2 comments about Indian: The History Of A Classic American Motorcycle.

1. I was fortunate to find a copy of this book in the close-out bin at a local bookstore. This was such a good book that I'm now looking at the author's other books.

   One thing I like is that the book is profusely illustrated, and that all the background clutter has been cut away from the photos, so that all you see is the bike against a plain white background. Combined with the clear photography and printing, it really allows you to see machine details that would normally get lost.

   Another nice characteristic of this book is that the emphasis is upon the bikes, with background information on the state of the company that helps to explain why the bikes evolved the way they did. This historical orientation was aided by the chronological orientation of the book. Related to this is that the book was about bikes, not lifestyles. I hope that when I get a copy of his book on Harleys that this will be true there as well (notice that most books on Harleys have more photos of "trailer trash" than they do of motorcycles, and that you rarely get a chance to see what the older bikes looked like from the factory? -- OK, rant mode off).

   If you are fortunate to run across this book, buy it.

   Now, if we could get books like this for all the major European and English manufacturers (hint, hint).




2. Record City had awesome service getting the book to me. Thank you!
   The book arrived in perfect condition. I will certainly use them again.
   The book is a gift for a friend. I know he will be very excited with the history and information in this great book.

No comments about The Classic Indian Motorcycle: A History of the Marque 1901 to 1953.

2 comments about Burt Munro Indian Legend of Speed (The World's Fastest Indian).

1. If you saw the movie, "The World's Fastest Indian", and want to know more about Burt Munro, BUY this book. It was written by one of Burt's closest friends and tells Burt's life story. It rambles some at times, but is full of information on Burt and has b&w and color pictures.
   
   There is much more to Burt Munro than the movie could cover and he led a fascinating life, actually racing motorycles (including the Indian in the movie) in Australia and New Zealand for decades before going to Bonneville numerous times in his later years. If you want to know the whole story of Burt Munro, this book is a must.



2. This guy was smart. Not book smart but real world smart. A good read and as R. Merritt said the movie does not come close to capturing the complexity and realality of what this man did in his life. I'm inspired by this book but unlike the NY Times writer who said this story is "...just Seabicuit on wheels.." I consider this story a common mans tale of the human spirit

5 comments about Rebuilding the Indian: A Memoir.

1. I really enjoyed Fred Haefele's Rebuilding the Indian: A Memoir. This book is a delight. I liked it on several levels...there is real wrench-turning and parts hunting tales...there are colorful characters...there is a man undergoing a self-actualization and maturity coming to realize just what it means to be a man. He figures out where he fits in between his dad, his grown kids and his first and second wife and new baby all the while building a big motorcycle and running a arborist business. And it is fun while he is doing it.
   I gave it to my wife (a high school English teacher) and she gave it to some of her 11th grade reluctant readers who are more at home turning wrenches than they are writing essays. It appealed to these kids tremendously.
   I don't have a motorcycle and I am not going to build one but I do love reading about it. I found this to be a great book. If you like this one you may also like A Cliff Walk by Don Snyder.



2. I picked this book up at a garage sale or some such and had it for a while before reading it. What a delightful surprise it was. Author Haefele, whose life is in a bit of a mess (divorce, career problems, kid problems), sets about restoring an Indian Chief. The Chiefs were the premier line of the once-great Indian motorcycle company and highly valued now by collectors.
   
   Along the way he encounters an eccentric cast of Indian motorcycle enthusiasts. Skilled artisans of sheet metal and engine restoration populate this book's pages, some in dingy, crowded shops, others in clean, professional places. Haefele records the trips tracking down Indian parts and the real characters he encounters along the way. His partner (Chaz, I believe) packs a pistol on one exploratory trip.
   
   As the restoration goes along Haefele finds his life mending too. A new wonderful woman in his life, along with a beautiful baby girl, and his professional life reviving too. Whatever the reason, the gradually resurrecting Indian seems to pace his life coming together too.
   
   He paints it Midnight Blue, definitely not a factory color, but one that works. His description of the first ride on the Indian is vivid--I had no idea how difficult it would be for modern motorcyclists to use a foot clutch, hand shift, left-hand throttle motorcycle. A satisfying book to read, and it's nice to know that another Indian motorcycle was rescued from the dumps.



