5 comments about The Reluctant Tuscan: How I Discovered My Inner Italian.

1. It's very seldom that I laugh out loud while reading, and I would recommend THE RELUCTANT TUSCAN very highly. It was refreshing to read this well written, humorous, and emotional book that turned what could have been just-another-book-about-Tuscany into a totally new insight into living in Italy. I felt like I knew the villagers through his illustrative character descriptions, and experienced his emotions--humiliations and triumphs--with a tear or a giggle. I hope Mr. Duran continues writing about his life.



2. "The Reluctant Tuscan" left me - whelmed. The book recounts the period of time when the writer moved to a rural town in Tuscany and undertakes renovating a dilapidated farm house, mostly to appease his wife, who has bought the property without consulting him. Hilarity ensues.
   
   At least, that's what Mr. Doran wants to you think. There were some amusing bits but none that made me laugh out loud. Stereotypes and caricatures of Italians abound and there are multiple references to the Germans and WWII. Maybe it's a generational thing, but I found these annoying. He does sometimes manage to write in a natural voice that is amusing and inviting and those passages are very nice. Unfortunately they were few and far betweeen. He also has a bad habit of throwing in little asides and quips that obviously call for a laugh-track. I found these drew me out of the narrative and only served to reinforce the idea that Mr. Doran is highly invested in his identity as a sitcom writer.
   
   Late in the book, Mr. Doran makes the comment that in Hollywood, one is constantly auditioning. And I realized that's what he was doing throughout the book - auditioning. Auditioning for the reader's approval, for the reader's laughter, anxiously hoping for a reaction of some kind. Which is a shame as I think he may be a good writer, but he seems to not be able to trust his own writing to speak to the reader. Maybe living in Tuscany will help with that.



3. Pure Hollywood Drivel.
   I kept waiting for the canned laughter, and I kept reading because I couldn't believe someone would give me this book to read.As they say,"You can take the boy out of Hollywood,but you can't take the Hollywood out of the boy".
   If he billed it as a fictional work, well even then not worth a read.
   I wasted 2 hours of my time so you don't have to waste yours.
   LVG



4. The book came as promised, in excellent condition and in a timely manner. Would recommend this seller.



5. I originally bought this book at a retail store to give me something to preoccupy myself while waiting for my husband at the doctor's office. It turned out to be wonderfully entertaining. I couldn't stop laughing at all the antics and descriptions. This book went from originally to be "disposable" to my favorite. Any others as good as this?

5 comments about Ireland For Dummies (Dummies Travel).

1. If you want to plan a great trip with a minimum of hassle, this book won't steer you wrong. This is a great guide to use if you don't have the time or energy to sift through a dense 600-plus page book. We used it on a recent one-week trip to Ireland and thought the hotel & restaurant recommendations were great, and the sightseeing info was all very helpful and accurate. We also liked the worksheets that help you sketch out a budget and itineraries.

   I don't think it's fair to compare this book to a Rough Guide, as other reviewers have -- it's like complaining that your pocket Webster's doesn't have as many words as the OED. If you're looking for a totally comprehensive tome that covers every little detail in every corner of the country this isn't the book for you, but you probably guessed that from the title. There is more than enough information here for a one or two week trip to see the highlights of Ireland (both the Republic and Northern Ireland). The lively, humorous tone the book takes is refreshing, and makes the book actually fun to read. There's lots of general travel information that's helpful and reassuring if you don't travel overseas frequently, and lots of resources for anyone who wants to hunt down Irish ancestors.




2. This book is so full of errors that they are too many to list here. It really is a very bad source on Ireland that anyone who has any knowledge on Ireland would spot how bad it is. This is unfortunatley the type of book that gets publicity but is actually quite uninformed. If you want genuine information on Ireland and Irish culture I recommend that you go elsewhere.



3. If you can read only one book to decide what to see and do on your first trip to Ireland, "Ireland for Dummies" is an ideal choice.
   
   I read carefully their descriptions of popular and off-the-beaten-path sights, and advice for first-time visitors to the Emerald Isle. This book earns high praise. I agree with the authors' priorities, and they cover the must-see places and must-do activities with style. Reading this book, I was ready to throw my passport and some clothes into a bag and head to Ireland again, myself.
   
   In addition to raving about the sights that most American visitors will want to see, the general tone of the book is enthusiastic. The information is well arranged, including lists of sites that are close together so that you can make the most of your vacation in Ireland.
   
