5 comments about Mexico: The Beautiful Cookbook.

1. I like Susana Palazuelos, I enjoyed her meal at Izote in Mexico City...and have used her recipes, but I have no idea what she was doing for this book.
   
   In my opinion, this was done when her vision was still quite immature. My main complaint about her recipes is that they are completely Creole Revisionist... in other words they are done from a very Spanish / Euro perspective... the Herb, Chile & Spice combinations have been extremely simplified & you really do not get to understand & appreciate the true genius of Mexican Cuisine. Its like a Spaniard revised all the recipes.
   
   Truly dissappointing.... it should be embarrassing to here that Rick Bayless's books are a bit closer than this one.



2. This book is beautiful and packed with appealing recipes. The quality of the paper, the vivid photography, and the engaging travel writing combine to make this more than just a book of recipes. It's a book you'll pull out and thumb through while you think about where you want to go in Mexico.



3. unique cookbook, explains some about the culture and has many true Mexican dishes that are yummy.



4. Mexico The Beautiful Cookbook contains what it claims: beautiful MEXICAN recipes, which are traditional, therefore not owned by anyone and like all traditional recipes vary from family to family, cooking to cooking. The book is beautifully illustrated and easy to follow. I have used the book over and over and given it as a gift to numerous friends all over the world who all treasure it. Mrs Palazuelos reputation is due to high standards and extremely hard work and with very good reason is considered Mexico's number 1 caterer and now her equally talented son has just opened a hit restaurant of Mex-Thai fusion cuisine, unique in Mexico.



5. I have lived in Mexico for eight years now and have done a lot of cooking, as well as reading other books about Mexican cuisine; This is the all around best I have seen.

4 comments about Frommer's Cancun, Cozumel & the Yucatan 2008 (Frommer's Complete).

1. This was one of two guides I purchased for a trip to Cancun and it was by far the most helpful. There was good coverage of hotels, restaurants, night clubs, beaches and watersports, and shopping. The guide also offers good general information on traveling to Mexico in general and Cancun particularly. I should add that the entire Yucatan peninsula has similar coverage in this guide, not just Cancun.
   
   As for their recommendations, we found their restaurant choices to be very solid (they recommended Thai Lounge and that was the highlight of our trip). On the other hand, they overrated my hotel (Westin) by one star as it fell far short of Westin caliber. Other attractions such as Xel-Ha, Xcaret, and the ruins of Tulum all seemed to be graded and discussed fairly.
   
   Overall, this guide does a good job of covering the Yucatan peninsula. The standard Frommer's format is here with "Best of" lists as well as suggested itineraries. In addition to information on each specific region of the Yucatan, there is also some excellent general information helpful to planning a trip to this part of Mexico. I would recommend buying this book. If you plan to do a lot of sightseeing, then also pick up either the Cancun & The Yucatan (Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides) or the Insight Compact Guide Cancun & the Yucatan. Both have pictures to help you see which sights you will most want to visit and which ones you don't mind skipping.



2. Just back from three weeks in the Yucatan (and I had a wonderful time!), and found this to be a reliable guide. The rating system is dependable, the maps helpful, and for the most part the info is up to date. I will say this, you might concidering more than one guide book as all of them seem to have some defficincies. This would be most important for the independent travler and the travler who is planning to get away from the major resorts. You might also consider buying good maps. This book, and "A TOURIST IN THE YUCATAN" (Great thriller!) made my vacation truely unforgettable! A Tourist In The Yucatan



3. The pull-out map was very helpful but on the whole--I should have purchased the Foder's book. The structure of this text is hard to follow and not very user friendly.



4. I'm headed to Cancun soon and was looking for a comprehensive guide to Cancun. While the title of this guide starts with Cancun, the guide covers all of the Yucatan.... the section on Cancun is only 15 or so pages. I was disappointed with the limited infomation on Cancun... a handful of restaurant recommendations.... brief, not very informative descriptions of the outdoor activities... it's more of a general overview instead of the in depth guide I wanted...

1 comments about Moon Pacific Mexico: Including Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, Acapulco, and Oaxaca (Moon Handbooks).

1. I'm an avid traveler, guide book user and guide book writer. I bought this book because it was about 1/2 the size of the Lonely Planet Mexico book (which covers the whole country) and would have been much better off lugging the larger book around for my month on the coast.
   
