5 comments about Guide to Costa Rican Spanish.

1. I was fluent in Spanish before moving to Costa Rica, but without constant conversations with ticos, it was impossible to become fluent in Costa Rican slang & phrases. So I bought the Guide to Costa Rican Spanish and in my excitement, studied the entire book and internalized as many phrases as I could. When I arrived, I was surprised at how many CR-only phrases I actually understood! Who knew that "a chile" is the same as "en serio" or that "brete" is as commonly used as "trabajo"?? I did, thanks to this great phrase book.
   
   Looking through the local stores, there are several books that claim to be Costa Rican Spanish guides. They're not. They are quick reviews & reminders of Central American/South American (instead of Spanish from Spain) dialects and will help you no more than the average guidebook. This phrase book is different.
   
   A caveat: some of the phrases are outdated an no longer used (according to my friends), so I would recommend this more as a passive language learning tool -- wait until you hear one of these phrases instead of using them first. I got quite a few laughs when I used certain of these words, and while it was all in good fun, it can be a little embarrassing!



2. Easy to use and usefully organized. Words and phrases you would really use in travel and in every day living. Loads of interesting Spanish that you will only find in Costa Rica. The book's size and sturdiness is also convenient for carrying around.



3. When I came to Costa Rica I quickly discovered the vast majority of Costa Ricans DIDN'T speak English. Since I only had a limited Spanish vocabulary, I had a lot of problems in daily situations. Then I bought this handy little book and it virtually helped me survive the first couple of years. I still refer to it now and then for important phrases.



4. I spoke Spanish before coming to Costa Rica, but found the people in San Jose spoke with more slang and pachuco. Chris Howard's book helped me to communicate better and with more credibility. When I moved to the coast, the dialect was even more different. People considered me snobby when I spoke like I did originally. His information was even applicable in the countryside. I give this book as a gift to new clients and friends visiting Costa Rica.



5. I bought this for a couple I was tutoring (Spanish lessons) because they are moving to CR. I found it helpful and even though I already speak Spanish, I had no idea how differently the Ticos do it!

5 comments about Touching the Void: The True Story of One Man's Miraculous Survival.

1. I read this book and could hardly believe what I was reading. It only took me one night to read this because I was so captured by the adventure.
   
   Great quick read about making choices and having good luck on ones side.



2. As many other reviewers have said, the subtitle of this book is true: the story is indeed miraculous. The book is a quick read, and the terror, desolation and troubling moral questions of the experience are palpable. I found myself squirming and uncomfortable at several points, and this is due mainly to Joe Simpson's talent as a writer.
   
   It must be said that it is apparent that this is Simpson's first book, and this is why I deducted half a star. There is the occasional awkward sentence, and the book ends on a pretty weak poker analogy. Still, he displays a great clarity of insight throughout that easily overcomes these small problems. His craft may be in the fledgling stage here, but Simpson clearly possesses a writer's mind; he is able to clearly articulate complex ideas and emotions in a very immediate, engaging way.
   
   I would hope people don't dismiss this as a book for climbers or outdoor adventurers. The story, as well as Simpson's writing, definitely transcends this narrow category and becomes a universal story of perseverance, moral ambiguity and courage. There is quite a bit of technical description of climbing here--which is absolutely essential to telling the story properly--but as someone who knows very little about climbing, it was not a hindrance to me at all. If you've seen even a few pictures of mountains, or caught a few minutes of climbing on the Discovery Channel, a quick read through the short glossary is all you need..you will find that things like cornices, abseiling, etc. are easy enough to visualize.
   
   By the time you finish this book, you will be astonished. Joe Simpson's torturous ordeal, as well as Simon Yates' battle with his conscience over cutting Joe free, make for a terrifying and moving story. It's worthwhile to follow the book up with the excellent movie.



3. Even though I obviously knew he would live through the experience, I found myself on the edge of my seat hoping he would make it. A good story-teller telling an incredible story.



4. What an experience. Miraculous is the correct word. Other reviewers have discribed the situation for you. I will just concure that this is a must read.
   
   Much better than Jon Krakauers - Into Thin Air because it's more intimate imo. Into Thin air is about a big expedition up Mount Everest. Touching the Void is about two men.
   
