5 comments about Canoeing with the Cree.

1. Walter Port and (Arnold) Eric Sevareid took an amazing trip that they started by skipping some of their high school finals so they could get the boat they could afford. Though the project appeared to have been Port's pet, it was Sevareid who came up with the way to fund it: writing about it for the Minneapolis Star. It was clear that once the project began both of them were truly enthralled by it and could not be put off. The tale is told simply, but with a clear affection for all of the people who helped them try to reach their goal, even though few of the people who helped were confident that these young men could make it or were even very encouraging.
   
   The book is written from the journals that were kept along the trip. It is clear that this is a book of its times written by a man who was still quite young. While I would strongly encourage any teens to read this book to realize that they too can give themselves a goal that is worthwhile if only for being difficult, I would also encourage their parents to be ready to answer some questions about the wisdom and risks of such adventures and about some of the attitudes of the past. There is a casual acceptance of the bigotry against Native Americans that was common at the time and Sevareid was not yet the mature thoughtful man that we may remember from the CBS Evening News.
   
   Still, the fact that a reasonably literate student was able to take, and appreciate, such a grand adventure while trying his best to bring it alive for us was a remarkable feat. Twain, at his best, gave us better feel for river adventure, but he had the advantage that he could embroider the story whenever necessary, while Sevareid was already writing and thinking as a journalist. This is a quick read that almost anyone, from a child in middle school to an adult whose days of imagined adventure are long past, can enjoy.



2. There's really only two things worth doing in Minnesota: One, canoeing the Boundary Waters/Quetico during Spring, Summer, and Fall; Two, THINKING about canoeing the Boundary Waters/Quetico during Winter. For the latter, this book is the gateway to paradise. Sevareid and Port have the true spirit of adventurers, the love-bug for the North Woods and her bevy of streams, rivers, and lakes, and Sevareid effectively tells his now-classic tale of how he and his friend drank deeply of all her treasures--complete with the axiomatic mistakes, mishaps, surfiet of discomfitures, and, alas, irresistible beauty that she provides to all who avail themselves of her wonders. Like St. Augustine, let us "Take up and read."



3. Enough youthful daring and preparation on a wonderful journey which showed the better nature of people for the exploits of two tough and bright young men. A wonderful journey, with some historical photo's that help illustrate the accomplishment. A wonderful quick read.



4. 2250 miles in a canoe - a great adventure and a book worth reading. I can't add much that isn't already perfectly described in this book.
   
   At the start of the trip during a brief stay in Fargo, North Dakota, a friend and doctor named Frederick Gronvold sets the boys on their journey in a proper frame of mind. "Don't let anyone, no matter who he is, convince you that your trip can't be completed. You have youth and strength, and courage too, I hope, and with a little common sense you can do it."
   
   When the journey finally ends and the boys share their tale with the adults at York Factory, they are asked why? Bud responds simply, "Oh, for pleasure, I guess." A journey simply for the sake of the adventure. It is an idea lost on some of the adults listening to the boys. "Pleasure! What a jolly funny kind of pleasure!" Better yet, maybe the idea isn't lost. Colonel Reid continues, "Oh well, that's youth. Things look different when you're young, I suppose. My word, I almost believe I envy you."
   
   Enjoy the beginning and the end; enjoy the pineapples and everything in between. Enjoy the journey simply for the journey; it's an adventure that is perfect for any reader of any age!



5. "Eric Sevareid made his name as a CBS news correspondent. But at a young age, Sevareid experienced an adventure most only dream of. Sevareid detailed the journey in his book "Canoeing with the Cree". Now to mark the 75th anniversary of Sevareid's journey, two Minnesota men plan to make the same trip." Tim Post
   
   In 1930 two young men paddled their way from Minneapolis to Hudson Bay in Canada. A trip of 2200 miles. Everyone told them it could not be done. Eric Sevareid, then a 17 year old, fresh graduate of high school, and his best buddy, Walter Port, planned the entire trip. They garnered financial support, collected supplies and a canoe and paddles and off they went. Five months later after trials and tribulations, they made it to Hudson Bay. Their journey is documented by Eric Sevareid, who gathered the weekly diaries he sent to their local Minneapolis paper, and in 1935, he wrote this book.
   
