2 comments about The Spiritual Traveler: Chicago and Illinois: A Guide to Sacred Sites and Peaceful Places (Spiritual Traveler).

1. This is not your ordinary guide to sacred places. Rather than focusing exclusively on the multitude of buildings erected by religious groups in the state of Illinois, this book broadens the definition of spiritual places to include a variety of sites that encourage reflection on historical events, settlement, human rights, conflict, peace, and nature; that is, places that spark spiritual (and intellectual) reflection within the visitor. Thus, while a host of churches, temples, synagogues, and mosques merit succinct entries packed with descriptions, directions, and contact information, so do such sites as Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in Rockford, the site of the start of the Black Hawk War in 1832, the Trail of Tears State Forest, the confederate cemetery in Alton, which is home to a monument memorializing abolitionist Elijah Lovejoy, and the Cave-in-Rock cavern on the Ohio River, which served, successively, Native Americans, French explorers, and river pirates.
   
   The emphasis throughout the book is on the diverse, multicultural character of religious and spiritual observance in the state. Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Native American traditions are all well-represented. Elegantly written essays on the historical development of these groups in the state and on what to look for within their religious buildings provide context for the places listed in the logically organized and easy-to-use guidebook section. In addition, sidebars provide useful historical information on specific events and individuals. While the Chicago area boasts the most thorough treatment, with close to one hundred entries, the rest of the state receives close attention as well.
   
   In sum, this enjoyable and informative book is perfect for avowed spiritual travelers seeking uniquely meaningful places as well as for readers interested in Illinois and Midwestern history and religious diversity.



2. The Spiritual Traveler is a 'must' read for anyone traveling in Chicago and Illinois, and a definitely 'should' read for anyone interested in the development of spiritual life in the heartland of the United States. Dr. Chiat guides her readers flawlessly through the complicated historical events that produced diverse faiths in Illinois. She succinctly summarizes 20 faiths in 32 pages before inviting the reader to follow her down various pathways to sacred sites and peaceful places, all of which are brought vividly to life with her descriptions of architectural developments. Her catalog includes cathedrals, churches, synagogues, museums, parks, mosques, historical sites, shrines, natural areas, graves and temples--each carefully chosen for its significance. The context provided by Dr. Chiat makes a visit to any of the places she recommends a wonderful opportunity to learn while her unobtrusive guidance affords those interested an opportunity for a profound spiritual experience.

No comments about Insight FlexiMap Chicago (Insight Fleximaps).

No comments about Chicago's Best Restaurants, 9th Ed. (Chicago's Best Restaurants).

3 comments about Frommer's Chicago 2007 (Frommer's Complete).

1. This book was really helpful when my boyfriend and I spent a weekend in Chicago. The map that is enclosed is really helpful when walking around and picking up the EL. Please purchase any Frommer's Book if your planning trip. Very informative. I looking into purchasing the Frommers RV and Camping books.



2. My first Frommer's purchase and I was disappointed. Not as much info as I expected. Did like the pullout map.



3. Frommer's Chicago 2007 was useful in our recent trip. The tear-out map is excellent. We already had hotel reservations so didn't need the book for finding a place to stay, but the book was very valuable in finding eating establishments, and knowing in advance what price to expect. We recommend the Russian Tea Time, Heaven on Seven, and Giordano's. For a big night out, try Arun's - probably the best Thai food you'll ever have, and expect to pay $100 -$150 per person. Grab a hot dog at Portillo's, or let the vintage clothing-clad waiters put you down (for good clean fun) at Ed Debevic's. Come to think of it, although the book is good, our vacation was perfect - just try our eating choices, visit the Field Museum and the Art Institute, take the el out to Oak Park to tour the Frank Lloyd Wright home and other houses he designed, and spend some time playing on the Navy Pier. Take in a few shows in the evenings and have a great time!

5 comments about Chicago for Dummies.

1. A thoroughly engaging guidebook written by a Chicagoan who steers you away from the tourist traps and into the hidden gems frequented by locals. Anecdotes, sidebars, insider tips, budgeting guides and detailed maps all help to get you to your chosen destination with the least amount of hassle. If you're going to the Windy City, it's a "must-have".



2. Just when you think you know Chicago, Laura Johnston (who, as it turns out, isn't even a native -- but it's hard to tell!) shows you more. I tried to highlight the "good parts" of this book, but now my entire book is marked up because it is just THAT good. From tremendously useful reviews of various sightseeing destinations and restaurants to helpful suggestions regarding bargains (i.e., a chart that shows you free admission days to various attractions), "Chicago for Dummies" is absolutely essential for the Chicago visitor who doesn't want to miss a thing.