   Two men together, Simon Yates attemping to save Joe Simpsons life by slowly lowering him down the Mt. 300 ft. at a time.
   You can just feel the agonising Simon Yates went thru. I mean he stayed and hung on to Simpson for as long as was humanly possible. I really felt for him.
   
   Than it was one extremely determined soul fighting to live.
   
   Some nice pictures too.
   
   Highly recommended



5. If you liked "Into Thin Air," then you will love this book, which is just as brilliant and perhaps even more incredible. If you've been to Peru, even better. Great writing, great story, and an unforgettable tale. Again, a rare book that once begun, is almost impossible to put down. Simpson has written some others, but none as good as his first. Read it. And try his "This Game of Ghosts" if you want more.

5 comments about The Laws Field Guide to the Sierra Nevada (California Academy of Sciences) (California Academy of Sciences) (California Academy of Sciences).

1. This field guide is perfect for the hiker and camper or general nature lover who lives near the Sierra Mountain range in central California or who intends to vist that region. The authur has drawn almost all of the animal, flowers,insect and bird life to be found in the Western and eastern Sierra mountain range in beautful color by hand. To identify the various life forms you simply look under the various topies and you no doubt will ID that strange bug or plant. You can trust the author and his work is among the best selling of the genre. This is one of the most readable guides to life in the Sierra's and the artwork is first rate. This little guide is perfect for the rucksack crowd in terms of size and weight. This guide has limited written commitary as the artwork is the key to this field guide. This is a well-designed book, making for effortless page-turning and the writer/artist really get into the detail of the creatures shown. You will enjoy your quick hike much more and will have a dramatic change of atmosphere as you reference the life surrounding you in these mountains of great beauty. I recommend this guide highly.



2. This book is amazing. With all the different species of life.
   I'm going to keep it in my car. Some times when we're driving; my husband will say "what kind of bird was that" or "what kind of flower".
   It's very imformative and very handy.
   Thank you



3. This book is stunning!..Beautiful artwork by the author as well as meaningful interpretations of wild life. The author is a gift to natural books as well as his art!



4. John Muir Law's Guide to hiking in the Sierra Nevada is lush with his artistic renditions of all you might see, and want to identify, as you hike this area. Small enough to carry in your back pack, but chock full of helpful information.



5. I have at least 10 books specifically on Sierra wildflowers and several field guides. This is the best all-in-one book. It's not too heavy for me to carry on a day hike.
   
   Janice
   in the Sierra

5 comments about A Sand County Almanac.

1. "Thus always does history, whether of marsh or market place, end in paradox. The ultimate value in these marshes is wildness, and the crane is wildness incarnate. But all conservation of wildness is self-defeating, for to cherish we must see and fondle, and when enough have seen and fondled, there is no wilderness left to cherish." (from "Marshland Elegy")
   
   "It must be poor life that achieves freedom from fear." This, from reflections on being caught on horseback during a lightning storm, is a comment on the "civilized" mindset that wanted all to be safe, and so feared and destroyed wildness.
   
   These essays were written mostly in the 1940's, although some of them are about earlier times in the author's life. In a way, reading Aldo Leopold is like watching Humphrey Bogart in those old movies, with his smoking and tough-guy sexism. We understand these as disreputable today, but can put them in context. Likewise, Aldo Leopold was in many ways a typical countryman of his time and place. He loved to hunt and fish, and even reflexively shot wolves, like everyone else. He came to regret that, and in fact to realize that in the new era, where hunting and fishing have become mass recreations, that the old ways just don't work anymore. But they did in his day, and he does not retrospectively apologize for having been, in a sense, just another predator.
   
   But he was also a college professor, and an expert naturalist and ecologist. In this book he is a poetic writer about nature and a loving reporter of all things wild. No matter where I lived I would love this book, but having lived not too far from his sand counties and walked his restored prairies makes it the sweeter.



2. I keep this book on my nightstand and read an essay or two after my pj's are on and before going to bed. My bookmark is a pencil for making notes in the margin when particularly wonderful passages are encountered. The margins are very full.
   
