No comments about Woodall's Eastern America Campground Directory, 2004 (Woodall's Eastern Campground Directory).

No comments about Food Lovers' Guide to Connecticut: Best Local Specialties, Shops, Recipes, Restaurants, Events, Lore, and More.

No comments about The Story of London: From Roman River to Capital City (Travel).

2 comments about True Brits: A Tour of Britain In All Its Bog-Snorkeling, Shin-Kicking and Cheese-Rolling Glory.

1. This is a fun and fascinating read, revealing a side of Britain -- and America -- that few people have ever heard of. Daeschner takes us inside a game of Mob Football, the roots of our very own Superbowl, and also risks his legs in Shin Kicking, while recounting a particularly vicious match in Pennsylvania, of all places. Among many other events, he explains how "Darkie Day" in Britain's West Country was inspired by American black-faced minstrels (think Al Jolson): to this day, the Cornish darken their faces and dance around singing songs by Stephen Foster! Daeschner's stated aim is to show "everything that makes Britain great -- and at times, not so great," and he does an excellent job at doing just that, without shying away from controversial subjects. Perfect for Anglophiles and Anglophobes alike. Five stars.



2. True Brit describes arcane British traditions which reinforce the stereotype of the (alleged) British tolerance, or even love, of eccentrics. The author tracks down strange yearly rituals in the United Kingdom and reports on them in a wry, sardonic style.It would be hard to report on them in any other style though. The annual cheese rolling event in Cheddar Gorge was banned at one point in its not-so-venerable history because of the dangers inherent in hurling oneself down a very steep, rocky hillside in pursuit of a hurtling wheel of cheddar cheese. The interviews with the local participants and voyeurs are a study in understatement in the face of extreme methods of recreation which usually result in injury of some sort, sometimes on a rather grand scale.
   This book will inspire readers to slowly shake their heads in dumb-founded astonishment that people will do the weirdest things because it's traditional and that other people will inevitably gather around to watch the ensuing mishaps and embarrassments. In that spirit, I recommend it for anyone who would like to plan a "completely different" vacation in Britain with stopovers at some of the towns or villages which host these astoundingly odd examples of group fanaticism.

1 comments about Fun with the Family Maine, 4th (Fun with the Family Series).

1. Fun with the Family in Maine is a comprehensive guide for activities and fun destinations for kids. Our family has already used the guide several times on our excursions to Maine and all of the tips we took from the book have been a big hit with all 5 of our kids. It helps immensely that the author is a parent of young children and that she adds her own personal experiences with some of the destinations. This is a fun-filled and very well written travel book that I would highly recommend to anyone who plans a trip to Maine!!

No comments about Concord (MA) (Images of America).

1 comments about Greater Newburyport: A Photographic Portrait.

1. This book is filled with photographs that make me miss my home and make me excited to move back. The photos are stunning and the book is well done.

   My only minor critique is that some of the captions are slightly confusing. I spent a few minutes wondering where the 'train' was in the picture of the train station, only to reread the caption and realize that they are referring to a theoretical train and not one in the picture. Also, the little intro picture in the Newburyport section is really the southern point of Salisbury Beach, which also puzzled me a bit. Both minor points, but thats why only 4 stars from me.

5 comments about Fodor's Around Boston with Kids, 1st Edition: 68 Great Things to Do Together (Around the City with Kids).

1. This book was like having a knowlegable and fun loving friend let you in on all the great things to do and see around Boston with kids. We found it very helpful on our recent trip to the area.



2. This family-oriented tour book is easy to use and a valuable resource, with lots of helpful information packed into each two-page spread, including a description of the attraction, address, phone number, admission prices, hours and recommended ages, interesting facts and nearby restaurants.

   The 68 attractions include old favorites (Fanueil Hall, Franklin Park Zoo, Make Way for Ducklings Tour) as well as new (Pirate Adventure, Purgatory Chasm, Plaster Fun Time) in both indoor and outdoor settings. This is a quick read and an invaluable resource for families who live near Boston or plan to visit.




3. Supremely concise and useful guide to ... yes, things to do in the Boston area with kids. The first edition, at least, is missing only one thing: a map to tell you where everything is.



4. i am disappointed there is no map in this book, not even any maps showing where the T stops are in relation to the sites or even where family friendly restaurants are in relation to the sites. it even mentions things to do on cape cod and in salem and plimoth with no mention of how far that is from the city of boston. other than that, the book is helpful in determining what to do in boston with kids, but frustrating in that it will take a whole other book to figure out HOW to get there!



5. Around Boston with Kids is a great companion book to a more comprehensive guide to Boston. It is nowhere near complete enough to be used as a stand-alone guide. For one, there is no map to the attractions, and as a New England native, I can assure you that Nashua, Fall River, and Worcester attractions are nowhere near Boston proper (in fact, they are a cranky-with-kids car ride away). There is no indication of this in the listings, however, so a reader would either have to be familiar with the geography or spend some time with Internet driving directions to get the lay of the land. It would be preferable to look for activities by region and proximity to public transportation, instead of in the alphabetical order they are presented.
   
   That being said, there are some true hidden gems in this book. I'd recommend it to any New Hampshire, Massachusetts, or Rhode Island family looking for some offbeat family-friendly activities. Think of these as occasional weekend getaways instead of a guide of everything to do in Boston proper in a week-long trip. The authors give great advice, including warnings about programs which might be too long for little ones, insider tips about wait times or how to purchase tickets, and kid-friendly restaurants in the immediate area.
   
   Know what you are getting into, and supplement this book with Internet research and other guidebooks, and you are ready to take on some great spots in New England with kids. I'm excited to go explore some new sites, and I don't even have children!

No comments about Backcountry Skiing Adventures: Maine and New Hampshire: Classic Ski and Snowboard Tours in Maine and New Hampshire.

1 comments about Haunted Salem & Beyond.

1. This book is a VERY easy read. It gets right to the point about the history, current activity, etc..
   This book is more of an overview of ghostly happenings rather than an in depth investigation.
   I found this book "helpful" in my adventure to Salem for Halloween '06.