3. Despite the title, this is actually an excellent guide. Written in the friendly tone of a Chicago inhabitant with an obvious love for the city, it offers the sites, restaurants and activities that you might come across were you visiting a friend. Highly recommended!



4. Laura Johnston keeps it simple. I'm a former Chicagoan and this book has just the right mix of the 'can't-miss' Chicago combined with 'off the beaten track' fun. Doesn't overwhelm with densely-written pages and more choices than one could possibly sample in a few days. Highly Recommended to anyone headed to My Kinda Town for the first time. A winner!



5. Every required detail is available. All the reasons for which anyone would visit Chicago are in the book. It has 100% coverage, and a perfect guide to anyone who does not have taxicab-driver familiarity.
   
   It has brilliant organization, separations by price, geography, and entertainment genre. If you want to know where The Billygoat Tavern is, or where to get the perfect Chicago-style hotdog, it's inside. If you need to get your Chicago pizza fix, have no fear. If you merely on a sight-seeing trip or a spending-big-money trip, this book is the only guide you'll need.
   
   For those unfamiliar with the city, I highly recommend ripping out the perforated map that gives the essential details of the "El"; it's a life-saver.
   
   I love Chicago, know it pretty well, and I'll use this book over and over. There is simply too much to see, do, and utilize in a one-weekend trip.

1 comments about Chicago Special Events Sourcebook: The Comprehensive Guide to Locations in Chicago and Suburbs for Meetings, Parties, Weddings, and Other Special Occasions.

1. This was a great book but it needs to be updated. This book is all about PLACE. Where you are going to hold your event. In my case I was planning a wedding. It was really good for finding interesting locations. (I had my wedding at the Brookfield Zoo.) We did not want a generic hotel. If you are trying to find a cool place to have an event this book is good. Don't buy it, check it out from the library. I hope they update it.

No comments about The Rough Guide to Chicago 3 (Rough Guide Travel Guides).

4 comments about For Members Only: A History And Guide to Chicago's Oldest Private Clubs.

1. Although I am not a mover and shaker I enjoy reading about them and this wonderful book tells me who and where they unwind after their moving and shaking is done or to move and shake some more over cocktails and thick steaks. As a life-long Chicagoan I was fascinated to learn what goes on behind the scenes at some of the buildings I aimlessly walk by every day without a clue. The author clues me in on a well researched guided tour from the past to the present (and future) of these hidden dens of prosperity. Kudos to Lisa Holton!



2. Very interesting insight to a world not known to many people. What was purchased originally as a gift is now a permanent part of my library.
   Thank you Ms Holton



3. Lisa Holton takes readers behind closed doors for a fascinating glimpse into the history of Chicago's storied private clubs. In describing the civic and business elite who lounge within, Holton provides a rich history lesson on the city itself. One wonders whether the mortal wounds once-mighty business titans are suffering now, during this unprecedented economic turmoil, will force these discreet dens to rethink their membership requirements!



4. Lisa Holton did it again! This is a great book... one that mixes business with history, Chicago style. Well worth reading, the author snags the reader with her great prose and storytelling. Very well done!

1 comments about Wise Guide Wrigley Field: The Fan Navigator to Wrigleyville (Wise Guides) (Wise Guides).

1. The Wrigley Field "Wise Guide" covers what to wear, how to get tickets, ballpark etiquette, where to eat, and assorted other trivia to read before visiting the Friendly Confines. While seasoned veterans may know most of the contents by heart, this is required reading for Wrigley Field newbies.

2 comments about The Road to Botany Bay: An Exploration of Landscape and History.

1. This masterful work by Paul Carter revisits the historical assumptions about the founding of Australia. Carter rejects previous assertions (assumptions) that lay behind a form of Australian history such as the primacy of empirical "facts" and the self-evident rhetoric of cause and effects. Instead, Carter attempts to explain the imagination of a place as somewhere one could be and he illustrates the imperial qualities of this imagination (especially as it pertains to langauge and naming). Early narratives of exploration (such as Capt. James Cook) are used to explain Australian history as a project of European meaning-making and this moves away from imperial history which assert capital-T universal Truth and toward a spatial understanding of Australia as a particular space that Westerners moved through in a particularly Western way.
   
   This book is out of print, but should be near the top of any person's list of must-reads for spatial theory. It is erudite, combining historical analysis with philosophical frameworks, but it is also extremely readable and even poetic in its language. This is only natural as Carter is also a poet. Grab a copy of this book before they all disappear and while it remains a great bargain used.



2. This book was hard to find or buy in book stores in australia. I found the seller reliable and provided the book in perfect condition and the delivery was quick.