would appeal greatly to others that have been in the service or those curious about what it's like to be in the special forces. I think it would be a must read for any considering going into the Army Ranger's so that they would know exactly what it was like.

A Ranger's Memoir .......2006-09-14

Major (Ret) David Combs has chronicled his military life in an extraordinary book called "Black Chinook: An Army Ranger's Story". He takes the reader through basic, AIT, Jump School, various Ranger Training Classes and OCS in great detail. The hardships both physical and mental become evident to the reader as he shares what it was like going through everything to become not only an Airborne Ranger but also an officer.

The author shares his part in The Panama Invasion, which although was brief, still had much potentially dangerous possibilities. He also tells us about Ranger operations in Haiti and other locations. But there is a moving chapter in the book about going to Normandy and being with the original Rangers who fought on those D-day beaches. The book is full of details about ranger training and the creeds that they follow. It should be required reading for anyone one thinking of this as a military career path or who have an interest in ranger history or who have a family member in the Rangers. This book will give you a better understanding of what they have gone through.

I found myself admiring these men and the sacrifices they make for their country and their fellow ranger team members. Of course, the personal price he pays is a divorce. It is not an easy career path to follow. Combs does not let you learn much about his inner life but shares much about what he has be able to accomplish in the Army. One gets the feeling that there is much emotional energy left undiscovered in this story. So we do not really get to fully know the author accept as a military man doing his job. We do know this much--David Combs is one tough Ranger and a patriot.

I personally recommend this book for your personal military library. It is an informative and entertaining read.

Exciting Read.......2006-08-09

A very honest, exciting glimpse into the world of a US Army Ranger from basic training to real life missions. Brings headlines to life from Panama and Haiti to Germany and Korea. It gives a real appreciation for the sacrifices and dedication of our servicemen.

Accurate & Authentic look into the life of a US Army Ranger .......2006-08-08

Recommend it to anyone looking for an inspirational story and a first-hand account of the specialized training and schools offered to the Special Ops community, or anyone interested in a in the 75th RGR Regt and Just Cause research.

Five Star First Edition Westerns - Ghost of the Chinook: A Western Quintet (Five Star First Edition Westerns)

Average customer rating:

Five Star First Edition Westerns - Ghost of the Chinook: A Western Quintet (Five Star First Edition Westerns)
Peter Dawson
Manufacturer: Five Star
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Board book

Book Description

Bill Ash, an escaped convict in "Spawn of Yuma," returns to find his father murdered. The "Colt-Cure for Woolly Fever" is Matt North's secret plan to force an entire range to reverse its decision to raise sheep. In "Posse of Outlawed Men," the disenfranchised are struggling to regain their land and dignity. The lawman in "Bondage of the Dark Trails" has to change his strategy after a governmental pardon exonerates the man he has been relentlessly pursuing because he now needs that very outlaw to help him enforce the law. In "Ghost of the Chinook," Llano Ackers, the owner of a local stage line that is on the brink of ruin because of repeated robberies, finds that he must defend himself from the charge of committing the robberies himself for his own enrichment.

Book Description

"Nearly seventy-five years of my lifetime have come and gone since hearing of the sparse historical events from the old-timers," American Indian elder George Aguilar tells us. "It's my turn now." When the River Ran Wild! is Aguilar's recounting of events he heard about while watching his grandmother make moccasins by the light of a coal-oil lamp and while strapped to the back of his aunt's horse on the way to the huckleberry grounds. He learned them at Coyote's Fishing Place, where his uncles built scaffolds and taught him how to use traditional technologies to catch salmon as they made their seasonal runs up the river.

In this remarkable personal memoir and tribal history, we learn about Aguilar's people, the Kiksht-speaking Eastern Chinookans, who lived and worked for centuries connected to the rhythms and resources of the great fishing grounds of the Columbia River at Five Mile Rapids.

When the River Ran Wild! is the story of a culture and a community that has undergone tremendous change since 1805, when the River People encountered Meriwether Lewis and William Clark as they traveled down the Columbia River on their way to the Pacific Ocean. To find the stories of that change, Aguilar draws on the journals and diaries of early White missionaries and settlers, such as Gabriel Franchere, Rev. Henry Perkins of Wascopum Mission, and A. B. Meacham. He found other stories in anthropological papers and historical studies that recorded the voices of people who practiced and remembered ceremonies and traditions that were lost or changed during the difficult years of removal to the Warm Springs Reservation in north-central Oregon. He heard yet others from tribal elders who have kept the history and stories of the River People in their memories.

When the River Ran Wild! is the history of names and naming, of deep family connections, and of traditional customs. It is a descriptive catalogue of the plants the River People used for sustenance and medical purposes, and it is a detailed guide on how to pack out an elk and how to tan a hide. Aguilar retells the stories and myths of the river, the stories that "are now infrequent and told from books in the English language," the stories whose "body language, animal mimicry, and facial expressions are gone."

Aguilar has written this book to help us know what the River People have lost on the Columbia River over the decades, but he also gives testimony to what has been conserved and enlivened by a people who love the land and who honor tradition and those who came before. He takes us, perhaps better than anyone else can, back to a time when the river ran wild.

Average customer rating:
Chinook Jargon: The Hidden Language of the Pacific Northwest
Jim Holton
Manufacturer: Wawa Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Native American | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
Native American | Instruction | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books
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Dictionary of the Chinook Jargon, or, Trade Language of Oregon (Dodo Press)

ASIN: 0967489709

Book Description

A fun and exciting look at the history, current status and linguistics of the Chinook Jargon pidgin.

This book provides the traveler and resident alike with a unique insight into an area where few modern explorers venture - Native American languages. As custodians of their cultures, these languages are disappearing from the North American landscape. Two hundred ninety of the 300 indigenous languages will be extinct within the next century unless present trends are reversed.

Book Description

In 1853, with money in his pocket and elegant clothes in his saddlebags, a twenty-four-year-old New Englander of aristocratic Yankee stock toured the territories of California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. The Canoe and the Saddle recounts Theodore Winthrop’s Northwest tour. A novelized memoir of his travels, it became a bestseller when it was published shortly after the author’s untimely death in the Civil War.

This critical edition of Winthrop’s work, the first in over half a century, offers readers the original text with a narrative overview of the nature and culture of the Pacific Northwest and reflections on the ecological and racial turmoil that gripped the region at the time. It also provides a fresh perspective on the aesthetic, historical, cultural, anthropological, social, and environmental contexts in which Winthrop wrote his sometimes disturbing, sometimes enlightening, and always riveting account. Whether offering portraits of Native American culture—in particular, commenting on the Chinook Jargon—making keen and often prescient observations on nature, or deploying transcendental, animist, or Hudson River School aesthetics (likely learned from his friend Frederick Church), Winthrop develops a clear and compelling picture of a time and place still resonant and relevant today.

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"I was on my claim, I told myself over and over... Nothing bad could happen to me here."

"I was on my claim,
I told myself over and over...
Nothing bad could happen to me here."