3. 'Rebuilding the Indian' is not a step by step "how to" book on motorcycle restoration. It is the personal journey of a man finally beginning his dream. He had to do it with limited finances but with the support of a great family. Having taken similar journeys I found it a great read. It was fun to learn the same characters can be found in Montana collecting and saving rare motorcycles and parts as in the more densly populated areas of the country.
   The author was not only a motorcycle enthusiast but writer that was able to become published.



4. I found "Rebuilding the Indian" on the clearance shelf of a bookstore in Napa, California; for just $9.99. Being a motorcyclist, I figured I'd pick it up. If it turned out to be an awful book, well, only ten dollars wasted.
   
   But what a pleasure it turned out to be. Not just a book about restoring an Indian, it's more about the Author's journey through life, his failed first marriage, his blissful second marriage, and the birth of his third child. Putting the bike back together seems to be a metaphor for his life, as he attempts to resurrect his writing and teaching careers. The restoration itself is an exercise in frustration and hilarity, and an experience I can entirely relate to; doing whatever it takes to get the bike running at the very end, when you need that last nut or bolt, it's midnight, and nearest bike shop is closed. It's no Hemingway novel, to be sure, but it's easy to read, entertaining, and touching to the soul.
   
   If you're into motorcycles at all, or have ever contemplated buying a basketcase of your own, this is a must read. Highly recommended.



5. Ladies - if you're husband is an "Indian Motorcycle Lover" this is a great present for him! I gave this to my husband last Christmas and it was by far one of the best presents he ever received in our 23 years of marriage. He couldn't put it down. A must have for anyone who has an Indian Motorcycle and especially who rebuilt it. Hope this helped - blessings to all! Anyone reading this - do you have another Indian suggestion for me - I'd love to give him another great book for this Christmas!

5 comments about Reluctant Runaway (To Catch a Thief Series #2).

1. 
   Part action packed who-done-what and part romantic suspense, I found myself sucked into Reluctant Runaway. I didn't meet the crime fighting duo of Desi and Tony in the Reluctant Burglar but Nelson did a great job at sharing enough details of the first book without oversharing and intruding on the story at hand.
   
   Several amusing scenes interspersed with cliffhangers made the read roller coasty. Forgiveness is a huge spiritual theme as is discernment and the danger of tiny shifts in the Gospel message.
   
   If you enjoyed book one in the series, you're going to want to get your hands on Reluctant Runaway as soon as possible. If you like romantic suspense, strong female leads and sassy talk -- you'll likely enjoy this novel.



2. Security expert Desiree Jacobs' friend and business associate Maxine has a problem. Max's niece is missing. Kidnapping victim or a runaway? No one knows, but it seems everyone has an opinion. The niece also works for a museum that was recently robbed of priceless items. Right before the niece's disappearance. Now things are getting worse. Desi has to step in and help. But wait! She's promised her FBI boyfriend Tony that she won't get involved in such things anymore. But she has to, right? This is her friend we're talking about. And when Desi and Tony's individual cases collide sparks aplenty fly.
   
   If you'll pardon the obvious pun, I was reluctant to read this novel which is book two in the series. See, I'm ashamed to say I hadn't read book one. And Jill Nelson is my pal. Oh I'd read a chapter of book one that was posted to her website once. That was enough to convince me she was a good writer. I knew that. I've been swamped with books that I had to read. It seems there's never an end sometimes. Oh the horrors! :-)
   
   The opportunity came for me to read book two, Reluctant Runaway. As a member of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance we're plugging this novel this week. I received a copy of it to read a review. So glad I did. And the fact that it was the second in a series never tripped me up. Jill's sprinkles enough backstory to set you at ease with the characters, all the while taking you on a thrill ride like no theme park you've ever been to.
   
   It was a pleasure to read this novel. Jill's writing is tight and easy to read. Her characters are engaging and endearing. And the cliff hangers at some of the chapters! Shesh! I was already to put the book down for a while at one point to do some other things and then a gun went off at the end of the chapter. Ack! Who's dead? I couldn't stop reading there. Nuh uh. :-)
   
   Now I'm looking forward to going back in time and reading book one in the To Catch A Thief series, Reluctant Burglar. And then there's the upcoming book three, Reluctant Smuggler.
   
