Native Americans State by State

Sapp, Rick. Native Americans State by State. New York: Chartwell, 2018.

This handy reference volume works well as a supplement to units on Native Americans for upper elementary and middle school social studies students. It is full of photographs, maps, and other illustrations to enhance understanding. For each state, Canadian province, and even the District of Columbia and some of the Caribbean territories of the United States, information regarding the native peoples to that area is supplied. Typical entries include meaning of the state's name, a brief description of the area's geography, a brief glimpse at the culture and lifestyle, Native languages spoken, housing types, contemporary peoples native to the area, a list of recognized tribes present in the area, a map showing where native populations reside, a timeline, a narrative, and some photographs depicting the people and their culture. Since most regions only receive four to six pages, with an occasional entry slightly longer, the author cannot include everything. However, it is a good introduction. The book would have been enhanced by including brief bibliographies for each region so students or teachers wishing to explore more could easily locate resources that work for the age group. This book should be in upper elementary and middle school libraries and in many public libraries. This was a "read now" title at NetGalley. I downloaded it with the expectation that I would write an honest review. The advance review copy was entitled North American Indian Tribes State-by-State, but it was published under the title Native Americans State by State. The cover does mention it "includes Canadian First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.

Silent Night by Lara Hawthorne

Hawthorne, Lara. Silent Night. London: Lincoln's Children Books, 2018.

I loved the illustrations in this picture book illustrated the beloved Christmas carol. While Mary and Joseph look more African than Jewish, the illustrations are charming, reflecting the peace of Christmas.  I would eventually like to purchase my own copy, but for now I'll keep this one until it expires so I may enjoy it for this Christmas season. This was a "read now" title at NetGalley. I downloaded it with the expectation of writing an honest review. I would eventually like to purchase my own copy, but for now I'll keep this one until it expires so I may enjoy it for this Christmas season.

LoGenWriMo #3: A Photo Moment

I'm cheating tonight. I intended to write a sketch of an ancestor--and I hope to catch up on that one later in the month. I spent the day researching in Knoxville, and by the time I got home, it was too late to attempt to compose an entry for today. The sketch was intended to be an update of a post written in 2012 on Ashley Aldridge.

Instead, today's post focuses on a photograph, taken about 1947, which is one of the earliest of my brother Jim with our parents. My first cousin Linda appears to be in the background.

J.T. Thornton, Jim Thornton, Dorothy (Lantz) Thornton, Linda Feuerhelm
Home of I. L. Lantz, Blackcat Bottom, Amory, Mississippi

LoGenWriMo #2: Dock Hans Hester (1851-1922)

George W. Hester (1857-1937), left, and Dock Hans Hester (1851-1922), right.
Photo from collection of the late Sue Berryhill Brown of Amory, Mississippi.

Dock Hans Hester was born, according to family sources, 4 March 1851 in Monroe or Itawamba County, Mississippi to John H. and Nancy (Cockrell) Hester.[1] Family tradition through one of his brother’s lines states he was named Dock Hans Duggar Hester in honor of the doctor who delivered him.[2] The Hesters resided in the lost corner of Monroe County, Mississippi, resulting in census enumerators’ failure to count them in both 1860 and 1870. To enter the area by road, one most go into Itawamba County, and then re-enter Monroe County. When enumerators on what is now State Highway 371 and State Highway 25 reached the county line, they considered their work done. They probably did not know about the area, and the Hesters probably liked residing in such a secluded area because of their reputation for consuming alcoholic beverages.

