2 comments about Little Women (A Stepping Stone Book).

1. Why give your child an adaptation of a classic?
   
   The original book IS a classic because it's that good, but it's not intended to be an easy reader. There are lots of references to Dickens, 19th century schools of thought and people and places of the times.
   
   You can read the real book young-- I read it in 6th grade, and it's still one of my faves.But your child will not get it until they are much older, not matter how gifted they are!!!!!!!!!!!!
   
   An adaptation is not the answer. It's like feeding your child a pint of spaghetti sauce that has been drowned in a quart of water--the original is there, but the flavor is gone. And so it the nutrition!!!
   
   There are plenty of books your child will enjoy and RELATE to. Wait to read the real thing. Or if you really insist on exposing them to the story before they can read it, let them see one of the film versions first--they were all pretty good.



2. First, this is only the first half of "Little Women." Yes, this is the book originally published under that title, but usually it is bundled with the sequel, "Good Wives." This volume only covers the period up to Meg's wedding.
   
   Second, this adaptation has taken all the color out of the work. The descriptions of the girls and their friends are missing, as are descriptions of their clothes, home, etc. Alcott herself wrote (ch. 1), "...young readers like to know 'how people look.'" I question the decision to leave out the descriptive passages as they are some of the most interesting writing, especially to younger readers.

3 comments about When in Boston: A Time Line & Almanac.

1. When In Boston: A Time Line & Almanac is a reference chronology that traces landmark events in Boston year by year, from the 1600's to the present day. Each event is given an iconic category marker to distinguish its nature at an immediate glance, from hallmarks of social change, crimes, or disasters to events pertaining to religion, education, politics, sports and recreation, and much more. Vintage black-and-white photographs or reproductions of famous paintings illustrate this survey, and an index allows for swift lookup of pivotal events in Boston's history. A fascinating wealth of historical information, and an easy-to-use quick reference especially recommended for local Boston reporters, historians, and lay people or tourists interested in learning about the city's grand history.



2. This is the place to go for every question you ever wanted to ask about Boston's history.Accurate and deatiled there is simply nothng else like it!



3. I did take advice from the two reviews when deciding to take this book. This book turned out to be just what I was looking for - a gathering of "events" marking time - from beginning to present - in the city of Boston. I was particularly interested in the old photographs and wished the author had inserted more of them - as this added immense value to the written word and enhanced the historical experience. Almost every historical accounting where old photographs or prints are used seems to contain different selections - even when writing of similar events and I find the visuals very important.
   
   Further, it gives the reader an idea or two about places to visit while there - perhaps unintentionally, but it was a measure I took from it as I was on a family tree search at the time. Book recommended as an excellent source for a "cut to the chase", solid research of history of the City. I'm sure Bostonians could come up with a correction here and there and I did find the "elected governors" slightly confusing by his wording use of "elected again" when it would seem otherwise, but that was minor.

2 comments about Hiking Vermont, 2nd: 60 of Vermont's Greatest Hiking Adventures (State Hiking Series).

1. This is an excellent addition to the Falcon Guide hiking series, and the author adds a touch of humor and class to each route description. The driving directions to each trailhead are detailed and accurate. the route descriptions are similarly packed with information that any hiker can use. If there was a chance of seeing wildlife, Pletcher duly notes it and informs you when the best times are for seeing bears or moose. If you're backpacking, he tells you where to find water and where reliable springs are located.

   I was a little disappointed that he didn't concentrate more on the 260 mile Long Trail which traverses the length of Vermont. I was looking for information of their shelters and side routes into towns along the way. But for day hikers, this is a good, reliable and handy guide. Recommended.




2. In a rural state such as Vermont, although plenty of opportunities for hiking exist, finding them can be difficult since they are off the beaten path. This guide will help you find those hidden (and some not-so-hidden) hiking gems that are scattered throughout the Green Mountain state.
   
