1 comments about Knopf MapGuide: Athens (Knopf Mapguides).

1. Provided clear, easy-to-navigate maps in a difficult-to-navigate city. Enjoyed visiting most of the recommended places but never did try any of the restaurants...just ate when I was hungry.

4 comments about Things of the Hidden God: Journey to the Holy Mountain.

1. Although useful as another account of a pilgrim's journies on the Holy Mountain, I found it a bit disjointed and dull. Others I know have really enjoyed it much more than myself, and the content is factual and at times edifying. I would suggest that readers also read Markides' "The Mountain of Silence" for a better, if not more exotic and spiritual, account of the best that Athos has to offer.



2. Christopher Merrill's writing was a pleasure to read. The flow of the text and the descriptions were obviously those of a talented writer and poet. However, I felt like he presented and weaved together multiple ideas and subjects in a way that did not work for me.
   
   I believe he wanted to show how he experienced spiritual growth through his experience on Mt. Athos. However, so many of his descriptions felt very negative to me and I couldn't see how or why he was growing.
   
   I believe he wanted to condemn the Serbs and to a lesser extent, the Russians for the events that happened in the former Yugoslavia. He already tried to accomplish that in a previous book, and I'm not really sure that it fit very well with the subject of this book. Additionally, most actions by Serbian or Russian monks were portrayed negatively and judged harshly by Mr. Merrill. He makes some pretty severe accusations and jumps to conclusions about their behavior without actually having spoken to many of the monks. I felt as though Mr. Merrill went there with some preconceived notions about what these monks would think of him based upon his previous work, and any action he could regard as a snub he was quick to believe.
   
   I also felt that Mr. Merrill came across as somewhat self-righteous. I don't remember him once having admitted to learning anything from the monks in the process of his travels. Most of his transformation seems to take place through the hardships he overcomes all by himself. The ideas and beliefs of the other monks and of the Orthodox faith are quickly dismissed when they conflict with Mr. Merrill's. I wouldn't expect him to change his views, but to at least recognize that the other side might have something to offer. He was also very selective in presenting the poetry and historical examples he used to suplement his already existing beliefs.
   
   I really hope that the spiritual growth that Mr. Merrill alludes to in the text is genuine and real. Maybe this a beginning step for him and he will be able to in the future recognize the contribution of others. I hope he finds it in his heart to be able to see that the Serbs and Russians are not bad people in the eyes of God, the only eyes that matter. I also pray that he will open his heart to the teachings of the Orthodox Church in a way that will allow him to experience the faith and not to judge.
   
   The comments above are centered mainly around the things in the book that didn't work for me, personally. I do think he was attempting to be honest and was not mean spirited. I get the feeling that Christopher Merrill really wants to transform his life. I hope he continues his efforts and I look forward to reading some more of his fabulous prose. As anyone can see, it is far better than my own.



3. Christopher Merrill's book invoked in me truly mixed feelings. On one hand, it is (probably) the most recent account of a pilgrimage to, and through, the Mount Athos peninsula, therefore a valuable source of information for the aspiring pilgrims (I was really sorry to learn that Athos now has not only electricity but also cars, the worst plague of our times.) The book also contains a large number of solid and useful historical and theological data. On the other hand, though, Merrill is surprisingly conventional (this is to say, cliche) in his opinions about the so-called "anti-semitism" in Christian history, the Serbs as the only bad guys in the breakup of Yugoslavia, and in his unqualified admiration for Western democracy. This is probably the result of his North American upbringing; he himself quotes the words of the Jewish-Russian poet Joseph Brodsky to the effect that Americans have no sense of history or geography.
   
   As for the accuracy of historical information in "Things of the Hidden God", I have spotted only one serious error: Merrill clearly implies that the Jesuits have run the papal inquisition while in fact it was the Dominicans. This is strange as Merrill himself had been employed for several years by a Jesuit college.
   
   Merrill seems to be quite put off by some of the Athos monks treating him as a third-class visitor because of his Protestant affiliations. However, the Orthodox approach their religion in a completely serious manner, and they do not prefer being nice over being principled. This is one of the most valuable features of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, especially in comparison with the modern "cafeteria Catholics" who see nothing absurd in supporting abortion or homosexual "marriages", or with many Protestant churches that function solely as social welfare organizations.
   
   To sum up, Merrill's book is definitely worth reading but much more for its prose and the hard facts then for its take on Orthodoxy.