Dock married Mary Ann Harris, the daughter of Walton A. and Margaret (Mosely) Harris, 20 November 1877 in Lee County, Mississippi.[3] They lived in Boyds Precinct, Monroe County, Mississippi in 1880 where Dock farmed.[4] Their home remained in Boyds Precinct, located in Beat 5, east of the Aberdeen and Richmond Public Road in 1900.[5] He lived along the Cotton Gin and Fulton Road in Boyds Precinct in 1910.[6] They lived along the Nettleton and Amory Road in Boyds Precinct, County Beat 5, in 1920.[7] Because of interstitial nephritis with an enlarged prostate gland and retention of urine, he died 21 August 1922 in Monroe County.[8]

Dock and Mary Ann were parents of:

1. Georgia Ann Hester (1878-1914)
2. Mattie Lou Hester (1880-1946)
3. Charles Anderson “Buddy” Hester (1883-1964)
4. Boyd H. Hester (1886-1887)
5. Freddie W. Hester (1888-1899)
6. Hattie Pearl Hester (1892-1930)
7. Ellie Beldon Hester (1894-1909)
8. Gillie Mae Hester (1897-1993; twin)
9. Lillie Faye Hester (1897-1897; twin, aged 9 months at death)
10. “Little Baby” Hester (unknown dates)

Note: Dock Hans Hester is my great-grandfather. This is the second LoGenWriMo entry.

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[1] Gillie Mae Hester Lantz (Amory Manor Nursing Home, Amory, Mississippi), conversation with Lori Thornton, about 1990; notes made from the conversation no longer extant. The tombstone at Hester Cemetery provides support for the year. Hester Cemetery (Monroe County, Mississippi; Clay Hill Road off Highway 371), D. H. Hester marker, photograph by Lori Thornton, about 1990. Gillie’s husband Irving was the informant on the death certificate, providing an alternative year of 1853. Although a specific date was not recorded, his age was recorded as 69 years, 4 months, and 8 days, making the alternative date 13 April 1853. This date provided by an in-law who provided “don’t know” to several questions seems unlikely. The 1880 census suggests a date between June 2, 1853 and June 1, 1854. The 1900 census states March 1857. The 1910 census suggests a date between April 16, 1855 and April 15, 1856. The 1920 census suggests he was born between January 2, 1856 and January 1, 1857. He likely was born in March, but the lack of early censuses for Dock makes it almost impossible to nail down an exact year of birth. A March 1855 date is unlikely since his brother Pink was born in December 1855. The March 1856 date is impossible because of Pink’s birth date. His brother George W. “Bud” was born in July 1857, making the March 1857 date impossible. It, therefore, seems most likely he was born in either 1851 or 1853. I selected 1851 based on his daughter’s recollection and the tombstone.

[2] I first encountered this when comparing notes with Sue Berryhill Brown, a descendant of Dock’s brother Mitch in the late 1990s. The 1900 census calls him “Dock D.” which may lend some support to the addition of “Duggar” to his name. Alexander Duggar and James Duggar lived in Itawamba County and are the only adult Duggars in the Itawamba-Monroe County area where the family lived. Alexander was employed as a farmer and James as a shoemaker. Broadening my census search failed to return additional prospects. This family tradition cannot be verified at this time.

[3] Lee County, Mississippi, Marriage Book 3: 516, D. H. Hester and Miss M. A. Harris, 1877; Circuit Clerk’s Office, Tupelo; photocopy in my possession.

[4] 1880 U.S. Census, Monroe County, Mississippi, population schedule, Boyds Precinct, Supervisors District (SD) 1, enumeration district (ED) 139, page 294 (stamped), dwelling/family 115, Dock Hester family; digital image, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 2 November 2018); citing National Archives microfilm publication T9, roll 658.

[5] 1900 U.S. Census, Monroe County, Mississippi, population schedule, Boyds Precinct, Supervisors District (SD) 1, enumeration district (ED) 81, page 268B (stamped), dwelling/family 14, Dock D. Hester family; digital image, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 2 November 2018); citing National Archives microfilm publication T623, roll 821.

[6] 1910 U.S. Census, Monroe County, Mississippi, population schedule, Boyds Precinct, Supervisors District (SD) 1, enumeration district (ED) 124, page 72 (stamped), dwelling/family 1, Dock H. Hester family; digital image, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 2 November 2018); citing National Archives microfilm publication T624, roll 752.