   Can't wait!



3. Okay, cheesy title for this review, I know - but guys, this was a super fun read! I liked it even better than the first in this series, and I didn't think that would happen! Jill Nelson has somehow managed to create a book that is at the same time fun and serious, intense and light, funny and shocking...what a combo! My favorite part of Jill's books are by far the characters - so realistic. They crack me up, yet two pages later, they have me tearing up.
   
   Job well done, Jill.
   
   As for the rest of you - check out this series ASAP! You won't regret it!



4. In this engaging sequel to Reluctant Burglar, museum security expert Desiree Jacobs, once again becomes drawn into a mystery when Max's niece goes missing. Could her disappearance have anything to do with Tony's organized crime case? As their romance heats up, so does the trail that leads to stolen artifacts, leading them both to the New Mexico dessert. They must learn to trust God, not only with their surmounting dangers, but with their romance. Is it possible that this new religious cult, is at the center of these mysteries?
   As in Reluctant Burglar, Jill Nelson has once again masterfully weaved a tale of suspense and drama while demonstrating the power of faith to overcome the worst of our fears and obstacles. As the romance develops between Desiree and Tony, an FBI agent, the reader is shown the hand of God in even this, our most intimate of human relationships. Is it possible for these two, an over-protective cop and an independent, sometimes risk-taker security expert, to find a peaceful coexistence in which their love can blossom?
   Although the plot can be read independently from the book's forerunner, Reluctant Runaway, has achieved the best of sequel writing. Not only has the author improved on her story telling techniques, but has added depth and challenge to an all-ready intriguing story. Very enjoyable read.



5. In her novels Jill Nelson has a way of simplifying some of the most prickly issues Christians face today. One of my favorite scenes in her latest novel, The Reluctant Runaway, involves the heroine, Desiree Jacobs and her Native American kidnapper, Pete Cheama, a member of the Zuni tribe. Pete has made plenty of bad choices in his life, and he ultimately blames his mistakes on Christians, whose system "was forced upon [his] people centuries ago and has made [their] spirits weak and [their] minds confused." No Christian wants to feel her faith has weakened or confused anyone, so sometimes we refrain from even discussing Christianity. But Desiree merely responds, "Jesus is not an oppressor." Right there, concisely--the difference between true Christianity and any faith that demands, rather than invites.
   
   Nelson's novel is a fun read, with plenty of suspense and action (and some clever romance, to boot). You could enjoy the entire reading experience without stopping to focus on the choice tidbits about faith with which she occasionally peppers the story. But those tidbits deepen the novel and make it stay with you well after you finish the last page. I'd recommend Reluctant Runaway for teen-through-adult readers.

2 comments about Indian Motorcycles.

1. This book really inspired to clear out my garage and get working on my bike in time for summer. Although it will never be half as good looking as those awesome indians depicted in this book, I can dream can't I? A lot of history and facts, a must give for the motorcycle enthusiasts of all flavors!



2. My Dad just moved to a retirement home and has really enjoyed sharing the book with others while recalling his youth and owning a 1947 Chief. There are plenty of photos for those that aren't as interested in the history but in the memories. Thanks.

1 comments about Ice Cream Man From Hell Biography You're Next.

1. Mr. Trotta gave an excellent glimpse into his life. It was revealing in that he overcame many obstacles seldomly experienced by others. His story I believe gives hope to others striving to live life on their own terms. I want to thank him for his candor and wish him the best of success in the future. I have had the opportunity to met his wife and him in person. They are very unique people and the biography does them justice.

5 comments about Indian Larry.

1. this book is awesome. and the pictures are out the world. if a indian larry fan this book is for you.



2. A spectacular book that captures Larry and his friends in a wide variety of moods. Timothy White captures Larry perfectly, and now that Larry's gone, this document becomes all the more important.
   A great book that should be looked at not just by chopper fanatics but by anyone who's interested in the inner workings of eccentrics.



3. ...then you'll never get tired of 'reading' this book. I say 'reading' because it's not a book filled with stores and anecdotes of Indian Larry's life, it's more of a pictorial celebration of Indian Larry.
   