   Aldo opens our eyes to worlds in our own backyards which have always existed but which have remained undiscovered due to our own dull-sightedness. I considered myself an avid nature-watcher, but the extent to which Mr. Leopold carries this hobby is humbling. He inspires any true fan to learn the names and habits of every tree, shrub, weed, thistle, bird, insect, and critter native to one's home county, and to hone one's journaling skills and master the talent of imagery and metaphor.
   
   But, this book is not for everyone. I've read favorite passages to friends only to watch their eyes glaze with disinterest. If you're the outgoing, life-of-the-party, must-always-be the-center-of-attention type, then perhaps The DaVinci Code would be of interest. But if you enjoy solitary walks in the woods, canoe paddles on distant foggy lakes, or reading prose with your pj's on, then this is required reading.



3. Life got you down? Live in a big city? Take a refreshing break and escape to the Wisconsin countryside in this beautifully written little book about the land and the plants and animals that live and grow there. Aldo Leopold's writing is more compelling than John Muir's,and more knowledgeable than Thoreau's. In a series of short sketches you follow the cycle of the land from January to December. Along the way you learn about history, meet amazing plants and animals, and experience the drama of both the destruction and the rebirth of our land.



4. I knew I would enjoy this book right from the start, when I found the following passages in the Foreward: "There are some who can live without wild things, and some who cannot..." and "For us of the minority, the opportunity to see geese is more important than television..."
   
   If you can relate to those statements, you will love this book. Guaranteed. Aldo Leopold was a conservationist, but he was so much more. He was a visionary. Read those statements again, and when you realize that he wrote them back in 1948, you might be amazed. But as you read the book, you will come to understand how special he was. Facts or knowledge that we take for granted today (e.g., predators play an important role in a healthy ecosystem), Leopold was talking about them over 50 years ago. Time and again I found myself checking the copyright because I could not believe someone was actually thinking this way so long ago.
   
   However, it's not just the ideas of Leopold that made him special. The way he wrote was special, too. His talent drew you in, even though he was writing about something that, by the sound of it, might be kind of dry. For example, in a section called "Good Oak," he connects the passage of years to the rings of a fallen tree that he is cutting for firewood. Starting with the 1940s he relates one environmental tidbit after another for decades or years: "Now our saw bites into the 1890s...when the last passenger pigeon collided with a charge of shot near Babcock." By the time Leopold is done cutting the fallen tree, the reader has received a fascinating and sobering account of what had transpired to the environment in the area of this oak tree for the previous 80 years. The way he used the backdrop of cutting the tree rings as "markers" of environmental mishaps was masterful. It is Leopold at his best, but fortunately, the book is full of writing like this.
   
   It is divided into three sections. The first one follows a calendar year on his farm in Wisconsin, with Leopold relating little vignettes about chickadees, skunks, flowers, or whatever else he comes across. It is probably the most charming part of the book. Part two ("Sketches Here and There") contains short remembrances of Leopold's travels to different parts of North America. Unfortunately, the story usually has a "bad" ending - at least, for the environment or for a species (like the now-extinct passenger pigeon). But Leopold had a reason for that. He moves to part three, "The Upshot," where he spells out his ideas for saving the land and the wild things that live there. It is too much to discuss here, but Leopold again hits the mark. His goal was to try and change how Americans think about the use (and abuse) of our environment. Pehaps his biggest lament then, and mine now, is that not enough people care about what we are doing to the land.
   
   That's why this book was published. The hope of this book was to change the hearts of the average American. It still is. Over fifty years later, it's still in print, and it's still relevant.
   
   Five stars. Absolutely the best nature/environment book I've ever read.



5. A classic. As we rush into brave new environmental worlds where angels fear to tread, and as our kids grow up plugged in rather than playing in the dirt, this should be required reading in all schools (and required for the parents, too). Besides presenting a compelling and important argument, it's also a very good book.

5 comments about India - Culture Smart!: a quick guide to customs and etiquette (Culture Smart!).

1. I bought this guide because I think it is important to know something about a country's customs and etiquette practices before traveling there so one can be respectful of the country and its people. This book summarizes the customs and etiquette practices in an easy to use format and is also small enough to fit in your suitcase or to carry with you on your person.



2. I find this book very informative and a quick reference for Indian customs. Although, you cannot touch on every aspect of a culture in a small handbook, the author has taken great pains to explain ways and means. The only caveat to avoid faux paus is to actually memorize the customs before you visit.