   This guide describes 61 hikes scattered fairly evenly across Vermont. Hikes range in length from 0.5 miles to 15 miles with the average at around 4-6 miles. Each hike comes with some basic facts about the trail, a rather detailed set of directions to the trailhead, a map, a detailed trail description, and usually a photo. The maps are typical Falcon maps: they show the trail, a couple of main features, and not much else. I have to say I don't understand why Falcon doesn't upgrade their maps to the USGS topo variety that are found in the 50-hikes series and most other top hiking guides these days. Still, I have lots of Falcon hiking guides on my shelf, so I guess my wallet speaks louder than this review.
   
   Perhaps the most outstanding quality of this guide is the author's wide and varied vocabulary. In fact, this guide has a literary quality not found in most hiking guides. Occassionally this gets in the way of clarity. For example, the author describes the trail to Camel's Hump as a "bony" trail. Does he mean rocky? narrow? These cases are the exception, and usually the author's vocabulary simply makes the reading experience more enjoyable.
   
   I have heard some other people complain about the lack of Long Trail information in this book. On this point I must respectfully disagree. True, if you are looking to hike the Long Trail from start to finish, you will need better information than what is provided here. Still, 16 of the hikes in this book describe dayhikes along the Long Trail, and this is a book on hiking, not backpacking. Most dayhikers will find plenty on the Long Trail here to keep them busy for a long time.
   
   In summary, this may not be the best guide to Vermont hiking on the market, but this book merits serious consideration. I withheld one star, mainly for the maps and slightly for the potentially vague descriptions. As I said though, this book has a literary quality not found in most hiking guides. So if you enjoy reading hiking guides or you are interested in Vermont hiking, this book should find its way onto your shelf.

No comments about Insight Fleximap, New England (Insight Flexi Map).

1 comments about Sarah's Long Walk: The Free Blacks of Boston and How Their Struggle for Equality Changed America.

1. Sarah's Long Walk is a very well-researched historical view of a fascinating time in Boston history. As a native of Boston, I quickly became aware of how much I DON'T know about this side of Boston history as I read the book. It was a rare treat to be educated by the history and entertained by the well-recounted stories. I highly recommend the book!

No comments about Frommer's Boston 2009 (Frommer's Complete).

3 comments about Edward Hopper's New England (Essential Paintings).

1. EDWARD HOPPER'S NEW ENGLAND is a collection of some of Hopper's works of art inspired during his travels in New England. Though Hopper was primarily a New York artist, he spent many summers in New England and produced many of his most memorable paintings during his visits. Some of his visits were to New England's best known artist colonies such as Gloucester, Monhegan Island in Maine, and Provincetown. People familiar with current Cape Cod artists will see the way in which Hopper inspired a good number of them when they see his paintings of Truro and Provincetown, two of Hopper's favorite locales. Many of the locations can still be found today, though they have changed over the years. The paintings of Gloucester bring the simplicity of this old fishing community alive. The pictures from Maine are some of Hopper's famous depictions of lighthouses and sailing vessels. Some nature scenics are also included in this volume. The landscapes, architecture, boats, and people depicted in Hopper's work show his range as an artist.

   People who love Hopper's work will appreciate this book because it contains not only some of Hopper's better known works from various museums but also works in private collections.

   Hopper's subjects are not complex, nor are they glamorous in and of themselves, but with an artist such as Hopper, we are able top see beauty in places we might otherwise miss. This book is a must for people who love and appreciate artists' renditions of New England. It is also a perfect gift for people who love New England.




2. "Edward Hopper (1882-1967), one of the most important American painters of the twentieth century, spent nearly every summer of his long artistic career in New England. This book presents many of Hopper's finest paintings of the region and examines the crucial role New England played in Hopper's development as an artist. Carl Little is author of Paintings of Maine and is a regular contributor to Art New England and Art in America.
   
   "88 pages, 35 full-color reproductions, 21 black-and-white illustrations, size: 10 x 10 3/4". Casebound book, with dust jacket. ISBN: 1-56640-315-4."--© Pomegranate



3. This book give just enough images, just enough text -- perfect! It's beautiful and nicely done.

2 comments about Boston's North End: Images and Recollections of an Italian-American Neighborhood.

1. This book is like hearing your grandparent's stories, and you wouldn't believe what they have to say! Filled with short, readable stories and descriptions of life in the North End. Highly recommended!



