No comments about Baxter State Park/Katahdin Map.

3 comments about New England Waterfalls: A Guide to More Than 200 Cascades and Waterfalls.

1. Quite simply, this is the quintessential reference to waterfalls in New England. The guide provides a rating, description, detailed driving directions, and advice on the hike (if applicable) to 200 different waterfalls in Conneticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and the 1 waterfall in Rhode Island.

   Having used the book to visit a few waterfalls, I can attest that the directions are fairly accurate, and that I went to waterfalls I simply could not have found any other way. The state maps at the beginning of each section make it easy to plan trips that visit lots of waterfalls, or to "check" to see if you're going to pass one on your road trip.

   I look forward to using this reference for years to come. I thought the ratings were fair, the information accurate, and it was all presented in a useful and readable format.




2. I used this guide extensively on a recent trip to New England. While it has a good deal of information in it, the guide could be greatly improved by changing a few things.

   The organization of the book could be improved by using a sequential numbering scheme to identify waterfalls that are close to one another rather than the current scheme of numbering them alphabetically. Because of the current method, it necessitates a lot of flipping between huge ranges of pages to decide which waterfall to visit in even a very small area.

   The guide includes photos for a large number of waterfalls, but it doesn't include photos for all of them. I found several highly ranked waterfalls that were missing photos, but some waterfalls which were ranked much lower did include photos. The best solution would be to include photos for all the waterfalls included in the book.

   I appreciate the effort given by the authors to include driving directions because I wouldn't have been able to find most of the waterfalls without them. Unfortunately I found that there were times when the directions are confusing & there are also errors in some of the directions. In addition, directions are written less clearly than they could possibly be.

   One final suggestion would be to include the best time to view each waterfall and which direction does each waterfall face. Some of them have eastern exposure so they would be best in the early morning. Others have western exposure and would be best in the late afternoon. A choice few are situated perfectly enough to have southern exposure and they are good all day long. For the photographers in the crowd it would be great to find this final bit of info in the guide.

   Overall the book makes a good start to what could be the ultimate New England Waterfall guide.




3. I like waterfalls. I don't know why. I just do. So I liked this book as I found a bunch of them I had no idea exsisted. A great guide to this part of the country.

4 comments about The Black Canary.

1. With the attention-grabbing theme of time travel, Curry could have gone far into the literary cosmos with this text but instead the book runs out of fuel far short of where this plot could have ventured. She goes into long, rambling descriptions of incidential items and flash backs almost losing her young readers in wordy passages barely connected to preceeding thoughts. Curry could have done a better job with the main character's impressions of 17th century London. The author should have better expressed the differences in the character's life in two different worlds instead of describing rocks, curtains and feathers, etc.
   I purchased this book as a donation for a school library. I hope the youngsters don't get lost in this book's outer space of disconnected words. Curry kept this canary in the cage.



2. Jane Curry's "The Black Canary," contrary to the view of the previous reviewer, is an engrossing read: my 13 year-old grandson went right through it (he quit "Harry Potter" V) and pronounced it "Good," which for him is the second-highest praise (first is reserved at the moment for the Artemis Fowl books). He especially liked the intriguing portal, through which James travels from contemporary London to the London of the Children of the Chapel Royal and the plots against Queen Elizabeth I, a portal which takes him to different points in both times, so that he has to arrange his final return to the present to precede the dramatic accident that placed him in the Thames in the winter of 1600. He also comes to feel responsible for helping one of his peers to save the boy's uncle from a coming purge of plotters against Queen Elizabeth, and figures out how to do this while still effecting his return "home."
   
   Curry is clearly interested in the world of the Elizabethan theater--Ben Jonson and other documented figures connected with the child actors and singers are characters--and the complicated politics of the time. Young readers may not be specifically interested in early music or English history, but they'll likely remember the ambience of this book when they do come to read about the Elizabethan age or go to a Shakespeare play or an early music concert. The main characters--James and his rival/mentor in the company, Jack--are compellingly drawn, and minor characters such as James's parents (one black, one white--hence James's sobriquet as "The Black Canary" when he is pressed to sing for Queen Elizabeth) and the singing teacher, not to mention Ben Jonson, are vivid and memorable. The details of contemporary London vs. London in 1600 give a lively contrast for readers thinking about how people lived then and now.
   
   I read quite a few young people's books because I vet them before sending them to my grandson (or he recommends books to me). We like books that are well written, with neat, surprising plots and interesting characters (other books we've liked are "Holes" and "Hoot," as well as Eion Colfer's Fowl series). Maybe not everyone in the school to which the other reviewer gave the book will "get" it, but those curious about other times or experiencing difficulty finding a grownup self out of the tangle of insecurities and sometimes resentments of early adolescence will enjoy it and learn from it. Also, I thought it was well written without being at all precious.



