2 comments about The Way of the Snowboarder.

1. I really enjoyed going from back to snowboardings roots then ending up where we are today.... I would recommend this book to anyone who loves the ride or just looking for a good read.



2. Seriously, I love this book. If you snowboard, you absolutely must own it; and if you don't, at least you can score some extra sex appeal points by displaying this baby proudly in your collection. Before I read this, I had never before realized how interesting history can be. While that sounds corny, I say it because I was calling my friends, saying, "Oh my god, listen to this" and sharing passages, quotes from riders, and other facts that this book unveils expertly. Yay, snowboarding has a history now.
   Snowboarding is my favorite sport, and I say honestly that this is the best snowboard book I have ever read... Okay, it's the only one I've ever read, because it was the first one to actually capture my attention enough for me to finish it (I mean, think about it, you know that snowboarders don't read during ski season).
   I liked it so much that I am getting a few as Christmas/Hanukkah gifts for my friends on the UCLA snowboard team as well. Don't tell them though, or you'll ruin the surprise.

5 comments about The Illustrated Guide To Snowboarding.

1. This book is great for beginners like me. This one includes lots of illustration, so it's extremely easy to understand what it's trying to explain. After reading this, I got a lesson for beginners. The instructor just repeated what I read from this. If you intend to start snowboarding this winter, read this first. Then, you'll get to know what you need to prepare and expect in practice.



2. Full of drawings, text and light humor - this guide aims to please and teach. The only thing I would add to it is a first timer's guide to ski resorts. Even covers intermediate and advanced topics, tricks, etc! A book you will be studing for many seasons to come.



3. You have to wonder about learning snowboarding from a book. Having said that, this is a good reference and I've used it it many times during my first few snowboarding attempts. The illustrations are interesting - they were hand drawn by the author. Unfortunately, the pictures weren't always clear to me. He takes a difficult concept, like where over the board your center of gravity is during a particular type of turn, and then tries to illustrate the concept with a hand-drawn picture. In some cases it was clear as mud. But overall, I can't imagine a better book on learning to snowboard.



4. Mi nivel de snowboard es de dos temporadas. Necesitaba estudiar la teoría para mejor aprovechar la próxima temporada de Julio (hemisferio sur).
   Este libro ha colmado y superado mis expectativas previas. Es sumamente claro, divertido, combina correctamente texto e ilustraciones, sirve sin duda para el principiante, intermedio, y supongo que para el experto.
   Mientras lo he leído, he disfrutado imaginando estoy ya en la nieve. Luego de haberlo leído, cuento con claros objetivos de lo que deseo experimentar y practicar en estas próximas vacaciones.
   Lo recomiendo ampliamente y sin reservas. Suerte !!



5. This is probably one of the most comprehensive how-to snowboard book out there. Maybe alittle bit too comprehensive? Or not. I find the writing not too flowing and enjoyable to read. Took me a week. The book is huge but if the writing was better, should be a fast read. There are no real photos, only hand-drawn illustrations. This is not terribly bad as the drawings are quite good, but photos would have been better. The author is more a carver/racer so most of the carving techniques are probably not possible if you have low binding angles. There is a section on freestyle, but again, the author is more a carver/racer. I think this book is alright, but I like "Go Snowboard" better because it has full-color photos and dvd.

5 comments about Snowboarding to Nirvana: A Novel.

1. I have studied Buddhism both academically and also through my own meditation practice for many years. I think this is a very creative and fun way to present the concepts of Tibetan Tantric Buddhism. Some of the reviews that criticize its presentation of Buddhism seem to be coming from the perspective of the more traditional or orthodox branches such as Hinayana or Theraveda, which focus on the 4 Noble Truths, etc. While these are part of Tantric Buddhism as well, the Tantric path is much more about shifting states of awareness and mystical or esoteric knowledge than those paths. This book introduces that esoteric tradition quite well. It does mix in some New Age concepts, but I accepted those as being more for audience appeal than anything else, and I don't think this detracts from the overall material.
   
