2 comments about Frommer's California 2008 (Frommer's Complete).

1. I needed to plan a 3-day visit to the San Francisco area, and this book proved to be perfect for that. Far better than random information available on the web. I chose a wonderful small hotel from the book and loved it. Also chose restaraunts, grand and small, with excellent results. Chose a variety of sites to visit as a tourist from the book's descriptions. Also charted a 1-day trip through Sonoma valley from the guide, ending up at the Point Reyes Pacific coast and beautiful views. The book also provides site addresses (wineries, for example) useful for tapping into the GPS navigator in the rent car. Too large to carry on a walking trip, but otherwise absolutely a perfect guide for my needs.



2. I was born and raised in California and live here with my 2 school-age kids. I bought this book for ideas for summer day trips and longer weekend excursions. Somewhat favors Northern California in its thoroughness, and it does cover No. Calif. very well. Good coverage of Los Angeles and surrounding area, with a lot of good notes on places a little more off the beaten path, as well as the "must-sees". Orange County is completely glossed-over -- as if it consisted solely of Disneyland and the beach, with trite references to out-dated stereotypes. Coverage of San Diego and the So. Calif. Desert are covered, but definitely not with the same level of attention devoted to No. Calif. areas. Still a good overview of the state, but if your trip is solely within Southern California, this probably isn't the book for you.

4 comments about Benchmark Colorado Road & Recreation Atlas.

1. This is another in the single state map book series and it's just as good as the previous books. For those travelling the highways and byways just because they like to do so, this is an invaluable tool with large scale maps showing most of the interesting features plus some that were once interesting but have now disappeared! Not just a map for getting from one town to another, but a book of topographical information for those that want to know what the terrain is really like before they arrive. I have most of the available series and cart them between the UK and the USA everytime we visit on our fly-drive vacations. Well recommended!



2. Excellent source of info. Great details. Only thing better is the Trail Maps that are available for additional detail. This Atlas is a musy have for traveling and camping Colorado.



3. Since moving to Colorado from the UK in 06 I've been looking for a detailed enough map of Colorado - and I think I've found it. I've worked with maps and GIS back in the UK and have always appreciated the level of detail provided by the Ordnance Suvey, but struggled to find a comparable line of products for the US.
   
   I do a great deal of hiking, mountain biking, 4 wheeling and general exploring of the State, and wanted a comprehensive map which would show me trails, roads and interesting features/places.
   
   The atlas is separated into 5 sections.
   
   Section 1 shows regional maps: Entire US (1:9600000), western mountains (1:4500000) from Dallas in the SE to Bend (Oregon) in the NW, and Colorado (1:650000).
   Section 2 shows recreational maps and separates the whole of Colorado into 13 areas. Each one goes into great detail about the recreational facilities of each area, lists climate info and gives addresses and phone numbers for all kinds of services, camp grounds etc. Scale is 1:500000, except for the eastern plains area which is at 1:1350000. The final map shows locations of all the 14ers, major ski areas and 22 popular off road trails.
   Section 3 shows landscape maps at 1:200000. These are fantastic and show all the trails I've ever hiked, biked or wheeled.
   Section 4 shows the metro areas of Denver, Colorado Springs and the Boulder area at 1:125000.
   Section 5 has a comprehensive index.
   
   Overall this is an invaluable resource and miles better than any other Atlas I've looked at (and I've looked at them all!). A great all in one buy and a bargain at the moment on Amazon.
   
   Other products to consider: Latitude 40 produce some great, detailed maps at a smaller scale, but they cover selected areas and some sections are about 15 years out of date. National Geographic maps are best for hiking in the wilderness, but are only available for limited areas.



4. This map book is the best! Better than all the others I have seen which cover a state in a book format. I can only wish the mapmakers covered more states.

5 comments about Under the Tuscan Sun.