   If you're traveling with children, this book will guide you to the most fun, must-see destinations for the entire family. Few guidebooks are this helpful and understanding of both children's and adults' interests.
   
   At the back of "Ireland for Dummies," their guide to the "top ten" sights of Ireland and Northern Ireland is excellent. Their advice about shopping is another plus. Finally, their worksheets are a great idea, as you're planning your vacation. They'll help you avoid details that are easy to overlook, but might otherwise spoil a great vacation.
   
   In addition, the maps in "Ireland for Dummies" are large and easy to read... and worth writing on and tearing out, to take with you on your trip. The glossaries are very good and provide quick reference for the most confusing terms when you travel.
   
   This book is probably too bulky to pack in your suitcase, but--as I often recommend (and do myself)--tear out the sections that cover the areas that you plan to visit. Keep those handy on your trip for quick reference, and you'll have a grand vacation or holiday!
   --reviewed by Eibhlin Morey, editor, "All Info About Ireland"



4. As a fairly frequent traveler to Ireland, I appreciate a lively, well-researched guide with a real "feel" (and love) for the country, and this is it! I love the style. The writing is breezy and fresh, chock-full of sharp observations and savvy tips. We're already using the guide to plan our next trip.



5. I was given the opportunity to speak at a user group meeting in Dublin this upcoming June, and I decided I didn't want to be completely ignorant about the country. While it won't be a touring vacation, I'd still like to know a bit more about where I'll be visiting. To that end, I received a review copy of Ireland for Dummies by Liz Albertson. It's a fun and easy read, and at least I won't be a *completely* stupid American tourist now.
   
   Contents:
   Part 1 - Introducing Ireland: Discovering the Best of Ireland; Digging Deeper into Ireland; Deciding When and Where to Go; Following an Itinerary - Four Great Options
   Part 2 - Planning Your Trip to Ireland: Managing Your Money; Getting to Ireland; Getting around Ireland; Booking Your Accommodations; Catering to Special Travel Needs and Interests; Taking Care of the Remaining Details
   Part 3 - Dublin and the East Coast: Dublin; Easy Trips North of Dublin - Counties Meath and Louth; Easy Trips South of Dublin - Counties Wicklow and Kildare; The Southeast - Counties Wexford, Waterford, Tipperary, and Kilkenny
   Part 4 - Counties Cork and Kerry: County Cork; County Kerry
   Part 5 - The West and the Northwest: Counties Limerick and Clare; County Galway - Galway City, The Aran Islands, and Connemara; Counties Mayo and Sligo; County Donegal
   Part 6 - Northern Ireland: Counties Derry, Fermanagh, and Tyrone; Belfast and County Antrim; Counties Down and Armagh
   Part 7 - The Part of Tens: Top Ten Traditional Irish Dishes and Drinks; The Top Ten Items to Buy in Ireland
   Appendix: Quick Concierge
   Index
   
   For what I was looking for, this book was perfect. I'm not moving over there, nor was I looking for an in-depth discussion and critical analysis of Irish history and culture. I needed something that would give me an overall understanding of the country and the different areas. For instance, not having spent much time going beyond the nightly news, I didn't understand the relationship between Northern Ireland and the rest of the country. At least now I have a basic feel for the forces at play. I was also fascinated by the colorful history of the island over the centuries. It's amazing to think there are buildings and institutions there that are approaching a thousand years of existence. Makes the history of the United States look rather insignificant. If I were going to be headed off on my own for a week or so, the travel and sightseeing information here would be incredibly useful. Not only is there good information about what to see (and what possibly to avoid), the author also gives suggested amounts of time you might want to allocate towards a site. If you're thinking you might like to spend half a day somewhere and she suggests an hour, you might want to give your plans a second thought. I also liked a feature of this book that I haven't seen in others... They include a page of Dummies Post-It flags that you can use to tag important (to you) pages for further reference as you're traveling. A simple thing, but it makes the book even more valuable to take along and use on your trip.
   
   My wife would like to visit Ireland and England one day, but not on the whirlwind schedule that this speaking trip will entail. When we *do* head back over there (and I'm sure we will), this book will be an essential part of our planning...

1 comments about The Rough Guide to Berlin 8 (Rough Guide Travel Guides).

1. I really enjoyed using this guide. It was very informative and easy-to-navigate. I'd buy another Rough Guide in a heartbeat.

5 comments about A Day in Tuscany: More Confessions of a Chianti Tour Guide.

