No comments about Delorme Maine Map and Guide: Detailed Road Map, Travel Information.

4 comments about South of the Northeast Kingdom (National Geographic Directions).

1. "Aren't those Vermonters cute ?" "Aren't I profound ?" This collections of anecdotes, snippets, and name dropping sure doesn't sound like the people of Cabot, Vt., that I know. In Tom Wolfe's 'Bonfire of the Vanities', Wolfe left out writers. Keep watch on Mamet. If this book really expresses his thoughts, he should self-ignite soon.



2. I live just north of Mamet's hometown of Cabot, Vermont, and know many of the places and some of the people in the book (I've never met Mamet himself). For most of us who live in or close to the Northeast Kingdom, it is a beautiful, but gritty place to make a go of it. There is much to exult about and much to damn. Mamet's take is mostly dead on. While some of the book romanticizes life here, other passages criticize both himself (directly) and others (obliquely). I found myself agreeing with much of his analysis and many of his honest portrayals. Those inhabiting the right fringe of the political spectrum might find some of Mamet's opinions distasteful, but they have it coming.
   Although the word "vide" was used too often, I like a book that stretches one's vocabulary. Keep a dictionary close by if you buy this book. I also like a book whose whole is greater than the sum of the parts and that reads, at times, like poetry. The evocative black and white photos help capture this unique vision of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. I look forward to rereading this book.



3. I spent several years in Vermont and still go back as often as I can. Mamet captures much of the simple magic about the state and its people. The chapters are disconnected fragments, but that is fine. The impressions combine to give a good picture of life in this curiously unspoiled place.
   I have read 3 volumes in this National Geographic Discoveries series and have just ordered 3 more. They are short, insightful and written by some of the best writers out there. The whole series is worth a careful look. If they sold them on subscription, I would sign up. Someone good is doing the commisioning here.



4. A friend who lives near Cabot just sent me a copy of this and it is divine! I couldn't resist reading it to my husband in bed since we're both from Central Vermont although now transplanted to Massachusetts where there are a few more jobs. We finished it in one weekend night and were disappointed it was over so soon (not my husband's typical reaction to a book I like, trust me).
   
   I've read some of Mamet's other books (of course, I've seen more than a couple of his movies, too) and this is my favorite, by far. He writes well as you would expect.

No comments about Where to Wear London 2006: Fashion Shopping Fron A-Z (Where to Wear).

4 comments about The Beauty of Vermont.

1. Vermont Life has chosen such a stunning series of photographs to showcase the state's best asset- nature through its four glorious seasons- that you'll feel as though you're on a mini vacation every time you open the book. The photographs rival any found in National Geographic or Sierra Club publications, and the accompanying text- written by Vermont Life's long time editor-in-chief- richly but succinctly describes the state's geography and people, as well as the ongoing push and pull between man and nature. For people (like myself) who have already fallen in love with the state, the book is a coffee table treasure.. but for those who aren't quite sure what the hype is about, it may be a bit too "rah, rah Vermont."



2. Vermont Life magazine has been featuring striking photographs of the natural beauty of this New England state for more than fifty years. The best of those images have been assembled in The Beauty Of Vermont and enhanced with an informative, reader friendly text by Tom Slayton as the reader is treated to Vermont's Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter landscapes and charm. The Beauty Of Vermont is a lovely book for browsing and will provide both inspiration and motivation for family trips and personal sojourns to see and explore more of Vermont's natural beauty and folksy charm.



3. As a frequent tourist to the Green Mountain State, I found this book to be a fantastic collection of all the reasons I continue to come back year after year. Gorgeous, stunning photography of the four best reasons to visit Vermont - summer, winter, spring and fall. Not to be overlooked, though, is the captivating and conversational prose by Vermont Life Editor, Tom Slayton. He effortlessly puts into words the many feelings the state's beauty evokes. A fantastic book to add to any collection of New England or photography books.



4. Here in a single volume is one of the best collections of beautiful photographs of Vermont I have as yet examined. They were taken by Vermont Life magazine's contributing photographers, with a crisp and eloquent text provided by Tom Slayton. Technically, I guess, this would be called a "coffee table book" and indeed that is where it resides in my home, except when I pore through it again (which I do each day) or when a family member or guest does so. The reproduced art (which such great photography truly is) is organized logically and appropriately according to the four seasons. Many persons who have never visited Vermont perhaps think of it in association with the poetry of Robert Frost. There are many other locales elsewhere in New England (notably in northwest Connecticut and throughout New Hampshire and Maine) could just as easily provide images which Frost's poetry evokes. For me, however, there is a texture and there are certain nuances to Vermont ("A State of Nature") which are unique. They are captured vividly in the stunning photographs provided in this volume.

   Pretend that you have arrived in the state and have retained Slayton as your tour guide. "Take us to your favorite places. Help us to understand why you are so fond of each place. In other words, introduce us to Vermont at its best." In essence, that is what this volume does. The initial impact is so great, so enjoyable, that you will wish to return again and again. A magnificent volume such as this enables you to do so. Those who share my passion for Vermont are urged to subscribe to Vermont Life magazine. Also, to purchase Richard W. Brown's The Soul of Vermont.

2 comments about Fifty Hikes in Massachusetts: Hikes and Walks from the Top of the Berkshires to the Tip of Cape Cod.

1. This book is great, especially for a beginner at hiking (which I am). It gives you great spots to check out, lets you know how long the distance is and about how long it will take to hike it. You can find hikes from .6 of a mile to 8.5 miles. There are plenty of hikes for every level. The only thing I wish the book had slightly more detailed trail maps, but usually you can get them easily enough.



2. This book, like others in this series, is really a set of easy walks, not hikes. Admittedly, I am an avid hiker, but nothing longer than 8 miles is present (not a single overnight hike). Also, many of these hikes are somewhat roundabout. While I'm all for loops, these are on not-too-clearly labelled areas with quite a few road walks. It seems like there must be more in Massachusetts than this.

No comments about Virginia International Raceway (VA) (Images of Sports Series).

No comments about 50 Best Pub Crawls in England, Scotland, Wales & Ireland.

No comments about Yankee Wisdom 2009 Wall Calendar.

1 comments about The Face of Connecticut: People, Geology, and the Land (Bulletin/ State Geological and Natural History Survey of Con).

1. This book was an interesting history of Ct. geology and the human history associated with it. Many interesting factoids about Ct's history and how geology shaped it. You see geologic processes and human history combined.

No comments about London: A Visitor's Guide.