1. The lanuage and visualizations are stunning. I enjoyed the pictures the author paints not just of the country itself but of the food and the people. The base story is a bit hard for me though, most of us that have such trials in our life can't afford to "buy" happiness so it makes the heroine a bit tiresome.



2. I picked up this book when it first came out and couldn't get through it because of the painfully detailed descriptions of the remodeling. This is less a book about beginning a new life in Italy and more about the remodeling of a house which just happens to be in Italy. I picked up the book again last week and did manage to finish it. I'm really surprised that this became a bestseller and would probably not read other books by this author. Julia Child wrote a wonderful, wonderful book called "My Life in France" that I would definitely recommend as a great example of travel writing.



3. I was so looking forward to reading, "Under The Tuscan Sun". An avid traveler, I love to explore various places through books since having 3 kids doesn't allow me to travel as much as I used to. I assumed the book would be good considering it was a #1 New York Times Bestseller.
   
   Maybe my expectations were too high. I found the book to be monotonous, laborious and rather self-indulgent. The relationships Mayes appears to have developed seem superficial at best and imagery of the old, deep south conjured in my mind as I read about her cook "Wille Bell" and her seamstress as a child in Georgia. I thought I would relate to this part of Mayes' life as I too grew up in Georgia, but, again, the absence of any emotional impact left me wanting just to finish the book and be done with it.
   
   Aside from the rehabilitation of her home in Tuscany which was written about mostly at the beginning of the book, I found the book to have a lack of continunity and really any depth. The self-proclamed pagan describes churches and locations, but doesn't capture the romance, innocence and intrigue that will keep you flipping pages.
   
   Mayes does appear to be a fabulous cook and I would probably like a cookbook by her. However, if you are looking for a novel with a plot to sink your teeth into, this is definitely NOT it. I much prefered "Eat, Pray and Love" and the first chapter (which I am now reading) of "Almost French" is wildly more clever and intriguing.



4. ISBN 0767900383 - As a fan of lists, I'm always curious about books that make bestseller lists. I rarely read them, but I'm always curious. This was the case with Under the Tuscan Sun until a rather beat-up, unsellable copy fell into my hands. My curiosity, but little else, has been satisfied.
   
   A recap of the plotline is usually the second paragraph for me. The trouble here is that this book doesn't actually have a plotline. The author and her boyfriend bought a house in Tuscany, living there during the summer and restore it and the land around it. Seriously, that's it: no actual point, no build up, not a character to root for (although there were moments I admit to rooting for the house to fall down on them, just to liven things up). So much for the recap!
   
   Beautifully written, Under the Tuscan Sun isn't without redeeming qualities. Tuscany sounds like a bit of Heaven on Earth and Mayes, reputed to be a good cook, turns out to be a decent writer, at least so far as descriptive writing goes. A few short sections are even well-done humor. For that, the richness of language, the way you can nearly smell the food and hear the quiet of the countryside, for that, Mayes gets 5 stars. For boring me nearly to death, ZERO stars! An average of 3 stars seems a reasonable compromise. There are definitely readers for this type of book, I just happen to not be one of them. If you're looking for a relaxing read, this one certainly fits your needs; if you want a storyline, something more exciting than recipes, this book is a snore - if your blood flowed to the rhythm of this book, you'd be dead.



5. This is a wonderful, wonderful, journey, adventure, book. By all means, it should be read....just not aloud by the author. Why do people think that if they write a book they have the skill to read it??

5 comments about The Bird Man and the Lap Dancer: Close Encounters with Strangers.

1. This is an unusual book and for many people it will be the title that will first beckon. It was loaned to me by a close friend and once I started it I found that I couldn't wait to find out where the next essay led. As a result I turned the last page after a four hour plane trip and was sorry that there wasn't more. This is not to say that there aren't some essays that are more successful than others but each illumines a facet of this amazing life and planet that you are unlikely to read about anywhere else. In many cases it is the juxtaposition of people,their circumstances, and their associations that makes this book unique. Hansen has lived a fascinating and unusual life. In his willingness to take risks and to say "yes," before he really understands what is in store he has opened himself up to the richness of life. It was great fun to go along for the ride.



