5 comments about Frommer's London 2008 (Frommer's Complete).

1. I was really hoping to use the map included in this book during my stay in London. Unfortunately, the area I was staying (near the Marble Arch) was not included in the map, and therefore, was not as useful as I had hoped.



2. We went to London in January 2007. We bought a few London travel-guide-type books but THIS book was the one we kept turning to during our trip. It was easy to use and comprehensive. The maps of the different parts of the city were an excellent tool. We had never been to London before and with this book we felt a little more like we knew what we were doing! I highly recommend this book!



3. There is an intimidating array of travel guide options when one is planning a trip, especially if you're going to as common a destination as London! I checked out everything available (and up-to-date, because these guides do change annually, in many cases!) from my library. I was drawn to Frommer's 2008 for several reasons:
   
   1. Readability. The information was conveyed in such a way that I didn't at all feel intimidated by how many choices I had. There is a good balance in the amount and kind of information given in the reviews of attractions, pubs, hotels, etc., and I was able to quickly figure out whether I wanted to add a site on my itinerary or not.
   
   2. Organization. There is a lot of easy, helpful information about traveling to London (including packing for your trip) in the beginning of the guide. This is followed by "top ten" lists for various attractions (pubs, sites, etc.), and then a really handy series of itineraries for "Seeing London" in "a day," "two days," or "three." The city is divided into various neighborhoods, and so it is very easy to find places to stay, restaurants, and attractions no matter where you find yourself. I found this feature especially useful when organizing my itinerary.
   
   3. Usefulness. Reviews are honest and upfront about things you really want to know - from the bathroom sizes in boutique hotels, to whether you want to go for a restaurant's signature steak-and-kidney pie. Each region has a list of hotels and restaurants that cater to a range of budgets, from very expensive to options for the budget traveler. Frommer's also includes an excellent symbol system, including one for "over-rated attractions" and an "insider's alert" for unique finds that you might not see in other guides. There is also a handy map of the London Underground lines, and a tourist-friendly city map tucked in the back of the guide.
   
   I looked at a few different guides to try and supplement my travel plans, but honestly, the only book I'll be bringing will be the Frommer's 2008 guide. Lonely Planet London would be useful as a supplement for those interested in more cultural information, or a perspective for the alternative lifestyle (gay and lesbian, vegetarian). My only complaint is that while there are low-cost hotels listed, cheaper options like hostels are not covered, so students and shoestring budget travelers may need to resort to the internet for help in that regard. Ultimately, I was very pleased with this guide both for its helpfulness in preparing for my trip, and its suitability as a pocket guide when I'm in London.



4. This is an excellent resource for anyone planning to visit London. It made our trip enjoyable, saved us money, and equipped us with information that helped us navigate London easily. It contains information on everything from "must see" attractions, to tips on exchanging money. My husband and I were able to prioritize our schedules and take advantage of special deal unknown to travelers. The topics are nicely organized with clear and accurate information. We will not travel again without a Frommer's guide.
   
   The only two tips we picked-up that were not in the guide were:
   
   1. Shop at Tesco for your food - This is were all the locals shop so you will not pay tourist prices. Our hotel was selling us a 1/2 liter bottle of water for $12 US dollars. We went to Tesco and paid .60 cents for 2 liters.
   
   2. Look into dot2dot - Hotel transportation can be expensive. A cab ride can cost $100-150 US dollars. The guide tells you about the underground, which comes out to about $15.00, but if you take dot2dot and share a ride you can get a round trip ticket for $66.00. This is great if you have heavy luggage and do not want to drag it around on the underground.
   
   I hope this helps. Enjoy!



5. I bought this book, along with several others, for a trip I took to London with my husband and 13 year old daughter. We already had a hotel so we didn't use that section, but we found it to be a great reference book for almost anything we needed quick information on. Museums, places to visit, train and subway information, the proper amount to tip, it was all in there. Definitely worth the investment.

2 comments about Nantucket: Island Living.

1. This beautifully illustrated book depicts Nantucket Island as it is - full of character, charm, and simply beautiful. The photographs are incredible - each is a gem, a beautiful picture. Congrats to the Poms and all who made this possible!



2. 
   Who did?
   
   Captain Gardner's niece (hence the reference to Uncle Charles) as recorded in her diary in July of 1846. The entry reads, "They live in a little cottage place on a little rise of ground". Then comes the part about the blackberry pudding.
   
   The "little cottage place" today is one of the exceptional residences profiled in Nantucket Island Living. Each one is lovingly described with an attentiveness that drills down to the level of blackberry pudding when necessary to establish the context, atmosphere, and ultimately the essence of the place.
   
   This is fitting; as the author writes in the introduction, "Nantucket is more than a place - it is a state of mind".
   
   And so it is.
   
   Gorgeous photography by Terry Pommett complements the text. It's an absolute feast for the eyes.
   
   The exploration of the island takes us from the elegance and history of Town (that's what the locals call it) to windswept beach cottages, from stately seaside mansions to the gardens and the quaint village of Siasconset.
   
