4 comments about Sundays in America: A Yearlong Road Trip in Search of Christian Faith.

1. "Sundays in America" is not only a wonderful book, it is a soulful pilgrimage that lifts you up, causes you reflect, makes you laugh, moves you to tears, even leads you to pray. In the end, I felt as though my life was transformed in the same way Suzanne Shea's was as she traveled the country in search of heartfelt faith. Treat yourself and those you love to a heartwarming journey that will change your life and bring joy to your world. Buy this book.



2. The best spiritual stories are the stories of people all around us -- what journalists like to call "real people," as if media professionals normally exist in a realm of plastic replicas. And, perhaps that's the problem with a lot of what passes for American media, these days, isn't it?
   
   Writing as a journalist for more than 30 years, as someone who has circled the globe and also poked around America's most obscure corners -- I understand how rare this kind of book project truly is. As much of American media shrinks, resources to undertake major projects like this year-long pilgrimage through our quirky religious landscape are growing scarcer with each passing year.
   
   And yet -- this kind of pursuit is what defined our greatest writers.
   
   I'm not arguing that Suzanne Strempek Shea claims Mark Twain, Walt Whitman or Jack Kerouac status with this book -- but she's a fascinating memoirist in that noble tradition. This book takes us from New York to Hawaii -- and from Texas to the last holdout of Shaker worship in Maine.
   
   Truth be told -- I didn't have time for this book, but I opened the morning mail and was lost for the next 2 hours! I kept coming back to this book, again and again, as a first choice among a stack of urgent reading.
   
   Here's an easy way to make your choice about this book. If you're a fan of NPR, enjoy Bill Moyers, occasionally chuckle along with Garrison Keillor -- and, especially, if you recall Charles Kuralt with a smile -- then buy this book.
   
   A final tip: It's a great spring read as you're planning your summer, because you may find yourself jotting down details about some of her more intriguing stops.



3. This was a book I had to keep reminding myself to slow down and savor - it's so engaging and so delicious - yet I kept wanting to read on and discover more. After all, this could not be a more timely topic. At a point in history when we are surrounded by spiritual starvation - people leaving churches in droves - and faced again and again with religious fundamentalism at home and abroad, Suzanne Strempek Shea's response is a personal one - she goes out and actively samples church services around the country, experiencing what they have to offer and asking herself if this is what it is all about, truly.
   
   By the end of this book I felt I had not only traveled roads to outlandish and inspiring places, but I also felt I had reached a personal revelation of what spirituality could be, whether or not it was tied to a religion, a creed, or a parcel of dogma. As I read I was amused, astonished, and sometimes shocked by the types of worship she observed, and ultimately I had to admit I was profoundly moved by what she showed me about faith and belief. For when we witness others' faith, we allow our own to grow.
   
   I cannot think of a book that is more relevant to spirituality today in the USA. I shall be giving copies to those friends I know who are sampling churches and chapels, looking for something that feels genuine.
   
   We should be profoundly thankful for this book.
   
   Allan Hunter
   Author of "Stories We Need To Know: Reading Your Life Path in Literature'
   www.allanhunter.net



4. Mormons and mennonites; Quakers and Shakers; Baptists and Spiritualists. A Fifty-two week journey featuring a different religion every Sunday. This was quite a task to undertake, but Suzanne Strempek Shea stays right on course and takes the reader on a yearlong journey across the country as she seeks to understand both the similarities and differences between the ways Christians worship. Attending both megachurches and places of worship where most of the congregation consists of ghostly presences, lapsed-Catholic Strempek Shea also rediscovers what is important to her in a spiritual sense. The book is witty and passionate, and Strempek Shea doesn't shy away from what turns her off and why, and what fills her with the spirit. It took me a bit of time to read this book, as too many religions in one sitting is a bit overwhelming, but each chapter contains both personal and public observations that clue the reader in to what the author was feeling on the day she walked into each church. I like this writer's energy and commitment to her task. I've never read anything quite like it, and I enjoyed it very much.

