4 comments about Driving by Memory.

1. Though published by a university press, this is no dry academic tome. It's an unusally creative attempt to capture the spirit and the meaning of the drive through the desert. Fox writes of three approaches to the archetypal desert city, Las Vegas: from Sante Fe, from Los Angeles and from Reno. His writing is personal, captivating and will make you see the desert (and our paths through it) in entirely new ways.



2. What a letdown. Yes, the prose is decent, and the premise is undeniably attractive but, for anybody who holds the drive to Las Vegas close to their heart, these 3 separate tales of driving across the desert toward that glittery focal point called Sin City will all leave you feeling cheated. Why? Well, most of all, the author TURNS OFF THE HIGHWAY BEFORE GETTING TO VEGAS! How can you leave out the final 5 miles!? If you have to be dragged, kicking and screaming, into a casino, what in the world are you doing writing a book with Vegas at its center? Yes, the author shows that he knows the road, and what the various mountains are called, etc., but he obviously has no understanding of what compels most of us to take that road so many times in our lives. Skip this book and spend the money on a tank of gas yourself. This book has no Elvis.



3. Last November, I flew into las Vegas for the first time on a bright, sunny day. I had my nose pressed to the window most of the way, and was in awe of the what lay below. I followed the roads through the desert that led to Vegas and vowed to make the drive myself some day. I couldn't believe my luck when I happened across this book. But, the book left me bored and disappointed. Maybe I was expecting too much, but even the author's reader-friendly prose could not make this an interesting read.



4. Fox's wit, charm, and intellect combine to create a fascinating book that is part memoir and part geography, culture, and history lessons. A rare combination that suits a reader like me who is always looking for books that help me see life through a clear new lens!

No comments about City Smart: Richmond.

No comments about AAA Georgia, North Carolina & South Carolina Tourbook: 2007 Edition (2007-461007, 2007 Edition).

1 comments about Rand McNally New York: State Map (State Maps-USA).

1. Yes, this is a map. It is accurate, easy to use, and helped us navigate our way around lower NY and Westchester county. I did have one close encounter with the Bronx, but I can't place blame on the map for that incident.

3 comments about Insiders' Guide to Washington, D.C., 6th (Insiders' Guide Series).

1. I bought this book from Amazon.com before moving to the DC area, and I must say, it has been quite helpful. The information (hours, phone numbers) is still current, and it covers a variety of issues. Whether you're looking for kids' activities of trendy night spots, this book has it all.

   If you are moving to the area, and will be without an extended support network initially, I'd recommend buying this book, to provide you with new ideas, and to fill you in on life in general here.

   Some drawbacks. The authors definitely love this area; that's great, but I feel they are too optimistic on their neighborhood descriptions. Reading this book, you'd think all of DC and the surrounding areas were safe to live in, but the reality is the opposite. Sometimes they are a bit too "PC" in their descriptions, and this takes away from reality. Additionally, sometimes things are difficult to find in the index.

   Overall though, a great buy!




2. A must for anyone interested in learning more about the area or are planning a visit. Well written, informative and interesting. My highest recommendation!



3. This was the best tour book ever. It helped my family find all the info we needed for our trip to D.C. We love you mary jane solomon!

No comments about Vancouver & Canadian Rockies Spiral Guide (Aaa Spiral Guides).

2 comments about Silent Speedways of the Carolinas: The Grand National Histories of 29 Former Tracks.

1. Anyone interested in racing should purchase this book. Good look at tracks in the south and the part they played in forming todays sport.



2. Mr. Wood has taken a question bounced from one "good ole' boy" to another ever since the the silence grew deafening to those in the racing world, and given it 29 births, lives, and alas, histories, all wrapped up quite nicely in this book.
   
   This is a detailed look inside of what started as the proverbial heart beating of NASCAR as we know it, as well as a first hand account of Perry Allen Wood growing up in the midst of all the greatness that racing and NASCAR had to offer such as these now sadly, silent speedways and the legends that made them famous and vice versa. Perry Wood was so obviously brought alive first hand by the thundering roar of the call "Gentlemen, Start Your Engines" and the smell of the gasoline and rubber, not to mention, the sound of metal against metal, guaranteed to bring any spectator to their feet.
   
   Racing and what it meant and stood for is obviously a part of Perry Allen Wood and deeply ingrained to say the least. If the passion he has shown in this work, "Silent Speedways" is in any way, an insight to Mr. Wood, then it is without doubt from a readers stand point, that his heart lies with racing and related subjects, just as much or higly more so than those of us "square box worshiping, AC addictied, "baby, get me another beer" types. So then...good news for us 'fans',it looks as though those of us that once made the seemingly endless nomadic, pilgrimages to those 29 racetracks that are no more, we'll just have to change our route to detour the nearest bookstore for the latest title from racings newest smoking weapon. AND NO LINE JUMPING, I'M FIRST!

5 comments about The Cycling Adventures of Coconut Head: A North American Odyssey.

1. I think if you called the author a nut to his face, he'd be really pleased. But there's more to this book than just some nut writing about his cycling. It's a really fun book to read, and after you've read maybe half of it, it suddenly dawns on you that the author has both faith and moral courage, and he shows it to you in his narrative without making a big deal of it. He earned my respect while amusing me with his story. I found myself hoping that things work out for this guy and that he has a nice life. To the author: thanks for the book, I loved it.