4. Previous reviews seem to focus solely on Merrill's condemnation of Serb atrocities in Bosnia,and that is a shame, for this is one of the wisest and most learned books I have encountered in many years. Painfully honest and forthright about his dissatisfaction with marriage, vocation, and faith, Merrill is as much pilgrim as poet. He is also a remarkable researcher: the book is filled with the sort of history that takes a narrative sweep, building toward Athos in the late 20th C. There is something in the coalescence of gorgeous prose and spiritual hunger that elevates this book to that of a classic.

No comments about Santorini: A Guide to the Island and its Archaeological Treasures.

1 comments about The Xenophobe's Guide to the Greeks, 2nd (Xenophobe's Guides - Oval Books).

1. This small book better describes the average Greek and his society than any book I have read. The author is frank about the good and not so good qualities of the average greek but does it in a way that doesn't offend. I have shown it to greek friends and they agree with most of the descriptions of the greek society,people, and government. recommended for anyone going to greece which is a must see country.

No comments about Special Places to Stay Greece (Alastair Sawday's Special Places to Stay S.).

3 comments about The Bellstone: The Greek Sponge Divers of the Aegean.

1. This book was inspired by a Greek epic poem written by the author's grandfather, a popular leader on the island of Symi in the Dodecanese. For untold generations the island's young men had dived naked into the sea, holding their breath as they gathered sponges. But in the poet's lifetime the introduction of mechanized diving equipment brought wealth to some and death or paralysis to many.

   Michael Kalafatas visited the Aegean islands, met many relatives and learned all he could about different diving techniques. He follows the history of the sponge trade from the Sultan's seraglio in Constantinople to the desert coasts of Australia and the more lush landscape of Tarpon Springs, Florida, where he lived as a boy. He wrestles with such difficult issues as why divers persisted in risking their lives even after they had learned how they could work less dangerously.

   The personal character of much of the book adds to its appeal. In short, this is one of the best books I've read this year.




2. Inspired writing which will inspire any reader. In the Bell Stone, Michael Kalafatas discovers his grandfather's epic poem 70 years after it was written. The writer follows his heart untangling the mysteries revealed in the poem and takes the reader on a journey to far off places both under the sea and across the globe. His story reveals the daring and bravery of his ancestors while sharing with the reader the untold story of sponge divers in the Aegean. This unique story will inspire others to take a smiliar journey--to discover the treasured
   stories of their own special families.



3. In The Bellstone, author Michael Kalafatas discovers a poem about Greek sponge divers written by his grandfather in the early 20th century, and using that as a starting point, travels to Greece to explore both the history of the sponge diving industry and that of his own family. What begins as an explanation of Greek culture turns into a fascinating and touching personal story of connecting with one's past. The author also describes Greek influence in this country and on the pearl industry. The book is both historical and anecdotal, with the poem woven throughout, connecting every facet of the story. Even the acknowledgments refer to the content - that's how well this book flows! It is a learning experience, an enjoyable read, and an amazing family story.

3 comments about Blue Guide Crete, Seventh Edition.

1. This guide gives the information you need to know about traveling in Crete: history, current information, food and lodging.



2. We used this guide at the exclusion of several other guides on Greece/Crete. We found it indispensible. Not only for the cities, beaches, towns, foods, and general area, but for a piece by piece exhibit guide for the Museum (they don't give you any informational handouts at the Museum in Iraklion), but for the MANY ruins, monasteries and historical sites throughout Crete. This was the single best guide we had for Crete. Highly recommended.



3. First off, this book is written for an British audience so it's not quite right for a U.S. audience.. I found the book a little too verbose and not something i carried around with me. It is full of information about Crete but not really for use 'on the go' during my 3 day stay.

5 comments about The Other Side of Midnight.

1. This is definitely a Sidney Sheldon masterpiece. I got so totally hooked by this story that I had to go buy the DVD and can't wait to watch the movie. Sheldon takes us through the time span of 1919 to 1947 and the lives of two women, Noelle Page and Catherine Alexander. We recognize how their characters were formed as children and the subsequent actions and reactions of their life experiences resulting in the amazing tale of money, power, intelligence and revenge. The focal point of their lives is summed up in the character of Larry Douglas, American WWII pilot, honored for his heroic efforts in the war. Prior to the War, he met Noelle and she fell head over heals in love with him. He promised to marry her, encouraged her to go buy a wedding gown and then never returned, initiating in Noelle, a lifelong desire of revenge. Larry moves on to become a hero as a fighter pilot, attaining the status of Captain and loving and leaving practically every woman he makes contact with. He meets Catherine Alexander in Hollywood, posing as an actor in an Army recruiting film. So enthralled by his charm, Catherine ends up marrying him very quickly. She is lured by his man-of-the world charisma and Larry uses her naiveté as the tool of conquest to take Catherine away from Bill Fraser, the man she is seriously involved with and a true friend to her as well. Larry has always enjoyed the hunt more than the kill and Catherine, in this case, became the "hunt." Once the war is over, Larry is bored with his wife and his many routine piloting jobs which he cannot hold onto mainly because he can't deal with taking orders and following rules. Noelle has been following his every move through a private detective agency over the course of seven years, and decides this lull in Larry's career is the perfect time to seek her revenge. Sheldon is an amazing author taking the reader to France to tell Noelle's story, and then Chicago, Washington and Hollywood for Catherine's. Their lives merge in Athens, Greece where they all become connected to the Aristotle Onassis of the tale, Constantin Demiris. The climax and conclusion of this story takes so many twists and turns and of course hits the reader hard with the finale. I am on my way to order the sequel, "Memories of Midnight." My cousin read this book 30 years ago and remembered what a masterpiece it is to this day; she recommended it to me. The fact that a story can stick with a person for so long, explains the greatness of its content and the magnitude of its author.



