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.

2 comments about Timpson's England: A Look Beyond the Obvious.

1. This is a delightful piece by Timpson. He writes with a most engaging manner and typical English wit. The book is broken down into geographic sections with the various sites conveniently listed on maps in the back so you can plan your itinerary. This one goes overseas with me everytime I return to the UK and if you enjoy venturing off the beaten path (as I do), this is definitely one of the books that should accompany you as well.



2. John Timpson has a very sharp eye for the unusual, and he puts it to very entertaining use in this particualr volume. Follies, model villages, tombstones - the wierd and the wondrous, the eccentric and rare, and the just plain strange - Timpson has ferretted out hundreds of little known oddities, photographed them beautifully, and accompanied their pictures with their histories. Bet you didn't know England has her own copies of the 10 Commandments, carved by Moses himslef. I certainly never heard of the finger-pillory at the church in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, used to keep unruly children in their pew. For that matter, I never knew there was an Ashby-de-la-Zouch!
   Entertaining and fun. I pick up this book over and over again.

1 comments about A Traveller's History of London (Travellers History Series).

1. This book covers all of London history from the Romans to the Dockland development in 200 pages. So it isn't surprising that it was sometimes hard to follow. Matters were not helped by the fact that the author chose a hybrid theme/chronological narrative structure which succeeded in completely confusing me on when certain things occured. I would have liked more stories of renowned events and people. But the sections at the end on specific locations like the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey were quite interesting.

2 comments about Massachusetts (The America Series).

1. We ordered this book right before moving away from Massachusetts in anticipation of being a bit home sick. We placed this book on our coffee table and look at it often. It is great. There are plenty of pictures, some text. The book is good size. I would highly recommend -- and have purchased more copies of -- this book to give as a gift.



2. As a former resident of Mass. I bought this book as a kind of keepsake of some of the beauty of New England. It certainly does contain great pictures. The reader is taken from the capital, Boston all the way to the Berkshires covering just about everything in between. All the history and unique areas are covered. If you're interested in learning more about the state or just want to appreciate all it has to offer you need look no further than this book. Highly recommend and very reasonably priced.

No comments about Quiet Places of Massachusetts: Country Rambles, Secluded Beaches, Backroad Excursions, Romantic Retreats.

No comments about Timpson's Other England: A Look at the Unusual and the Definitely Odd.

No comments about Return to Akenfield: Portrait of an English Village in the 21st Century.

5 comments about Questing Marilyn: In Search of My Holy Grail-Personal Growth Through Travel (Questing).

1. Questing Marilyn was more like Questing Me! I am a singer-songwriter-actress, and so many personal issues and emotions of my own were addressed in her book. It was great to read about someone that experienced many of the same feelings I have had and also to realize that I was not the only one to be asking these questions. I can accept that I shouldn't understand the personal makeup of other people but why am I kept a secret from me? I have read many self help books and done a lot of work on myself, but this book answered so many of my questions. It also helped me see where things in my past fit into making me the person I am now. It was like getting a lot of personal counseling while I was totally engrossed in the exciting storyline. In fact, I kept holding off reading the last ten or so pages just because I didn't want the adventure to end. What courage it must take to allow readers into your personal life. I truly thank Marilyn for that because I found answers to some of my questions. I can't wait to read her next book. Thank you Marilyn for being so brave.



2. I really enjoyed this book and had trouble putting it down.

   So much of what Marilyn went through was a mirror image of my life. I was also brought up to please, to be the peacemaker and responsible for things going smoothly. Deep down I always felt something was wrong with this picture but until middle age was unable to see clearly.

   Marilyn is a very strong and courageous lady and I admire her openness in allowing us to view the steps that led her to the point she is now. I learned a lot about myself from her book and suggest that any woman over 40 would garner a great deal from reading this wonderful autobiography.

   Thank you Marilyn. I am looking forward to your next book.