2. Highest recommendation! How much living can one man fit into his years? I'd guess Eric Hansen can answer that as well as any person alive today. Some reviewers have praised the chapter "Life Lessons from Dying Strangers" as the best of the book. While I thoroughly loved it, "Cooking with Madame Zoya" brought a lump to my throat as I read about this spunky, independent woman making a life in a neighborhood most men would never consider entering--and receiving help from the most unexpected of sources! What a story!
   "Three Nights on the Mountain" will give you chills. "The Ghost Wind" will renew your faith in native intelligence and perception. And "The Bird Man and the Lap Dancer" will leave you shaking your head in wonder at the amazing variety of people in the world.
   Read this book!



3. My Aunt Dagmar once told me - `All of my stories are true and some of them actually happened.' I strongly believe that is a sentiment shared by Eric Hansen.
   
   "The Bird Man and the Lap Dancer" is an excellent read. Hansen is a first-rate writer and has no problem holding the reader's interest from one page to the next and from story to story. I was somewhat surprised to find that the first story was a character study about a relationship between two women rather than a travel story per se. However, as I read on, Hansen made me realize that travel is not just about place, but also about the people the traveler will come across in his or her journeys and I grew to appreciate the subtitle - "Close Encounters with Strangers."
   
   I am not at all disappointed in the tales the author has to relate. But, deep down I feel that is mostly what they are - tales. This is especially true of the title story. Perhaps I come to this conclusion because in this story Hansen at times seems to lose his narrative thread and delve a little too deeply and a little too long into the psyche of the characters rather than the encounter. This story, to me, feels like a fantasy and firmly embeds this book in to the growing genre of "creative nonfiction."
   
   While I would not place this book in the Travel section, I do highly recommend it to any one who is interested in reading about colorful people in exotic settings.



4. This is what I wrote to a USA forum of birders (birdwatchers):
   Eric Hansen, well known from his impressive travel stories located in Yemen and Borneo, has published a collection of short stories titled the Bird Man and the Lap Dancer - Close Encounters with Strangers. The main story is about a real wildlife biologist in California and the interest a few female 'special club' dancers developed for going out with him to go birdwatching. It's not hard to believe how weird this story is, but possibly in a different way from what you think. Even though birding practically disappears from halfway this 45 pages long story, it's interesting enough from the birding perspective alone. There is even some serious talk about birding, like the standardising of bird census techniques in the USA. Good to know that these subjects have made it to the world literature!
   The other eight stories are not about birding but often show Hansen's great gift in describing outdoor atmosphere.



5. This is the first book by Hansen I've read, and I enjoyed it. It is a very funny and quick read. There are not many travel writers who describe events like "It was like an all-male barn dance at sea." Or describe a man spitting his flaming dentures off a pier on Thursday Island.

5 comments about Iberia.

1. Written in 1968 this is a non-fictional account of James Michener's travels throughout Spain during his lifetime. He includes much history, local culture, tradition, and insight into this somewhat enigmatic country. Still relevant, but if you'd like to complement this book with a more recent follow-up, I would suggest Ghosts of Spain by Giles Tremlett, but first read Michener if you want to get some great comprehensive background. The two in fact complement each other.



2. This book is a rambling, dated, starry-eyed tourist's view of Spain. For a cultural guide or a historical record, try Ghosts of Spain: Travels Through Spain and Its Silent Past or The Buried Mirror: Reflections on Spain and the New World. If you must buy it, get some tissues -- you'll be bored to tears.



3. As usual , James Michener narrative about Spain is very nice and worth reading to anybody, specially individuals who are planning to visit in the near future



4. "Iberia" is an amazing book. I can't believe that a person could research and write this book and get anything else done in one lifetime. It is a great book to read immediately before or immediately after a trip to Spain. Michener's enthusiasm for his subject is quite evident as he discusses nearly every imaginable aspect of Spain.
   