1. I dearly loved this book. I vacationed in Vagliagli, the tiny Italian hamlet and recognized the sites and people the author talks about. When he describes the sights and sounds (the rooster, hunting dogs barking) upon waking, I find myself back at our villa down the way from Cignano. Everyone who appreciates the solitude and the true Italy needs to read this book. Thank you for sharing, Dario. I am a fan of your books.



2. This is a great read. Short, funny and I loved the way he wrote the book. Passed it on to friends and they loved it also.



3. A very enjoyable read that informs and entertains. It feels as if our upcoming trip to Tuscany has already begun.



4. Dario has once again weaved a great story about his village and his deep passion and affection for his village, tradition and for Italy. This is a great read to complement his other books.



5. If you read Dario Castagno's first book, Too Much Tuscan Sun, this one may come as a surprise. It's a fanciful but thoughtful "day in the life" as compared to his previous tour guide stories, which were funny but occasionally very unflattering regarding some of his clients. This time we see another side of life in the Chianti countryside, with endearing tales both old and new, of the inhabitants. A lovely bit of writing and remembrances by this proud member of the Bruco contrada.

5 comments about Malta & Gozo (Country Guide).

1. Super....could not have enjoyed my holiday as much without it!



2. Like other Lonely Planet guide books, this one is informative and contains useful information for the traveler. Some historical information, good overview, maps, suggested itineraries, etc.



3. Malta is one of those rare gems that still exist in the world. From its gorgeous coastlines, to the fascinating medieval strongholds, to the very life/flavor of the island itself, this is one of those places that captures the best society has offered from the last two-thousand years.
   
   Lonely Planet does a fine job with their Malta/Gozo edition. Like most of their traveler friendly guides, it captures all the necessary information without overdoing it. For anyone brand new to the island, this book is like the gentle hand that guides you without sullying all the wonderful surprises that await you in Malta, a place I find as one of the worlds least appreciated attractions.
   
   This book will offer advice, but from different perspectives, and the writing comes directly from those that have experienced what they cover. You won't get any "hearsay" junk with this guide. It is right on the money with everything it discusses; from restaurants, to travel accommodations, to tourist attractions, and far more. The maps are excellent and quite beneficial. I found myself spending a good half-hour to hour each night reading this AFTER we were already staying there, just to make certain I was getting every bit of flavor from my vacation as I could. It seems there is very little that this guide doesn't cover, for it even covers its history in a brief, but concise manner.
   
   For those who live or already very familiar with the Malta/Gozo area, there won't be much information here that you probably don't already know. However, if you are traveling to this wonderful place for the very first time, get this book! It is well worth the money and will be indispensable as you try to make the most out of your excursion. I envy anyone who has yet to visit Malta for the 1st time, for there is nothing like the first trip!



4. Typical LP book, more or less what I need and packed with facts. But on the hotel pages, I am surprised to see so few hotels get listed, considering a destination like Malta must offer much much more options at all ranges.
   
   What I also would like to see is information about sea links to Sicilly and Tunisia, a day-trip or an organized tour. There is hardly any mentioning of such. You've made all the way to malta, and Sicilly is just an hour and a half away, it is definitely worth of considering visiting.
   
   All in all, a typical LP book with almost all information you will need.



5. Most detailed guidebook on Malta, with lots of practical, useful information for families, although the bus information could have been a little more through, considering that taxis in Malta are *outrageously* expensive and the Bus system is really excellent and cheap besides. The food picks were top notch, and the hotel information was okay too. This is good for both the backpackers and stuffed-wallet sets. If I only got one guidebook for Malta, this would be it.

5 comments about In Tuscany.

1. This book is quite different from Mayes' first two books about Tuscany, which were more like travel memoirs. This book's focus is photographs, accompanied by some commentary, thoughts, and insights from Mayes, as well as some recipes. Frankly, I didn't read the text at all. I just enjoyed the photographs. I wish I'd had this book when I was reading Under the Tuscan Sun and Bella Tuscany because all the places she talks about in those books are scattered throughout the pages of this book in beautiful photographs. We finally get to see what Mayes' charming Bramasole house looks like, as well as the town of Cortona and the surrounding Tuscan countryside. If you haven't read Mayes' first two books, read them and have this one handy so you can see for yourself just how beautiful these houses, towns, and people are.



2. This book is exactly what we wanted. We have lived in Europe for 7 of the last 9 years and LOVE Italy. We plan to purchase a house there soon and have decorated with all things Italian. This coffee table book was just the ticket. Beautiful pictures and food too!