2. I love travel adventure books, and The Cycling Adventures of Coconut Head had the potential to be a great read. However, I found Ted Schredd's writing to be childlike and lacking in substance, and I would have preferred a lot more detail about the landscape and scenery. Parts of the book were enjoyable, but I had a difficult time getting past the fact that Ted does not come across as a very nice person. (I do realize that I am apparently the only reviewer who feels that way.) For example, how could I root for Ted and Deanna's relationship after the way it started? (They had sex almost as soon as they met, in spite of the fact that Ted still had a girlfriend, who, by the way, had already ridden a bicycle from BC to California alongside him.) On top of that, he called people who had opened their hearts and homes to him "hateful" just because he didn't agree with their views. In spite of this book's intended positive message about environmentalism and realizing your dreams, it left me with a bad feeling.



3. I purchased this book after a friend recommended it. Let me just say she is no longer a friend. Ted Schredd might love life but he clearly hates taking the time to learn how to write. Not only that, but the story is lacking. Here it is in a nutshell, but written better...A guy rides his bicycle with a girl he just met. He cheats on her and finds another girl. The two of them then continue the odyssey and and beg anybody and everybody for: a) a place to stay, free of charge b) meals, free of charge c) bicycle equipment and support, free of charge. The end. I rated this book 1 star, but only because Amazon.com doesn't have a ZERO star rating.



4. I found this book just by chance in a used book shop in Kelowna (B.C., Canada). I found Ted's outlook and observations very interesting. When I started reading it, I thought it is meant to be a funny narative of Ted's adventure on his bike across North America. But there is more to it. I find Ted's perspective on the cookie-cutter lifestyles and values of most of us living in this continent very thought-provoking. I must say that I disagree with the previous two reviews below.



5. As an avid cyclist, I looked forward to sitting down with this book. Unfortunately, this book is just "OK." This guy takes off on a trip with some gal he barely knows (and ends up with another girl he barely knows) and almost no money. He calls it an Enviro Ride to raise awareness about the environment. It should have been called the Freeloader Ride. People who give him money and/or agree with his views are angels. He speaks negatively about most everyone else. He could have called it the Woodstock Ride as he promotes sex, nudity, peace, love, and freeloading. I just didn't get any warm fuzzies reading this book.
   Sue B
   Lake Forest, CA

No comments about American Indian Archival Material: A Guide to Holdings in the Southeast.

5 comments about Walt Disney World for Adults: The Original Guide for Grownups (Rita Aero's Walt Disney World for Adults).

1. Having been to WDW several times, and always purchasing a guidebook before leaving to get recent updates, I came upon Rita Aeros book, Walt Disney World for Adults by accident. I initially purchased the book for the coupon values and was disappointed when discovering they were no longer valid. I intended to return the book after discovering the expiration of the coupons but decided to check out the website before I did. This was the BEST decision I could have made. Not only did I keep the book and read it thoroughly, but I have discovered a wealth of information on her web site. It is truly the most informative, user friendly web site you could possibly find anywhere. I have already saved hundreds of dollars using the information I have gleaned. This book and its accompanying web site are unsurpassed for value. Rita Aero's book has done a marvelous job in breaking down all the different areas of WDW (hotels, transportation, restaurants, theme parks, etc.). with honest evaluations, in an easy to read and comprehensive style.



2. We thought this guide book the best of the bunch - it is well laid out and easy to read with great maps of every area in the 'World'. Best of all, buying it enables you to access Rita's great Website, which is chock full of up-to-the-minute, detailed tips and trip reports as well as updates on attractions and happenings at WDW. A great plus!!



3. This is the book that has it all. Resorts, Restaurants, Parks, Attractions, Night Clubs, Sports, Kids, Family, Groups, Discounts, Charts, Ratings, Reviews, Tips, Tricks, Secrets, etc, etc.

   The information in this edition is still fresher and more accurate than any 1999 guidebook, and I should know, I visit WDW at least four times per year. Other guidebooks are just repackaged every year with a new cover.

   Note: I found the Animal Kingdom chapter in this edition to be a bit weak, but I found marvelous AK information on the book's website.

   This is the only book to have ever included useful coupons, but they expired recently. The book's website has lots of good electronic coupons in the Readers' Clubhouse. The clubhouse has excellent information and wonderful community! I saved $768 last trip. NO other guidebook (and I have them all) can match the quality of Rita Aero's work, and no other major guidebook has a website or a supporting author. This one is a MUST HAVE!

   Thanks for the magical vacations, Rita!




4. After being disappointed by other guidebooks, I finally bought Aero's book and was amazed by the wealth of planning insight. This book is nothing short of empowerment for family vacation planning. For the first time we enjoyed a vacation where we all equally loved the hotel, restaurants, and rides. This book is a vacation saver.



5. Rita's book is the best guide book written to date. We found it very informative and the coupons in the back were wonderful! We used most of them. The maps were extremelty helpful! We copied them and handed them out to all our family members. We have been going to WDW twice a year for seven or eight years, and have purchased many books, this book is outstanding!