5 comments about Without Reservations: The Travels of an Independent Woman.

1. I cannot believe that in this day and age someone could write a breathless account of her travels with a bus package tour in Italy - and find a publisher for it! The author of this book takes herself so seriously in her faux-independent travels, sending postcards to herself form her various totally boring destinations - that it almost fits into the "so bad it's good" category. But not quite.



2. This writer did not grab me. I enjoyed her story, but did not feel befriended along the way. I listened to the tale and was entertained, but I did not have the anticipation you get from sitting down with a good friend. I preferred Kite Strings of the Southern Cross, Tales of a Female Nomad and Living on an Arc.



3. I think the title is odd because Alice Steinbach definitely had reservations about going on the trip and she made most of her overnight reservations before she left.
   
   A very pleasant book, but it really isn't about being alone--it's more about the people she met. Which is fine because that's what made the book interesting sometimes. Her dreams, earlier regrets, and postcards to herself are perfect for the nights when it's hard to get to sleep.
   
   I enjoyed reading about her romance with the Japanese gentleman. Actually, I've been to Japan many times and was astonished by it. I also loved her story about the young woman she met in Italy who was to be married soon. That was excellent.
   
   All-in-all, it's a pleasant and well written read and I felt as though the author could be a friend. Maybe because I'm about the age now that she was when she was on the trip. It might have been a wonderful adventure for her, but for me it was just a sweet travel memoir.



4. There is a lot to say about Steinbach's travel memoir. Unfortunately, most of it isn't good. The author tries to use allusions (mostly of the literary kind) that stick out awkwardly in the prose and are usually inappropriate; her metaphors are forced and distract the reader from the storyline. Many of her observations are corny, and the conversations and people she meets seem contrived and unrealistic. I'm not sure it's possible to create that many close personal friendships without the use of exaggeration. Steinbach has a grating way of using colons (which, believe it or not, is actually something one begins to notice because it is so irritating). Furthermore, she continuously dumbs down the reader with constant repetition and explanations of siutations that are very easy to understand. Steinbach also has a knack for creating a problem or drama where there is none - for instance, this gem: "The problem was, the Amalfi Coast was almost too much of a good thing," which prompted two paragraphs filled with a dilemma that was neither valid nor interesting. Overall, this book is forgettable. The secondary characters (believabilty aside) are more interesting than the author, and some of the images (when not being overused) are worth seeking out. Otherwise, the consumer should feel free to find something else, and not waste one's time on a piece of repetitious claptrap.



5. This was one of those books that I did not want to end. I enjoyed hearing about the author's travels and her experiences. I found her to be interesting and curious about the places and the people she encountered. She shared her experiences and her feelings in an intimate and friendly way. I look forward to reading her other books.

5 comments about Costa Rican Wildlife: An Introduction to Familiar Species (Pocket Naturalist - Waterford Press).

1. This fold-out pamphlet offers tiny pictures, scant details and more birds than anything else. It also emphasizes what tourists want to see (including very rare species) at the expense of what they are likely to see, so calling it a guide to "familiar species" is rather optimistic. This publication is not really very useful. Better to have separate guides: one for birds (there's one available in this same series, but I'd recommend a proper field guide to Costa Rica's 900+ species of birds) and one or more higher-quality, expanded guides covering other wildlife (mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects).



2. As a biologist I found this pamphlet good but very basic and limited.
   
   I would recommend it for children as it is durable, easily handled and does cover some of the more common species in Costa Rica.
   
   If you really want to identify more species in Costa Rica than I suggest that you try another source.



3. The guide is intended to be a quick reference guide to some of the more common and most interesting creatures of Costa Rica, as indicated on the back summary above the UPC symbol. This waterproof pamplet accomplishes this goal just fine. Pamphlet is VERY sturdy (no worries in ALL weather) and pictures 1 inch square. Captions list Latin name, size in inches and centimeters and, for some, a short phrase describing an interesting feature. Opens to be 8 1/4 inches by 24 inches, double-sided.
   
