Reviews

Sheri Hoyte (10/18) Reader Views, www.readerviews.com 

“Weeds of Dewey-Humboldt Arizona” by Garry Rogers is an excellent, thorough field guide of weeds located in Dewey-Humboldt (D-H), Arizona.

In the writing of this book, the author set out to identify the weeds currently present in D-H (along with those that will be present in the future), and to determine whether the weeds located in D-H are a valuable resource for the people and wildlife populations. This sounded like a laborious task and I was curious to find out more, particularly the value of weeds since I’d always assumed they were ultimately just a nuisance!

“Weeds of Dewey-Humboldt Arizona” contains a concise and informative introduction about the lives of weeds including how they establish and spread, how invasive weeds are introduced, and a section on controlling weeds. One of the things I found interesting is that weeds provide an important function in preserving what man is destroying. By likening the purpose of weeds to that of EMS and first responders, Rogers paints a clear picture of the importance of these plant sources in such a way that a novice can understand.

The remainder of the book contains specific information on the various weed species located in D-H. Featuring 149 species, each one is highlighted to include detailed descriptions and prominent traits, as well as lovely drawings and colorful photos. I was delighted to see a few photos starring our friends from the bee population! Most amazing to me is that many varieties I regarded as common flowers and plants, including purslane, larkspur and sunflowers are actually weed species!

“Weeds of Dewey-Humboldt Arizona” is an educational and enlightening reading experience. The author, Garry Rogers, is an advocate for nature and wildlife conservation and has written many books on the topics. Though I can’t speak to the other books he has written, Rogers’ passion for nature is clear in the amount of research and work he put into producing this text and I recommend it to all nature enthusiasts and students. Even if you don’t live in Dewey-Humboldt, Arizona, I bet you will discover some species similar to those in your area. It might even spur an interest in your local landscape!

Judge’s Commentary, 25th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards

Readers of this horticultural book may well be astounded by all the information it offers on the weeds found in this part of one state and how this material can clearly apply to and affect other areas of the U.S. and the world. The strong role weeds can play in nature may come as a surprise. Subjects well covered include the lives of weeds and how they arise and develop, their patterns of spreading, and their overall function. It’s fascinating to learn how humans may introduce invasive weeds. Other topics include how to control weeds, the increasingly important need of nature conservation, and the impact of global warming. The critical question of whether these Arizona weeds are a valuable resource for wildlife and people is answered in a very positive way. Many weeds accordingly have been placed in secure storage facilities around the world. The book breaks down the variety of weed species in this Arizona area. Plant names are provided along with drawings, paintings, and photographs. There’s an elaborate roster of weeds with their photos and descriptions. Some of the weeds cited may surprise readers when they see what they look like. The likelihood of alien weeds coming to this region is also explored with these weeds identified. The glossary is an excellent feature. A comprehensive roster of sources and a handy index- including painters, photographers and illustrators-are other features. The title is on the bland side. A title that captures the importance of weeds in preservation and perhaps against the impact of global warming would draw more readers despite the limited geographical area covered. Place a comma after “Humboldt.” The cover image is excellent.

Review By Mamta Madhavan for Readers’ Favorite (9/18)
https://readersfavorite.com

Five Star Review by Readers’ Favorite

‘Weeds are travelers of the plant world.’ In Weeds of Dewey-Humboldt, Arizona, author Garry Rogers speaks about the role of weeds. . . . The book gives a better understanding of weeds and how invasive weeds can be a big threat to nature as they absorb nutrients and moisture quickly.

The author has handled this topic extensively and includes drawings, dimensions, descriptions, and photographs of 149 weed species. The topic is fresh and the book is informative. Readers get to understand how weeds are essential to healing processes that replace lost soil after a landslide, provide for wildlife, and some of them are food and medicine for people. Because of their ability to withstand harsh conditions, it is said that weeds will proliferate as global warming intensifies. The author makes the book appealing by adding colorful pictures and he has classified these weeds under: A=Annual, B=Biennial, P=Perennial, D=Delightful, E=Edible, F=Future Colonist, I=Invasive, M=Medicinal, N=Native, P=Painful, T=Tough.

The glossary at the end of the book is helpful when it comes to understanding the terms used in the book. It is a good book to have in school libraries as students, teachers, and educators will find it useful for reference material. I found the book interesting and informative, the author gives good insights about weeds, and it speaks about a topic that is a part of everyone’s daily surroundings yet remains unexplored to a large extent.

Awards

Second Place Award, Annual Literary Contest, Arizona Authors Association