The Real Deadwood: True Life Histories of Will Bill Hickock, Calamity Jane, Outlaw Towns, and Other Characters of the Lawless West

Book Description

Supported by strong ratings and a rich history, The Real Deadwood provides background and historical accuracy for the figures depicted on the hit HBO series, and takes a broader look at the times that spawned them. Covering law and order, politics, journalism, and early medicine, and examining some "historical guest stars" who may play a factor in future Deadwood episodes (Teddy Roosevelt was an acquaintance of series protagonist Seth Bullock and made several visits to the lawless town; Bullock turned away Wyatt Earp when he offered his services as a lawman)-The Real Deadwood will allow readers to traverse the unpaved streets of an outlaw town without ever getting their boots dirty.

Customer Reviews:

At best, it is a poorly written high school term paper........2007-05-31

One person reviewing this book wrote that if you're a fan of the Deadwood television series, you should avoid this book. Let me go a little bit further. If you've got any sense at all, avoid this book. It's easily the fluffiest 128 page book you're likely to read this year (or next). The content in the book could fit in a high school student's term paper, and I suspect that is actually how the book may have originated.

It's filled with lots of information that seemed lifted from various web sites I've seen, although I suppose that it is possible that various web sites may have lifted their content from this book, although why anyone would do this, I can't begin to contemplate.

To be perfectly clear, avoid this book. It is a clear attempt to cash in on the popular Deadwood TV series. (The series started in March 2004. This book came out in August 2004.) Go to your local Borders or Barnes and Nobel to glance at a copy before you decide to buy it.

If you are a fan of the TV series, "Deadwood: Stories of the Black Hills" is a far better choice.

If you are into getting down as close as you can to the real history of the town and it's periods of boom and bust, then I highly recommend you consider, "Deadwood: The Golden Years." (Published in 1981, 23 years before the TV show.)

Disappointing........2006-11-10

The book references the tv show "Deadwood" much too often. I didn't know if I was reading about the "real" Deadwood or the tv version. I was very disappointed.

Great.......2006-11-10

The book give more insight to the tv show Dead wood....I wish they would not have canceled it....Any way I enjoyed the book quite a bit..and found the grave of one of them...here in St Louis....

Deadwood Lite.......2006-03-01

If you're looking for a fast, easy read about Deadwood with little detail, insight, or depth, this is the book for you. The book offers nothing new or interesting for those of us already familiar with Deadwood's history.

I also consider the strong tie in to the HBO series (which is, by the way, my favorite show) generally ill advised. The positive aspect of doing so is the author makes it clear early in the book that the series is not completely factual, the writers, producers, etc. do not intend for the show to be completely factual, and the book addresses some of these characters, events, situations presented in the series, and "corrects" the facts. Unfortunately, in a few cases, the author discusses fictional characters/situations from the series, it's important to understand the context and details of the reference, the context and details are not included in the book, so only readers who've watched the series would understand the references. I'm sure there are a lot of people interested in Deadwood and it's history who haven't watched or have no interest in the series. Overall, I found the constant references to the series annoying. I love the series, I wanted to learn more about the real Deadwood, I didn't want to read about the series, I didn't get what I wanted or thought I'd get from this book.

Please, do not wast your time........2006-01-27

This was a very quick read, and not a very detailed book. I would wish the book to go into more detail, and not have so many references to "Deadwood" the HBO show. If I wanted to know all that, I would watch the show.
I would not recomend buying this book. It does not go into detail at all, is very basic, and leaves you hanging.
Once you find a part that actually interest you, it comes to an abrupt end and seems like some of the pages detailing the story fell out.

Average customer rating:

A New Voice
A wonderful book
Quiet observations of everyday life

Calamity and Other Stories
Daphne Kalotay
Manufacturer: Doubleday
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Literary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

United States | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0385513585
Release Date: 2005-01-18

Book Description

Twelve stories introducing a remarkable new writer...