   Why? The maps are not very good (and do not have content boxes) and there are no bus schedules (note: these are likely not the fault of the author but of the publisher). I didn't agree with some of the restaurant recommendations and found some gems that should have been in the book. There were not enough accommodations listed (and those listed did not need such long descriptions). Confusing driving directions. Mis-information (like stating no surfboard rentals when there were 3 places that rented them) that I did not expect in a book published 2 months prior to my trip.
   
   On a positive note, there is some good background info in the book (history, food, culture).
   
   I know Mexico is a huge place and its hard to nail down everything when researching a guidebook, but as I said, LP did a far better job in producing a more useful book for travelers. Resort tourists looking for a little something outside the gates might be satisfied with this book.

4 comments about Lost Gold and Silver Mines of the Southwest.

1. I wrote the original book in 1963 (as Lost Desert Bonanzas) to mark 25 years of Desert Magazine lost mine stories. The main appeal was Norton Allen's great cartography (this is the only kind of map book that gets better as the maps are outdated by freeways and etc.). I would like input from treasure-seekers, but all I know about the particular lost mines is recounted in the book.



2. What is a book about lost mines without maps? The maps in the book were neat. Maybe the gold is still there?



3. This is a good read just to fire the imagination on a cold winter night. It's also a good one to get filled with bookmarks, margin notes, dog-ears, and fingerprints on the bookshelves of serious treasure-hunters. Buy it.



4. This book has some really interesting stories about the Southwest, but I wish is had more detail about the locations of starting points and landmarks. Obviously, it discusses *lost* places and things, but it would help to have a better, more detailed and up-to-date description of where to start looking for them.

5 comments about Canyon Solitude: A Woman's Solo River Journey Through the Grand Canyon (Adventura Books).

1. I'm not a rafter, and have no particular interest in rafting, but this book somehow captured my interest and I read it in a couple of hours. Patricia has a poetic way of writing about nature and her adventures rafting over the Colorado, and she takes the reader along for the ride. I admire her greatly for her courageous decision to go it alone (at least most of the time) on a very hazardous journey. I hope she continues to write (and avoid that dreaded Secretaryville).



2. This is a wonderful read. It gracefully mixes adventure with honest self-revelation as it explores the potentials and pains of a woman at midlife. Especially meaningful to me were McCairen's meditations on solitude versus loneliness and her wrestling with fear of intimacy. Going alone into the wilderness is a radical act for a woman, and McCairen engages it with consciousness and skill. I was sorry when the book ended, I had grown to so look forward to curling up with it at the end of the day. I would welcome a sequel.



3. This book is beautifully written and is very insightful. It is very descriptive not only of the river and the action that awaits the adventurous but also of the woman who takes the journey . . .her strengths, vulnerabilities and determination it takes to make such a trip. I would recommend this book for anyone who loves the great outdoors, appreciates the Southwest landscape or for anyone who needs to be inspired. I purchased this book first on a vaction and have had to purchase another copy as I read it once every year.



4. I enjoyed the portions of her stories that dealt with river experiences and less enjoyed the amount of introspection the author shared. As one who has both run the river (with guides) and back packed the canyon I'm left quite impressed with her accomplishment.



5. This book was not as engrossing as I had hoped, but it is still an inspiring story. It is easy to read, honest, and insightful. I recommend it to anyone interested in the outdoors and who has done or is contemplating a solo trip.

3 comments about Adventure Guides Mexico's Pacific Coast (Adventure Guides Series) (Adventure Guides Series).

1. From artifacts and culture to water sports and local travel, Mexico's Pacific Coast has it all - as does Vivien Lougheed's book Mexico's Pacific Coast, an insider's guide to everything from archeological ruins to tours and places to stay. Whether you want to plan an independent sightseeing adventure, plan an outdoors trip, or survey cultural attractions and local fiestas, Mexico's Pacific Coast is the handbook to plan ahead with - and take with you. Part of the "Adventure Guide Series" from Hunter Publishing, Mexico's Pacific Coast is enhanced with clear maps, black and white photos, and the latest details combining to create an essential travel planner for any Mexico bound tourist, student, or business traveler.



2. I like the book. I wish that it would have 1 photo of each town it mentions. I also think it misses some very small villages along the coast, we were really hoping that we could find a book that goes into more details about the "off the beaten path" places. But for the bigger places of interest, I think this book does great about the details.



3. We live on our sailboat, cruising the Pacific Coast of Mexico and rely on this book to plan our adventures! The accurate descriptions of the smaller towns and beaches help us to make better choices in our travels. If you're planning to drive or sail this area, this is a must-have book in your backpack.