   Make no mistake, this book represents a reading challenge. In the paperback version it is over 900 pages long and covers such a wide variety of subjects related to Spain that there is probably something to interest most readers. However, there is probably something to bore most readers as well.
   
   I enjoyed Michener's personal travel anecdotes and his reviews of European history the most. Michener's reviews of paintings and sculptures go on at great length at times, but would probably be fantastic for someone who is more of an art aficionado than I.
   
   The book was published in 1968 so it is a bit dated, but it is still a great review of all things pertaining to Spain.



5. IBERIA is non-fiction memoir of Michener's experiences in Spain. I read the book before I went to Spain and found that Michener was right. He said Spain haunts people who go there. I've been all over the world and Spain is the only place that haunts me in a delicious way.
   
   Spain likely was the heart and soul of Imperial Rome.
   
   IBERIA is a splendid tale about a splendid place.

5 comments about Moon Peru (Moon Handbooks).

1. For those of you planning to travel through Peru (as opposed to purchasing a package deal), the second edition of Moon Peru will be very useful. This publication was authored by Ross Wehner and Renée del Gaudio and is filled with an abundance of information about this ruggedly beautiful country.
   
   I purchased the 1st edition, along with a copy of the Lonely Planet, for my first trip to Peru two years ago. Well written and informative with an easy-to-use index, the Moon Handbook was hands down the superior guide. The second edition is no exception. It gives insider details on lodging, restaurants, transportation, etc. with a distinctly personal touch. To make a great guide even better, Ross lists his e-mail address in the book and asks readers to contact him with questions or concerns about their trips. He's not joking around--every time that I've written, he's responded within 24 hours. Talk about customer service! Somebody give this man an award! ;)
   
   Another 5 star guide from the Moon series. ¡Muchísimas gracias!



2. Mr. Wehner's book made our first trip to Peru absolutely effortless! This book is a seamless hybrid of purely pragmatic, yet paints a picture of the culture and flavor of the country well...easy to read, yet with complete and detailed information. This book served as our bible for the entire journey, and returned more dog-eared than most other travel books we've used. I'm a Lonely Planet fan, but this Moon handbook is in a class by itself. Salud!



3. I have lived in Peru as a child and as an adult and I go back there every year, often traveling to new locations so I always check out any new guidebooks on Peru. I used the first and I have just received a copy of the second edition which is equally rich in content.
   
   The authors make a great team: Ross is a journalist and mountain guide, Renee is an architect while Kazia Jankowski is a food writer. They traveled throughout the country to research this book which is filled with an abundance of facts, advice, maps and photos.
   
   The first feature that stood out for me are all the interspersed articles, these really give you an insider's perspective on Peru. Using Ayahuasca to kick Addictions; Camisea Gas Fields: The Last Place on Earth; Advice from a Reformed Terrorist; and Peru's White Gold are just some of the well written and informative pieces. The Truth Behind Hemingway's Caboblanco; and The Who's who of Paracas Birds are among the lighter topics to be found.
   
   For easy reference the guide is broken down into nine regionally defined sections. The only bone I have to pick with the authors is that Arequipa didn't get it's own chapter. But, as I read the write up on my favorite Peruvian city, under the Lake Titicaca and Canyon Country section, I immediately forgave them as they were able to really cover the ins and outs of Arequipa. Two additional sections are entitled "Discover Peru" and "Know Peru". These are very useful to the reader; as well as including the usual pieces on the country history, health and safety and a Spanish phrasebook there is also a Quechua basics and a great list of recommended reading and Internet Resources, as well as a section on Volunteering in Peru.
   
   Another unique feature is the index; apart from having a comprehensive alphabetical index there are six highlighted boxes with a very helpful thematic index, these are titled: Ancient Cultures; Beaches; Hiking / Backpacking; Inca Sites; Reserves and Protected Areas. And believe me when you are rushing around the country and having to make quick decisions it's all about a good index!
   