3. I agree with the other reviewers, but I wanted to let readers know that much of this book is repeated, verbatim, in __Customs & Etiquette Of India (Simple Guides Customs & Etiquette)__ by Venika Kingsland. (Not sure who plagiarized whom...) Culturesmart India is worth the extra few dollars.



4. This book is a fantastic reference to anyone who is doing business with India either as a buyer or a provider. It gives comprehensive information about the country and its culture and should be an always-in-hand guide.



5. the book is great but the service from this source was extremely slow almost two weeks to get a book.

5 comments about Acadia: The Complete Guide: Mt. Desert Island & Acadia National Park.

1. I highly recommend this guide book. The author takes you on a very personal look at this incredible state park in Maine. The photography is amazing, as well.



2. I have many travel guides to beautiful places around the United States, but this book is the best I have seen. The photos are stunning, and there is just the right amount of information for a first time traveler to the area. I am really happy that I chose this as my guide to Acadia.



3. Only used the Bar Harbor and Acadia stuff, but overall it's a great guide to Mt. Desert Island. Hike the Beehive!



4. Terrific book! We visited Acadia for the first time this year. The author's descriptions are excellent, but most important his recommendations (on restaurants, things to do, which hikes to make, etc) are excellent. He gives clues on where to go for those seeking to avoid the crowds, and he also describes the 'must-do' tourist things on Acadia. Of the various guides we brought with us on our Maine trip, this was hands down the most useful.



5. I really enjoyed this travel book. We're heading to Acadia National Park this summer and I feel like I'm well equipped to make good use of our time. I particularly liked James' style ... young, smart, no BS. I'm taking him up on some of his off-the-beaten-path recommendations. I feel like I've gotten the inside scoop from a local down at the corner diner. Keep up the good work Jim. I'll look for your book when we get around to heading out west.

5 comments about Anastasia (The Ringing Cedars Series, Book 1).

1. I have read many spiritual and different types of books in the past, everything from the pillars of Buddhism & books on Atlantis, to Sungazing & Quantum Physics, and none of them could really compare to the feeling of peace and love that I have felt from reading the Ringing Cedars series. It expounds on truths that have been present since the beginning of time, in a simple and easy to understand format. Its words truly paint a picture of paradise in my mind and have changed me forever.
   
   Many people comment on the author, on his tone and writing style. Vladimir is Vladimir, and you will learn to love him. He is very rough in the first few books, but that is really not the point of why I read the books. I wasn't reading them to marvel at his personality, or his artistic writing style, or lack of, I was reading the series to learn how to reconnect, learn how to laugh and love, and understand what has been hidden for so long. In doing so I have come to appreciate Vladimir so much.
   
   Some people have commented on reading the book and saying that it doesn't provide anything new, as far as spiritual insight. I beg to differ. Many people go through spiritual books faster then they change their socks, just so they can chalk it up as another one read, and then it goes on their bookshelf. My question is, how many live it? If this isn't new information, then let me challenge you and ask how many readers have already purchased land and started to create their Space of Love all around them. How many have planted their family tree. How many are moving away from the technocratic world and started to project their own beam of light, searching near and far to help heal others. I would dare say that the number is pretty low, at least in the US. Is there something to learn from this series, YES! I say it will change your life if you let it. I disagree with a comment that was made that you have to have some sort of previous spiritual knowledge to understand this book. Granted, some things might take a stretch of the imagination if you have never heard them before, but overall the words and ideas portrayed are very simple and are meant to pierce the heart. They are all based on love, which we can all understand if we choose. I mean kids in Russia 12 - 17 years old are building schools and teaching each other by themselves... how can you put an age restriction or previous experience needed restriction on that. I believe that the information presented in these books is what the world needs right now.
   
   Many also have commented on whether Anastasia is real or not. She even comments and says "She exists for those whom she exists." As for me, I know she is real, because for me she is. Her dream has now become my dream, and I will direct my thoughts and actions to bringing that to come to pass, not just in Russia, but also in the US.
   
   May peace and love be with you, and ENJOY!



2. This could be a world changing book. O.K. maybe it will not change the world that much, but it does change ones perception of the world. I especially liked the part about how women, attract men with their bodies and then later wish they had a man that is there be cause he is attracted to their inner beauty.



