5 comments about Tricky Business.

1. As a parody it's not very funny, but it's too silly to be taken seriously as a crime novel. Parts of it may make you smile. It's a good book to pass the time in a waiting room, as long as you have a strong stomach!



2. I found Barry an entertaining read, but didn't have the "bite" of a Hiassen or Dorsey.



3. Dave Barry writes great novels! It is easy to visualize his characters and his witty writing stays with you. This book is a little darker than Big Trouble, but definitely worth reading. The beahvior of the newscasters will have you laughing out loud!



4. Dave Barry's "Big Trouble" is one of the funniest novels I've ever read. Unfortunately, this is a review for Tricky Business. It's still kind of funny, but it's not as fresh and surprising as Big Trouble is. It's also a lot more "adult" -- a lot more sex and adult language/violence than Big Trouble. It feels like a little too much for a supposedly light, humourous romp.
   The book also recycles more of Barry's humour column material -- like funny band names, etc.
   It's an easy, light read, but if you can only read one Dave Barry novel, pick Big Trouble.



5. I'm clearly in the minority on this one, but I actually thought Tricky Business was a little better than Big Trouble. Dave's fiction style has improved--he's not just trying to write a novel in the style of one of his humor columns this time. Consequently, the over-the-top silliness is toned down somewhat here, leaving a good crime thriller bordering on spoof.
   
   The audio version is well-read by Dick Hill, although he doesn't seem to be as into it as he was reading some previous Barry books.

5 comments about Sanibel & Captiva: A Guide to the Islands.

1. We had the best vacation EVER thanks to this book! Even when our flight was postponed, this book gave us a few options of activities in Fort Myers on the way to the airport. Who would have thought Sanibel/Captiva had so much to offer. The authors share ever bit of important info and more. Have Fun!



2. Wow! This is a really great book. We're going to Sanibel Island for the first time and couldn't find any travel books that would give us the lowdown on where to go and what to do - until this book! It gives you a "must do" intinerary if you are planning on staying 3 days, 4 days, etc. It also includes tips for shelling: when to go, where to go and a comprehensive guide to help you identify what you find. I really enjoyed this book and it's now packed in my suitcase ready for the trip.



3. I have been visiting sanibel for many years and still got a lot out of this book. It gave me ideas of new things to do while on the island, and the candid restaurant reviews were spot on. Great Book.



4. This is by far one of the best travel books I have ever used. It kept us busy the whole time- beaches, nature preserves , shelling, accomodations, great great restaurants. everything!!!!! If you go to Sanibel/Captiva this is a must buy!!



5. This is indeed a great guide book for Captiva and Sanibel Islands. We stayed on Captiva in a private house and used this book for dining and shopping recommendations. (Didn't need it for the recreation -- who needs anything more than beach, pool, shells, ocean??!) Weren't disappointed once! We referred to the shell guide more than once.
   
   I usually devour multiple guide books before we go on a trip because it always enhances our vacations immeasurably. For Captiva, the typical (Fodors, Frommers) books were a little sterile. This one felt very local and authentic. I definitely recommend it for anyone lucky enough to visit these beautiful islands! Toast the sunset for me!

No comments about Southeast: The South & Florida Road Map (USA 6).

No comments about Frommer's South Florida: With the Best of Miami & the Keys (Frommer's Complete).

2 comments about Frommer's Florida from $70 a Day (Frommer's $ A Day).

1. I like in Florida and I bought this book to help me find the cool spots to take my friends when they visit. The "super cheap eats" and "cheap sleeps" sections have wonderful recommendations for delicious food and more than comfortable accommadations. There are also "worth a splurge" sections so you know if you want to spend a lot you'll get your money's worth, not some overpriced stuck up establishment with bad service. The guide gives you the inside scoop on hiddle local favorite hangouts and eateries and where to find the most authentic ethnic food at the cheapest price. Each location described even has a section where the book details "Fun Things to do for free (or almost) in " I use this book constantly and LOVE it 100%!



2. Don't be fooled into thinking this is a really budget book. It's definitely not. In fact, the $70 is really $140 per day PER COUPLE, since they're assuming you're travelling with somebody else. If you're looking for BARGAIN BASEMENT prices, go with another book. However, if you're looking for reasonable though still up-to-par (a huge step above rock-bottom) accommodations and dining, this is a great book to use in Florida. The chapters written by Lesley Abravanel are particularly well-written and fun. The ones by Bill Goodwin are really great on budget options and suggestions, but are lacking personality. The third authors are for Disney. Overall, I'd recommend this book.

1 comments about Walt Disney World and Orlando For Dummies 2006.

