No comments about Massachusetts Off the Beaten Path, 6th (Off the Beaten Path Series).

No comments about Reflections of Maine.

1 comments about The Dog Lover's Companion to Boston: The Inside Scoop on Where to Take Your Dog (Dog Lover's Companion Guides).

1. Any travel guide runs the risk of being dated as soon as it is published, and we have found that to be the case with this one, more than once. A couple of parks/beaches/rec areas listed here were quite overgrown, neglected, or just overrated. One beach described as lovely was down a road that was so bad we turned back (and we moved here from Utah, so we're no stranger to the bad back road!). On the other hand, we have learned of several nice dog-friendly parks in our drive-abouts and have found lots of restaurants with outdoor seating using this book as a reference. We learned from this book that dogs are allowed on the T (Boston's public transportation system) during non-rush times, but haven't tried it yet. Their hotel section was helpful but fairly incomplete, as it must be, considering the comprehensive nature of the book.
   
   So pick it up -- it is useful -- but make sure it's not your only reference.

3 comments about Compass American Guides: Maine, 4th edition (Compass American Guides).

1. An excellent book to take along with you during your travels to Maine. The photos in this book are simply beautiful! The photographer, Thomas Mark Szelog actually lives in the lighthouse on the cover!! I was lucky enough to meet him and he was kind enough to show me some of his photgraphs. Absolutely beautiful work. This is a great book and I highly recommend it when you travel down east!



2. Charles Calhoun's MAINE is a departure from most travel guides. Rather than just pages and pages of lists of motels, restaurants, and things to see, Calhoun focuses on the state's people (past and present), natural history, and state-of-mind. Instead of simply an address and phone number for the famous L. L. Bean's (outdoor outfitters, for example, Calhoun gives us several pages, including the story of the founder of the company.

   The book opens with a chapter entitled "Learning Maine" and is organized geographically into nine main sections which cover the entire state. The final chapter, "Practical Information" gives all the usual, plus "A Dozen Fun Places to Eat" and antiquarian booksellers. Scattered throughout the book are literary excerpts and topical essays by authors such as May Sarton, John McPhee, and Longfellow. There are maps, reproductions of period art, and plenty of gorgeous color photos. Whether the reader is planning a trip to Maine or merely wishes an intriguing armchair journey, this guide is a must.

   Kimberly Borrowdale, Under the Covers Book Reviews




3. It is nicely packaged (heavy paper, color photographs), but the index is incomplete, the organizing odd, and the subject matter is rather limited. Never once does the author say what he would do if he had a day - or week - in Maine. He says nice things about it all, and retells funny anecdotes written by other authors, but gives little direction about the places one really should see. I found the British Rough Guide to New England much more helpful and accurate in describing the nature of towns, and whether they were worth visiting. I really liked the Compass Guide to Arizona, but found this one disappointing. The organization was confusing, as the body would occasionally mention names of places to eat or stay, but you had to look in an appendix for the phone number, etc. Also, the author would not actually vouch for any of the establishments he listed - it seemed as if he just compiled his information from a Chamber of Commerce brochure. The thing the author did well was to convince you that Maine was lovely, but we were already convinced. I like that he recommended other reading about Maine and by Mainers, but his book was little help once we were there.

No comments about Cycle Rides: Yorkshire Dales & the Northeast (25 Cycle Rides series).

1 comments about The Countryside of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

1. I had heard that this book was not highly recommended, but what the heck, it was $14.00 and free shipping from Amazon.
   
   The cover photo, also displayed inside, is beautiful, as are all the other photos in the book. Some are not my cup of tea, but a lot of them are, and Joe Cornish has proven his mastery of light and the landscape photograph.
   
   I found the book somewhat instructional because the images gave me ideas for my own work, and the text isn't preachy or anything. All in all, a very good buy!

2 comments about Mountain Bike! Maine.

1. Usually these types of books are about as fun to read as the phonebook; a maze of cookbook directions and boring narrative. Mountain Bike! Maine is an effective guide to riding which will please anyone who loves to ride and wants to explore the diverse trails of Maine. The authors have thoroughly researched each ride and done a great job of cutting away the fat and leaving in the spice. Each trail description includes helpful information and history on the area in addition to accurate directions. I've lived in Maine for 20 years and practically every ride was new to me. From gearhead to mudbuster and nature lover to history buff, I recommend this guide as a great way to put some fun into your riding!



2. I thought I knew all the trails!
   Buy this book if you have any intention of ever riding a bike in Maine.
   This is coming from a guy who thought he would be able to write such a book.
   Seriously worth it, they offer great detail about specific times of year and how it can effect trail conditions, clear directions, great maps, and local policies.
   See you at Katahdin!

1 comments about Rock & Roll Traveler Great Britain and Ireland, 1st Edition: The Ultimate Guide to Famous Rock Hangouts Past and Present (Fodor's Rock & Roll Travellers Great Britain and Ireland).

1. The obsessive who knew every stop on every single bus route in Manchester has written...er...an obsessive book....

No comments about A Motorboater's Guide to Lake Winnipesaukee:Exploring the Lake by Boat.

1 comments about The English Cottage Garden.

1. I went to England for the first time and loved the countryside! It is so vibrant. My own photographs have never turned out very well so I bought this book while I was there to capture the England that I fell in love with. It has a wide range of beautifully photographed cottages and gardens. I am online buying 2 more copies as gifts for friends.