3. "Living is about Learning. It is a lifelong Quest."
   Questing Marilyn is a memoir of one woman's journey to seek the ever-illusive "SELF." Marilyn shares her journey from Canada to England, Wales and Ireland as she visits known places of self discovery-Stonehenge, Chalice Well, Glastonbury Abbey and Tintagel. We move with her through her confusion, her anger and her realization that her life is not what it seems. We listen to her arguments in an effort to regain her composure based on years of training and discipline only to watch it crumble at her feet. Finally she emerges a stronger, wiser woman full of "Self."
   The location descriptions are vivid giving the reader a true sense of being there. Armchair travelers will love the imaginary feeling of the drizzle settling on their faces as they gaze at thousand- year- old structures. The author mentions in one chapter that she would like to become a good storyteller as she listens to a local woman describe the beauty and superstition surrounding her hometown. This reviewer feels that she has achieved this and Questing Marilyn is an excellent example of her story telling skill.
   Each one of us is on our own personal quest to find our life's purpose, our "soul", if you will. This book will give readers some insight into one person's search and the conclusions she draws. It will stimulate readers to look with earnest, travel farther and dig deeper to find their own "Holy Grail."
   Author, Marilyn Barnicke Belleghem is a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist with a Masters degree in adult education and applied psychology. She is a sought after counsellor, consultant and speaker.
   Recommended to anyone on a quest.
   Reviewer: Shirley Roe, Allbooks Reviews



4. Questing Marilyn is a multidimensional book about the author's travel experience to Britain and Ireland. The book begins as the stressed out author realizes that despite her overachiever attempts to have the perfect life (a loving family, a successful counseling career, and a sturdy religious foundation) that something is missing causing her to feel disconnected and ill content. In an attempt to reconnect and find herself, the author joins a group of colleagues and acquaintances on a tour of Britain and Ireland's sacred sites.
   
   On this tour, the author is scheduled to visit sites such as Salisbury Cathedral, Stonehenge, Glastonbury Tor, Glastonbury Abbey, Avebury, Tintigel, Bath, Kilkenny Castle, and New Grange. Furthermore, as part of this organized expedition, group tours, hikes, and self-development rituals are to be undertaken at many of these locations.
   
   This book relays detailed information on the mythological, historical, and spiritual significance of each stop of the tour while providing unique insight into the accommodations, dining, shopping, and sightseeing opportunities are available near these sites. As much of the author's tour is specially organized, this information contains a good deal of insight not commonly found in most tour guides of Britain and Ireland.
   
   Another important aspect of this book is that the author candidly discusses the pros and cons of group tours by detailing her experiences during this vacation. The reader can then use this information to decide if he or she would be more suited to directed group travel or more flexible individualized travel.
   
   The most important message of this book, however, is the introduction of travel as a tool towards self-exploration and self-acceptance. Often, due to the busyness and chaos of daily life, individuals don't have the luxury or time to truly understand who they are and what they want from life. However, during a vacation, normal routines and responsibilities can be temporarily forgotten. Thus, vacation time is the perfect time to reflect on these very personalized aspects of one's life, how he or she feels about that life, and what they need to do to make his or herself happy. Moreover, this analysis need not take place in Britain or Ireland. In fact, where the reader's quest starts and ends is completely unique to that individual.
   
   Questing Marilyn: In Search of My Holy Grail, Personal Growth Through Travel is a great book for both those individuals interested in visiting the sacred sites of the United Kingdom and those individuals searching for self-exploration and self-acceptance. This book will make an excellent gift to yourself, to your best friend, to your sister, to your daughter, or to your mother.



5. This book was well written and I really got my emotions involved with her thoughts and feelings. I found myself very much with her...on her travels.

No comments about The West Highland Way: From Milngavie to Forth William (British Long-distance Trails).

2 comments about Frommer's Portable Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard (Frommer's Portable).

1. This guide was perfect for my short trip to Martha's Vineyard. Leave it to Frommer's to offer a pocket-sized guide that still offers everything the full sized guidebook has.



2. This is a great little guide for Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. It has all the essentials (eating, sleeping, travels), but also has those little insights about when and where and why. It is small in size (not like some other "small" books that are three inches thick), easy to read, and certain to be useful.