1. The Dummies series uses icons in the margin to help you find info (Tips, Bargain Alert, For Grown Ups, Reminders).
   Here's the Table of Contents, so you can see what's included:
   Part I: Introducing Walt Disney World & Orlando.
   Chapter 1: Discovering the Best of Walt Disney World & Orlando.
   Chapter 2: Digging Deeper into Orlando.
   Chapter 3: Deciding When to Go.
   Part II: Planning Your Trip to Walt Disney World & Orlando.
   Chapter 4: Managing Your Money.
   Chapter 5: Getting to Orlando.
   Chapter 6: Catering to Special Travel Needs or Interests.
   Chapter 7: Taking Care of the Remaining Details.
   Part III: Settling into Orlando.
   Chapter 8: Arriving and Getting Oriented.
   Chapter 9: Checking In at Orlando's Best Hotels.
   Chapter 10: Dining and Snacking in Orlando.
   Part IV: Exploring Walt Disney World.
   Chapter 11: Getting Acquainted with Walt Disney World.
   Chapter 12: Magic Kingdom.
   Chapter 13: Epcot.
   Chapter 14: Disney-MGM Studios.
   Chapter 15: Animal Kingdom.
   Chapter 16: Enjoying the Rest of Walt Disney World.
   Chapter 17: Shopping in Walt Disney World.
   Part V: Exploring the Rest of Orlando.
   Chapter 18: Universal Studios Florida.
   Chapter 19: Islands of Adventure.
   Chapter 20: SeaWorld & Discovery Cove.
   Chapter 21: Discovering Orlando's Other Attractions.
   Chapter 22: Shopping in Orlando.
   Chapter 23: Going Beyond Orlando: Two Day Trips.
   Part VI: Living It Up After Dark: Orlando Nightlife.
   Chapter 24: Taking in the Dinner Shows.
   Chapter 25: Hitting the Clubs and Bars.
   Part VII: The Part of Tens.
   Chapter 26: Top Ten Cheap Alternatives to the Theme Parks.
   Chapter 27: Top Ten Fitness Activities in Orlando.
   
   I'd recommend if you're going to Disney World/Orlando, to get several guides to read ahead of the trip. Each has its strengths and none can cover all the attractions completely with so much to see in the area.
   Other titles to consider are:
   Beyond Disney: The Unofficial Guide to Universal, SeaWorld, and the Best of Central Florida
   Frommer's Irreverent Guide to Walt Disney World
   Fodor's Walt Disney World with Kids
   Frommer's Walt Disney World & Orlando with Kids

No comments about Over Southeast Florida.

1 comments about The Florida One Day Trip Book: 52 Off Beat Excursions in and Around Orlando.

1. IN YOUR VISIT TO ORLANDO VISIT THE FLORIDA MALL AND ENJOY THE GRAND OPENING(NOV).OF VERTIGO ORLANDO. MENTION THIS ADD AND GET 10% IN YOUR SHOP. ASK FOR ALEX OR CARMEN. GOOD LUCK AND THANKS

2 comments about Beyond Disney: The Unofficial Guide to Universal, SeaWorld, and the Best of Central Florida, 2nd edition.

1. I have been a fan of Bob Sehlinger's "Unofficial" guide to Walt Disney World since the early 1990s. I have made numerous trips to the Disney resort, and have saved a great deal of time and money using his book "The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World".
   Much like his WDW book, this guide offers honest rankings of activities such as shows, attractions, and dining for parks including Busch Gardens, Cypress Gardens, Gatorland, Kennedy Space Center, Sea World, Universal Studios and Universal's Island of Adventure. As a water park fan I appreciate the detailed comparison and ratings of the different water parks, including Disney's. It also has a section discussing night life and dinner theaters, but doesn't cover or compare Downtown Disney or Cirque Du Solie.
   While the brutally honest ratings are great in this book, I am greatly disappointed that their traffic gurus didn't write up touring plans for which their WDW are famous. There is plenty of detailed information that will allow you to create "battle plans" based on age, type of ride, and attraction popularity.
   It is a small book, easily carried in a fanny pack and is an excellent companion with their "Mini Mickey" book for touring, and "The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World" for planning. I look forward to the next edition of this book.



2. This guide provides good, basic information about the other major theme parks of central Florida. However, for a more complete guidebook, giving more information about the major parks PLUS information on a wide range of minor sights (musuems, parks, activities, etc.), try "The Other Orlando."

5 comments about Gulf Coast Lighthouses (Lighthouse Series).

1. There aren't that many books about Gulf Coast Lighthouses, especially the Western Gulf. This book covers all the lights that are still standing, gives a picture and directions to each one, as well as a short history. It also has some good history in the introductions to each section, and general maps. It isn't an encyclopedia, but a very nice coverage of its subject. I think it belongs in the library of anyone interested in Gulf Coast Lighthouses.



2. This is a very comprehensive collection of information about the lighthouses along the gulf coast. The photos are wonderful, the historical facts interesting and layout beautiful. And it includes directions to all the pictured lighthouses.



3. Bruce Roberts and Ray Jones produce the best lighthouse travel guides available. This one is no exception.



4. There are directions and other info for finding and visiting lighthouses. They do not always show all lights for a given area. The photos are all color. I own 3 of these books. There are not many other guide books out there so if you are looking for guide books these are good to have. Since there are so many books in this series I thought I'd help people find them easier. This is the series.
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   American Lighthouses
   California Lighthouses
   Eastern Great Lakes Lighthouses - I own this one
   Western Great Lakes Lighthouses - I own this one
   Southeastern Lighthouses - I own this one
   Southern Lighthouses
   New England Lighthouses
   Mid Atlantic Lighthouses
   Gulf Coast Lighthouses



5. First, this book is chocked full of Bruce Roberts' beautiful photographs of the lighthouses in this region. The photographs are nothing less than SPECTACULAR! Combined with the revised and updated information on each makes this regional lighthouse guide a requirement you won't want to be without whether you're visiting the region or a life-long resident. The text contains full, rich descriptions of each lighthouse, too.

   I have many lighthouse books and all of Bruce Roberts' and Ray Jones' regional guides. I've read them all and used most of them while traveling. I've found them to be first rate, an excellent choice for people who want everything lighthouse between two covers. A joy to look at and informative to read.