   This useful guide is a practical book for the traveler and explorer and is packed with invaluable advice such as: "Lima is an extraordinary city, but it takes a little getting used to. The country's leading museums, churches and restaurants are here along with nearly eight million people... It is the maximum expression of Peru's cultural diversity (and chaos)...But do yourself a favor and see Lima at the end of your trip, not at the beginning. That way you have a better chance of understanding what you see and not becoming overwhelmed in the process."
   
   Whether you are going to Peru as an independent traveler or you are on an all-inclusive deal you will get more out of your trip if you glance over this guidebook before you set off.



4. Seems to be fairly complete and provides most of the information on what to see and how to see it that I was looking for. Information is presented in sort of a reverse order starting with specific in-country locations with "how to get there" and other practicalities at the end. Seems to be slanted toward backpackers but also mentions mid-range and upscale properties.



5. This second edition has managed to improve upon what was already an outstanding guidebook. Ross and the other authors went back to Peru to review and update the information and recommendations from the first edition, and have produced what any traveler should find a most reliable and comprehensive resource. The book provides plenty of information and perspectives on the "classic" destinations, but more importantly includes insights and recommendations on many wonderful locations that are not well recognized and off the beaten tourist paths, and that is what makes this second edition so special.
   
   For any traveler searching for ways to turn a "trip" into a lifetime experience, this book WILL NOT disappoint!

5 comments about This House of Sky: Landscapes of a Western Mind.

1. This was my first Ivan Doig book, and I loved it! As a result, I've read most of the rest of what Doig has written and thoroughly enjoy reading about (and remembering) the areas of Montana where I used to live.



2. This is my all time favorite book. Period. Beautifully written, thought-provoking. It will make you want to move to Montana. It will make you love open sky and a horizon that goes on forever and the importance of family.



3. This book was one of the few memoirs I have read when in the end I placed the book down and sighed "wow." What a wonderful story. The author rolled experiences together in western Montana with his dad and grandmother and turned it into a lovestory for fathers and grandmothers, for people of Montana, and all that using very little dialogue. (That gave the book a sense of truthfulness, as who can recite full conversations that took place years ago?)
   
   The constant struggle with man against nature, man against man and man against himself come alive in these pages. Despite many obstacles of every kind, his father never abandoned him and sacrificed what he had to to raise his son and to give him what he needed. Montana and its bittersweet closeness never leave the reader; its isolation and wide open sky are always in the background. Thus the title is so perfect for this beautiful memoir.
   
   This was my first Doig book and I will definitely read more of him. I definitely consider this book one of the top ten in American 20th century writing.



4. Of the three best books I've read in 2007, this probably ranks number two. It took me a little while to get into it, but the wait was well worth it. Ivan Doig is a magnificent writer and his talents are well displayed in this book. The other two books were The Good Old Boys, by Elmer Kelton, and The Missouri Riders, by George Banks.



5. This magnificent book is a must read for anyone who cares about humanity; who loves people and wants to ride with them. It is more than that. It is the feel of Montana, of the West, of the people who built this country and the hard, blistering work they did. Don't miss this book. You'll love it and hate when you must put it down.

5 comments about Ireland (Country Guide).

1. I've been using Lonely Planet guide books for over 15 years, for all parts of the world---Africa, Europe, SE Asia, N America--and this is definitely the worst I've seen. I paid full price and wish I had read it (or the other reviews here) first.
   
   A quick symbol of what's wrong with this book: The back cover, in an obvious effort to appeal to the Irish-American market, touts the book's usefulness for those wanting to "Get Back to Your Roots: hints and tips on researching the family tree." Not really my thing, but okay. Problem is, the entirety of information on genealogy consists of a tiny text box on p.682 that basically tells you to go buy some other books. Thanks! This same pattern is repeated throughout the book: endless efforts to appeal to a series of niche audiences (especially those w/ the $ to shell-out for the thing) with absolutely nothing treated in depth.
   
