3 comments about In the Sierra Madre.

1. Since I made the train journey up to Copper Canyon, I bought this book and felt like I re-lived the trip, and then another I wished I had made. This is a wonderful, moving, often poetic, memoir of an American's year-long sojourn in a Tarahumara (he uses the traditional name, Raramuri) Indian village. The writing, however, never falls into any anthropological notes. Biggers moves back and forth from his own experiences in his adopted village, where he chops wood with the local lumberjacks and plants corn and weathers the worst drought in the region's history, and the often hilarious adventures of famous travelers who have made their own foray into the canyons. The book's range is fantastic: characters like French poet Artaud, black West Point cadet Henry Flipper, a young George S. Patton, and a Russian sailor--to name only a few--pepper the stories like characters from a great drama. Jeff Biggers, who is the author of a book on Appalachia, is that chatty companion you wished you had along for the journey, someone who knows world literature and history as well as he knows the intimate details of the local canyons and people, and someone who loves to mix the two. Biggers writes about the ups and downs of tourism in Mexico's famed Copper Canyon by spinning a tale of a modern-day tragicomedy based on the Greek Antigone; he discusses the plight of logging by recalling a poem by Scottish bard Robert Burns and the Scottish debacle at Darien.
   
   I'd recommend this to anyone planning a trip to Copper Canyon, or those armchair travelers who love their world history written through a great journey.



2. In the Sierra Madre is one of the best travel memoirs I've read in years. It's a real page turner. I couldn't put it down. Situated in Mexico's Copper Canyon, author Jeff Biggers traverses the legendary canyons of the native Raramuri or Tarahumara, while weaving in the history of centuries of travelers, including some unforgettable characters like writer/adventurer Frederick Schwatka, George S. Patton and Black Jack Pershing, an Irish lord and his African American mistress, etc etc. Biggers is funny, informed, and his pages move from story to story. And of course, the fabulous tale of The Treasure of the Sierra Madre always lurks in the background. This is a great book and makes me want to travel to Copper Canyon. By the way, Biggers in person is also quite a raconteur. Should he come to town, don't hesitate to see his performance.



3. Biggers book of experiences living in a Tarahumara village capture the many nuances of life here in the Sierra. His writing has a good, readable style and is fun to boot. His tangents although sometimes distracting are always informative and frequently educational. Biggers is to be respected for not naming the village where he lived but he provides more than enough clues to figure out the location. Although not a general travel book, Biggers book is a must-read for anyone wanting a true and enjoyable insight into the Tarahumara style of living.

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.

1 comments about Baja Boater's Guide: The Sea of Cortez : The Definitive Guide for the Coastal Waters of Mexico's Baja California.

1. This book is very in depth with excellent drawings and photos but is almost entirely about the Baja peninsula side of the Sea of Cortez - if you are looking for the mainland side SOc info, the Cunningham books are bibles for that territory.

3 comments about Best Guide: Loreto (Best Guides).

1. Destination guides are typically like reference books -- this is more like a novel in terms of readability and interest. As a regular visitor to Loreto, I was quite impressed that the authors not only delivered the usual roadmap to a vacation, but also provided valuable insights that most visitors and even some residents would miss.
   
   The body of this guidebook is rich with content. While the highlighted sidebars lend color and context.
   
   This book brings Loreto to life in a way that enhances the experience of discovering this emerging and largely undiscovered beach resort, fishing village, and cultural gem. In a no-holds-barred (and at times amusing) manner, the reader learns about restaurants, hiking, fishing, whale watching, hotels, and more.
   
   I highly recommend this book for both vistors and new residents of the region.



2. This is the first credible, comprehensive guidebook for Loreto that I have seen in the two years I have been living in Loreto. It is engaging, amusing, accurate and useful! While I disagree with some of the restaurant assessments (a necessarily subjective exercise!), it's pretty much on the mark. I still think McLulu's fish tacos are to die for, and they don't even mention Taqueria Travolta (aguably the second best carne asada tacos after el Rey de Taco, which really is the best, and really is literally a hole in the wall!). It's a wonderful companion and good value. I also particularly like the feature that allows readers to upload and/or check out new or more current information on a website.



3. Of 4 books I took to Loreto, this was by far the best and most informative. Lots of detailed info on best places to eat, stay and beaches. Highly recommended!

1 comments about Rand McNally Albuquerque New Mexico Local Street Detail.

1. A couple of years ago, I got involved in creating the (currently stalled) Albuquerque Urban Trail--a proposed long-distance hiking trail that would run from the volcanoes on Albuquerque's west side to Sandia Peak on its east, zigzagging for over 200 miles into its every district along the way--and this was the map used to plot it out.
   This map was perfect for the job, too, because of its detail and its completeness. It's a good map, and because of my work with that trail I've bought nearly a dozen copies of it.
   I'll just say this: if you need a map of Albuquerque, then get this one. I can almost guarantee it will be more than sufficient for your needs. All the streets are here, the arroyos, the parks, the geographical features, and it's well-indexed and laid out.
   It's good. You'll like it.