3. Anyone who does not enjoy this lovely adventure of a young boy struggling to keep out of the grip of his musician family, or at least find his own music, has not sat at a window and daydreamed enough in his/her life! A compelling story with historical accuracy made palatable and fascinating, from dress of the period to what everyone ate at table, The Black Canary sings. A perfect book for the holidays for anyone, child or adult. Miss Curry's books take children's literature to another level, which, in this age of bite information, gives a child a bite he can chew.



4. The children's book, The Black Canary, is a lackluster book that took me to snoozeville. Jane Louise Curry did a good job of writing about a kid that time travels to the1600s; however, the book does not keep the interest of children. It seems that she is not writing for children, certainly not for young boys, but for a seniors' knitting club. She uses no action whatsoever. Every time I thought that something exciting was going to happen to the main character, James, it did not. The book also confused me. I had a very hard time trying to keep up with James' whereabouts. Each time I turned a page, he was politely walking somewhere new, not previously mentioned in the book. I do not consider myself an avid reader; therefore, when I pick up a book I want to be entertained. The Black Canary, though interesting, was laborious and not pleasurable. Nevertheless, I would highly recommend The Black Canary to a senior knitting club. I plead with parents not to buy this for their 12-year-old sons, unless they are looking for a form of cruel and unusual punishment.

3 comments about In The Footsteps of Thoreau: 25 Historic & Nature Walks on Cape Cod.

1. By reading and using this book, not only you'll know each footsteps that Thoreau took in Cape Cod, but you'll discover his personal experience and the growth that took in Cape Cod. If you are living in Cape Cod, this book is a MUST HAVE book. You will be able to discover the beauty and richness of your land. And with this book, you can take a profound journey with Henry David Thoreau that will refresh and recreate your life. Buy this book and take a trip with Thoreau!



2. I live on Cape Cod and have been working my way through Thoreau's footsteps chapter by chapter - what a fun time and an absolutely fascinating read. Thank you Adam, you have captured the Cape in a way most visitors and locals only dream of experiencing.



3. Many people come to Cape Cod every summer, but so few know much about the cape. I'd recommend that if you're one of the many people who rent a Cape house in the summer... bring this book along with you. You'll love it and you'll see the Cape differently and perhaps... find yourself walking in the footsteps of Thoreau.

5 comments about Maine: An Explorer's Guide, Thirteenth Edition (Maine : An Explorer's Guide).

1. This was just a so so book on Maine. It has some good stuff and some not so good stuff. I bought it because it was the only one in the store with an extensive section on the little town of Kittery which is near the border with New Hampshire. It was a good section and I got a lot of information and use out of it. However, when I started reading the rest of the book I kind of got a little lost. The sections on "where to eat" and "selective shopping" were confusing because they were organized differently. They've put phone numbers for places without an area code and directions like "North along Route 1" which doesn't make any sense to me not knowing where anything in Maine is. I suppose it would be a really good book for someone with some knowledge about Maine or someone who actually lives there and wants to get away for the weekend or something. On the plus side the maps were really good and the photos were nice (black and white, but nice). My copy had five pages in a row that were upside down. Not sure what that's all about. I wasn't able to make it to Maine on a trip I made to the area, but I plan to go one of these days and I will take this book with me when I do because it still has a lot of good information.



2. My husband and I re-located to Maine in 1995. We have used this book extensively to plan day and weekend trips around the state. There are so many wonderful places to explore and this book always gives us some good tips and starting points. We currently have the 10th edition.



3. This is the guidebook we include in each of our B&B rooms.
   Guests frequently take it with them on their day trips and
   I have found it to be full of very comprehensive information
   on what the State of Maine has to offer.



4. "Maine: An Explorer's Guide" was my first purchase in the series. Since then, I have used "Vermont..." and "Maryland...". While perhaps not ideal for novices in a region, they are excellent for one who has some familiarity with the state one is visiting. The descriptions of history, geography, cultural and recreational offerings; and the listings of inviting, independent restaurants, shops and accommodations have always been accurate, informative and insightful. If you are likely to visit more than once, or stay longer than a few days, this is the book for you. As a piece of advice, buy a good map to go with it.



5. This book is awesome. We love Maine and this book has helped us explore it. I tell everyone I know to buy this book if they are going to Maine, whether it's their first or 30th time there.

5 comments about Traditions of Glastonbury: The Biblical Missing Years of Christ - Answered.

1. The Traditions of Glastonbury is a book that gets you to think. It speculates that Jesus spent years as a youngster in Britain with his uncle, Joseph of Arimathea, who was in the sea trading business. Although there is no concrete proof that Jesus was there, there is a long tradition that places Joseph there. It is also established fact that Glastonbury was the first Christian church built, outside of Jerusalem, after the ascension of Jesus. How did the church get there? Many mysteries of the Bible are shrouded in mystery. That doesn't make them untrue! Also, well documented and supported scholarly work does not necessarily make for historical truth. It only makes it more accepted. History has been altered and truth is many times concealed in speculation and tradition.