2. I don't why they bother giving the Nobel Prize for literature to the bleak plays of Harold Pinter (2005) or the dreary novels of Kanzaburo Oe (1994), when we've had such a great writer as Sidney Sheldon around for the past four or five decades. This is one writer who deserved the ultimate prize, although now it is - alas - too late.
   
   "The Other Side of Midnight" is perhaps his masterpiece. It is the story of Noelle, a naive young French girl who falls for a handsome American aviator during World War II. But when the war ends, Noelle waits in vain for her handsome flyer to return. Alone and abandoned, the young lady finds that she has to make her way by selling her body. She quickly discovers that she can make her sex appeal pay off and sleeps her way into movie stardom. All this time she keeps tabs on her aviator, who has returned to the US and started a family.
   
   Several years later, when he loses his job, Noelle, now wife of a Greek millionaire, arranges to hire her former lover as her private pilot. Not recognizing his wealthy boss as the fragile young mistress he knew during the war, he is bewildered by Noelle's cruel treatment of him. This game of deception leads them both into very deadly territory.
   
   A great book makes you want to read it. At the end of the day, that's the only prize worth struggling for: the prize of being read again and again and, in Sydney Sheldon's case, again and again and again and again...



3. Excellent, excellent book. This came out when I still a kid, but I remember mom and aunts discussing it. Nearly thirty years later, I finally had a chance to read it, and it really stands the test of time.
   
   Right from the get-go it sucks you in with an interesting cast of characters flying into Greece for a trial of a famous actress. Turns out she's the "whore," and the otherside of midnight for her is, Catherine, the "virgin." How these two end up in each other's lives and what they do to each other...well that's to read and find out. The ending is a zinger as well.
   
   Truly there is nothing bad about this about this book. It's a bit "larger-than-life", but that's just what makes it so fun.



4. What can one say about authors like Sidney Sheldon, Harold Robbins and the like? Their novels, while difficult to classify in a specific genre, would make fantastic made-for-tv movies. The Other Side of Midnight is no exception.
   
   The story of Noelle Page, a humble fisherman's daughter who became one of the most famous, powerful women in the world. A short affair with Larry Douglas leaves her pregnant and desperately in love, waiting for him to return to marry her. Larry, however, has completely forgotten his promise and moved on. Noelle vows then and there to spend the rest of her life seeking revenge against Larry.
   
   This long, sometimes confusing story entwines the lives of Noelle, Larry, and his wife Catherine. The opening scene reveals that Noelle and Larry are on trial for Catherine's murder.... the rest of the book deals with how they got there, starting with Noelle's childhood. It's a gripping read, definitely difficult to put down for more than a few minutes. The worst part, I think, is never being entirely sure who to feel sorry for. None of the characters are entirely evil or without some redeeming qualities, except maybe Larry.
   
   Ironically, this was made into a movie by 20th Century Fox. They expected it to be a hit, while Star Wars (made and released at the same time) was expected to be a dud, so they marketed the films as a package deal (theatres that wanted to book The Other Side of Midnight had to contract to book Star Wars first). Well.... it sort of backfired. Star Wars, as everyone knows, took off like a shot, and The Other Side of Midnight floundered and has long been lost to obscurity. The book was definitely much more poignant than the film. I'd recommend it highly as a distraction-read, but literature it ain't.



5. This is my first Sidney Sheldon book. It was great! I want to read the sequel. Great plot, twists and turns.

No comments about Crete Travel Pack (Globetrotter Travel Packs).

No comments about Exploring the Greek Mosaic: A Guide to Intercultural Communication in Greece (The Interact Series).