No comments about Florence (LUXE City Guides).

4 comments about Hello, Please! Very Helpful Super Kawaii Characters from Japan.

1. ... a little bit poor in my opinion. I imagine something more sophisticated but it is ok



2. This is a great coffee table or gift book. Awesome photographs, beautiful design and insightful text. Totally captures the quirkiness of this aspect of Japanese pop culture...



3. The immediate and obvious appeal of this book is seeing so many of these mascot characters "in the wild," but more importantly, the book provides context, explaining how Japanese aesthetics and traditions have affected the widespread adoption of these characters throughout the years. I really recommend this to anyone who is interested in Japanese culture and/or cartooning.



4. Okay, I admit this isn't the most eloquent review, but I'm giving this book a shout-out because it is so amusing, adorable, funny. The authors classify these cartoony characters into five sections with an intro for each and an overall introduction prefacing it all. The intros were somewhat informative, not terribly deep in explanation but deep enough. I liked the variety and quantity of images they included and how their captions were set in a solid-color version of the character they are describing on that page. Great gift idea for anyone who likes Japanese pop art and cute, bubbly cartoons in general.

1 comments about Fodor's Bangkok's 25 Best, 4th Edition (25 Best).

1. I like this guidebook. It is small in size and easy to carry. The format is colorful and includes lots of photos. The type is large enough to read easily. There is a fold-out map as well as a regular map in a plastic envelope in the back.
   
   I haven't been to Bangkok yet, but what I've read seems in line with what I've read elsewhere. I'm be in Bangkok for 4 days in November and this seems to be a good guide for a short stay. I've found Fodor guides fairly reliable too.

No comments about Exploring Phuket & Phi Phi: From Tin to Tourism (Odyssey Illustrated Guides).

No comments about Indian Style: Landscapes, Houses, Interiors, Details (Icon (Taschen)).

5 comments about Bhutan Map by ITMB.

1. I am going to Bhutan and was anxious to see a map to really see where I was going. It was just adequate. I think a map for such a mountainous
   region should be more topographical with elevations shown. It would be better with valleys and mountains more clearly delineated. I guess there is not much out there for maps of Bhutan, but it could be some much better. The back of the map is absolutely blank and could be filled with either information or photos of the highlights of the country with map coordinates so you would know where to find them.



2. I've travelled a bit in Bhutan and was pleasantly surprised at some of the detail shown on the map, and the general accuracy of that information. We've pinned the map up on the wall at home and use it when referring to stories about our time in Bhutan. As mentioned by one of the other reviewers there aren't many maps of Bhutan available outside of the country so this is an excellent reference to have.



3. Very good map, gives excellent ideas for travel times and how to plan our itinerary.



4. While I have no particular fault to find, I found this map of limited use on my trip to Bhutan, esp compared to the handout maps we got from time to time from our tour guide etc. I dont think I would recommend it to any traveler on a tour group, but perhaps it would be of some use to persons making an off-road trek tour if their leaders were not furnishing their own maps. It's relative lack of relief features meant that it did not give much of an image of what the country would be like in passing through an area.



5. OK, Bhutan is one of the best trips you're ever going to go on in your life. If you're now thinking of getting this map, obviously you've already planned your trip.
   
   And basically, you have to have this map for a general sense of the country. You paid $4,000+ for your trip. Drop another $10 on the ONLY map available (you're not giong to find another map in Bhutan... believe me).
   
   But let's not pretend this map is accurate. Even though there are only a few roads in the country, they aren't accurately (or even near accurately) represented.
   
   But isn't that the fun and charm of it!? Our guides looked at the map in disbelief many times. And I smiled. Even a few cities on the map have been re-arranged!
   
   But if you're going to Bhutan, I'm going to guess you're not the typical, boring traveller that demands perfection at every turn!
   
   In summary, don't hike by this map (because you'll probably end up arrested by Chinease boarder authorities for not having a Visa) but enjoy this map and get it framed and placed on your wall when you return!

5 comments about The House on Dream Street: Memoir of an American Woman in Vietnam (Adventura Books).

1. This is simply one of the most stupendous travelogues I have ever read. In fact, I can't think of a better one. Read it!



2. Her writing style is so playful, amusing, charming, and sensitive. Her observation of the environment and culture is so acute. She brought alive the scenes, the sounds, the liveliness of Hanoi streets -- just like the classic Vietnamese novels that we had to read while in high school. I bought this book for my wife, previewed it and then finished it. Highly recommended.



3. i loved every minute of reading this book. i was captivated by ms. sachs' tales of coming to terms with her discomfort in a very foreign environment where communication was almost impossible. her writing is clear and expressive and personal. i look forward to reading her next book, and hope that there are more to come.



4. I can't add anything to the other reviews other than to say that if you enjoy reading about westerners living in Asia you will like or love this book. You should also read "Catfish and Mandala" which comes from a totally different perspective, but is also memorable.



5. This is a well written account of one woman's trip and love of Vietnam. At most times it flowed but there were times were I would see myself skipping over pages that didn't interest me. I was actually a little sad of her use of her male friend that she was with her first long stay in Vietnam. Makes me sad to think of her being American, I sure hope we all do not think of people as usable. At least you'd think she'd of said she was sorry. Besides that it was a nice read, nothing that blows you away but it's a good waste of a rainy day!

1 comments about Fodor's Singapore's 25 Best, 3rd Edition (25 Best).

1. Recently went to Singapore and was so happy to have this book. The suggestions were very good and the directions on what public transportation to use were spot on. The book is small enough that you can carry it with you in a purse/backpack. The only thing missing (which I'm sure will be added to future publications) was mention of the new Singapore Flyer, the world's largest observation wheel which was definitely worth experiencing.

No comments about Kazakhstan (Bradt Travel Guide).

No comments about Mongolia: Travels in the Untamed Land.