   I stepped back in time to the 1930's when life seemed to be more innocent and the world a safer place to be. Sevareid who went on to become one of the most revered journalists of our time, wrote in an unpretentious manner, and we can feel the excitement of their adventures. They traversed unknown land and water. No one, it seems, had ever accomplished this trek. Even the best canoeists in the country failed. How then, did these two young lads accomplish this journey? Intelligence and good luck, I'd say. They questioned everyone they met, took upon themselves to digest all of the information and made decisions based on their best judgement. And, most of the time they were correct. They had no radio, no maps( this was uncharted country), little preserved food except for hardtack, but they had their ingenuity and the assistance of all of the people they met.
   
   The North Country was mostly woods. Camps, small towns and two larger towns had been established for hunting and trapping. Most of the humans they met were Indians who were kind and generous. As a matter of fact, most of the people they met were in awe of their journey and shared whatever food, equipment and conversation they were capable. The trip was amazing when we look at the obstacles they faced. Water, roaring cold water, sometimes rapids, sometimes falls, no maps, only the word of mouth of strangers, and cold brutal weather at times. Or hot humid weather with flies and gnats. They discovered all sorts of wild animals but were never in real danger. They had their tent, two paddles, food, water, ponchos and several blankets. This seems like a story of new adventurers discovering a new world, and in fact this is what they were. Two 17 year old lads set out on an adventure and one day after another they found one. Extraordinary when you think about it.
   
   Since the time of Eric and Walter, several other duos have made the trip by canoe. However, they had maps, food that could be kept for months and the best of camping equipment. This is not to lessen these young men's courage, but to think 78 years ago, this was accomplished with such primitive arrangments and care.
   
   This was an exciting read and one page after another flew by. The book was difficult to put down. Easy, simplistic writing. but some of the most important writing I have found. The boys parents and friends did not hear from them often and at times, I am sure the parents were worried. But the two lads persevered and the trip was taken.
   
   Highly Recommended. prisrob 06-26-08
   
   Not So Wild a Dream
   
   The Eleanor Roosevelt Story

5 comments about Southeast Asia: On a Shoestring.

1. Used this book to travel in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and Bali (though I finally ended up buying another book for Bali as Indonesia itself is huge). Don't know if there is a better book that covers so many countries this well. Other people on tour had the Rough guide to SE Asia book and we found this one to be more useful because it had better maps and more information.
   
   Obviously a bit tailored towards backpackers but you can easily find more upscale places (hotels, restaurants etc) in the "splurge" section.
   
   Wouldn't dare to say that it covers everything but certainly a must-have for people traveling in the area



2. Love to travel and a couple of friends were traveling and decided to give them this gift. Very good companion for traveling.



3. Very good book, I was only interested in Thailand & Malasia but it gave lots of information. It did not give a lot on budget accomadation in some places.



4. This is a great book. Its helping me a lot on planing my trip to southeast asia.



5. LONELY PLANET IS THE IDEAL RESOURCE FOR PEOPLE LIKE US...BARGAIN-HEADING BACKPACKERS!THIS ONE WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING DURING OUR DAYS IN THA SE ASIA!RECOMENDED!!!

No comments about Fodor's Northern California 2008: with Napa, Sonoma, Yosemite, and Lake Tahoe (Fodor's Gold Guides).

5 comments about New Zealand (EYEWITNESS TRAVEL GUIDE).

1. NEW ZEALAND achieves the same for that country, packing all into a pocket-sized tote which is just easy enough to take along, yet compromises nothing in the amount of detail offered. From driving and walking tours to cultural insights, these books can't be beat and are top choices for destination-oriented travelers wanting visual excitement paired with practical facts.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



2. On an August trip to see family in NZ's Northland, I brought this along and was glad I did. The trouble with visiting Kiwi relatives (and with the Kiwi husband) is that they don't always think of the "attraction" things that are between two points, and this helped break up some of the driving with good side trips and information.
   
   Light enough to carry along, detailed enough, good pictures and format. I liked it a lot and will take it down on the next trip!



3. I love the Eyewitness Travel Guide series but they generally suffer from certain limitations and the New Zealand guide is no exception. It starts off with the standard historical chapter before getting to an area-by-area description and summary of both islands that form the country. This is where the book shines because it offers color photos on every page that are invaluable in helping you decide which sights are must-see and which ones you can skip if you are short on time. As you would expect, every region is covered, from Auckland in the north down to Stewart Island in the far south. All of the major attractions are covered although perhaps not as comprehensively as you might like.
   