[7] 1920 U.S. Census, Monroe County, Mississippi, population schedule, Boyds Precinct, Supervisors District (SD) 5, enumeration district (ED) 78, page 257B (stamped), dwelling73, family 81, Dock H. Hester family; digital image, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 2 November 2018); citing National Archives microfilm publication T625, roll 887.

[8] Mississippi State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, death certificate no. 13341, Dock Hans Hester (1922); microfilm, Mississippi Department of Archives & History, Jackson.

LoGenWriMo #1: Elsina D. "Sis" Taylor (1850-1878), wife of Sid O. Morgan

Elsina D. "Sis" Taylor (1850-1878), wife of Sid O. Morgan. Photograph from Lyle Dearborn Taylor scrapbook, formerly held by the late Dwight Dearborn Taylor, Oklahoma City.

Elsina D. "Sis" Taylor was born 23 August 1850 in White Oak, McLean County, Illinois to Stephen and Betsey (Dearborn) Taylor.¹ She was enumerated at the age of one month in her parent's household in White Oak Grove, McLean County, Illinois on 2 October 1850. Although the official census date for 1850 was June 1, it appears the enumerator included the infant, recording her age at the time he visited the home.² She lived with her parents in White Oak in 1860.³ She remained in her parents' household in White Oak in 1870.⁴

Elsina married Sid O. Morgan 15 March 1871 in McLean County.⁵ She gave birth to daughter Zetta in December 1871 in Wisconsin.⁶ Elsina gave birth to daughter Engie 12 January 1876 in Illinois.⁷ She gave birth to Sidney Othniel Morgan, Jr., 16 February 1878 in Cuyahoga County, Ohio.⁸ Some undocumented sources say Elsina had two other sons, presumably between late 1872 and early 1875.⁹ Elsina died 2 August 1878 in Independence, Cuyahoga County, Ohio of typhoid malaria fever.¹⁰

Note: Elsina was my great-grandmother Laura Taylor's sister. This sketch is the first entry in my LoGenWriMo Challenge.