3. Anastasia is a reminder of the home the soul yearns for and is possible, if but remembering that the chaos of the world is manmade and we have a choice in every thought, word, and deed.



4. This book is pure myth and absolutely does not offer anything new no matter what anyone argues. I read nothing new in this book. It is also very poorly written. It is understandable that Russians were starving for anything spiritual after Communism was finished with them and this was something spiritual and Russian which explains the success it had there. Outside of Russia, it is hard to explain the popularity of the book except to remember that people are sheep, easily led and swayed. I gave up Christianity which has more depth than this so why would this move me? It amazes me what people will fall for. Yes, I know, I know, I know...it is a matter of faith and this book will take alot of that.



5. I received the book a few days ago and am half-way through it. First, let me say it's a "nice little story," but seems way too far-fetched for any credibility. The "hero," a Russian "entrepreneur" happens upon a beautiful young woman standing on the riverbank, that's Anastasia, who takes him back into the woods for three days. Now, she doesn't have a house or even hut, just a little cave in a grove of trees and flowers, in which to live (we're talking Siberia here!)
   
   She wears the sheerest of clothing and when he tries to make a pass at her, she pushes him away using her psychic powers. Yet, when he confides in her that he wishes he had a son, she sleeps with him, giving him the "deepest sexual experience in his life," later telling him that since he's now had the best experience any man can know, he'll never again enjoy sex in a "lesser" way. He gets really angry at her for taking away one of his greatest pleasures, sex, which he seems to have frequently (and not with his wife). So, at this point, I guess she's pregnant with his son.
   
   Well, from here, it's just chapter after chapter of Anastasia telling him how to eat, sleep, grow plants, becoming attuned to the stars, the soil, etc. It's all very lovely and very ecological. Heck, we're talking "Clan of the Cave Bear" meets "Star Wars," with a little bit of the Old Testament thrown in for good measure. Naturally, being a Russian book, most of the "scientific" references to back up Anastasia's claims are from obscure (from a Western perspective) Soviet era scientists.
   
   OK, but before you go and buy all eight of the books in this series, first give this one a try, and see what you think. It's worth it if only as a meditation on living in harmony with creation and how much less we could all get by on. While not a Christian book, it could make for a good Lenten read.
   
   Peace!

3 comments about Life in the Valley of Death: The Fight to Save Tigers in a Land of Guns, Gold, and Greed.

1. While there has been a lot of criticism of Alan Rabinowitz's efforts in Myanmar, this book should put them to rest. Rabinowitz makes clear his desire to incorporate local stakeholders in the Hukawng Tiger Reserve and give them a surprisingly open voice in an otherwise closed society. Moreover, he makes a good argument that the reserve will bring aid and funds directly to villagers in northern Burma that otherwise might have been neglected.
   
   Some of the highlights in the book include Rabinowitz's meetings with high level Burmese officials, including former prime minister Khin Nyunt, and senior leaders of the KIO. I appreciate the fact that he wrote so openly of his relations with these officials, especially as some of them (particularly Khin Nyunt) are no longer in power and whose association could brand WCS with a stigma within Burma. Of course, the central story of the book, setting up the reserve, is full of adventure.
   
   I am also impressed by how intimately Rabinowitz shares his emotions and thoughts with the reader (and not always in a light that makes him look good). While I can't claim to know him well, he seems honest and straightforward in his account (a relief after reading so many political autobiographies).
   
   In short, this is a great book if you want to go beyond the very important headlines about Burma and see what it's really like to travel, work, and do conservation in this challenging but fascinating country (for those looking for books on Burma's politics, I highly recommend the books by David Steinberg and Thant Myint-U).



2. I came to the "Valley of Death" after having read Rabinowitz's prior account of working in Burma. I'd also read and enjoyed his book about Thailand. I have fairly deep ties to SE Asia, esp. Thailand. I had the experience of seeing Daw Aung San Suu Kyi give one of her last public talks and was deeply touched by my travel in Burma during the 90s.
   
