2 comments about Merriam-Webster's Student Atlas (World Atlas).

1. My 12 year old granddaughter introduced me to this atlas. She said it was part of her school work. The detail information and numerous maps were outstanding. I bought one for myself. Some evenings I simply sit with the atlas and, for an hour or so, become totally involved with its contents. It is not just for kids.
   Just look inside the book here at Amazon and you will see how informative this 132 page atlas really is.



2. I purchased these student atlases for my 3rd grade class. They
   refer to themselves as "Mapheads", because they are enthralled
   with geography, and I thought it would be the perfect gift. The books
   were handed out during the party, and immediately following the
   ripping of paper, and the "Oohs and Ahhs" there was absolute silence as
   they dove into the books. After about 5 minutes of hearing only the
   sound of turning pages, I began to hear, "Look on page ___, all the
   flags of the world are there", and "Look what the earth looked like
   before it separated into continents!" It is January, and they are still
   willing to give up recess to scour these atlases.
   
   These books are easy to navigate, the illustrations are clear, and the
   charts are very well done. Although this atlas is for older students,
   these 8 and 9 year olds were able to glean information easily, and they
   will be able to use them into middle and high school.
   
   It was money well spent.

3 comments about Penguin State of the World Atlas, Seventh Edition.

1. This is the latest edition of an atlas that's been out for awhile. With colorful world maps and all sorts of fascinating graphs and charts this book unlocks cultural statistics--from quality of life to where in the world U.S. troops are to who has the most satellites in space. My middle school students love this atlas and will (no kidding!) pick it up and browse through it on their own. I've bought a classroom set and it was money very well spent. If you cover geography, or anything having to do with the world in middle school or high school check out this book.
   
   Mr. Smith and publishers:
   We need an atlas like this one that covers just the USA.



2. It's an atlas-that's as good as it's going to get. It's not meant to conjure any feelings within the reader, it just presents cold hard facts. You take what you want from it; it's not a narrative. You just have to look at the numbers and figures and from there make an interpretation based on what is being given to you. I think it does a good job at presenting facts and figures in an easy to read and at a glance fashion. It's good for what it is.



3. This book is a must for all Geography students. The contents are well organized and allow for easy comparison of related topics. I use it in my class constantly and is a required text.

3 comments about Hiking Big Bend National Park, 2nd (Regional Hiking Series).

1. My husband & I just returned from a fantastic trip to Big Bend National Park. We used this excellent, handy, easy-to-use book as our primary resource for deciding what hikes we were capable of taking in the park. The book proved very useful in showing numerous shorter, easier hikes that older people like us with foot and back problems could take as well as longer, harder trails for those who want them and are able. It also gave very interesting, accurate, readable, and useful descriptions of such matters as how to drive to the trailhead and whether parking is available there, some things (mainly scenery & geological features) one is likely to see on the trail, trail length, elevation gain, trail traffic etc., to allow use to decide which trails would most interest us. Further, it contains some useful black and white photos. And it provides some information about neighboring Big Bend Ranch State Park which we also at least drove through. Thanks in large part to this book, we were able to enjoy some the best hiking of our lives despite our current physical limitations. I only wish we had visited the park a decade ago or more when we could have done some of the more strenuous trails described as well. I would recommend this book for virtually anyone planning a visit to Big Bend.



2. It does the job it was purchased for, ie finding trails in Big Bend National Park



3. Gives a great synthesis of hikes of all levels in the park. Well-organized and thus very easy and quick to use.

5 comments about In Siberia.