In Calamity and Other Stories, Daphne Kalotay portrays with affection and frankness the complexity and comedy of human relationships. From a newly independent woman finding herself in bed with her husband of long ago to a thirteen-year-old boy irked by his friendship with a younger girl, Kalotay’s characters step poignantly into and out of each other’s worlds, at times frustrated by regrets and unrealized hopes and at other times embracing life’s small joys and absurdities.

Every Monday the man in Sunshine Cleaners awaits the one customer who acknowledges his existence, though all she offers are complaints. A little girl gets a surprising glimpse of adulthood when she catches her mother in a moment of uninhibited pleasure. And for two older women, a tie formed long ago sustains them through defining twists of fate. In each of these luminous stories, Kalotay lays bare a profound truth about the secrets of the heart.

Exquisitely crafted, moving, and funny, Calamity and Other Stories showcases a writer finding wonder in ordinary lives.

Customer Reviews:

A New Voice.......2005-02-01

It seems to me that the majority of short story collections are either by authors who are established, cashing in on their fame, or unknown authors trying to establish themselves, with hopes of someday cashing in on their fame. The former type of authors tends to have collections that appeal to their fan base. The latter type of author is trying to do two things, create a fan base (buzz) and flex their literary mussels (prepare for their first novel). Premiere writer Daphne Kalotay's first book of short stories, I think, does both.

"Calamity and Other Stories" at first seems like a collection of separate shorts. We are first introduced to Rhea and Callie, two ten year girls who, together, begin to see the subtle confusing complexities of adult life. In the third story, we're introduced to Geoff, a preteen who's forced to face, head on, those complexities. In the forth story we meet Geoff's friend, Mack. By the sixth story I finally caught on, this is not so much a book of short stories as it is a fragmented novel. We follow the lives of Rhea, Mack, Geoff, Callie, plus a few others as we jump from story to story. The final chapter takes us to a wedding where the central characters all congregate in celebration. This last story caps the book nicely and even offers us a tiny sense of closure.

Unto themselves most of these stories seem to lack direction and conclusion, together however they cement each other and offer us a candid look at an extended family over the course of 20+ years.

A wonderful book.......2005-01-26

I nearly missed a brunch date thanks to Daphne Kalotay's CALAMITY--a book I found impossible to put down. The stories weave together beautifully, and the humor and thoughtful observations in each of the twelve stories brings a sparkle that makes the situations (even ones concerning solitude or breakups) magical. In "Serenade," one of my favorites, we see a kiss through the eyes of ten-year-old Rhea. Rhea appears again as an adult in "The Man from Allston Electric" (another one of my favorites) only this time an electrical outlet demands attention. Though these situations may appear commonplace--at least as I've so briefly described them--the richness of the described moments jumps off the pages. I was completely captivated, and only sorry when the collection came to a close. Even as I write this, I'm thinking about the characters and wishing I knew what they were up to right now. Lovely writing, great all around. I'm looking forward to reading more of Kalotay's work!

Quiet observations of everyday life.......2005-01-18

A time of pure love seen through the eyes of others, the tragic loss of someone who has yet to experience life, the comprehension of some shameful deceit, promptly forgotten but seared on the soul, spontaneous laughter between strangers who will never become friends. Every life has its small moments, when the world opens wide for a split second and allows us to see inside. From childhood through adulthood, these sudden realizations strike and we save them, adding to a growing stock of understanding. These stories are about those introspective moments, the things that mostly pass unnoticed, until the psyche cracks open and lets in the light.

In Calamity and Other Stories, Kalotay chronicles these insights, capturing the essential good intentions of humanity in the mundane activities we endure each day. These are often times of instant epiphany, registering the larger meanings behind tedium and obligation, the resplendent opportunities to understand others.

