Good Read

[Joe46]

Just finished a book called Deadfall(Generations of Logging in The Pacific Northwest). It's centered around southwest Wa, and the forest giant company who's name starts with W. Very good read, and the oldtime Or and Norcal guys can identify with everything that went on. Written by James LeMonds.

 

[lfnh]

Thanks.
Always on lookout for good winter reads.

 

[Gologit]

I've read it. Matter of fact, I've read it several times. It's one of the most accurate, realistic, and sensible books about logging that I've ever known.

LeMonds got it right. Anybody who logs, or non-loggers who want an inside look at what our life is really like should read this book.

It's still in print but if anybody can't find it I'll loan you my copy.

 

[Joe46]

Bob, glad you read it. I knew that you could identify very strongly with it.

 

[mdavlee]

I'll have to add that to the list. Working on This Was Logging right now.

 

[Gologit]

Bob, glad you read it. I knew that you could identify very strongly with it.

Yup, it really hit home. I've been dealing with all the stuff LeMonds writes about but I'd never had anybody put it into perspective for me like he did.

I never worked for the big W but there are constant similarities between what Lemonds' family faces and what we deal with down here. Things have changed in the woods since I started and they've changed faster and more completely than I ever thought possible. The book documents those changes very well.

Great book.

 

[madhatte]

OK, now I have another on my "To-Read" list.

 

[Gologit]

Just got my used copy in the mail today. Mint condition.

It's signed by the author!

Let us know what you think of the book.

 

[bert0168]

Let us know what you think of the book.

Just got mine today and am about 1/4 into it. Great read and exactly as it was described here, as much a true to life account as I would imagine without any glorified bull####. Thanks for recommending it. :msp_thumbup:

Now, any other reading suggestions along those lines?

 

[Sport Faller]

It's a damn good read, one of our local bookstores carries a ####load of copies of it, so if anybody wants it but can't find it just drop your ol uncle jake a line and I can pick one up and flatrate it to ya

PROVIDED ONE OF OUR SPONSORS DOESN"T CARRY IT

 

[Steve NW WI]

Thanks. Got a copy coming! I'm a bookworm, usually get a book read every week or so, nothing like nodding off to a good book at the end of the day.

 

[forestryworks]

Gotta find my copy, it's in one of these boxes...

A damn good read, for sure.

 

[Gologit]

Gotta find my copy, it's in one of these boxes...

A damn good read, for sure.

If you can't find it let me know. You can borrow mine.

 

[plasticweld]

My review of Deadfall by James Lemonds
I got the book after reading its praises here on the forum. My gut reaction after finishing the book is that it is an anti-capitalist view of the logging industry; there are parts of it that read like a socialist workers propaganda pamphlet. While it maybe a story that is a slice of the logging life I think it is a pretty small slice. I was dismayed at how the writer portrayed the independent loggers who competed with the company loggers over the years. Some how the words Gypo seemed to be synonymous with all that was evil in the logging business.
The book was written from a workers point of view and some how managed to treat the loggers featured in each of the chapters as victims of the evil monster Weyerhaeuser, it has a very pro union stance and a anti independent logger tone to the whole book. It was great to read about some of the timber and the history of the area and the transitions that took place over the years both from the change in forestry practices to the change in equipment and how the economy and government regulation affected the lumber business over the years. It is however a very small slice of what being a logger over the years has meant. My views maybe tainted by only being involved for the industry for a little more than 35 years. It maybe tainted by the fact that I have always been independent except for one brief period where I worked for Scott Paper in northern Maine I guess I would want other readers to know up front from which perspective this was written.
It was a good book full of information but was in my opinion very bias and this tainted what could have been a much better book about the industry ..Bob

 

[Gologit]

plasticweld...

Did you ever log on the Left Coast? I thought the book was a very accurate depiction of the way things are out here.

 

[plasticweld]

Did you ever log on the Left Coast? I thought the book was a very accurate depiction of the way things are out here.

No, only on the east coast and up-state NY, I don't doubt that it may be accurate to some degree, just very one sided. The advantage of being an independent is that you can change with the times and adapt, free enterprise at its best. This seemed to be looked down upon rather than celebrated by the writer. This industry has and will continue to change, making a villain out of a private company because it is adapting to the times did not come across well. I have seen things change many times, from going out of business because the market and times have changed to jumping back in when it got better. I too have witnessed the good and bad times this industry has had to offer. In the end the some guys have made money and done very well were always the independents not the company loggers. For some one who is interested in logging as a career there are those who have done very well. It is not hard for a logger/ businessman to have well over a million dollars in assets. Money can be made in this business I thought it was a shame that it was painted as a business that has gone bust and offers no hope. To put things in perspective when any writer quotes Michael Moore and uses him as a reference it should send up red flags