   As for actual snowboarding knowledge, it is true that you won't learn how to snowboard from this book! The snowboarding in the book is more of a metaphor for the Tantric meditative path.
   
   Overall I recommend this as a fun starting point for learning about Tantric Buddhism and for starting a meditation practice yourself.



2. Speaking as a practicing Buddhist and a snowboarder, this book is a complete waste of time and precious trees. There are many fantastic books about real Buddhism out there that teach you the dharma and don't try to baffle you with mystical mumbo-jumbo, as this book does. Upon doing further research into the author, I was quite interested to learn that not only did he found a "Jim Jones" style cult of personality, but that he also was a drug user and evidently killed himself -- all things the real teachings of the Buddha frown on: http://skepdic.com/rama.html. If you want to learn about the dharma, don't buy this book! i suggest anything by Thic Nhat Hanh.



3. I think it's too bad that Dr. Lenz' books receive reviews stating things like "this book has nothing to do with Buddhism" or "the author doesn't know much about Tibet". There are a few things in and about the book that I would like to point out to a potential reader:
   
   What this book is not: this book is not for somebody who wants an introduction to Buddhism as it is commonly understood in the West today. That is, if you want a biography of Siddhartha Gautama and a laying out of the eightfold path, this book is not the place to start. Many great books have been written for such an introduction, and I recommend that you check out "A Buddhist Bible" by Dwight Goddard for starters. If that's a little too heavy, check out the movie "The Little Buddha", which has a great biography of Prince Siddhartha.
   
   What this book is: this book is for a person who wants a real introduction to genuine mystical practice. The book includes several "mini-chapters" that contain instructions for the aspiring meditator, complete with visualization techniques. It also tells the story of one persons spiritual experiences as he applies the techniques laid out in the book. A few passages might also expose you to your own hangups about the way you view life.
   
   A few notes about the contents of the book: this book is well-researched, and the author has a thorough understanding of the Tibetan doctrines. For example, check out the chapter entitled "Master Fwap goes Phat!", and then go pick up a copy of W.Y Evantz-Wents' "Tibetan Yoga and Secret Doctrine". It should become clear that Dr. Lenz has a deep and thorough knowledge of his subject matter. The book also contains references to many other classic spiritual books, but the "Phat" chapter is the most overt example.
   
   Also...this is an adventure novel! It's supposed to be F-U-N. Generally speaking, it should only be read by people who have a sense of humor and who enjoy having an open mind. This book is worth several re-readings.



4. Yeah, this is so cool!
   
   'Snowboarding to Nirvana' is a great book on the simple essence of Buddhism that is just right for our time. It is 100% accurate on the facts of Buddhism and what Buddhism is, totally excellent, bright, really funny, and very entertaining.
   
   I read a lot of books on Buddhism, some are very complex and involved with deep concepts that are very difficult to understand, but nonetheless certainly worthwhile to do so because of the joy that comes from using the mind to unlock the deepest secrets of the universe.
   
   But I think overall, there is something to be said for 'simple books' on the enlightened mind, that are inspiring to read over and over again, because they keep the reader in a high state of mind, like meditation.
   
   In my experience, there are four books that are bright and pure on the simple essence of Buddhism: `The Dhammapada' (for its pure spirit) and `The Great Path of Awakening' (for taking and sending & mind training), as well as this book 'Snowboarding to Nirvana' and its prequel 'Surfing the Himalayas' (for their clear view on life and the Enlightenment process).
   
   However, don't let this book fool you; it is academically and technically very exact in its descriptions of Buddhist concepts. For example the description of the Buddha's three cycles of teaching is very precise and demonstrates a tremendous clarity in understanding Buddhism. The third cycle teachings (of the Mahasiddha's) is considered by Buddhist scholars to be most relevant in the world today and what people really need; this is clearly explained in the book, perhaps better than anywhere else.
   