3. Her books have probably sold millions. Good thing the buyers didn't have to listen to her! Her voice is absolutely not suited for a CD or any other recording. I could only take it for about five minutes before my ears cried out for relief and my strong forefinger punched the eject button. It's a shame because I'm sure the content would have been worthwhile.



4. I have read the other Frances Mayes books on Tuscany, "Under the Tuscan Sun" and "Bella Tuscany". This book is the perfect complement to those works as it portrays the very essence of what Mayes finds so appealing and charming about life in Tuscany. The pictures are gorgeous and recipes she includes are easy to prepare and delightful to behold. I recently gave a copy of this book to a friend who had just returned from the area and she felt it captured the essence of the place.



5. This is another of Francis Mayes books that I have thoroghly enjoyed. I am a bit prejudiced, thought, in that my daughter married and established her family in Florence, Italy, and I have been so very fortunate to have visited and traveled there often in the last eight years. Florence, Cortona and Tuscany in general are so beautiful, and the people have made my family feel so welcome.
   Ken Irons

5 comments about Venice & The Veneto (Eyewitness Travel Guides).

1. Another good portable travel guide. Readers won't be disappointed and will find plenty of good, practical information.



2. I could not be more happier with the Eyewitness Travel Guide books. Last year my mother and I went to Prague and had the Prague book of the series with us. We relied on this book to guide us through the entire city, and it did. These books are absolutely wonderful. They are so helpful in finding you anything you need! They have detailed plans and maps of the cities, and provide you with information on just about everything! We just recieved the Venice & the veneto and florence & tuscany books. They have so much information about these cities amidst beautiful photographs and maps. You will not be dissappointed if you buy this book, or any other from the series. They are a lifesaver, and a tour guide in writing!



3. Liked it alot. The chapter about how they built Venice was very interesting. A must have book if you are going to Venice or the Veneto.



4. The DK guide books are becoming a necesity for us on our travels. The pictures give you an idea of what you'll see, but what's helpful, is that based on what you read, you can narrow down what is on your priority list. Because honestly, unless you're going to be in a place for over a month, you can't see everything.



5. This book makes it easy to review each section of Venice to decide where you want to go and where you do not want to go. I am an artists who has been painting for many decades and what I wanted to do was determine where paintings where that I needed to see for my work. It is not just for art, shopping guides and sites are there also. I purchased it because it was rated the highest and after reading it I agree. Very easy to follow. (I also picked up 'Top Ten Venice' and it did give good information on museums, sites to see and also a section on getting around but was not as detailed as 'Venice and the Veneto'. There is so much to see in Venice who really could choose the top ten?) I have read 'Venice and the Veneto', every line and would not leave home without it.

5 comments about On Persephone's Island: A Sicilian Journal.

1. It irks me that Mary Taylor Simeti is in possession of any of my money! That any publisher found ON PERSEPHONE'S ISLAND worthy of print astounds me! Be warned, you get exactly what is promised, a journal! Simeti's is a dry account, devoid of humor, insight and passion and is written with a lofty phraseology: a deadly combination that had better not be contagious! To be honest, I found the book so dull I was unable to read it straight through, so after eighty pages, I began skiping around in search of entertainment, since there is no story. I found none!

   If you're searching for an escape to another place, a glimpse into another life or culture, or just plain fun, look elsewhere! You will find none of the above here! Half a star-because the cover is very nice, if misleading!




2. Simeti does a great job of talking about her adopted home. The story works well on two levels - discussing the mythology, history, and culture of Sicily, but also weaving in her responses, frustrations, fears, and joys about her life as an American woman turned Italian wife and mother. One of my favorite books about Italy.



3. This book really gave an insightful and intriguing depiction of Sicily, its traditions and its history. The story line carried it along very nicely without reverting to a guide book. I'm Italian American and throughly enjoyed it. This book is a must for those interested in the Island.



4. I had high expectations for this book, but I find that it's quite hard to get through. I am very passionate about Italy, and especially Sicily, so it's not a lack of interest, but I find Simeti's writing to be a little hard to wade through. There's a bit of a feminist/pessimistic slant to her writing and be prepared for long sentences with multiple adjectives.



5. If you are even remotely thinking about going to Sicily, you should read this wonderful book. Deep understanding of this unique, strange amazing island, seen also with an American's eye. I was reading it while I was there, and it opened up everything I saw in ways that would have been impossible. Like being with a Sicilian friend.