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1 1850 U.S. census, McLean County, Illinois, population schedule, White Oak Grove, pp. 49B-50A (stamped), dwelling 930, family 949, Stephen Taylor household; digital image, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-67T9-HWC?i=3&wc=95R4-6YV%3A1031317001%2C1033297801%2C1033303301&cc=1401638 : accessed 1 November 2018); citing National Archives microfilm publication M432, roll 117.^↩
2 Ibid.^↩
3 1860 U.S. census, McLean County, Illinois, population schedule, White Oak, p. 165 (written), dwelling 1098, family 1078, Stephen Taylor household; digital image, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9YBK-WWQ?cc=1473181&wc=7QVJ-55B%3A1589423252%2C1589424590%2C1589424888 : accessed 1 November 2018); citing National Archives microfilm publication M653, roll 204.^↩
4 1870 U.S. census, McLean County, Illinois, population schedule, White Oak, p. 6 (written), dwelling 43, family 44, Stephen Taylor household; digital image, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-6W37-3YM?cc=1438024&wc=92KC-TQH%3A518684301%2C519761301%2C518700201 : accessed 1 November 2018); citing National Archives microfilm publication M593, roll 259.^↩
5 Illinois Secretary of State, Illinois State Archives, "Illinois Statewide Marriage Index," database, (https://www.ilsos.gov/isavital/marriagesrch.jsp : accessed 1 November 2018), Sid O. Morgan-Elcena D. Taylor, 1871; citing McLean County marriage volume F, page 393.^↩
6 Birth date and location from 1900 census: 1900 U.S. census, Morton County, North Dakota, population schedule, Mandan, supervisor's district (SD) 199, enumeration district (ED) 239, page 154B (stamped), dwelling/family 74, line 89, Zetta Morgan; digital image, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-677S-1P7?cc=1325221&wc=9B7Q-DRD%3A1031459501%2C1032306201%2C1032339501 : accessed 1 November 2018); citing National Archives microfilm publication T623, roll 1230. Zetta lived with her father Sidney O. Morgan and his second wife Nellie in Morton County, Dakota Territory in 1885, being listed as the household head's daughter. See "North Dakota, Territorial and State Censuses, 1885, 1915, 1925," digital images, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 1 November 2018), 1885, Morgan County, pp. 51-52 (written), dwelling 25, family 29, Sidney O. Morgan family.^↩
7 Birth date and location from 1900 census: 1900 U.S. census, Morton Co., North Dakota, pop. sch., Glen Ullin, SD 199, ED 238, dwelling/family 43, line 86, Engie Morgan; digital image, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-6773-3QP?cc=1325221&wc=9B7Q-D5F%3A1031459501%2C1032306201%2C1032328101 : accessed 1 Nov 2018); citing National Archives microfilm publication T623, roll 1230. She resided with her father and stepmother in Morton County, Dakota Territory in 1885, listed as the head of household's daughter. See "North Dakota, Territorial and State Censuses, 1885, 1915, 1925," Morgan Co., pp. 51-52 (written), dwell. 25, fam. 29, Sidney O. Morgan family.^↩
8 Date of birth from military registrations: "U.S. World War I, Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," digital image, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 1 November 2018), card for Sid O. Morgan, serial no. 548, Local board for Glendive, Dawson County, Montana; also "U.S. World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942," digital image, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 1 November 2018), card for Sid Othniel Morgan, serial no. U3874, Local board for Seattle, Washington. Sid's death certificate provides his father's name as Sid Othnieal Morgan I and his mother's name as Eleanor E. Taylor. The informant did not personally know Elsina, who died when her son was only six months old, and considering the unusual name, the informant may have thought her name was Eleanor rather than the more unusual Elsina. See "Washington, Death Records, 1883-1960," database, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com : accessed 1 November 2018), Sid Othnieal Morgan II, 1959; citing Washington State Death Records.^↩
9 My reserach has not discovered the identities of these boys, but the gap in ages between Zetta and Engie leaves room for two additional children's births in that time period.^↩
10 "Ohio, County Death Records, 1868-1879," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99ZR-V8RY?cc=2128172&wc=7DZ2-GT3%3A1296031701%2C1296033702 : accessed 1 November 2018), E. F. Morgan, 1878, Cuyahoga County.^↩

NaNoWriMo with a Twist = LoGenWriMo

November is National Novel Writing Month, usually referred to as NaNoWriMo. While writing a novel is not on my agenda, writing up a documented family history is on the table. So I'm making this LoGenWriMo (Lori Genealogy Writing Month).

While I don't know that I'll manage to create a blog post each day, I do plan to spend at least a few minutes writing up narratives of my own family each day. Most of the posts will be created on WikiTree. I can create them there during my lunch break at work from my Ancestry tree and then check against my other database to see if I have things not added to my Ancestry tree.

Well-Read Black Girl

Edim, Glory, editor. Well-Read Black Girl: Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ourselves. New York: Ballantine Books, 2018.

Editor Glory Edim shares authors' brief reflections on their literary influences, primarily in terms of books or their authors. These stories are broken up by short bibliographies of black-women-authored books fitting specific categories. The author's essays include white and black authors, both male and female. I wish Edim's lists included mysteries written by black authors, but it did not. A closing bibliography includes the titles mentioned throughout the book. Since the book is written primarily for "girls," the focus is somewhat feminist. I have read some of the titles. While not all the remaining ones appeal to me, I would like to read several of the classic novels, books about girlhood/friendship, and a few more poetry volumes. I received an advance uncorrected proof by the publisher through NetGalley with the expectation of an honest review.

My Life in a Cat House

Cooper, Gwen. My Life in a Cat House: True Stories of Love, Laughter, and Living with Five Felines. Dallas, Texas: BenBella Books, 2018.