   Next, come the sections on hotels, shopping, restaurants, and other practical needs. These sections are not as comprehensive as you'll see in some other guides such as Frommer's New Zealand (Frommer's Complete). And this really is what it comes down to. The Eyewitness guides are not as detailed as most of the other guide books. They are, however, the only series to offer hundreds of color photos to help you visualise your trip and this is an invaluable planning tool. I highly recommend that you buy this guide as well as one of the more detailed books and use them both to plan your trip. That's the only way to get everything you need to plan a great vacation.



4. This DK travel guide to New Zealand is quite good at describing that island nation in a general sense, and offering lots of beautiful color illustrations and photographs of neat places to go. But it's not so great as an actual travel guide. First of all, it's a bit heavy to carry around. Second, it is broad, rather than jam-packed with helpful details. Third, it offers up mostly white-bread, been-there-done-that activities and sites.
   
   I suggest that you consult this DK guide **before** you head to New Zealand, in order to get familiar with the country and to pick the mainstream places and monuments you want to see. Then leave it at home, and bring a more dense, helpful guide along with you (such as "The Rough Guide to New Zealand").
   
   The DK guide to New Zealand will make a handsome souvenir reference once you return home.



5. Eyewithess Travel Guides give the best overall overview of any travel book or other travel product - good organization; great pictures, maps and other graphics; interesting & concise text and descriptions about history, national foods and beverages, etc.; good suggestions for lodging and eating. They are excellet resource and reference books, but they are concise enough to give a relatively complete overview but short enough to quickly convey information, especially if you do not have a lot of free time.
   
   I believe that carefully reading about a desination is important for planning any trip. The Eyewithess Travel Guides are the best way to obtain that overview and prioritize where you want to go. The New Zealand guide is enormous help to us with our planning.

5 comments about Travels with Baby: The Ultimate Guide for Planning Trips with Babies, Toddlers, and Preschool-Age Children.

1. This book has some great suggestions for different types of travel (overseas, on a cruise ship, camping, etc) with recommendations for the type of travel that is best for different ages.
   
   I found several products recommendations very helpful, and saved myself from disaster by reading about the documentation my baby will need when we go to Peru without my husband. Other gems were about airline fares for babies and how they vary by carrier.
   
   She doesn't mention the Ergo baby carrier, which I would vote as the best because of its front, back or side options. The number of suggestions that I do pass along to friends that are taken from this book speak to its strengths.



2. I am about to travel to Europe for 2 weeks (cruise for part of the time) with my 7 month old and I found this book to be very useful. It had ideas that I would not have considered and I am now much less stressed about the trip. It seems very realistic about what to expect and what to pack and she also does not ignore the fact that no matter how prepared you are going to be, things will still not go as planned and you must be flexible. She gives great tips for these types of situations. Would recommend to anyone about to travel with baby and/or toddlers. Very easy read and easy to reference when necessary.



3. Ok I know the title of the book is Travels with Baby, but it also says toddlers, and children. And truly did not tell me anything I didn't already know. Now if you are a first time mom, who has never traveled with a baby up to age 2, then sure its probably very helpful, especially if you have never had any advice from anyone else. Though it was how ever informational on, how to obtain passports, now that we (the) parents are no longer together, what you need to do. It also had lists of contact info on where to rent baby/ child items, like strollers, carseats, for traveling where you dont want to bring all that stuff, which can be rather helpful, so I give it 3 stars, for being semi-helpful!



4. If you have kids, and like to travel... you need this book. There were so many ideas there that I would have never thought of. It has made our lives easier when traveling and I've learned some really helpful things. It's hard to travel with small kids, especially if you're a new parent and just have no idea what to expect. So for me this has really been a great find!



5. I'm flying to Europe alone with my 18 mo old daughter next month and I found this book to be a great help in preparing for the trip. It contains a lot of useful information, tips, and things I would've completely overlooked had I not read this book.

1 comments about America Eats!: On the Road with the WPA - the Fish Fries, Box Supper Socials, and Chitlin Feasts That Define Real American Food.

1. What a way to spend the summer! all of the good food, the bad and great philosophy of american food!

5 comments about China (EYEWITNESS TRAVEL GUIDE).

1. The eyewitness travel series is the book of choice for any travel. And the China version doesn't miss.
   
   I traveled to China for vacation 2.5 years ago when I didn't have the Eyewitness guide. I got a good sense of my travels a the time by reading multiple books and asking my guide many questions.
   