   More serious problems:
   --very thin information about transportation, particularly in less-traveled areas. thin info on ferries, driving, trains
   
   --maps mediocre
   
   --almost nothing discussing regional cultures, local histories, etc. Just a thin overview in the front
   
   --coverage is best for those regions likely to be overrun by US tourists; other areas practically ignored
   
   --the bias in accommodations is towards the high- and low-ends with the kinds of places most travelers would be interested in and able to stay at ignored (as with genealogical info, the list of websites giving accommodation info is far more useful than anything in the book itself)
   
   --the border is pretty much a non-entity these days, but the differences between the two countries aren't discussed at all, or practicalities like driving a rental car across the border
   
   (A minor point: is LP putting the orientation information (directories, getting to/from, health, etc) in the back of all its books, or just this one? The front seems a much more useful/obvious place to look for that kind of thing.)
   
   In the end, the book isn't terrible--it just isn't very good. And that's hard to justify in an era when much of the information it contains can be had for free online.



2. If only have room for one Ireland travel guide, this is the one to take. I took four different guides with me on my recent trip (the other three were Eyewitness Travel, AAA, and Rick Steves), and I found Lonely Planet to be the most useful. It has good detail on all tourist destinations on the island, including those off the beaten path and in the Midlands. It's well organized, with useful maps.



3. After painfully attempting to plan my honeymoon to Ireland with another type of tour-guide, I decided to return to the one that made my trips to Thailand and Costa Rica truly memorable. What can I say? Lonely Planet never ceases to amaze me!! Their FULL review of countries caters to ALL types of travelers, including those on a budget. The other guides' authors write their reviews of primarily expensive places to eat and stay. They also write as if they were being compensated by the reviewees (which they probably are). Not Lonely Planet. These are by far the best guides out there...I will never purchace any other type of tour-guide.



4. I have always been a fan of the lonely planet books, because they really help me find places to go in other countries. However, take my review with a grain of salt because, at this point, I have not taken my trip to Ireland yet. While it is informative and it has given me ideas of places to visit and hotels to stay in, I have not experienced what the book has said. However, it has helped me book hotels and design my iternerary.



5. Just the guidebook you need to see Ireland at any depth, for a short visit or an extended stay. Travelling in Ireland is pretty straightforward, simple, and every town is geared toward tourism, so this book may not be absolutely necessary to carry with you, but it is invaluable for planning purposes.

5 comments about Thai: Lonely Planet Phrasebook.

1. This is an excellent phrase book, easy to carry, easy to read and broken into easy to find section. Combined with a short language program this book carried me across Thailand comfortably. I mentione the language program because the pronunciation is a bit tricky to break down phonetically, altho Lonely Planet does a great job of it. I have used lonely planet phrase books for all of Asia and Northern Africa, but I must admit I use Rick Steve's phrase books for European travel. Lonely Planet Guide Books are also very good, especially for the bargain traveler.



2. I bought this book before spending 3 weeks in Thailand last year. I only cracked it a couple of times and had difficulty deciphering the phonetics. However, having just completed a Beginning Thai course offered by my county's adult ed department the book makes a lot more sense to me and I find the grammar notes and pronunciation easier to understand. I am headed back to Thailand next week and feel a lot more confident that I will be able to communicate if/when I come across non-English speakers. But for as good as this book is, I agree with the other reviewer that it helps to at least take a basic Thai course or listen to CDs like Pimsleur so you can hear the language. And as others have noted, top marks for including the Thai script along with the English phrases so you can just point if necessary.



3. This is a great little reference book if interested in learning Thai. Using some kind of on line or person audio assistance is necessary since Thai is tonal.