1. This is a tremendous book, one that I would recommend to anybody that has either spent some time in Siberia or that is simply interested in the region. Indeed, one of the few criticisms that I have is that the book is too short. Thubron glosses over a lot of interesting places. He is undoubtedly more interested in peripheral, off the beaten track places than he is in major cities. He barely describes places such as Novosibirsk, the largest city in Siberia and the third largest in Russia. He similarly doesn't spend much time describing cities like Omsk, Ekaterinburg, and Krasnoyarsk, and he doesn't even make it to Vladivostok. Thubron's forte is describing life in places forgotten by Moscow and unknown to the outside world. I've long been fascinated by Siberia and have spent many hours poring over maps, identifying population points in the far north and wondering how on earth anybody could live there. Well, Thubron visits such places and portrays the difficult conditions of life there. He spends nearly a month in a small town near the Arctic Circle. Since there are obviously no hotels there, he finds a bed in the hospital. He describes how every night the drunks knock on the doors and windows trying to get inside so to find a warm bed for the night. The local doctor is a highly educated man who could have had a successful career in any of Russia's larger cities, and it is fascinating to read his story of how he ended up in this godforsaken place. Thubron also describes how Soviet planning destroyed many of the traditions and ways of life of the native peoples of Russia's far north. The author has a fine ear for detecting racism in his discussions with ordinary Russians, whether it is directed against the ethnic minority groups whose traditions were altered under the Soviets or the Chinese who have immigrated in large numbers to Russia's Far East. Among the more interesting parts of the book is Thubron's stay in Birobidzhan, the capital of the Jewish Autonomous Oblast' in the Far East. This region was originally established to serve as a homeland for Russia's Jews, and many Jews from abroad immigrated there in the early Soviet period. Thubron describes how most of the Jews have emigrated to Israel and those still living there are planning to do so as soon as they find the means. Whatever semblance of a Jewish community that existed there in the past has pretty much evaporated. Thubron also visits a community of Orthodox Old Believers in the Republic of Buryatia and describes how they are trying to hold on to their traditions amid the social upheavals that have engulfed post-Soviet Russia. The book ends with Thubron's visit to Kolyma, the infamous prison camp during Soviet times. He provides a chilling account of the atrocities that occurred there and it is simply eerie reading his description of the buildings that still stand. Overall, Thubron does not provide a great deal of direct political analysis. Rather, his tactic is to understand how the tumultuous events of Russia's history, both recent and distant, have shaped the lives of ordinary people. Thubron is at his best when he lets these ordinary people speak for themselves and relate their experiences. This is truly a great book for anybody interested in Russia, past and present. I only wish that Thubron would write a sequel to this work!



2. We found Colin Thubron at least the equal of Newby and Theroux with the confidence to depend on his unique description skills without photographic backup. What puts this book among the top few is his commitment to the language which permitted him to hear first hand the concerns of those he met, which he reported while allowing the readers to draw their own conclusions. This is an essential reference for inclusion among the few strictly necessary aids to travel through a tortured and fragile land.



3. I thought that the depiction of Siberia was magical, and would certainly recommend this book to those that have not read it yet. For those who have, and are interested in more about this land, I would recommend Tent Life in Siberia: An Incredible Account of Siberian Adventure, Travel, and Survival.



4. What on earth drives Colin Thubron? Why, traversing a subcontinent whose name has become synonymous with suffering, would he face tedium, banality and appalling weather to seek out agonizing communities, explore Artic death camps, plumb the worldview of demoralized individuals and contemplate remote sites where dramatic events unfolded years, if not millennia, ago? Certainly there is an unrelenting fascination with the mysterious heart of Eurasia, crisscrossed at least three times by the Russian and Chinese-speaking author, but there seems to be more. The intensity of the effort to bear witness to mankind's resistance to inexorable forces sometimes seems like part of a manic attempt to hold back the passage of time itself. Whatever the motivation the result is particularly appropriate when dealing with a place where not only maps, but also human memory and history itself have already been partially "blanked out" by a truly evil empire. This splendid book not only enlightens us about a part of the world and its peoples of which most people are ignorant but makes us regard with awe the commitment of its author.



5. Colin Thubron takes you right into Siberia with him. And with him, you can experience the hardships and the love of the land that these people face. This is not a tourist book. It is a book about people, interwoven with geographic fact.