   Intertwined with it all is an overview of the island's history, traditions, natural life, and culture.
   
   This is a book that will be enjoyed over and over again.

No comments about Maine (Lonely Planet CUSTOM Guide).

5 comments about Maine Atlas & Gazetteer.

1. The detailed maps are great but guys...no use looking for a road map of Maine, I mean the whole state as it doesn't exist: incredible! so do order a map in addition!!



2. If you like maps and spend any time in Maine hiking, paddling, or traveling backroads, you must have this. It is fun to study and indispensable for exploring Maine.



3. This is the bible of maps of Maine. And most, if not all, other states have a version available. The first time you use it will probably make the purchase worthwhile.



4. After reading reviews on Amazon, I bought this book with a couple of others for my sister-in-law who moved to Maine. Within a week of moving to Maine, they got lost and used this atlas to find their way! They really like it.



5. I've been camping in Maine for a few weeks... Mainers expect you to have one of these. They say "get out your DeLorme's" not "do you have a map?" Some people I've met have pointed me to the right page without looking at the back.
   
   The details in this atlas are great! All of Maine's public reserve land and campground are clearly marked. If you are trying to do some real camping in some remote areas, get this map. This is a must if you are going to be doing anything outdoors in ME. I never thought I'd say a map is fun to read.

5 comments about Making History.

1. I don't ususally read non-fiction, and have never been into the Alternate History craze. I bought this as a Stephen Fry fan, and perhaps a bit because I was a history major in college.
   From page one, I could not put it down. The way Fry writes, discussing how one feels when getting up in the morning, writing a thesis, and comparing us history students to pretentious literature students for example, was hilarious and dead-on.
   Mike Young is anxious to have his PhD thesis read and earn his doctorate, while living in a strained relationship with a logical but herbal tea drinking scientist. He literally bumps into a stranger with a guilty secret, and a story unravels, involving an attempt to make sure Hitler never gained power without actually going back and killing him.
   Fry writes this book from several different views, a past time, thesis, young Hitler in the trenches, screenplay, etc. I love his writing style, one rarely makes me laugh out loud, but as I said, his takes on life's little crises are on the mark.
   The ending is good too, perhaps something has changed after all. There is a side story that some might not like, but it's so near the end you won't want to stop reading.
   If you were like me and have never ventured into time travel stories, and have a good sense of humor, and a love of things British, buy this book! You'll be calling all those "Eds" at work "Double Eddie" in no time.



2. What if you could prevent Hitler from taking power? What would you do to prevent it? How far would you go? All interesting questions and Stephen Fry's take on the idea is well worth a read. Although the writing style can be jolting at times and some of the references are kind of out there, it all comes together eventually. Overall a brilliant effort, although at one point one of Fry's characters discusses political correctness and actually uses it in a positive context. Fry must be one of the few people left in the western world who can actually find anything good to say about PC.
   
   
   
   But hey, it IS science fiction!



3. A lovely ramble through time - made even more enjoyable if you can imagine Stephen reading it to you in that incredibly honeyed accent, with lashings of dry sarcasm thrown in for good measure / pleasure.
   Wrong actor, but the plot: a cunning plan, complete with 'cinnamon' on top (Homage to Baldrick)



4. I loved the humor in this book (except some of the British humor, which admittedly sometimes escapes me) and especially the main character. I found some parts of the book a little tedious, but found that when I skipped ahead, I would miss crucial parts. It all comes together at the end. An enjoyable book, but not one I would necessarily read again.



5. It was to be rather a long time before I finally got my hands on Stephen Fry's "Making History", and I must admit, although I'm a big, bordering on huge, fan of Fry, that I found it to be less than what I had expected.
   
   While the idea of time travel and/or alternate realities is definitely a highly interesting one, and with the help from Stephen Fry's famous wit and enourmous intellect, should be a definite winner, it somehow falls short of the mark. Many other reviewers before me have mentioned the lack of pace in the book, which, in conjunction with the somewhat easy/smooth/naive way order is restored to the universe in the end of the story, just seems to make the story a lot less compelling, a lot less interesting, a lot less Fryish , indeed a lot less... well, a lot less.
   
   Despite beeing a bit uncomplicated, simple even, it is still a well written and well presented book. We still get to enjoy some of Fry's great sense of humour and his love of language. Although inferiour to the authors other works, it is still worth reading. No doubt about that. Just don't expect literary heaven.
   
   3,5 stars.

1 comments about Boston, A Year in the Life.

1. I purchased this book as a Christmas present for my brother-in-law who loves Boston. I am sure he will enjoy this book as much as I did.

No comments about Zagat Boston Restaurants 2008/09: Including Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket (Zagatsurvey).

No comments about Fodor's London 2009 (Fodor's Gold Guides).

5 comments about Drive I-95: Exit by Exit Info, Maps, History and Trivia.