4. I am a huge fan of lonely planet guidebooks however I am not a big fan of phrasebooks in general. I have this phrasebook and can honestly say that i have never used it. The problem with phrasebooks is that no 2 are alike. Different phrasebooks give slightly different pronunciations (and with Thai slightly different tones) but again this all has to do with translation from one language into another which is not the best way to learn a new language( acquisition is proven to be the most effective but takes time!). However with this said, phrasebooks are practical for people who do not have time to study a particular language such as Thai which is very difficult for westerners and lonely planet is just as good as any other phrasebook that I have seen on the market to meet the needs of holiday travelers.



5. I've been to Thailand twice now and am planning to live there for a few years. This book has taught me the basics and beyond. I recommend it because the tone marks and pronunciations are easy to understand and the book teaches you the rules so that you can figure out different variations of a word. There is also an English/Thai, Thai/English dictionary in the back and the book is small enough to fit in your pocket. Thai script plus phonetic thai is included. The only downside I can see is that the words are so tiny that it's sometimes hard to see thai script vowels and tonal marks.

5 comments about Photographer's Guide to Yellowstone and the Tetons.

1. A caveat: I am a total amateur who takes pictures only during the one or two annual vacations using very simple equipment!
   
   I just came back after 5 days at YS and GT parks. I was very impressed by how accurate Joseph's suggestions were -- in terms of the preferred times, angles and such to take pictures from. For example, Joseph had suggested taking pictures of the Old Faithful NOT from the benches in front of the Inn, but from the lodge side or from another angle which would include some colorful runoffs in the picture. I managed to pick up a rainbow with the waterfall from Uncle Tom's trail in my video (my still camera did nt pick it up). Other suggetsions also turned out to be as accurate and useful. More importantly, it is absolutely free of fluff and hence you can read it in a 2 hours flight to YS!
   
   When I first looked at Joseph's pictures, I felt like there was probably a tad excessive use of filters to exaggerate the contrasts (the blues appeared to me to be a bit more blue than what would have been real). I never got to verify this as the sky was grey in YS and GT when I was there! Anyways, it is just a matter of taste. If you like Joseph's results (they are stunning), you can use the detailed input he provides on the use of the polarizer and the filters. Even otherwise, his suggestions on just the spots and times to take pictures from make the book very valuable.
   
   The book is organized based on features -- waterfalls, geysers, animals and so on. That is probably useful for many. However, for family vacationers, coverage by location (Norris, West Thumb,...) would probably have been easier to use. I had to correlate the suggested times for photography from Joseph with the info I got on how to cover each location from another excellent book (YS Treasures by J Chappel).
   
   Overall, I strongly recommend the book.



2. I bought this book to take along on a vacation trip to Yellowstone and the Tetons in mid-June 2007. I found it to be a great source to take photos of often photographed natural icons at different views and angles as well as some shots that the average traveler would not know about without this book. For instance I would not have known about the great shots that can be taken of the Mormon Row Barns with the Tetons in the background without this book. Perhaps more seasoned photographers may know about these different places but I for one would not have had a clue. I would have ended my vacation with the same shots of Yellowstone and the Tetons that everyone else has. The book took me off the beaten path where I got some great shots and expierenced the pleasures of getting away from the main road.
   
   Other valuable information was the instructions on what time of day is best to shoot a certain shot, tips about exposure, and valuable tips about using filters that made my pictures stand out.
   
   The book was concise, accurate, and very easy to follow and understand for an novice like me.



3. I would have given the Photographers Guide to Yellowstone & the Titons a 5 Star Rating if there was an index in the back of the book for easy reference while out in the field. It is difficult trying to remember what page the subject that your looking at is on. That being said, it is still a good reference book on the area and I do not regret buying it.



4. Good pointers for each geographic location.
   
   Could be updated to add digital photography tips, but my long experience enabled me to accommodate for that.



5. This is a very helpful book when photographing Teton and Yellowstone. I was able to decide exactly what equipment to pack prior to the trip and it was exactly what I needed.