This topic post is the first for me of what many writers do on their sites, which is talk about books they are reading. I will move these posts in a week or so to a static page so that they can remain there in order.

I guess, a better way to describe this topic is recommended reading, but to be honest, many of the books I read and like are strange books, and I wouldn’t recommend them for everyone. But I won’t talk about a book I don’t like. No point, life is too short.

I just finished reading tonight a book called MASSACRED FOR GOLD by R. Gregory Nokes. This is a nonfiction reporting of Mr. Nokes’ attempts to discover the truth behind a massacre of Chinese on the Oregon side of the Snake River in Hell’s Canyon. More than 30 Chinese miners were killed and no one was ever caught or paid any price for the crime. Again, this is Nokes’ personal journey to research this event from 1887.

Since I come from pioneer stock in Idaho and Oregon, I found this book a fascinating look into the history of the Northwest. And also a clear, eye-opening account of relations between whites and Chinese in the West. For anyone fascinated by history of this country, told in a very personal way, I’d suggest this book.

MASSACRED FOR GOLD by R. Gregory Nokes. Oregon State University Press. 2009. For ordering information, click on the picture to go to Amazon.com.