   I can only think of a couple minor things it doesn't list but should:
   1. Region where animal is found
   2. Indicator to mark rare species (so you won't expect to see them)



4. Pros: waterproof, highlights the most often seen wildlife, nice to have a basic guide to refer to, lightweight
   Cons: Not comprehensive enough.
   
   We used this guide on our recent trip with an organized tour group to Costa Rica. We didn't want anything too heavy to carry and wanted something we could easily slip in a day pack. It is somewhat useful; we saw wildlife that wasn't included in the guide, but we saw a lot of wildlife that was included.



5. When I bought this, I was expecting something a bit more substantial. It is literally a small laminated pamphlet. However, I think it is useful to have (in addition to a more extensive field guide-type wildlife book). It's much more convenient to use for quick identification than trying to whip out a big book on a hike. I also like that it's durable and laminated. I do plan to use this on my trip, but this would also be a good resource for kids to use also.

5 comments about Scenic Driving Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, 2nd (Scenic Driving Series).

1. This second edition adds two new drives, and updated information from the 1999 edition.
   
   Most surprising, for a guidebook, is the intimacy of tone, and enthusiasm for the parks and the beauty of the surrounding areas.
   
   This book contains substantial, and well researched information on the historical, geological and natural features of the parks, and the tone is that of a close and intimate friend, sitting in your passenger seat, pointing out the window and exclaiming, "Hey! Look at that!"
   
   Far from the staid and removed tone of many guidebooks, this book is truly an "Insiders' Guide," and makes me want to check out the other books in the series.



2. This book was right on the money with all the things to see while driving through the parks. In combination with this book Outdoor Family Guide to Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks (Outdoor Family Guides) and the Trails Illustrated maps of both parks:
   Trails Illustrated Yellowstone Map Old Faithful
   Trails Illustrated Mammoth Hotsprings Yellowstone National Park NW
   Trails Illustrated Tower Canyon Yellowstone National Park NE
   Trails Illustrated Yellowstone Lake Yellowstone National Park SE
   National Geographic Trails Illustrated Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA: Topo Map (Trails Illustrated - Topo Maps USA)
   (which can also be purchased at http://www.ngmapstore.com), we had a very easy time getting around the park and where things were located. It made planning a whiz!



3. We used this book every day we were in Yellowstone. It was such a help in planning each day, knowing where to stop, what to expect in terms of how long hikes were, finding restaurants and shops, etc. I would read the information about each place aloud to the kids, which helped pass the time between stops. One word of caution, though. We are not the type of family that does a lot of hiking, camping, climbing, etc. We did find that some of her descriptions of the difficulty of the hikes and trails were a bit underestimated. Between the heat and the altitude, this is important to keep in mind! Other than that, I think this is a must have!



4. I used this guide extensively on a 3-day drive through both parks. It's packed with information and is well written and organized. Highly recommended.



5. After reading the reviews for this book, I purchased it as I went on a quick tour through Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. I was very disappointed. The trips are listed from point-to-point around the Grand Loop. However, if you are driving the loop in the opposite direction, the book is very difficult to follow. It doesn't give driving distances for the points of interest. The book gives an estimated driving time from one (i.e. Mammoth to Old Faithful) to another, and mentions some points of interest along the way, but the reader is left to guess where along the drive it might be.
   
   Be aware that the park access fees have changed since the book was printed. Other than that, I did not notice any major discrepancies.
   
   Another minor gripe is that none of the pictures are in color, but are clearly color photos printed to black and white. For the price of the book, they should be in color; heck, even the Lonely Planet series uses color pictures. If not using artistic or color photos, I'd rather have more substance to the book itself.
   