4 comments about Mexico's Copper Canyon: Barranca del Cobre, Canyon Train Adventure, Sierra Tarhumara.

1. Whether you plan to take a trip to Mexico's Copper Canyon or not, this book is a wonderful journey into that region. It provides both a fascinating look at the Tarahumara Indians as well as travel tips for the adventurous traveler.

   Padre Luis Verplancken, S.J., the co-author of the books, has lived in the Copper Canyon region for more than 20 years. He provides an intimate portrait of the Tarahumara, both in words and pictures. Through Padre Verplancken, we learn about the Tarahumara people, religion, and social structures.

   Mr. Fisher has compiled additional information on some of the other interesting places in the region. No trip to the Copper Canyon is complete, for example, without a visit to Batopilas. Or take a trip on the the Chihuahua El Pacifico railroad.

   So whether you are an armchair traveller or a hearty hiker, this book is a must.




2. Fabulous book--great color pictures! A must for every travel library. I am ordering a second book, so I can lend it out to friends!



3. This is the only book I could find on the canyon. It gives you a good overview of what to expect before you leave home and is a handy reference for when you get back. There are some photos - many of places you will not see unless you have your own independent mode of transportation.



4. It was just fine - for what it is. The layout is not so great -- has a sort of mish-mash graphic design. The maps are great -- it is written in both English and Spanish -- so a little hard to follow - but all the parts are there in both languages. It's fine for the price - tho' a bit odd.

2 comments about Hiking Carlsbad Caverns & Guadalupe Mountains National Parks, 2nd (Regional Hiking Series).

1. I used the first edition (1996) of Bill Schneider's book on hiking in the Guadalupe Mountains and Carlsbad Caverns National Parks with as close to 100% satisfaction as I ever get from this sort of thing. This new edition includes a scarcely modified version of Mr. Schneider's original text, which was direct, accurate and detailed. No problem there. No need for a new edition, but I know how the publishing industry works and am aware, also, of the sense that some readers have that everything needs to be "updated" every year or two. Well, the Guadalupe Reef and the caves under it have not changed very much since the mid-90's. Nor have the trails. So the author's text stands at five star level. Here are the changes you will see in the "current" book, leading me to give it four stars rather than the five I gave the 1996 edition:
   1) The 1996 edition had legible photocopies of the appropriate sections of the detailed Trails Illustrated topographic maps for each hike. The new edition has only very rough "contour" maps, with each contour corresponding to about a thousand feet. I don't know for sure because they're not labelled. They look sort of like those old wooden plate relief maps Scouts made for merit badges, sometimes seen in museums in visitor centers. The new maps also lack the trail mileages the T.I. maps had.
   2) The graphs that charted elevation change on the hike, mile by mile, have been eliminated.
   3) Also, the summary of elevation change over the course of the hike at the beginning of each hike description have been eliminated as well.
   These are the substantive changes. Mr. Schneider's original text, pretty much intact, mentions elevation change at various points so information relating to that aspect is not missing altogether. But I now have to recommend that users of this book ALSO buy the Trails Illustrated maps of these parks.
   Other changes don't matter so much. The first edition carried a two page piece called "the Grand Creation", about the formation of the caves in the Guadalupe Reef. This was an extract from "Silent Chambers, Timeless Beauty". Now's its gone. But it was just extra weight on the trail, anyway. But you know, I think the NEW edition is heavier!
   Finally, not that it matters, and I'm sure that the mistake is not Bill Schneider's, rather that of the person doing graphics for Globe Pequot Press, the photograph on the cover was NOT taken in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, but in Big Bend National Park, I think from the Lost Mine Trail. At least they got the state right.
   You're better off with the old edition, but this one will do if you can't get it.
   By the way, here's a tip not in the book: Mr. Schneider makes reference to the particular beauty of the Guadalupe Ridge Trail in the early morning; this trail starts on the Scenic Loop Drive in Carlsbad Caverns NP. Keep in mind that the Scenic Loop Drive is GATED, and is not opened till some time between 7 and 8 o'clock. At least when I visited in late 2004. So if you want to get out there early, inquire with the National Park Service ahead of time.



2. This book was a great resource for a recent hiking trip. It was accurate and informative. The pictures were helpful, but most importantly, it was good hiking information. I would highly recommend this book.