No comments about Munich, Bavaria & the Black Forest (Regional Guide).

5 comments about College Algebra (7th Edition).

1. order was not shipped the same day, so seller gave me a discount and I still received the book pretty quick. Great customer service. The book is in mint condition.



2. This book is by no means meant to be a primary text. It clearly states it is a review textbook to help prepare you for tests. This it does decently except that there are many simple mistakes that detract from its usefullness.
   By no means am I a Mathematics expert, but this book has too many glaring errors. See Chapter 4 in particular, they even answer some of their own test questions wrong. For example problem #23 or pages 71-72, the graph is totally wrong I can tell with out using a calculator.
   
   How dare someone release such a poorly checked text.



3. In his latest update of this text, Sullivan takes the reader through a high school or undergraduate level course in algebra. Though the title says "College", all of this material is also eminently do-able at the high school level, for advanced students, aspiring to major in maths or science. While at the university level, it appears to be targeting those students not majoring in maths, physical science or engineering.
   
   Why? Because the dividing line is calculus. The book gives a good treatment of what you should know in maths, up to, but not including, calculus. It also has a chapter on probability. Which I don't think is usually considered part of algebra. But, pragmatically and correctly, Sullivan chose to include it.
   
   The text has numerous examples, with only a little emphasis on a strict derivation of theorems. Another indication that it does not target a maths major. Sullivan gives informal explanations that should suffice to satisfy most readers.
   
   Each chapter also has a prolific number of problems; around one hundred. Very suitable and convenient for a lecturer [you?] to assign as homework, since the book only supplies answers to half of these. Enough to keep your students happily [?] busy.



4. I love this book. It explains the formulas and how they are made very well, in clear English. I will definitely keep it for future use. I've always loved College Algebra and this book can help me continue to learn it.
   
   Pros:
   - Explains well
   - Great examples
   - Descriptive
   - Answers in back of book
   - Whatever questions you have, it answers it
   
   Cons:
   - Very heavy
   - The material doesn't stick in my head right after reading it (but that's my problem)
   - When doing some of the problems I couldn't derive, from the examples shown, the answers
   - Offers only odd answers to problems
   - Gets dirty easily
   - There were other things I didn't like, but I forget.
   
   Overall: Great book! I love it.



5. While I will admint I am no math wiz. This has got to be wone of the mmost poorly presented treatments of a difficult I have encountered. Too bad many schools will force you to use it...
   
   In fact I would say it is a downright shame!

5 comments about The Rough Guide to Guatemala 3 (Rough Guide Travel Guides).

1. We found this guide to be outstanding. It boasts great maps, color photos, plenty of tips, and comprehensive historical and environmental coverage lacking in many competing guides. It has eco-projects and off-the-beaten-track destinations not included elsewhere. Coverage of archeological sites such as Tikal and Copan (in neighboring Honduras) are outstanding, and the Bay Islands of Honduras are included as well.



2. Purchased this title in conjunction with the Lonely Guide book and used both in the planning process for a family trip with two minor children. We brought both books in our luggage, but only this one came out during day trips in the backpack.
   
   You'll find the descriptions of specific locations spot on, I wished that both books had more detail on how Guatemala daily life functions. Much of the books need to be focused on what your likely experiences will be, I would have liked to have had more insight into the flow of life beyond the tourist zone.



3. I received the book pretty fast after I ordered it and once I opened it I immediately got excited to go!!
   It's a book with lots of good and helpfull information, not a lot of pictures but the way they describe everything makes you feel like you're there.
   I would recommend everyone on buying this book.



4. More than a 2000s book, it looks like an 80s book. I went to Guatemala city afraid, because he described a war zone. It is irresponsible to publish such information. Maybe he should really travel there instead of watching CNN.