5 comments about German Survival Guide: The Language and Culture You Need to Travel with Confidence in Germany and Austria.

1. The ultimate compliment you can pay a travel guide? "Works as advertised". I'd argue the same goes for this survival guide of Germany and to a less extent, Austria.

   I acquired a handful, really just a small amount of German as a result of this book, but I used it all for twelve days, and it made a world of difference. The cultural notes, however, were of even greater value: *when* to use phrases is integral to knowing *how*.

   My only two concerns, a half-star I withhold for each: the two-cassette method of delivery and a too-small glossary/ vocabulary/ dictionary. Pack a CD with the book and it's a five-star value; pack another forty pages of German-English word translations and it's official.

   However, if you're serious about German, get the FSI course; if you need a German-English dictionary, pick up a Collins Pocket Gem. Tschüs!




2. I have never been to germany although one day I really hope to go. My husband is german and his mother does not speak a lick of English. This desperate daughter-in-law was saved many embarrassing and fustrating moments by this book. It is a handy size to keep in the car or in a good size purse. I had to live with my MIL for a couple months and weeks at a time and this book has helped me communicate with her on many levels about many necessary topics, especially when my husband wasnt always around to translate or got tired of it.
   Granted it doesnt have every single thing about germans in it but it sure has made my life easier.



3. Ideal for anyone contemplating a precarious excursion to Germany.



4. I am very impressed by the information in the German Survival Guide. I took German in college several years ago and had forgotten most of what I had learned, so the guide is a great refresher. The pronunciation guide is excellent and very easy to read. Even if I had not had German, I would be able to pronounce the words in an appropriate manner in order ask for the things I would need.
   
   In addition to the pronuncation guide, the cultural notes are great. I think that when traveling this is a very important aspect, as I certainly do not want to do something or say something to upset the native speakers.
   
   I have traveled to many different countries and if I would have had a guide such as this, I would have been better prepared and less apprehensive about the language and the customs of the country.



5. 
   Last summer my family and I traveled in Germany, Austria, and several other European countries, and I wish that we had had a guide such as the German Survival Guide with us then. I would find the material inside the front and back covers very useful. It is quick to locate, and the information given includes the terms and phrases that people need most often. For additional words, the German-English and English-German dictionaries are available at the end of the book. The specific chapter we would have used the most would be Ch. 3 on Restaurants and Food since we frequently ate at restaurants without English on the menu. The other parts that are especially helpful are the cultural notes that are interspersed throughout the book. If we travel in Germany again, we definitely will take this book with us!

4 comments about Top 10 Munich (EYEWITNESS TOP 10 TRAVEL GUIDE).

1. The type in this guide is so small I'm shopping for reading glasses to bring with me on my trip! It seems to be laid out well but being so hard to read I don't know how much I'll really use it.



2. Guten tag!
   
   DK Publishing is the leader in "Top 10" travel guides and their Munich edition is no exception. Accurate and easy to read maps, detailed train/metro line guides, and top 10 lists for nearly everything the city has to offer. I especially enjoy reading their recommendations for how many hours to plan for a museum/point of interest visit. This came in especially handy when visiting the Deutsches Museum. I originally planned to spend three hours there and ended up dedicating nearly an entire day based on the guide. The day was enjoyable and I was able to browse through all the exhibits - which were amazing and I recommend this museum if you are visiting Munich!
   
   The guide is also handy to have as you take guided tours through the city. We all can't remember the names of the sights and the hundreds of facts behind them, but you can refer back later in your hotel or on your trip home.
   
   Don't miss the section in the back on commonly used words/phrases and their translations. This came in handy a few times!
   
   Top 10: Munich - 5 Stars
   
   Safe travels,
   Matthew Sherman



3. If you are planning a short trip to Munich this is a must have book. It covers excellent restaurants and wonderful places to stop and shop. The essential sights are all listed by region and are explained in enough detail for one to decide if they want to visit. If you are going for a longer period of time I would recommend a bigger guide but I would still get this one to walk around with. If you are travling around the Bavarian alps region you will need another travel guide in addition to this one as it stays focused on Munich



4. Every time I go to Europe, I spend a great deal of time researching the sights I want to see, so a book like this is redundant for me. However I gave it to my son who was traveling with friends abroad, and they loved it. They thought they hit the high points of the city and went out of their way to thank me for it.