No comments about World Sex Travel Guide: The Adventurous Mans Guide to Sex Tourism.

2 comments about Saddle Up, New Mexico: The Statewide Horse Trail and Travel Guide.

1. This is a well written book that all trail riders in new mexico must own. You'll love it. The authors personnally rode every trail in their book and have outlined it beautifully. They wrote this book because no one else had and they noted a need for it.
   
   Donna Ketcheson, Back Country Horseman



2. This is a terrific guide to trail riding in New Mexico. This book gave valuable information on trail riding, camping with your horses and general information about trail riding gear. I would highly recommend this book for anyone visiting or living here in New Mexico.

2 comments about Knopf Guide: Quebec (Knopf Guides).

1. Great illustrations, to help you picture a place, or have an idea what it looks like so you'll find it when you are near it. I find the knopf guides to be good for places I haven't been to yet, so I can imagine how the whole city is laid out and looks.
   
   Would prefer more history, but hey, it is a pocket guide, and a lot is packed in here considering how small it is.
   
   The hotel and restaurant parts suffer for lack of depth because, hey, it is a pocket guide.
   
   It's a good beginner/first time visitor's guide. For bargain/budget hunters, for repeat visitors, it's probably not satisfying.



2. This is a "niche" book, not best used as a comprehensive travel guide, but instead, as a tactile and visual appetite-whetter in preparation for a visit to the province of Quebec. It's dense both in weight and illustrated content. The glossy pages are packed with interesting colorful photographs, drawings, and art work focused on modern Canadian and aboriginal culture, history, architecture, nature, and the like. The text isn't extensive but I found it factual and useful. Think of it as a classy children's book for grown-ups. I used it to orient myself prior to travel, and continue to refer to it as follow-up after my trip.
   As always, I would have been happiest had it had at least some translations of French place names and common terminology relevant to the traveler, e.g., gite, auberge, and even a very basic pronounciation guide, especially given that Quebecer French is as removed from Parisian French as Texas drawl from the Queen's English. I nonetheless recommend it with enthusiasm.

5 comments about Guanajuato, Mexico: Your Expat, Study Abroad, and Vacation Survival Manual in the Land of Frogs.

1. This book is really good at explaining life in Guanajuato. It tells what to expect if you want to shop, take public transportation, stay for awhile, eat, buy property, etc. The number one piece of advice offered is to LEARN TO SPEAK SPANISH. The author recommends this town as a place to go if you want to experience authentic Mexican life and culture. It hasn't been taken over yet by americans. However, my neighbors across the street told me this week that there are more and more tourists visiting there and more americans buying property (the neighbors are from that area). I highly recommend that you read this book before you go!



2. How to books about Mexico often fail as they are outdated...this is just another self important,self published guide book.
   Mexico Connect is a good starting point.



3. Another good book by Doug Bowers and his wife. If you are considering living in Guanajuato, Mexico all his books need read by you.



4. When I read the autobiography of former Mexican president Vicente Fox who hails from Guanajuato State I became curious about the city of the same name. My research led me to this useful little book packed full of practical information about the charming, historic city of Guanajuato. The book is clearly written and my only criticism is the frequent repetition of information. It could use some fine tuning by a careful editor. I found it clear, honest, helpful and even inspiring. Muchas gracias Doug and Cindi Bower.



5. It is very sad to that this author feels the need to twist and distort facts about living in Mexico. He seems to have the need to built up his own self esteem by denegrating those expats who enjoy living in Mexico. His rantings about San Miguel de Allende show him to be a very sad, small, and poorly informed author. Please find another book if you want to leaarn about and enjoy the many cities and wonderful people in Mexico.

1 comments about Here Is Tijuana!.

1. This is an outstanding book that contributes to a cultural understanding of Tijuana. Many issues are explored with many facts presented to illustrate points regarding the diversity and cultural hub that is Tijuana. The book is full of black and white photographs and many beautiful color photographs. These photographs are usually highlighted by corresponding facts about the particular issue being examined. This was a project undertaken by three individuals from different backgrounds to create a synthesis of diverse views to a common phenomena; the vast and richly emergent artistic and cultural city that is Tijuana. Living close to this border city and visiting it often I found the book to be completely engrossing in both it's narrative and visual style. If you want to know more about Tijuana than pick up this book. This is not a tourist guide but rather a cultural reflection on one of the busiest and most fascinating cities in the world. Recommended for a better understanding of Tijuana, Mexico.