The title story, Calamity, perfectly captures the spirit of the collection, an encounter with the quixotic nature of fate that awaits the willing, touching gently on the vagaries of the human condition. The sometimes recurring characters are often disappointed in life, a bit shocked at how wrong things can go, yet inherently hopeful. In fact, the simplicity of the prose and the themes of the short stories speak to this disappointment tempered with a vague optimism for the future. The randomness of everyday actions, the possibilities that lurk just around the corner and the subtle nuances of adaptability offer a sense of stability to these small, precise tales. Luan Gaines/2005.

#1 Goodbye God, I'm Going to Bodie (Ghostowners)

Average customer rating:

Will enthrall the readers from first page to last
5 Stars Plus
Exciting, Enthralling, Involving!
I thought it was tubular!!!!!!!!
it was awesome

#1 Goodbye God, I'm Going to Bodie (Ghostowners)
Calamity Jan
Manufacturer: WildWest Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0972180001

Book Description

When Meggie and Paige and a kid named Johnny uncover the missing diary in the ghost town of Bodie, California, they have no idea what secrets had been buried for over a hundred years. Bodie--once known as the Wildest Mining Camp in the West--comes to life through the words of the unknown girl whose words, Goodbye God, I'm going to Bodie have become a legend. The Ghostowners set out to discover Anna's secrets, but uncover a whole lot more than they had bargained for.

Customer Reviews:

Will enthrall the readers from first page to last.......2004-08-08

"Goodbye God, I'm Going To Bodie" by Jan Pierson (a.k.a. Calamity Jan) is the debut title of the smoothly written "Ghostowners" mystery series for young readers. Bodie was a wild California mining town and the phrase "Goodby God, I'm going to Bodie" was found in a young girl's diary. This unknown girl and her adventures reveal hardships and history that will enthrall the readers from first page to last. Also very highly recommended is the second title in this fledgling series, Ghost Of Nighthawk (097218001X, $10.00) which takes place in the ghost town of Nighthawk, Washington, and will leave young readers looking forward to the pending release of the third "Ghostowners" series title, Shadow Of Shaniko (0972180028, $10.00) set in the ghost town of Shaniko, Oregon

5 Stars Plus.......2003-08-28

I received an autographed copy of this book direct from the Author. I saved it for the weekend, and found it difficult to put down - until I finished it (well before the end of the weekend).

I was made to feel as though I was in Bodie and able to work/play alongside the players in the story.

I have a granddaughter entering reading age, and plan to read this story with her, to help further her interest in learning/reading.

A compelling read. Keet up the good work, Jan.

Exciting, Enthralling, Involving!.......2003-07-21

I started this book not knowing what to expect. Suddenly I found myself involved in the adventure along with Meggie and Paige. I have been to the ghost town of Bodie many times and I could relate to everything the author presented. It was as though I was there and a part of the mystery. The way the author wove history and the story together made it compelling reading. I originally intended to read only one chapter at a time. However, when I came to the end of a chapter the story compelled me to continue reading. Before I knew it I was in the middle of another chapter. I am an adult male and have read many books on Bodie and never enjoyed one as much as this. I recommend this story for children of "all" ages. To the author I say "BRAVO, WELL DONE!" I look forward to more of her books.

I thought it was tubular!!!!!!!!.......1998-12-01

It was probably the best book I have ever read. The title really grabs you and gets you involved. I will read it again someday.

it was awesome.......1998-12-01

it was like so coooooool i loved it i've read it like 50 times i'd just like to say that i really liked it and that every body should read it was very exciting please take the time to read it i think everbody should read it

Average customer rating:

Cool ghost town story!

#2 Ghost of Nighthawk (Ghostowners)
Calamity Jan
Manufacturer: WildWest Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 097218001X

Book Description

The ghost appears to reside on the second floor of the creepy old Nighthawk Hotel where Meggie uncovers the first clue to the legendary Haggerty gold. In a race against time, the Ghostowners follow the clue, exploring old shacks and abandoned mines in Nighthawk's Similkameen River Valley. But who is following them? And why? When they find themselves trapped in the Nighthawk Mine, they learn the shocking truth about the treasure and the Ghost of Nighthawk.

