New Hampshire Vs. Vermont: Sibling Rivalry Between the Twin States [Paperback]

Lisa Shaw (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

Review

In New Hampshire vs. Vermont, editor and writer Lisa Shaw has gathered together diverse viewpoints about the twin states, New Hampshire and Vermont. Not surprisingly, she and her writers conclude that, although they are both in New England and look much the same, they are much more different than they are similar. One of the best quotes about New Hampshire comes from Robert Frost, who called both states home: "She's one of the two best states in the Union. Vermont's the other. Also included are viewpoints of Governor Howard Dean, novelist Chris Bohjalian, poet Donald Hall, Shaw herself, historian Ralph Nading Hill and more. The book is broken into six chapters, ranging from praise of one state and then the other to a chapter called "The Gloves Come Off." No holds are barred in these essays. "An Uneasy Truce" is the final chapter. Aside from opinions and grudges, lots of facts are to be found in these essays. For example, one of the differences between the states is the way their legislators are compensated. Vermont's legislators earn $400/week for each week they're in session. New Hampshire lawmakers fare far less well; they receive mileage, plus two hundred dollars every other year. Many essays discuss just such priorities. This is Williams Hill Publishing's first book, although Lisa Shaw has authored many books, including a Vermont travel guide. The book is well-organized, factual and full of humor. Most of the salient points of both states are included, except for one big plus for New Hampshire - the ocean. The book would appeal most to those who love one state or the other or those contemplating a move to Northern New England. -- From Independent Publisher

Unbeknownst to the rest of the nation, there has been a (mostly) friendly rivalry between New Hampshire and Vermont going back to Colonial days. In New Hampshire Vs. Vermont: Sibling Rivalry Between the Twin States, New England's top writers (Donald Hall, Ralph Nading Hill, Mike Barnicle, Judson Hale, Chris Bohjalian, Governor Howard Dean, Peter S. Jennison, Senator Judd Gregg, Barbara Radcliffe Rogers, Tom Durgin) explore this long-running feud with humor, insight, irascibility, and that legendary New England wit. Incidentally, the editor, Lisa Shaw, has lived in both New Hampshire and Vermont -- making her the perfect literary referee! -- Midwest Book Review

Product Details

• Paperback: 107 pages
• Publisher: Williams Hill Pub; 1St Edition edition (January 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0965250202
• ISBN-13: 978-0965250207
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,115,752 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #38 in Books > Travel > United States > States > Vermont
  • #43 in Books > Travel > United States > States > New Hampshire

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting book about New England, December 31, 2001

By 

Paul Lappen (Manchester, CT USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: New Hampshire Vs. Vermont: Sibling Rivalry Between the Twin States (Paperback)

New Hampshire and Vermont are two small, lightly populated states stuck next to each other in northern New England. Little does anyone know that a major feud has been going on between them for years, a feud that won't end anytime soon. The feud is explored in this book by contributors from both sides of the fence.

Vermont has its liberal political outlook and its statewide ban on highway billboards. New Hampshire, on the other hand, is very conservative and its first in the country Presidential primary makes it the center of the American political universe every four years. People in Vermont wear funny sandals and talk about world peace. New Hampshire residents sell liquor at toll booths and drive without seat belts. The one thing they agree on is their dislike of Mssachusetts.

Every weekend the roads are full of European sedans in custom colors packed with casual clothing and the latest sporting equipment bearing Massachusetts plates. Every driver is in a major hurry to relax; woe to anyone who gets in front of them on the road. But, once they get outside of Massachusetts, they stop at every stone wall, covered bridge and quain country store so quickly that they activate their car's air bags. The other thing that people from Massachusetts do on weekends is shop at outlet malls. Seeing (or more accurately, hearing) several women all wearing noisy nylon jogging suits, and making a beeline for the nearest sale rack, is something to behold.

Vermont looks like a postcard. New Hampshire's largest city, Manchester, has a main street that concludes in a dead end. People in Vermont go out to eat and listen to National Public Radio. The first thing one sees in New Hampshire is a toll booth where the attendant has trouble making change from a $5 bill, followed by a state liquor store.

This book is hilarious and a little eye-opening for this native New Englander. It equally insults the people of both states, it's very easy to read, and is highly recommended.

2 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed, June 9, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: New Hampshire Vs. Vermont: Sibling Rivalry Between the Twin States (Paperback)

Although the potential for interesting facts, developments, and history certainly exists in the comparison of Vermont and New Hampshire, this collection falls short. It eventually ends up with rude, false pieces that are of no real interest or value. Too bad the editor did not put more effort into this collection