Gwen Cooper, author of Homer's Odyssey, featuring the now infamous Homer, the Blind Wonder Cat, writes more tales about her cats, including Homer. She talks about her life, her loves, her time spent between New York and Miami. She relates episodes from cats contemporary to Homer and cats who came into her life later. Some are humorous; most will be appreciated by cat lovers. The book bogged down at times with too much of the author's own story or with excess verbiage. Still it's a fun read for cat lovers. I received an advance electronic copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Dr. Jo

Kulling, Monica. Dr. Jo: How Sara Josephine Baker Saved the Lives of America's Children. Illustrated by Julianna Swaney. Toronto: Tundra Books, 2018.

Monica Kulling introduces young readers to Dr. Sara Josephine Baker who worked among immigrant children in Hell's Kitchen. She recognized problems and created solutions to these. Dr. Jo's accomplishments make her a woman worth knowing. She saved the lives of many children, both through her medical efforts and through her efforts to educate midwives, babysitters, and parents. The illustrations are cleanly drawn but more reminiscent of books of an earlier era. Perhaps since we are dealing with a historical figure, it is not a major flaw.  The author includes a brief biography of books and websites at the end. I would like to read the doctor's autobiography, written in 1939, to learn more of this remarkable woman. I received a copy of this book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program with the expectation of an honest review.

A Gift from the Comfort Food Cafe

Johnson, Debbie. A Gift from the Comfort Food Café. London: HarperCollins, 2018.

Likable characters and a charming setting make this book a great comfort read. However, it shows its share of adult marital problems as well. After a failed marriage, Katie, along with her small son, moves to Budbury, a village along the Dorset coast. She finds comfort in the charming cafe and the people of the village. Will her parents ruin her peace? Will she be able to love again? With the climax coming around Christmas, it's a perfect holiday read. I look forward to reading earlier installments of the series to learn more about Budbury. This review is based on an electronic copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley with the expectation of an honest review.

Thomas Kinkade's Cape Light: A Christmas Secret

Spencer, Katherine. Thomas Kinkade's Cape Light: A Christmas Secret. New York: Berkley, 2018.

Martin Nightingale must fulfill some odd wishes in his grandfather's will in order to receive his inheritance and his grandfather's house. His grandfather wants him to spend a large sum of money on personal needs of Cape Light residents with only a small amount going to charity needs. Through the story we learn the story of how Martin's grandfather's toy shop was saved through the generosity of Oliver. In the meantime, Martin finds himself falling for Louisa, the police officer who caught him speeding on his arrival into town. This was a heartwarming story--and a perfect one for Christmas. It reminds us we should bless others with the blessings bestowed upon us. Kindness, even to those who are not kind in return, exemplifies the Christmas spirit. I received an advance electronic uncorrected proof from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Travelling Cat Chronicles

Arikawa, Hiro. The Travelling Cat Chronicles. Translated by Philip Gabriel. New York: Penguin Random House, 2018.

A stray cat makes his home atop Satoru's van. Satoru begins providing food for the cat. When a passing car injures the cat, Satoru tends to it, eventually moving out of his apartment into one which allows pets. He names the cat Nana. Things go well for about five years until Satoru suddenly announces he must fine a new home for Nana. We learn a lot of Satoru's back story and see similarities between his life and the cat's. Satoru never tells his friends why he seeks a new home for his cat but he knows none of these homes is right for Nana. My favorite parts of the story are those narrated by Nana himself. This tear-jerking Japanese story in English translation will charm cat lovers. I received an uncorrected proof through a GoodReads giveaway with the hopes, but not requirement, of a review.

Cornish Village School: Second Chances.

Wilson, Kitty. The Cornish Village School: Second Chances. London: Canelo Escape, 2018.

I had high expectations for this book, but it simply was not the read for me. I envisioned a book more along the lines of a "Miss Read" book, but instead the narrative was "too modern" to engage me. While I think the intended audience is adult, the writing style struck me as being more appropriate to a middle school audience. I did not feel a strong sense of place in Cornwall either, probably because the descriptions are brief and lack the adjectives which draw a reader into the landscape. If school stories with the headaches of modern technology, overpacked schedules, and societal problems is your idea of escape reading, give it a try. If not, go back and re-read the Fairacre and Thrush Green stories of an earlier day and time. I received an advance review copy of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

In Harm's Way

Sten, Viveca. In Harm's Way. Translated by Marlaine Delargy. n.p.: Amazon Crossing, 2018.