4 comments about A Visit to Don Otavio: A Traveller's Tale from Mexico.

1. Sublime. I am profoundly uninterested in Mexico, but it charmed my socks off. Wonderfully written. Up there in the clouds with Paula Fox, William Trevor, Alice Munro.



2. The understated writing and excellent descriptions tell all about this 1952 visit to Mexico. Charming and entertaining. But I did skip the chapter on the history of Mexico.



3. This is an absolutely charming but non-sacchrine account of travel in Mexico following World War II. A surprisingly important bonus is a better understanding of the history of this country and why it is what it is today. Wonderful. I will read it again.



4. I've enjoyed this travel book more than any I've read in a long time. Educational and enjoyable. Anyone who has done any traveling anywhere can have a good chuckle at the culture clashes that come from traveling in Mexico or any country where you're not familiar with the customs. These women weren't afraid of adventure and certainly found plenty of it! In spite of the frustrations of things not always going their way, they never resort to racial slurs or any real putdowns of the people they meet. And what a trip. They saw some of the most beautiful parts of Mexico before they've become over-run with tourists. I think the spirit in which they travel is something more people need when going to a foreign country. Go with the flow and everything will work out in the end. A wonderful read.

5 comments about Cycling the Great Divide: From Canada to Mexico on America's Premier Long Distance Mountain Bike Route.

1. Whether you're planning on riding the whole thing at once or just just doing a section of it, I'd strongly recommend getting this book. My wife and I rode entire length in the summer of 2000, and we carried this book on the outside of our packs in a plastic bag at all times. We referred to it at least once every day. Like in any guide-book, there are a few confusing spots, but on the whole, the author (one of the original trail planners) has done a great job. He not only keeps you on the right path, he also points out various places you should visit, gives some historic perspective, and more. The book will surely make your experience more enjoyable.



2. If you are riding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, you MUST have this book. This is an awesome route - Mike McCoy and the gang did a great job of researching it. One comment on the writing though -- when he uses the word 'steep', he means 'extremely steep', and when he says 'extremely steep', he means 'don't even try to ride your bike up this with a fully loaded bike'. A 'respectable climb' is really a lung-buster. Just expect everything to be a little harder than he makes it sound, and then you wont feel angry because it is not as easy as he makes it out to be. I think he must have either rode it without being fully loaded, or he is a very strong man! Anyhow, if you ride the Great Divide, you will have fun.. I guarantee it.



3. Michael McCoy's Cycling the Great Divide: From Canada to Mexico on America's Premier Long Distance Mountain Bike Route is an essential item for those who are planning to bicycle or hike all of the Adventure Cycling route.

   As McCoy notes in his well-written and informative introduction, this isn't an easy trek. Uneven terrain, adverse weather conditions, and a lack of water and essential services are often the norm.

   As I found, having the book on hand better enabled me to plan ahead. For instance, my discovering that the climb over Indiana Pass would be long and difficult prompted me to begin my cycling day early, which in retrospect was fortuitious in that had I dilly-dallied, I would would have been caught in a late-afternoon snow-storm.

   One the book's many strengths is that it includes a much-needed daily route synopsis. Though I am directionally challenged, I did not miss a single turn, not even in New Mexico, where many of the roads and trail heads are unmarked.

   Sightseeing, points-of-interest, and photos have been included. I was often glad of this -- as I remarked to some onlookers, if McCoy hadn't pointed these things out to me, my trip would have been more of a slog than it was. For instance, if he hadn't mentioned that the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad passes through southern New Mexico, I would have missed it.

   The historical information is also a plus in that it will appeal to both tenters and armchair readers. There was many an evening when (because the sun set early) I was glad I had this book on hand.

   The material in this book also complements the Adventure Cycling maps. In retrospect, my trip was without incident, in part because I had both on hand.




4. I rode this trail in the summer of 2006, from Banff to Mexico. I found this book very helpful in planning my daily rides. It briefly described potential camping spots, designated and undesignated, water sources, and trail conditions. To conserve weight while on the trail, I tore out the pages as I completed them.
   
   It is definitely well worth the money to buy for planning and for using on the trail.
   
   This book does not include any info on the Canada portion.
   
   With some help from this book I only needed 40 days to plan everything.
   
   Note: This was my first bicycle tour and I did it solo, self supported.
   Cheers!



5. I will write a new review when I actually get this book... it does NOT ship in 7-14 days...mine has been backordered a month already.