   The astral travel, the oracle, the description of the dimensional access points, even the sex - all are very inspiring - and worth reading over and over, not just for Buddhists, but for people who want to enjoy life and what it has to offer to the fullest and, of course, for us extreme sports enthusiasts.



5. I highly recommend this book to anyone. And in particular, anyone who's interested in higher ideals, love, brightness, clarity, wonderment, ecstacy... There's just so much of it in this book! The notion that people exercise at most 10% of their capabilities is well known in popular culture, but what's not is how to engage the rest of one's being. The author illuminates new ways of seeing life explained in clear, plain English that's fun to read and includes multiple techniques to free the mind and sustain higher energy and awareness that goes beyond the mundane awareness most people abide in. How can this be? Isn't this guy full of it? The only way to know for sure is to have the willingness to try it for yourself and find out. I did. This is a gem - the best book I have ever read on self-discovery!

5 comments about Snowboarding Skills: The Back-To-Basics Essentials for All Levels.

1. Cindy Kleh's book, while not packed with information for all riders, does an excellent job of conveying the keys to successful snowboarding. I'm a relative novice to the sport, and found this an invaluable tool in helping me survive those first days on the mountain. Snowboarding is decidedly unintuitive; Ms. Kleh expertly tells what one should be doing using clear prose and detail. For the intermediate rider looking to improve his/her repertoire of tricks, there are other titles more suitable to that range of rider. For the beginner this is the best organized book of the bunch that I've read. I should note that it's also wonderfully photographed.



2. This book is great if you really want to learn how to snowboard. In my opinion nothing can take the place of one-on-one or group lessons... but this book is a great compliment to help reinforce what you learn (or figure out) on the slopes.
   
   The illustrations are also really really helpful, so you can figure out what should be where and what it all looks like. And wear a helmet!!



3. I received this book as a Christmas present one year. I found it helpful to look through and reinforce some of the things I'd been learning on the slopes. My boyfriend (who taught himself how to snowboard) used this book to teach me. It was great because before we had this book it was difficult for him to help me out because he just went out and snowboarded without any formal instruction. This book gave him the steps to use to teach ME. I'd recommend this for people who are just learning, especially people who have a more experienced snowboarder they can ride with. You can have a little personal instruction for free (or maybe the price of a beer!).



4. Excellent pictures and graphic. Good explanation with tips and dos and don'ts.
   However, I feel like it is not enough in depth. A little shallow. After reading it, tried on the snow (great fun and works) and I want more but the book didn't give me any.
   I think Chapter 6 should be longer and explain more.
   
   Overall it is a good book but just not enough depth in many areas.



5. This is a fine book. It is easy to read, with good tips and very well organized. Pictures help to follow the text and depict concepts clearly.

5 comments about 50 Classic Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Summits in California: Mount Shasta to Mount Whitney.

1. The most comprehensive guide available for anyone interested in skiing the best of the California peaks. This book will seduce the timid into a world of adventure and outdoor recreation previously thought to be for the "Big Boys" only. The experienced skier and snowboarder will appreciate the breadth of information available in one source. You'll scrunch this one into your backpack along with your topo map. Mr. Richins' writing style flows easily. His excitement for the subject will capture your outdoor spirit. His vast experience will give you the confidence and trust you need in a guide (and this guide will fit in your backpack).



2. The most comprehensive guide available for anyone interested in skiing the best of the California peaks. This book will seduce the timid into a world of adventure and outdoor recreation previously thought to be for the "Big Boys" only. The experienced skier and snowboarder will appreciate the breadth of information available in one source. You'll scrunch this one into your backpack along with your topo map. Mr. Richins' writing style flows easily. His excitement for the subject will capture your outdoor spirit. His vast experience will give you the confidence and trust you need in a guide (and this guide will fit in your backpack).