2. I have really been enjoying this book; not only what is written, but the pictures tell a story as well.
   I am half Italian born in Brockton, Ma. but live on the west coast now. I guess I can only hope that the North End will still remain quaint and special in spite of our everchanging world.

4 comments about Lost Railroads of New England (2nd Edition)(New England Rail Heritage Series) (New England Rail Heritage ; No 1).

1. This very informative book opens a door to the past, and thoroughly explains about the rise and fall of New England's once massive railrod system. Ronald Dale Carr also includes detailed summaries of each separate railraod abandonment as well as providing detailed maps showing were each railraod went as well as all the stops along the routes



2. I was a bit skeptical when I got the book due to its price. I was pleasantly surprised with the level of detail that went into the book. I remember watching the trains cross a grade near my house when I was a kid, and I always wondered how long it had been there, whose it was, and what happened to it. This book was able to answer those questions for me. I also gave me additional resources to check out.



3. An excellent resource but brief. The maps are what make the book worthwhile. The written history is nice but at only 30-odd pages it doesn't cover much. The maps come with numbers by each rail right-of-way that corresponds with a brief description of the line. I like the book and will keep it around but it left me wishing for a lot more.



4. This is quite an interesting book. There are/were more railroads than you could guess. Not only are the abandoned routes on the map but those that still are active.

5 comments about Potluck at Midnight Farm: Celebrating Food, Family, and Friends on Martha's Vineyard.

1. i bought the book because i have spent 25 years going to martha's vineyard--the book is inspiring because it makes you want to have a potluck party at your own home--but dont buy it simply for the recipes--they are fine--buy it because its a fun addition to your collection and inspires you to celebrate family and friends-- and martha's vineyard--
   the author's friends (whom she touts as a very eclectic group) happen to include all of the island's celebs---which does make it fun to look at the pics and read their recipes--



2. The New York Times was right: This book makes the Vineyard look like "a minimal-security prison for the criminally self-absorbed". There are so many better Vineyard-based cookbooks (like The Martha's Vineyard Cookbook--out now in its 3rd edition!)

   The recipes are so-so but the text you have to wade through to get to them will ruin your appetite.




3. This book was given to me as a hostess gift during our first cocktail party (Ina Garten and Barefoot Contessa inspired) from a friend who knows that I love all things New England, especially Cape Cod and the Islands.

   The photographs are delicious in and of themselves, even inspiring a few unusual bouquets of flowers and eclectic ideas for table settings. There are a few recipes that seem unappealing to me, but that is true of any book. An author simply cannot please everyone! For the most part I have found these recipes to have different and creative twists on many favorite flavors.

   I recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in the "magical" element of the Vineyard as well as its' celebrity life. This is certainly not a book for those who want to throw hot dogs on the grill behind a split -evel home - not that there is anything wrong with that! It is for those who want to add an element of style to their backyard picnic behind that same split-level home. Potluck at Midnight Farm is about doing things with grace, that is, a Vineyard-style grace.




4. This book was given to me as a hostess gift during our first cocktail party (Ina Garten and Barefoot Contessa inspired) from a friend who knows that I love all things New England, especially Cape Cod and the Islands.

   The photographs are delicious in and of themselves, even inspiring a few unusual bouquets of flowers and eclectic ideas for table settings. There are a few recipes that seem unappealing to me, but that is true of any book. An author simply cannot please everyone! For the most part I have found these recipes to have different and creative twists on many favorite flavors.

   I recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in the "magical" element of the Vineyard as well as its' celebrity life. This is certainly not a book for those who want to throw hot dogs on the grill behind a split -evel home - not that there is anything wrong with that! It is for those who want to add an element of style to their backyard picnic behind that same split-level home. Potluck at Midnight Farm is about doing things with grace, that is, a Vineyard-style grace.




5. I read the reviews and had to grin. Martha's vineyard has a groove,..a flow all it's own,..and it is what it is. If you don't get Martha's Vineyard,..then I can understand why alot of people don't get the book. I was bothered by the celebrity comments,..because on the island everyone mixes with everyone,...leather faced fisherman,..the town bar fixtures and awesome characters and yes even the celebrities. Good book for those who love the island, and get the mind set.