Customer Reviews:

Cool ghost town story!.......2004-03-02

I couldn't put this down! Exciting mystery and now I want to visit this place. This is awesome. Zippity

Average customer rating:

A gripping mystery with a sound message

#3 Shadow of Shaniko (Ghostowners)
Calamity Jan
Manufacturer: WildWest Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0972180028

Book Description

The ghost town of Shaniko, Oregon isn't supposed to be dangerous, but the howling going on in the Shaniko School night after night tells Meggie and Paige otherwise. A ghost? They are terrified when threatening messages begin appearing on the chalk board in the school, warning them to leave. Caught between the ghost, a Native American runaway and the feared Whipman, the Ghostowners realize they may be walking into a trap.

Customer Reviews:

A gripping mystery with a sound message.......2003-09-02

This is an intriguing and engrossing mystery for pre- and young adolescents with a strong but subtly delivered message about human relations at the end. It's the sort of book I would like my daughter to enjoy. And as someone familiar with the area and the cultures in which the story is set, I can say that the author has done her homework in providing authentic and believable background.

America's greatest flood and tornado calamity, authentic story of these appalling disasters;: Graphic and complete accounts of the terrible floods in Ohio, ... and other states ... The Omaha tornado

Average customer rating:

America's greatest flood and tornado calamity, authentic story of these appalling disasters;: Graphic and complete accounts of the terrible floods in Ohio, ... and other states ... The Omaha tornado
Herbert Victor Prochnow
Manufacturer: Printed by R.O. Law Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Natural Disasters | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Christmas Calamity and Other Stories (Felicity Wishes)

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Christmas Calamity and Other Stories (Felicity Wishes)
Emma Thomson
Manufacturer: Hodder Children's Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

The Haunted Horse of Gold Hill (Ghostowners)

Average customer rating:

FUN Mystery History!

The Haunted Horse of Gold Hill (Ghostowners)
Calamity Jan
Manufacturer: WildWest Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
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ASIN: 0972180036

Book Description

Why is the mysterious mustang colt circling the tombstone on the outskirts of Gold Hill, Nevada? What haunts this small, wild horse that has been sighted for over a hundred years? Twelve-year-old Paige, and her best friend, Meggie are determined to find out, but a teenage drifter named Brooks involves them in an even more perilous web of high-stakes danger and intrigue. Is this ranch hand a mustanger involved in an illegal horse smuggling operation intent on capturing the wild horses? The Ghostowners soon find out.

Customer Reviews:

FUN Mystery History! .......2007-05-16

One of the BEST of Calamity Jan's Ghostowners series! If possible, combine this book with a trip to historic Gold Hill and Virginia City and spark in your child a real interest in the fascinating history of Nevada. Why not stay in the very same Gold Hill Hotel and take the same train ride, and who knows...you might see some of the wild horses in the area. I have. The locations and history in these Ghostowner mystery stories are REAL and incredible places to visit and vacation...for kids AND adults!

Missed Fortunes and Other Calamities Stories and Rhyme

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Missed Fortunes and Other Calamities Stories and Rhyme
Charles E O'Connor
Manufacturer: C and G Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound
ASIN: 096619151X

Average customer rating:

Wonderful Read

Wow!

Excellent sequaql

Shepard does not disappoint!
Two Moons: The Freeman's Captive: Book Two
Chelsea Shepard
Manufacturer: iUniverse, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Erotica | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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Two Moons: Worthy of a Master Book One

Witness of Gor

Once Bitten

Owned and Owner

Slave Castle

ASIN: 0595330843

Book Description

As Megan struggles to adjust to a green sky and a sexually-inventive society, she is brutally forced to confront the dark side of the planet Khyra. Kidnapped and held hostage by a determined and dangerous freeman, she must fight ruthless adversaries as well as contradicting feelings in her heart.