3. Mr. Richins book is a veritable treasure-trove of information. From well researched check-lists to clear descriptions of everything from how to get to the trailhead to routes on the peaks; this book covers it all! Mr. Richins love of the Sierra Nevada shines through these pages. He invites his readers to share his love of the winter Sierra and imparts knowledge that makes it possible for expert and novice alike to enjoy these mountains. History of the Sierra Nevada is woven in throughout the book, creating an interestng counterpoint to the climbing routes. A must for the backpack on winter trips in the Sierras! Something to read by headlamp on those long nights in the tent!



4. Having recently purchased Paul Richins book, ³50 Classic Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Summits in California,² I was very impressed. Like all books published by ³The Mountaineers,² it is nothing but First Class in every way. Mr. Richins has gone out of his way to provide the rest of us with a gem which will lead one to enjoy the fantastic world of the winter Sierra.

   Even if one is nothing more than an arm chair cross country skier they would find this book highly enjoyable and enlightening reading. For the more adventuresome person, Mr. Richins book would be their ultimate guide to a world of adventure. The pictures, the writing, the maps are all five star. The little extras that Mr. Richins has added throughout the book, such as writings of John Muir, and others, adds the spice to this delightful book.

   Mr. Richins, since he has obviously researched, personally , all 50 of the peaks listed in his guide, has been able to make a very reliable summary of each peak, from Intermediate, Advance, to Expert. This would easily allow me to select a challenge within my ability and, along with the excellent guide of the book, make winter trips I would have never thought possible.




5. If you are planning a winter/spring backcountry trip and want accurate, detailed information on routes, terrain, and level of difficulty for some of the best skiing/snowboarding terrain in California than this is the perfect book. The book is well organized, clearly written and beautifully illustrated. Everytime I pick up the book I find myself mentally planning new trips and plotting descent routes on the photographs. An added plus to the book is the wealth of information that it contains on preparing for a backcountry experience. The author covers everything from avalanche danger to equipment to bring on an extended trip. He even includes an excellent website for those who want more information. There always is a question in my mind when I read any backcountry guide about the accuracy of the information. Who wants to set out on a trip only to find out that the route maps or the descriptions don't match the terrain? The author is someone with extensive backcountry experience who has done each of the 50 trips described in the book at least once. We all sould be so lucky! Having taken two trips with the author that are detailed in the book, I can say that he did an excellent job of describing the routes and the terrain. If you are someone who is looking for backcountry ski/snowbaording adventure, this book will make your trip planning a whole lot easier. Enjoy

No comments about Super Special On Thin Ice (Katie Kazoo, Switcheroo).

5 comments about Girl Overboard.

1. Syrah Cheng has it all- a lavish lifestyle, a big-name corporate dad, great friends, and a strong inclination and talent for snowboarding. Through her manga journal and narrative, Syrah shows that beneath the alluring exterior of her lavish life, it's not all it's cracked up to be- her half siblings hate her, the girlfriend of her best friend wants her to stay away from him, and her knee injury keeps her from going back on the slopes to snowboard. When she meets her new friend's little sister, who has leukemia, Syrah comes up with a big idea to help her out and just may be able to find her own self worth, and maybe become closer to her family as well.
   
   While this may seem like a boring, predictable sports novel about snowboarding, it is not like that at all. Snowboarding is hardly even mentioned in the book; the focus is more on Syrah finding her way in the world, and new family she's found herself in. Filled with wit, vivid details and a powerful, engaging narrative, this is another great and original book from the author of "Nothing But The Truth (and a Few White Lies)".



2. I know I am not the prime audience for which this book was written. I am many generations removed from the current youth this book was written for and about. Growing up before Title 9, I did not have the sport opportunities available to girls since that milestone legislation. Despite the lack of organized sports, I was a young female athlete, one who had set her sights on representing her country in the Olympics one day.
   
   At that time, I chose the Olympics because it was one of the only avenues available for women athletes to perform on a high level, at least those were my dreams until I tore my ACL at age 13 and had my world tossed upside down. And so, when I meet Syrah Cheng, up and coming snowboarder, who is trying to come back from the same potentially career threatening injury, my heart is with her all the way.
   