   Rabinowitz's book works well on a number of different levels. He describes the process of doing field research in a way that communicates the technical issues, the human relations issues, and the political considerations, and does it in a way that is matter of fact and accessible, while making the details interesting and vital. Rabinowitz's main concern is the protection of wildlife and their habitat, but he never loses sight of the people who have to share the environment with the tigers and other animals that he wishes to protect. He has a truly broad understanding of ecology, development, and conservation that is often missing when policies for environmental issues are discussed.
   
   Rabinowitz brings his personal life into the story, and describes his experience as a person with leukemia and as a man who is never far from the the things that brought him to nature and complicated his early life. He relates all this without evoking self-pity or letting his own story get in the way of protecting the tigers of northern Burma. Rabinowitz provides a useful overview of Burmese politics and provides a rather candid-sounding account of his dealings with a secretive totalitarian government. Some people will be put off by his willingness to deal with the Burmese regime, but he lays out his case as well as anyone could and I admire his ability to make things happen under the circumstances.
   
   The book should appeal to people who are interested in SE Asia (and Burma in particular), as well as those who are willing to engage environmental issues in a very practical way. Rabinowitz also writes well about science, without sounding like a scientist and people seeking careers in field work, even if it has nothing to do with tigers, can learn a lot from reading about his experience. The book ends with a note of optimism, but also plenty of realism. My hope is that we get to hear more from Rabinowitz and that we see get to see him make more strides for the tigers and their human neighbors in northern Burma.



3. Rabinowitz, Rabinowitz, shining bright! This book must be read---a marvelous story well-told and an ongoing lesson for us all.
   Thank you, sir!
   Fascinating and relevant and eloquent.

5 comments about The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland 2008 (Unofficial Guides).

1. I am veteran of Disneyland, having been there many, many times throughout the years. I purchased this guide primarily because it gives a lot of guidance on Hotels in the area and that is something I'm always looking to improve. What I didn't expect and was incredibly pleased to find is great guidance for inside the park's, something I didn't think I needed since I've been so many times. I found it to be incredibly useful, especially the advice about seeing the Finding Nemo ride (Something I'm glad I didn't wait in line to see - it was worth a five minute wait...not any more than that.) and other park tour guides. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book for first time visitors, and would even recommend it for veteran's of the park such as myself. Buy this book - you won't regret it.



2. This is a great, well-written and organized reference for planning a trip to Disneyland. While I'd been to the park several times, I'd never planned a trip for others until last March. The Unofficial guide was extremely helpful and the trip went beautifully. So many people go to the park and are clearly having a challenging time; this book will really help alleviate the stress. It has many tips and tricks to avoid the major pitfalls and enjoy your vacation as much as possible. Bob helped me make the transition from someone who thought the park was a drag to enjoying it immensely - even during the height of summer. Very highly recommended!



3. Two years ago I bought the Unofficial Guide to Disney World. What a terrific resource! I had high hopes for the Disneyland edition, but have been somewhat disappointed. It does have a lot of useful information, but the Disney World guide was much more insightful. The Disney World Guide gave a lot of strategies regarding the parades etc. In general I am pleased and I like their format, I just wish it had as much info. as the Disney World Guide.



4. I have used this book in planning my Disneyland trip. I love all the information that is given and how easy it is to find what your looking for. It tells you all about the Hotels Disneyland and Good neighbor Hotels and if they are a great value, what amenities you get, how far it is from the park, and if the people working there are friendly. It also tells you about the restaurants, fast food, fine dining and more at Disneyland at Disney California Adventure and Downtown and they tell you about the quality of food value such as if it is $5.00 if it is really worth it, and what time you should go. I thought this book was such great help, this is not my first trip to Disneyland but it helped me more then I ever thought. I now know where I am going to eat stay and so on because of the help this book gave me. I think that anyone should get this book if they are going to Disneyland. I don't have kids but this book had lots of information on what rides are great, a plan of attack for kids walking and so one and more, if you have kids then you really need this book. Buy it you wont be disappointed.



5. We took 4 teenagers between the ages of 12 and 21; a 72 year old and I am 51; the advice was spot-on; our only disappointment was no fireworks because the weather was too windy; otherwise, we did both parks in a three day driving turnaround from Phoenix during a quick fly-in Spring Break for the teenagers! A great time was had by all. Grandma DID get to celebrate her birthday in STYLE! Thank GOD for the motorized wheelchairs! They were a real lifesaver! -and worth every penny!