1. This book is great! Not only does it give the standard I95 exit information (restaurants, hotels, etc.) but it also gives many points of interest for families...rest areas where you can play ball or places not far from exits where you can have fun.
   I can't believe how extensive this book is and how accurate since it's a few years old now and things they are a changin' along I95 North to South.
   We really enjoyed this book along our trip - reading ahead of time is recommended so that you can be aware of places to stop before you get there.



2. Drive I-95 by Stan Posner and Sandra Phillips-Posner has been released in updated 4th Edition. It is a very comprehensive guidebook for any drive along the North-South route of the United States most Eastward coastal highway. This edition now includes Florida. With maps, radar traps, radio stations, 24 hour gas info, good eats and sleeps, where pets are welcomed, unususal shopping opportunities, fun places to visit, and fascinating historical facts along the route, you cannot leave home for that highway without this book! You'll miss so much! The excellent book, with exit by exit itemized information, has won the Book of the Year Seal, Best Books Award, and Benjamin Franklin Award. It is compact and sturdy enough to tuck into your car door pocket. EXCELLENT!!!



3. As someone who travels I-95 often, I was delighted to discover "Drive I-95." What a valuable tool for the vacationer or the everyday traveler!
   
   This slick, spiral book is an ideal guide to everything you need to help make your trip more pleasant. Exits for every segment of I-95 from Massachusetts to the tip of Florida, where I-95 ends, are documented with important landmarks, motels, restaurants/fast food places, service stations, and drug and grocery stores. A book flap gives the dial location and program types for the strongest radio stations along the way. Following the map section, the traveler will find more than 100 pages of interesting tidbits concerning history and places found near I-95. These include segments, with exit numbers, about the Torpedo Factory Art Center, located in Alexandria, VA; Gadsby's Tavern (an historic restaurant at the same exit); St. John's Church in Richmond, VA where Patrick Henry gave his famous speech about liberty or death; the Best Western Space Shuttle Inn; Outlets at Vero Beach, FL; Worth Ave. in Palm Beach, FL and much more. The back inside cover has a list of motel chain 800 numbers.
   
   Drive I-95 is a treasure you will want to keep in your car as you travel from Boston to Miami and lots of places in between. What a great idea!
   
   --Mary Montague Sikes, author of Hotels to Remember



4. Now in a fully updated fourth edition, "Drive I-95" continues to be the premier guidebook for the more than 42,500,000 people who drive to Florida every year down Interstate 95. It accurately charts all 552 exits on I-95 from Boston to Miami. It is also a wealth of information about food options, motels, radar traps, radio stations, 24-hour mechanics (a unique feature not found in other travel guides) ATM machines, shopping recommendations, and even some of the best golf courses to be found along the route. With anecdotal stories such as the Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield, North Carolina having been started with a kiss, to a listing of motel chain 800 numbers, to so much more, "Drive I-95" continues to be the premier and confidently recommended travel guide for anyone driving up or down I-95!



5. Haven't had time to actually use this book so far but my sisters. one of whom has used an older version of this book in the past, used theirs recently while traveling north. They found it very helpful in locating places to eat and stay overnight. We did notice however that one or two of the eating places in our own area of Santee are no longer in business.
   
   I hope to get my chance to use it shortly.

5 comments about Weird New England (Weird).

1. This book is generally a fun and quirky read, as long as it's not taken TOO seriously. This book reminds us that there remains an abundant number of odd and quirky tales of people, places, events and downright weird things in New England that add to the region's character. Weird New England is a book you can pick up and flip through when the everyday world gets too depressing and overbearing.
   
   The book is not without its fault and some of the errors can be downright annoying to the knowledgeable New Englander. First, there are misspellings of town names, for example the book mentions "Abingdon, MA", which does not exist, but there is an Abington. Some of the "unexplained" structures or buildings described in the book have in fact been well-explained, but again no one should take this book as a serious reference. One serious error does need to be addressed regarding what ancient Greeks and others termed the "music of the spheres". The books states that the term referred to mysterious musical sounds while in fact the ancient scholars where referring to the orderly movement of the sun, moon and planets in what they believed where fixed spheres.



2. This is an excellent edition in the Weird series, mainly due to the author's enthusiasm for the subject. He tackles a sprawling amount of New England history and folklore, and will definitely give you a ton of travel ideas for your next road trip. My only complaint is that Citro hails from Vermont and devotes too many pages to it over other states - here's hoping Volume 2 is in the works! I bought this volume along with Weird New York (by a different author) and can say this is significantly better.



3. Weird New England (Weird) Very interesting book! Being from New England, I had to have it!



4. I was very pleased with the delivery of this book. It arrived in really good condition. An excellent book!



5. Got this as gift, not sure I would have bought it on my own. Was a fun if not weird read. Some of the tales I had heard myself many years ago unfortunately they did not add much closure to what I already knew. Not for kids, I'll be keeping it away from my younger ones till they hit 12-13 or so. Still worth a look to relax and daydream a bit.