3 comments about What Sucks About South Florida: The Travel-To, Move-To Guide.

1. Once I heard about this book, I really had to read it. What a great concept. I love a travel guide that intends to tell it like it is, rather than present a glossy, tourist center advertisement to dupe you into visiting.

   However, the information did not meet my expectations (based on the title). The "SUCKS" award was issued too infrequently throughout the book (e.g., only a few listed restaurants were dis-honored). The ranting (e.g., Boca, driving) was good and should have been used more often and effectively to demonstrate SUCK-ness.

   Great commentary, in parts, but too infrequent. Too much space wasted on "practical" information, such as TV cable company listings. More useful would be an explanation (rant) of why utilities, schools, etc., do or do not suck and how to best avoid the bad ones.

   Since the sub-title is "Strategies for Survival," I expected to see some. I did not, other than the listing of selected bad neighborhoods. "Do not go west of XYZ after dark" or "avoid moving to ABC at all costs" examples should have been more prevalent.

   I was surprised that Calle Ocho was not, and that Mount Trashmore was barely, mentioned. Several places I enjoy or do not like were not mentioned, but I tried to view the book as entertainment rather than a true reference.

   Overall, the book was entertaining but full of wasted potential. Can't wait for the sequel...




2. Great work; the author has strong opinions and isn't afraid to share them. If you're thinking about moving to Miami or Fort Lauderdale, you should definitely buy this book; it will prove an invaluable resource.

   The only book I've seen about the area where you can find anything other than tourist board jingoism.




3. I purchased the book primarily because of the hard-hitting title, I wanted to read something realistic and not just a bunch of hot air. I have to say that, at least in part, the book had a realistic tone to it. Unfortunatly the author dropped the ball and filled most of the pages with dry statistics and a lot of personal preferences and opinions. I can't say the book is a wast of time, but it is a slacker! To put it another way, I felt the book was probably 20% of full potential. After reading the book I was left with the feeling that the whole purpose of the writing was to keep people from moving to Florida.

No comments about Rand Mcnally Easyfinder Central & Eastern Florida: Highways.

No comments about Rand McNally Central Florida Regional Map: Daytona Beach to Sarasota.

No comments about Sanford, Lake Mary & Heathrow Florida Street Map (Universal Maps).

No comments about 150 Day Trips North East Florida (Mini Day Trips).

No comments about The Complete Guide to Florida Foundations (Florida State Grant Programs).

No comments about Rand McNally Fort Lauderdale Metro Florida: Local Street Detail (Rand McNally City Maps).

No comments about Moon Metro Miami (Moon Metro).

No comments about Quick Escapes Florida, 3rd: 29 Weekend Getaways in and around the Sunshine State.

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

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