   However in my trip this year...I had the Eyewitness guide. It not only strengthened my understanding of the many places, events, and culture which I experienced 2.5 years ago...it prepared me to open my eyes to a whole new world when I traveled in 2007.
   
   What sets DK apart is that it gives you not only practical information...But provide maps/pictures/illustrations which other's cannot present. And this is all that much important for the Western traveler where China is still in the process of fine tuning tourism and how sights are communicated to visitors.
   
   I recommend Eyewitness guides not only for any vacation...but especially for travels to China.



2. DK has again produced a fantastic guide - this time for all of China. While it is not definitive, and in know way can be, it covers an amazinginly large portion of the country, in good detail, and with DK's signature photographs. I saw many pictures in here of places in China I'd never seen before, and made me want to explore more of the country. I hope they publish a new edition soon though, before the 2008 Beijing Olympics.



3. This was my first Eyewitness Travel Guide, and I must say that it's really quite good. Photos, photos, and more photos, and lots of great feature pages (language and script, landscape and wildlife - by region, and so on). Also, superb diagrams permeate the pages, like the one of Shanghai's Bund. You no longer have to match number 23 to the 23 in a list of microscopic place names on another page, nor will you realize later that what you thought was (for example) the Palace Hotel was really, say, the Chartered Bank of India. Also, this type of book is outstanding in that it will show you something you are unfamiliar with and explain it to you. Ever wondered what all the different components of a temple are called or what their purpose is? Go to the archictecture section and look it up.
   
   I only have a couple of wee complaints. The map in the front would be much better if it were fold out and/or divided into provinces. Also, another map should be included to show rail lines and major roads without obscuring the provinces, etc. The two maps provided are OK, but you'll probably need other ones. Such a high quality book deserves better maps. Also, it's really very heavy, but I suppose that can't be helped. You'd have to be pretty adventurous to only use this guide book, but it would make an excellent supplement to a "traditional" one. Ideal for a couple. One can figure out where to stay, where the bus station is, etc., and the other can carry this volume and - in spite of the weight - be enlightened.
   
   Troy Parfitt, author



4. My husband and I travelled independently around China for 3 weeks with this book and the Lonely Planet. We found that the beautiful photography helped inspire our choice of destinations, and the maps and illustrations helped us navigate once we were there. We especially liked the axonometric drawings with labels.
   
   Although this book includes some practical information about the sites, the Lonely Planet was much more detailed in terms of how to actually get somewhere. I think it would be difficult to travel with only this book for guidance.
   
   A few hotels and restaurants are recommended in the back of the book. This information would have been much more useful if the names were also written in Chinese. We often found ourselves in situations where we could not communicate with taxi drivers or hotel concierges, so we relied on pointing to places (with Chinese names) in guidebooks. Having the pinyin names didn't do us much good since our pronunciation and accents were not understandable.



5. Trying to review this book is somewhat hard, technically it's a travel guide and as that its ok, but its really more than that. Its one of the best birds eye views of the major attractions in China. Kind of a Whats-What of China. Having been to China on several trips I can personally attest to the quality of the selection and information.
   
   They Layout is organized by region, usually two provinces to a Chapter. You get a brief overview of the province, then it moves to 1-2 pages per location (maybe a city or a park) in that province. The information is a smorgasborg of text, photos and illustrations. It covers the major attractions and why they are significant. The photographs are stunning (if small by necessity). The information is both informative and concise. Its amazing how much stuff they've packed in there.
   
   Sprinkled throughout the chapters are various shorts (1-2 pages) on Chinese history and culture. Again high level concise information but enough to get you started.
   
   The construction of the book is way above your newsprint guides. Its got good binding, vinyl covers and slick glossy pages. Top notch.
   
   The only thing I would knock it for is that as a travel guide its travel nuts and bolts (specific places to stay, eat, shop, train schedules, directions etc) is pretty weak. They have some information but it tends to be focused more on the high end stuff rather than the budget backpacker.
   
   This book is best bought, used and enjoyed as a overall reference book on China for people who just want to know more. As a travel guide it is a good source of information to get you started, but its not where you'll finish. You'll want to look at other information and resources when it comes to the specifics of your journey.
   
   So to Recap
   
   Pros
   Excellent Photos, text and diagrams
   Well organized
   Concise chocked full of info
   Good quality printing and binding
   Wide variety of information
   
   Cons
   Weak on travel specific information
   
   Conclusion
   A great book for someone thinking of a trip to china and wondering "what is there to see" as well as reference to China and its many highlights.