5 comments about A Vineyard in Tuscany: A Wine Lover's Dream.

1. Mr. Mate's charming and funny story of realizing his dream to own a vineyard in Tuscany is not to be missed, and is even better than his earlier book, The Hills of Tuscany. Mr. Mate's humor, warmth and friendliness come shining through in his wonderful tales of his Italian friends and neighbors, the Italian way of life, and his exploits renovating an ancient friary and developing an award-winning winery in the beautiful town of Montalcino.



2. Out of all the book I have read on Italy, A Vineyard in Tuscany is the funniest and at the same time the most informing book about life in this southern part of Tuscany. Ma`te` has a great ways with words and offers a rare glimpse into secret world of Italian Culture. Other reviewers have summarized the book; I will not do that now. Instead I will speak of how the book affected me. Just the mere thought of the word "Bulls eye" puts a broad smile on my face. When I first read the passage where it's located, I laughed so loudly my wife rushed into the room to see if I were ok. Ma'te' lets us see the dry subtle humor of the people in this area. Although it does a great job of showing the warmth and passion of Tuscans when it comes to food, wine and business, the region itself is the star of book.
   On our first trip to Italy 5 years ago, my wife and I did the usual Milan, Venice, Rome triangle with one day in Tuscany kind of trip. By luck we had chosen the Banfi Castle to dine in and stayed in the near-by hill town of Montalcino for just one night. My wife and I concluded that this 24 hour period was the best of the entire trip. Every year since then we have returned to the tiny village of San Angelo Scolo for days of relaxation, great hospitality, food, wine and the beautiful land of Tuscany. Little did we know that Ma`te` had restored his estate, planted a vineyard and discovered ancient cities and springs just minutes away. Tuscany is that kind of place where adventure and surprises lurk around every turn. Reading his book brought back fantastic experiences of our trips there. We will be back to San Angelo Scolo in 37 days, after reading this book I wish I were there now. I highly recommend it to people who are dreaming of a trip to Tuscany or experienced travelers.



3. Ferenc Mate's second book on Italy (buy the first one "Hills of Tuscany" also, they are distinctly a matched set to be enjoyed one after the other) is, if possible, even better than the first one. He had a wonderful understanding of Italian culture and is able to convey that to his reader. If you have ever visited Italy, or are planning to, then his books are a must read. One of the things I really like about Mr. Mate's writing is it is appealing to both men and women. I love being able to discuss a book with my husband. In fact with this one, it is the first time I have heard my husband laugh out loud while reading. At first I thought he was choking and when I ran into the room he said "honey, it's the part where he is driving the tractor". Michael and I spend two weeks in Tuscany every May and truly, in this book, the essence of the Montalcino area is captured and wrapped up like a Christmas present for the reader.



4. A Vinyard in Tuscany by Ferenc Mate is the second in a series on life in Tuscany. In a genre loosely known as expats move to Tuscany, Mate is truly in a class by himself. If Frances Mayes is the standard ,then Ferenc Mate far excells her in poetry , lyrical description , humor and sensitivity. If after reading this book, you don't want his life then you better check your pulse. A love song to Tuscany and the art of wine, makes Frances Mayes akin to watching paint dry. Read The Hills of Tuscany as well which he wrote about first moving there 20 years ago.



5. Based on the other reviews, I had high hopes for this book; I expected a more thorough story of his experience starting his own vineyard, people he had interacted with and the "terrior" of his vineyard embedded with light-hearted anecdotes. Instead, I found the details lacking. Little time is spent on the characters who appeared in the book, the restoration of the estate, planting and cultivating of the vineyard, wine-making decisions, and his (and his family's) tie to the place. The fact that this book is written in many short chapters averaging less than 10 pages each should have been the first sign. I do not doubt that Mr. Mate will be an interesting guy to have a drink with, and I am sure that he has many interesting stories to tell. But after reading this book, I get a feeling that this is a tale of a wealthy individual (despite his repetitive mentioning of being/getting poor as a result of this endeavor) who spent his way to have people make great wines from a land he has purchased. While this statement may not do him justice, and perhaps that is what this book is meant to be, but more on the people, more on the place, more on his (or the wine maker/consultant's) philosophy of how to cultivate the land and make a great wine will greatly improve the book.