A 400 page book with 107 chapters! The choppy organization disrupted the flow of the novel, making it difficult to follow. A journalist is found dead Christmas eve. Suspicion falls to her "ex" who retains custody of their child, but other suspects and motives exist. The police immediately notice the lack of a computer in the journalist's hotel room, leading them to suspect murder even before the autopsy reveals it. While I like the setting, I did not get a strong feel for it. The police did not seem very developed. I'm sure it's because it is a later book in the series, and I read no earlier installments. I received an advance electronic copy through NetGalley with the expectation of an honest review.

Taking the Arrow Out of the Heart

Walker, Alice. Taking the Arrow Out of the Heart: New Poems. Translated by Manuel Garcia Verdecia. New York: 37Ink, Atria, 2018.

I really enjoyed the Alice Walker books I read in April for National Poetry Month, so I was excited to find this new collection of poems by the author. The collection contains the English poems and Spanish translations by Manuel Garcia Verdecia. The collection is perhaps focused a bit too much on the ills of society and philosophically aligned further left than my own leanings. While I agree with the author's points of social injustices, I think the way we would address them differs a great deal. I still enjoy the rhythm of the author's poetry. I even read a few of the poems in both languages, mainly to see if I was still able to read and comprehend in Spanish. As far as I can tell, the translator did a very good job--and I was able to comprehend more than expected. I received an advance electronic galley through the publisher via NetGalley with expectations of an honest review.

Christmas Cake Murder

Fluke, Joanne. Christmas Cake Murder. New York: Kensington, 2018.

This book actually tells of an event which took place early in Hannah Swensen's cookie-baking career. Hannah and her sisters charge their mom with recreating a Christmas Cake Parade like the one an older lady named Essie discusses. They discover a manuscript written by Essie. Hannah purchases the building which will become the Cookie Jar. We finally reached an "attempted murder" near the end of the book, but most of this is simply back-story. While the descriptions of eating the baked goods is quite good, I'm always frustrated by the "extra comments" in the recipes which make them difficult to use in a real kitchen. As a reader, I wish I'd been alerted in some manner this book, written as the 23rd installment of a series, is chronologically first (or wherever it may actually fall since it's been so long since I read the first installments). I received an advance egalley from the publisher through NetGalley with expectations of an honest review.

Goodnight, Anne

George, Kallie. Goodnight, Anne. Illustrated by Geneviève Godbout. Toronto: Tundra Books, 2018.

This picture book captures the whimsical nature of the original book and of the character Anne Shirley as she says good night to all the people and places we love in Anne of Green Gables. Both the text and illustrations were excellent. I'm not sure young readers unfamiliar with the main story will understand all the references, but lovers of the series will love this one. I received an advance reading copy through NetGalley with an unbiased review expected.

The Illustrated History of the Snowman

Eckstein, Bob. The Illustrated History of the Snowman. Guilford, Connecticut: Globe Pequot, 2018.

While the history portions were more topical than chronological, readers came away knowing snowmen were around in medieval times and possibly earlier. The strength of this book is in its images. I found the photos of snowmen in popular culture fascinating. A town in Maine broke its own record in building the largest snowman--well, actually a snow woman. The book features the snowman in books, movies, advertising, postcards, art, war, and more. It's a fascinating book that features snowmen from around the world. I received an advance electronic copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

How Does My Fruit Grow?

Muller, Gerda. How Does My Fruit Grow? Edinburgh: Floris Books, 2018.

This picture book features more text than many do but would be a good book for early readers, although some vocabulary terms may be a little advanced. The illustrations are nicely done. An interactive activity in the front and back of the book encourages readers to match the numbered fruit to its numbered flower. This book would work well with a unit on edible plants. I received an advance electronic copy from the publisher through NetGalley with the expectation of an honest review.