   I know the battles female athletes have fought and continue to fight even today and so does Justina Headley Chen, the author. Ms Headley, who says she conceived the novel as she was being trundled down a mountain by the ski patrol after having a similar accident may never have been an up and coming boarder but she knows well the struggles young girls face in our society. That is why she and several other talented YA authors have established "Readergirlz.com" a web community for "gutsy girls" wherever they may be and whatever their passions.
   
   "Girl Overboards' Syrah Cheng has many battles to fight as she struggles to find her niche in the world. Issues of sexism, classism, and cultural identity are all handled with delicacy and power. There are no simple solutions here. Syrah may have been born into a family with many privileges but living in the spotlight of media and community scrutiny only magnifies the struggle to live up to the image of the "perfect daughter". This image includes the struggle of meeting the unhealthy demands our societiy places on the perfect, female body as well As a young female athlete trying to build a body that can meet the demands of the sport she loves, Syrah must also deal with the expectations of both her mother and potential snowboarding sponsors, an image that Syrah has subconsciously accepted until she recognizes it herself.
   
   Which brings us to another wonderful element of the book, Syrah is also a budding illustrator and writer of Manga. In her Manga journal, Syrahs' alter ego Shiraz is able to fly high above the rest in her snowboarding exploits but also ends up teaching Syrah even more about herself.
   
   Which brings me to my only regret about the book. It would be fantastic if future editions of the book could contain some panels representing the journal. Manga is a very hot ticket and would attract a whole other segment of readers. Perhaps there could even be a graphic novel/Manga spinoff or series based on the characters?
   
   This is a compelling read which will speak to many girls and young women. If you have a "gutsy girl" in your life get the book for her today! She won't be sorry!



3. Poised at the Edge Book Review
   
   GIRL OVERBOARD
   
   Justina Chen Headley
   
   
   The worst part of having it all is having to deal with it all--the good, the bad, and the just plain weird. So begins the story of Syrah Cheng. Everybody assumes that life is breeze for Syrah. Her father, Ethan Cheng is famous billionaire; she lives in a veritable palace, anything she wants is at her fingertips, right? But what people don't know is she hardly ever gets to see her globe-trotting parents, her half-siblings refuse to treat her like she's part of the family, her best friend's girlfriend is sabotaging their friendship, and she just got used and humiliated by an egotistical (quasi)-pro snowboarder, who referred to her (bank account) as his "free-pass to paradise."
   
   Life is anything but rosy for Syrah. After a serious (and seriously foolish) accident leaves Syrah with a severe knee injury, she is no longer able to escape to the mountains and snowboard. Even worse, she has to forget her dream of going pro. But down-time, and a series of astonishing events, leads Syrah down a path of self-evaluation and personal growth.
   
   I don't want to say much more about the plot, because I want everyone to read GIRL OVERBOARD, a story so rich in plot, theme, and content, that it left my head spinning. Justina Chen Headley gracefully weaves issues of race, socio-economic class, gender, feminism, body image, complex extended family, deep-dark secrets, jealousy, and enlightenment. How did she do it? This is a smart book to be treasured by girls, and women of all ages!
   
   Review by Melissa Jauregui



4. If you are looking for a rags-to-riches story, don't pick up GIRL OVERBOARD. On the other hand, if you are looking for a story about a rich girl struggling to be a normal, well-adjusted girl, than this one is for you.
   
   Syrah Cheng is the daughter of privilege. Her father, Ethan Cheng, made the cell phone what it is today. Her mother, Betty Cheng, is the queen of charity fundraising, and demands only the best. Unfortunately, all the splendor and wealth surrounding Syrah leave her feeling uncomfortable and unloved.
   
   Syrah's dream is to become a sponsored pro-snowboarder; however, a recent life-threatening accident has sidelined her with a bum knee. Her doctor says she is ready to resume normal activities and even some cautious snowboarding, but her globe-trotting parents have forbidden her participation in the only activity that makes her life worthwhile. She fills her days with school and manga drawings of a superheroine snowboarder named Shiraz.
   
