Rating: 
Summary: It works, BUT...
Review: As a snowboard instructor, I opened this book with hesitation - I have found most snowboard 'guides' or 'instruction manuals' to offer tips and technique that differ greatly from the proper technique I have been trained to teach and have very successfully used for the last 6 years. However, I found this text to offer good general tips, especially when it comes to getting yourself well-equipped with the proper sized equipment. The pictures are very clear and, considering that the designer/writer/person who took the photos did not have the rider dress in the most extreme of 90's board fashion, they still look stylish today.In all, a useful book for someone who is a text-based learner. A word of caution to those venturing out for their first time: a lesson from a certified instructor will get you started much better than any book or 'friend who knows what he/she is doing' ever will.
Rating: 
Summary: Not Only for Women
Review: As one of the "grays on trays" (older folks learning how to ride), I was eager to read some books on snowboarding. Most are juvenile. This one, thankfully, is not. The brief testimonials or stories of women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s helps point out that the sport is not limited to teens and pre-teens. There are some "girl power" throwaway lines ("With a file guide, sharpening your edges is about as difficult as shaving your legs"), along the way, but for the most part the book is informative. For example, Carlson explains how women's feet differ from men (not only in size, but proportions) and how that effects the choice of boots. The book is useful for men as well. It offers plenty of reasons why learning how to ride is worth the effort. It does a good job of explaining the different types of riding (freestyle, freeriding, alpine) and how that should influence the kind of equipment you buy. The index is useful, but there should have been a glossary as well. I have read this book twice, and Kevin Ryan's "The Illustrated Guide to Snowboarding" only once, but here's my take on comparing the two. Carlson is self-consciously appealing to women, and in general, to adults. Ryan does not, but then, it's not exactly a juvenile book, either. Carlson's book is more about freeriding, carving, and cruising; Ryan spends a fair amount of time talking about freestyle. Ryan also takes much more time with preliminaries, too. If you're starting out, read Carlson first. Then you may want to read Ryan, but you may not need to.
Rating:
Summary: Not Only for Women
Review: As the author of a site dedicated to "grays on trays" (older folks learning how to ride), I was eager to read some books on snowboarding. Most books on the subject (like most magazines and web sites) are written with the juvenile reader in mind. This book is not one of them, and the "gray" reader can be grateful for that. The brief testimonials or stories of women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s helps point out that the sport is not limited to teens and pre-teens. Sure, there are some "girl power" throwaway lines along the way ("With a file guide, sharpening your edges is about as difficult as shaving your legs"). For the most part, however, the women-specific information is useful for men as well, if only for providing a contrast. For example, Carlson explains how women's feet differ from men, and how that effects the choice of boots. (Not only do women tend to have smaller feet, but the proportions of different parts of the feet differ.) The book offers plenty of reasons why learning how to ride is worth the effort. It does a good job of explaining the different types of riding (freestyle, freeriding, alpine) and how that should influence the kind of equipment you buy. The index is useful, but there should have been a glossary as well. I have read this book twice, and Kevin Ryan's "The Illustrated Guide to Snowboarding" only once, but here's my take on comparing the two. Carlson is self-consciously appealing to women, and in general, to adults. Ryan does not, but then, it's not exactly a juvenile book, either. Carlson's book is more about freeriding, carving, and cruising; Ryan spends a fair amount of time talking about freestyle. Ryan also takes much more time with preliminaries, too. If you have a thing for zen, he's your man. If you're starting out, read Carlson first. Then you may want to read Ryan, but you may not need to.
Rating:
Summary: What's the buzz?
Review: Hi, I'm the author. This book just came out two weeks ago, but I am dying to know what people think! RSVP, --Julia C.
Rating:
Summary: Great book for women who want to learn to snowboard!
Review: I am a 24 year old female who has been secretly yearning to try snowboarding. I haven't because I didn't know what stuff to rent or buy, or how not to look stupid. After reading this book, I can't wait to try it. Great explanations of what gear is best for women and why, and detailed explanations of what to do once you are on the snow. Very lighthearted and encouraging tone.
Rating: 
Summary: This is the book I wish I had when I learned to snowboard!
Review: The only guide written by a champion woman snowboarder, especially for women, on the hottest sport on the snow. Everything from the female point of view: getting the right gear and equipment ... step-by-step drills and instructions ... go-at-your-own-pace learning ... tips and anecdotes from pro female snowboarders as well as first-timers ... and advice on buying gear. Your ticket to ride. "Without question, the definitive guide for women looking to get involved with the sport." Dennis Jenson, Senior VP of Burton Snowboards.
Rating:
Summary: Finally a snowboarding guide written for women!
Review: This book has help me a lot, and kept me from giving up! The photos in the book is very helpful for me to visualize the body position. The text is simple and clear, without extra useless words. The book made snowboarding sound really fun and interesting, which encouraged me a lot when I went through hard time learning the sport. I really like the fact that this book was written for women by a woman. Afterall, women do snowboard differently than men!
Rating:
Summary: Great book for women who want to learn to snowboard!
Review: This book helped me get over my anxiety and fear of learning how to snowboard for the first time. I'm cured! Not to mention it's female perspective on the sport is refreshing and enjoyable to read.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent book for the beginner and the curious!
Review: This book helped me get over my anxiety and fear of learning how to snowboard for the first time. I'm cured! Not to mention it's female perspective on the sport is refreshing and enjoyable to read.
Rating:
Summary: Kudos to Julia, this book is truly inspirational!
Review: This book is easy to read and chock-full of information. The pictures are strategically placed so that the reader is able to visulaize everything from how a drill works to what type of equipment is out there for women.
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