At a time when she needs strength and resilience, will her love for Khiru, the fierce Rhysh Master, be help or hindrance? In Two Moons II: The Freeman's Captive, the second novel of her intergalactic adventures, Megan finds herself in a battle she didn't choose, one in which the outcome will forever change her life.

Praise for Two Moons I: Worthy of a Master:

"Finally! What an awesome 4-star read. Ms. Shepard has a unique ability for true character development along with inventive scenes."

Download Description

At a time when she needs strength and resilience, will her love for Khiru, the fierce Rhysh Master, be help or hindrance? In Two Moons II: The Freeman

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Read.......2007-04-02

I enjoyed this story and glad I read it right after the first one. Both together made the story even better.

Wow!.......2006-02-19

I couldn't put this book down, once I started it. It is a first-rate successor to Two Moons: Worthy of A Master. Beware if BDSM shocks you. Although such scenes abound, Shepard never fails to build meaningful relationships among her characters and to characterize them, especially Megan, so that the reader really cares about them. Nor does she neglect a fascinating and tension-filled plot. The leading male character, Khiru, seems remote, but I suspect that is purposeful. The second leading male character, Kalhan, although just as dominant as Khiru, seems more like a real person with honest disappointments, doubts, and emotional attachments. Minor figures such as Leeham, the neophyte submissive, are masterfully drawn and evoke sympathy and smiles from the reader. The leading villain, Vogh, is portrayed as deeply dark and evil as possible. although Shepard fleshes out the character by revealing one weak spot in his armor (I won't tell and ruin the plot!) The structure of society on the alien planet that is the setting seems carefully and believably drawn. Strong recommendation with the caveat mentioned above.

Excellent sequaql.......2005-12-26

This is a follow on to The first boos Worthy of a Master. Megan gets Khiru a trained Master, but their relationship turns rockey. She is kidnaped by some folks from the free colonies for the same reason that the Global Council wants her, as a source of DNA that will let them repair the genitic damage done during the gene wars. They changed the male/female birth rate to 4 to 1 and then when the wars were over the attempt to nromalize make things much worse and left 1/2 of the couples unable to have children. (Even today genetic manipulation in this regon of the gene is known to cause secfonday problems and unpredictable resultws.) The free arieas are those who refused to submit to the Council because they objected for religious, cultural or other reasons the rule of the Council. Good plot/subplot, sex scenes, and characterization. Reminds me of Laura Antoniou at her best, but without the transsectual issues. Nicley done BDSM, Ds, and MS scenes; even if you generaly don't like this type of book I would highly recomend this one.

Shepard does not disappoint!.......2004-12-31

After reading Two Moons: Worthy of a Master (book 1), I couldn't wait to get Freeman's Captive. This book is just as witty, sexy, and well-written as the first.

Our heroine, Megan, finds herself on Khyra with her wonderful new lover, Khiru. However, not all is paradise, as Megan and Khiru come to understand that Megan will never be able to satisfy Khiru's complex needs as a Master -- a graduate of the exclusive acadamy where Dom/mes and subs are formally trained in the fine art of BDSM.

Back in book 1, Megan's disasterous incident with an irresponsible dom left her with emotional scars. She enters book 2 with all sorts of psychological baggage concerning masochism.

Meanwhile, the whole planet is looking to her DNA as the saving force that will keep Khyrians from eventually becoming extinct (a result of their previous meddling with reproductive genetics). As the wonderfully-twisty plot unfolds, Megan is kidnapped by rebels who want to see the Free Territories gain the same benefit from Megan's fertile body.

Megan steps up to every challenge (or, um, lays down for every challenge?) blooming into a new woman as she is forced to face her greatest fears about sex, bondage, pain, submission ... and utimately, love.

I cannot recommend this series enough, and I cannot wait for the next installment!

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