5. I have lived in Guatemala City now for 7 months. I recently spent a couple of weeks in Antigua and found the information in the Rough Guide (2006) about restaurants, cafes and things to see to be out of date and not complete. I saw a review from another person that said the danger warnings were too strong. I am glad that person had a safe trip, but regardless, Guatemala is dangerous. The criminals won't hesitate to shot a person if they resist giving up money or valuables. Don't let that stop you from visiting, as many come here with no problems. Most of the crimes are target of opportunity so be a smart traveler. That said, I found this book to have a good layout.

3 comments about A Traveler's Guide to D-Day and the Battle for Normandy.

1. What makes this book stand out for me is the eyewitness reports, which are dotted throughout as you read this account of the D-Day landings. They bring alive the personal experiences of those who fought and help the reader appreciate the scarifices made.

   The book is a nice mix of the history of this particular military campaign, and what the traveller to Normandy can hope to see today. This means the book is a good read for either the armchair military buff or the interested tourist.

   Lots of photos and clear maps also add to this very good and highly readable book.




2. This is a great guide to take with you on a trip to Normandy. I carried it with me throughout my tours and was able to read aloud about the events that took place-standing on Omaha Beach and reading about the various divisions that struggled where I stood was of great value to myself and my husband.

   The eyewitness accounts bring it to life as well.

   If you plan on touring the D Day beaches and sites, bring this one with you!




3. Mike Tolhurst's father fought in the battle for Normandy. Perhaps that is why the narrative portion of this book reads with such emotion, not just military matter-of-factness. This book would succeed, I believe, simply as an account of this part of the war, even without the "travel guide" aspects. Eyewitness accounts and quotes from German as well as Allied soldiers bring what was happening to life.

   I had already decided to go to Normandy when I purchased this book. But it was invaluable in helping me decide which places to see, since I knew my time would be limited. Each chapter consists of a narrative of part of the battle, then an accompanying suggested tour which touches on cities and places mentioned in that chapter. I ended up not following the plans exactly, but still basing my choices of places to go on the authors' narratives.

   I found Normandy to be beautiful and welcoming, and would recommend that every American, Canadian and UK native visit these sites if you can, most especially if a relative fought in the war. If you do you'll need some guidance as to what to see and where it is, and this book will help a great deal.

No comments about Fodor's London 2009 (Fodor's Gold Guides).

5 comments about Top 10 Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Taos (Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides).

1. A Good book that highlights most of the popular attractions/restaurants.
   Also has good locator maps. Its compact size is great for traveling.



2. The thing I love most about the TOP 10 books is their size. Very easy to fit into a pocket or daypack. The info is concise and accurate. The TOP 10 ratings make it easy to plan your days; you know what you really should see and do if you're new to a place. The price is reasonable, too.
   
   I've been to Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Taos before and I can confirm that this little book has hit all the right spots!



3. This small, easy to use, guide packs easily. The index helps one find things quickly -- and the images are excellent. It was perfect for a one-week trip.



4. A good book. small and portable. gives one many ideas on what to do, see and eat in the Santa Fe and surrounding areas.



5. We used this excellent guide on three trips to Santa Fe in the past two years, and on side trips to Taos and Albuquerque. The information and illustrations are up to Eyewitness's usual high standards, and the small size makes for excellent portability. Maps are pretty small, but excellent maps are freely available in all three cities and in the major sites.
   
   We found an excellent guide that makes this book even more useful. Compass American Guides: Santa Fe, 5th Edition (Compass American Guides) by Lawrence W. Cheek updated by Andrew Collins "is not a conventional guidebook to Santa Fe. This is the work of a visiting journalist whose decades-long relationship with the city has flitted among love, fascination, amazement, aggravation, and exasperation. This is a guidebook in which no subject is out of bounds, one in which Santa Feans tell their amazing and preposterous stories about work and art and love and trying to build fences."
   
   The two books work very well together, the first portable and thorough, the second small enough for a suitcase, but adding great depth to knowledge and enjoyment of the area. Consider buying them both.
   
   Robert C. Ross 2008