   Not being able to snowboard is only the beginning of trouble for Syrah. Her best friend, Age, has a new girlfriend who doesn't believe there is room in their relationship for Syrah. Bao-mu, Syrah's dedicated nanny, has announced that she is leaving to go help her granddaughter with her new baby. And to top it all off, Ethan Cheng has announced his retirement and his intention to move the family to Hong Kong.
   
   There is never a dull moment in GIRL OVERBOARD. Syrah may seem about to give up on her dream, but she finds a way to combine her love of snowboarding with what she discovers are her many other assets, to help a new friend in need, and make her family proud of her. Author Justina Chen Headley shows her readers what truly lies beneath the glittery surface of a girl who has it all, but learns that family, friendship, and love can surprise us all.
   
   Reviewed by: Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"



5. Reviewed by Emily Robbins (age 13) for Reader Views (3/08)
   
   "Girl Overboard," by Justina Chen Headley, is about Syrah Cheng, the daughter of a billionaire, the famous Ethan Cheng. Decked out private jets, expensive designer snowboards, all of the latest hot fashions, it's all hers. She is definitely living large. The only problem is that she hates it. Instead of parties, Syrah would rather be up on the tall, snowy mountains doing what she knows best, skateboarding.
   
   Syrah's life is just going downhill. Her best friend's girlfriend is ruining their relationship. Her knee was supposed to have healed by now, after a horrible snowboarding accident she had a while back, but it is still giving her troubles. She's also struggling with trying to figure out who her real friends are, and who she herself is.
   
   My favorite character is definitely Lillian, one of Syrah's friends. She is energetic, kind, and seems like the best type of friend a person could have. Unlike the rest of Lillian's popular friends, she is more concerned about the sick and deathly-ill kids in the hospital than the juicy gossip her friends enjoy so greatly.
   
   Wayne, Syrah's unkind brother, completely does not understand Syrah. He is just after his very large share in his father's very large inheritance, and making loads of cash. So, instead of trying to understand her, he is just a cruel sibling, trying to ruin her snowboarding dream. Wayne is unquestionably, my least favorite character of them all.
   
   "Girl Overboard" was an inspiring book. I really liked how it really went into her lifestyle, trying to show you just how much she loathed it. The author did a really good job with all the diverse characters, and showing their different personalities. Some parts in the book I admit were a little dull and monotonous; in those sections I just skimmed over those paragraphs, but all in all it was an all-around great book! Two thumbs up, and I would definitely recommend "Girl Overboard," by Justina Chen Headley.

3 comments about The Art of Snowboarding.

1. I thought this book provided a thoughtful explanation about how to improve your snowboarding techniques. Smith's easy-to-understand descriptions, and the accompanying photographs, provide the information you need to broaden your skills, and make you a better boarder.



2. This book rocks. If you want to learn more about boarding this is the book for you.



3. The author takes the time to go through snowboarding and its progressions as you learn various skills in snowboarding. Great experienced knowledge for beginners that you can only get from a veteren snowboarder. A great book for the begginner and intermediate snowboarder. The photos are excellent as well.

3 comments about The Case of the Snowboarding Superstar (Jigsaw Jones Mystery, No. 29).

1. I had to find a book that my son could read that had a boy in it besides a little girl. "Jenny Jones" is the major female book reader now and he wanted to read a book that had a boy in it and this was the title I chose first and it was a winner. He tried to read the entire set in one week and he accomplish his mission. So far he has read the series twice and now I am forced to get the rest.



2. My six and a half year olds love these books. They are easy to understand and each chapter has enough length to read one a day or several. It is refreshing to read a children's book that does not contain witches, abusive language, or potty jokes. We will be ordering the whole collection.



3. Jigsaw Jones is a great series for kids to read. The stories are fun and introduce kids to many situations that they would not otherwise have. We have good family discussions after reading some chapters.

No comments about Freestyle with Avery (Beacon Street Girls) (Beacon Street Girls).