   Don't buy this book if you want a biography.
   
   It's an excellent 'coffee table' style book, something you'll pick up quite often just to flick through the pictures and look over them again. The pictures themselves are wonderful, and the large format of the book gives the whole package greater visual impact. If you're a fan of Larry then this book is a must have for your bookshelf.



4. Timothy White has captured some great moments on this oversized beautifully printed book of Larry's personal life and his bikes, shot on location and in the studio, its one of my favorite bike books of all time.
   I just wish there were some shots of Indian Larry's Indian choppper.



5. Breathe taking photos, with great detail and the highest quality I've ever seen. Timothy White did an excellent job, and I recomend it to any Indian Larry fan.

5 comments about Indian Larry: Chopper Shaman.

1. Purchased as a gift, full of great yarns & photo's, for the right person this is a great buy! Enjoy!



2. This book could have had half the number of pages. The focus is on the spiritual (indian?) side of Larry. It does paint an interesting picture of what he was like, but I found the comments of other builders in Art of the Chopper II more relevant. The recurring theme of life's mysteries and how they influenced Larry went on and on. It became a bit much. Nearly ruined a reasonable read.



3. Larry was happy being who he was. He states as much in his interviews during his Biker Build Off episodes. I feel the author of this book forgets that and puts Larry high on this pedestal where Larry never wanted to be. His bikes was his art and he appreciated his fans that wanted to see it. What made him unique is that he was kind, caring and considerate. Traits that one hardly ever sees in a person, especially all at one time. This book does Larry justice when telling his story from boyhood to bikehood but loses its flavor when the author throws in his collegiate words to make his point on how great Larry was. Larry seemed, to me, like he was a simple man who wanted simple things and, to put it simply, wanted to share his art with those who would appreciate it. Long story short, this is a good book with a good read and some great photos.



4. This man didn't have an average live, I think it's one thing on everybody will agree...
   This was a good man, who just lived his life as he could, just like us, but with less compromise.
   The book is really interresting (even for people like me who've been already reading about him), the pics go from "old Polaroid" to very high quality (especialy regarding the bikes).
   The thing I really did not appreciate is the comparison between his life and a "hero tale". I think Larry himself wouldn't have appreciate this...
   If you like choppers but don't know the guy, buy this book ! If you already know him a little, save your money for another one !
   Laurent
   http://www.laurent-roy.com



5. Indian Larry has been a hero of sorts since I "met" him in Iron Horse years ago-when I got this book,I spent an hour just looking at the photos and reading captions.the actual reading however,was so disapointing that I would not recommend the book.the text consists of a few facts or at least items of interest surrounded by pages of referances to mythical times,kings,queens,etc-an introduction with that BS would have served it's purpose-to spread it throughout as filler is a shame.find a back issue of Iron Horse with an Indian Larry interview to learn about the man-buy this for pictures or if you want to read semi-coherant ramblings from someone who seems confused but grasping for an answer to life-

5 comments about One Good Run: The Legend of Burt Munro.

1. Covers his full life and details his relationships w/ the character in the film, as well defines his incredible determination and personality and lust of life



2. An awesome insight into the life of this brilliant man, warts & all. The detail of machines, races & records as well as his personal nuances makes very easy reading. Anybody who had heard of Bert or the film based on his record run will find this book gives life to the details!



3. Tim Hanna, the author, has nailed the essence of both Burt Munro and late '60s hot rodding. This book is delightful in its exposition of what it's like to follow a dream, even into old age. It's a treatise on just being yourself, without pandering to society. It's about learning to talk to people to win them over. It's about doing with your own hands what "the experts" say can't be done.
   
   If ever there was an opposite to "chick lit" this is truly it.



4. I have seen The worlds fastest indian eleven times now and read both books.If you are really into bikes you must do both the film and the books.Burt was a genius and a real character and I wish I had met him.Watch the film and read the book.If you love bikes and a good laugh,you will enjoy both.



5. One Good Run: The Legend of Burt Munro
   Anyone who has seen the movie "World's Fastest Indian" must read this book. I couldn't put it down -- tremendous