2. Jesus Christ's "lost years" are presented here primarily by tracking Joseph of Arimethea's travels to Cornwall and Wales. Joseph being Jesus' great-uncle on his mother's side, takes the boy Jesus with him on these travels after the death of Mary's husband, Joseph.

   The facts presented in this book are, perhaps, too weak to establish anything more than probability. However, any serious student of history will acknowledge that very little in our past can be substantiated completely. The further back one goes, the more tenuous and ethereal the facts become. Often, as in the existence of ancient Jericho or Troy, one has only a steady stream of probabilities to base a hypothesis on. It is the strength of those probabilities that determines the validity of any research. This book contains a great amount of probability. More probability, I should say, than proved the existence of Troy. And yet, Troy existed.




3. The silent years of Jesus between 12 and 30 and an examination of the historical records concerning Joseph of Arimathea the great uncle of Jesus as a provencial Roman Senator and metal merchant. It was rumored that he owned many of the merchant ships that came to England from Rome and Phoenicia to barter for metal and other goods. Did Jesus accompany his uncle to this isle of the west? Mr. Capt reveals that there is substantial evidence to support that he did.
   
   EXCERPT: One day a small boat, from one of the large merchant ships anchored in the Bristol Channel, tied up at the causeway of the Lake Village. A bearded man and a slim young boy in his early teens stepped ashore. They were no strangers to the villagers who crowded around to welcome them. The merchant had been coming by their village for many years, on his way to the lead mines of the Mendip Hills. It was known that he held a very important position in the powerful Roman government and carried the title "Nobilus Decurio". It was rumored that he owned many of the merchant ships that came to these Isle of the West, from Rome and Phoenicia, to barter for metal and other goods
   
   The auburn haired lad was also known. He had accompained His uncle on a prior visit, staying at the village and exploring the surrounding territory, while His uncle conducted his business at the nearby Mendip lead mines. But this time a woman, perhaps in her early thirties was with them. As the boy helped the woman ashore, the crew proceeded to unload various sized chests and sacks, obviously belonging to them. Accommodations were soon found and the baggage was carried to one of the tiny huts facing the estaury.
   
   In the weeks that followed, the merchant and the boy constructed a wattle hut, similar to those of the village, on a nearby island. The site they chose was at the base of a hill from which ran a spring of fresh water. Hawthorne and oak trees dotted the landscape. Small game and fish were in abundance and the marshy fertile shores promised bountiful crops. When the hut was finished, the woman and the boy moved from the village to their new home. The merchant and his men sailed away.
   
   Jesus and His mother, Mary, were alone . . .
   
   Excellent book...gets a top rating by all who read it.



4. I really liked this book. However, as someone stated below, there wasn't a formal bibliography and the author seemed to go off topic with additional information that was interesting but hard to follow sometimes. This book is a great place to start for someone new to the idea of Jesus in England. For somebody a bit more than a casual reader it's a good book to read, but you will need to really research Capt's references for more detailed information. Although Capt did an enormous amount of research for this book, it lacks scholarly professionalism and would not be a good reference.
   Overall I give it 4 of 5 stars -a great read, a very interesting topic, I learned a lot from it, and it peaked my interest for continued studies of the topic.



5. Raymond Capt is one of my favorite authors. He is a historian coupled with the certification of a respected archeologist. Mr. Capt has gone through painstaking efforts to seek out the truth. He is like a private investigator and he always gets his facts. A truly out of the box thinker produces great results.
   He has made a correlation between the Druids and the Ancient Hebrews and the building of Stonehenge. The modern day Druids do not know their roots but Mr. Capt connected the dots and his theories can provide proper ownership. The term for the plant, wandering Jew, is not far from the truth as the ancient Hebrews found their way to distant isle and they are the one of the early inhabitants of the British Isles. These people were God fearing people and their beliefs were evident in the early writings and pictographs of the Druids.
   If you are interested in a different view of history and are mindful that recorded history is not always acurate, then this is a perfect addition to your library. I highly recommend it.

No comments about The Butterfly Effect.

No comments about Salem Massachusetts Volume II (MA) (Images of America).

3 comments about Walking Boston.

1. Boston is a great city, and Walking Boston was a great book to accompany my fiancé and I on our trip. We completed several of the suggested walks, and found some quant cafes and historic buildings. Good maps too.



2. Boston is a great city, and Walking Boston was a great book to accompany my fiancé and I on our trip. We completed several of the suggested walks, and found some quant cafes and historic buildings. Good maps too.



3. This is a great booklet for seeing parts of Boston that are famous as well as more quiet areas. The maps help lots and the size is convenient to stow away as you do the walks. The photos spruce up the book.
   It is endorsed by the ava which has a web site to list more walks

   [...]

   AJ

No comments about Walks and Rambles in Rhode Island: A Guide to the Natural and Historic Wonders of the Ocean State.