5 comments about My French Life.

1. This book is delightful. I am thoroughly enjoying it and would recommend it to anyone who has or will spend time in France, particularly in Paris.



2. Bought this on an impulse. So glad I did. The photographs are excellent. It has a most unusual cover as well. A very pretty hardback coffee table book. If you enjoy reading about all things French, you will enjoy this book.



3. This book is so inspiring, I sighned up to travel to Provence in June! Amazing layout and great read, we are left appreciating the French way of life and most of all it's people.
   Congratulations to Vicki on a work well done.



4. Opened it, loved all the photos, read most of it right away. It is an engaging book with real flavor. The author gives an account of raising a family in France, it's romance and the draw of this beautiful country. This will be a book I linger through again.



5. I've always had a fascination with anything french! Oh I loved this book so much and intend to read it again and again! BEAUTIFULLY DONE! BEAUTIFUL WRITING...I hung on every beautiful word!....Photography couldn't have been more spectacular! I feel closer to France now more than ever!

4 comments about There's a Map on My Lap!: All About Maps (Cat in the Hat's Lrning Libry).

1. The Cat in the Hat's Learning Library books are all great tools to get beginning readers to read and explore different topics at the same time.
   
   There's a Map on my Lap is my favorite in this series. It explains in typical Cat in the Hat rhyme and stance all the different uses for maps.
   It explains the difference between a globe and a map, what latitudes and longitudes and other features of maps are. You learn to read a map by using the windrose or a grid.
   The book goes well beyond town or country maps. It features weather maps, topographical maps and even marine charts.
   
   What truly separates this book from the crowd: it is shockfull of hands-on things to do. It begins with peeling an orange while leaving the skin in one piece to demonstrate what a world map should really look like - brilliant idea! Then it goes on to make a map of your room, town, imaginary countries. Or how to measure the length of a curved road on a map using a straight ruler and string.
   
   At the end of the book you find a glossary that explains the "big" words like topographical map and others again. Also a list of more books about maps and globes for children.
   If you like doing hands on things with your preschool through 2nd graders this book is for you! Hours of fun and education all rolled into one big happy Cat in the Hat poem.



2. This book is classic Dr. Seuss...fun, silly, and children don't realize they're learning something. Great book for teaching about maps. I bought this for my 6 year old prior to going on vacation. We had been looking at maps and talking about what states we'd be driving through on our trip. He enjoyed listening to the book and because of the way the information is presented (fun and silly rhymes), he has retained what he learned. He has even referred back to specific bits of information we read from the book (i.e. Never Eat Shredded Wheat to remember North, East, South and West.)
   
   The back of the book contains a glossary of terms mentioned in the book. Highly recommended as an additional tool for teaching about maps.



3. Children enjoyed this book. Used in map unit for PS and elem. settings.



4. This is a fun book for introducing young children to maps. I will use it in my early childhood classroom but I wish I'd had it when my own chldren were young. They would have loved it!

5 comments about Adrift: Seventy-six Days Lost at Sea.

1. I couldn't put this book down and read it in a couple of sittings. An amazing tale of adventure and survival.



2. Absolutely fascinating, informative, a must for any sailor, and highly recommended for anyone heading out to sea.



3. Because of the horrible writing style I couldn't get past twenty pages. It was so mercilously annoying to struggle through the author's short, choppy sentences. His story might have been intriguing, but he should have hired a professional ghost writer. Put it aside for 'Lost' which is a much better written book.



4. I loved reading this book. The author has an amazing determination. Many times throughout the story, he was in a pinch and on the brink of disaster and death, but he fought and decided he was going to survive no matter what it took. He is a very intelligent person, judging by some of the assessments and solutions he came up with during the experience. He also has incredible will-power. Read the book if you love survival stories such as this.



5. I ordered this book on a whim. It's not usually my sort of fare but Callahan had me from the start and I had a hard time putting it down. Day by day, struggle by struggle, every new experience gave you either a sense of tremendous triumph or total despair. I was rooting for Callahan through out the book. I caught my self laughing out loud several times and twitching my feet nervously at others.
   
   Steven Callahan did one of the best jobs in all of adventure writing at bringing the reader into his little life-raft world. It was amazing to see an entire eco-system develop around his orange raft and how he interacted with it.
   
   Truly an amazing book and an amazing journey. Be forewarned, you'll feel lost at sea with Callahan!