Gardenlust

Woods, Christopher. Gardenlust: A Botanical Tour of the World's Best New Gardens. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press, 2018.

Readers of this volume encounter a wonderful armchair tour of some of the world's more recent but wonderful gardens. Each entry includes a little about the garden and its creator in narrative form as well as photos. Some gardens received more extensive treatment than others. On the list:

North America: Sunnylands Center and Gardens, Rancho Mirage, California; The Garden of Flowing Fragrance, Huntington Botanical Garden, San Marino, California; The Park, Las Vegas, Nevada; Chihuly Gardens and Glass, Seattle, Washington; Mordecai Children's Garden, Denver Botanical Garden, Denver, Colorado; Federal Twist, Stockton, New Jersey; Junto Farm, Hudson Valley, New York; Naples Botanical Garden, Naples, Florida; Vallarta Botanical Garden, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Central America and the Caribbean: Los Elementos, Dominical, Costa Rica; Golden Rock Inn, Nevis, West Indies.

South America: Jardin de Salvias, Mar del Plata, Argentina; Juan Grimm Gardens, Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina; Parque Explorador Quilapilun, Colina, Chile.

Europe: Iuri Chagas Gardens, The Algarve, Portugal; Quinta da Granja, Miranda do Corvo, Portugal; Jardins de la Rambla de Sants, Barcelona, Spain; Parc Clichy-Batignolles/Martin Luther King, Paris, France; Camel Quarry House, Cornwall, United Kingdom; Crossrail Station Roof Garden, London, United Kingdom; Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, United Kingdom; Orpheus, at Boughton House, Northamptonshire, United Kingdom; The Alnwick Garden, Northumberland, United Kingdom; Carrie Preston's Gardens, The Netherlands; The Tree Museum, Rapperswil, Switzerland; Landschaftspark, Duisburg-Nord, Germany; Peter Korn's Garden, Eskilsby, Sweden.

Africa and the Arabian Peninsula: A Garden of Shape and Light, Marrakech, Morocco; The Aloe Farm, Hartbeespoort, South Africa; The Miracle Garden, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Al Barari, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Oman Botanic Garden, Al Khoud, Oman.

India and Southeast Asia: The Garden of Five Senses, Said-ul-Azaib, Delhi, India; 137 Pillars House, Chiang Mai, Thailand; Gardens by the Bay and Parkroyal Hotel, Singapore; Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden, Luang Prabang, Laos; Made Wijaya's Gardens, Bali, Indonesia.

Asia: Xi'an Expo Park, Xi'an, China; Chenshan Botanical Garden, Shanghai, China; Ichigaya Forest, Tokyo, Japan; Tokachi Millennium Forest, Hokkaido, Japan.

Australia and New Zealand: Geelong Botanic Gardens, Geelong, Victoria, Australia; The Australian Garden, Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne, Victoria, Australia; One Central Park, Sydney, Australia; Barangaroo Headland Park, Sydney, Australia; Rose Bay, Sydney, Australia; Gibbs Farm, Makarau, North Island, New Zealand; Paripuma, Blenheim, South Island, New Zealand; Fishermans Bay Garden, Long Bay, South Island, New Zealand.

I visited Chihuly Gardens when I visited Seattle a couple of summers ago. I realistically might make it to no more than a handful of the remaining ones in my lifetime. I really loved both gardens on South Island in New Zealand as they sported gorgeous ocean views. One of the South American gardens did also. While I thought a few of the gardens were not that pretty, the majority were captivating. Woods' choices omitted far too many countries. For example, why was no garden from Canada included? Italy? Russia? I'm not up on the latest and greatest in world gardens, but I'm sure each of these countries had something to offer.

I enjoyed my armchair tour and look forward to possible future visits to a few of these. I received an advance review electronic copy of the book from NetGalley with the expectation of an honest review.