   I always travel with multiple guides and was glad that I did, especially for the Yellowstone portion of the trip, and would recommend the "Yellowstone Treasures Travelers Companion" instead. It had the same or more information than this book, listed mileage to each point of interest from either direction, and had color photos.
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Yellowstone-Treasures-Travelers-Companion-National/dp/0970687311/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1213397462&sr=1-1

5 comments about Shanghai (City Guide).

1. I recently returned from a trip to Shanghai and thought this was a great guide to the city. Although I love to explore most places on my own, I found Shanghai to be slightly intimidating (especially with all the ongoing construction), so I was definitely thankful I had this book with me.
   Pros:
   * Up-to-date information
   * Offers a lot of good insight into Shanghai and the Shanghainese. I found the sections like identity, cuisine, economy, and architecture to be quite readable and interesting.
   * Good maps
   Cons:
   * I was surprised by the other reviews, as my edition has Chinese for each address mentioned in the book. I agree that you initially expect the Chinese to be in the text (next to the romanization), but it's actually on the map keys. This is a minor flaw but did not affect me, as I often looked at the maps when I decided where to go. I guess if you never consult this section however, you might not realize that it's there.
   Bottom line:
   This was the most up-to-date guide I saw, and (as far as I know)is the only one with comprehensive listings in Chinese--they got me where I wanted to go every single time I took a cab. Good job.



2. This book gives ou a nice overview of the region, and incredible specific tips for visiting Shanghai.



3. This book is amazing. First time using a guidebook and first for the Lonely Planet. Will definitely buy more. Maps wonderful, chinese names for everything and very good restaurant recommendations. Found a tiny restaurant off a back alley and was amazing for a great price. Wonderful spend and would recommend to everyone!!!



4. I have read this book cover to cover in anticipation for my trip to Shanghai. I am hoping that it will save me time and money by giving me a view of the city and details that would take many months to aquire. It was an easy read and well organized. I would however recommend that you do a search online for hotel rooms as there are many deals in the hotel market that were not even mentioned in the book. Happy Trials, BB.



5. As of June 2007, this book has become out of date. Many of the shikumen houses that I went to visit have been torn down in Shanghai in an effort to modernize the city by 2010 for the World Expo. Maps of the metro subways are also out of date. The book currently has partial maps of the 2 lines. There are now 5 different subway lines and still many more to be built. This book is a great introduction to Shanghai, but it is out of date (just like pretty much all the other books on the city).
   
   To sum it up, pretty good book, but just don't count on the book being your only source of information on Shanghai.

2 comments about Not for Tourists Guide 2008 to San Francisco (Not for Tourists Guidebook).

1. My husband is originally from San Francisco, so we visit frequently. We like to try new areas and return to favorites. This spring we wanted to make use of the public transportation system, so we purchased this book. I know that we will use this for many more visits--both in the planning and during the visit!



2. Having just moved to San Francisco a few months ago I was excited about the prospect of this book. However, the book failed to live up to my expectations of a "not for tourist" city guide book. The main problem is that the print is miniscule and very hard to read. I'm in my mid-twenties with 20/20 vision - yet I feel that I need a magnifying glass to read this book or risk ruining my eyesight! Because of this small print there is a lot packed into the book - yet only 10% of it is useful to me (maps of neighborhoods and locations of post offices). Also the size of this book is awkward -- it is too large to fit comfortably in a pocket or a purse (unless you have large pockets or a large purse) - so what is the point of the tiny print? This book should have been produced normal size. Instead of this, I recommend getting the 2008 Lonely Planet San Francisco city guide - which is very useful for residents as well as tourists. And if you need maps - just buy a good city map (the MUNI map is a must and can be found at the info center at Union Square for $2.00). If you are moving to the bay area or have just moved, the "Newcomer's Handbook to San Francisco" is also very useful.

5 comments about The London Mapguide, 5th Edition.

1. We brought several maps and guides for our first trip to visit London museums and top tourist sights. The London Mapguide was the easiest to use, had the clearest maps, and the most useful advice. We especially appreciated the suggestion to travel to Greenwich on the River Themes.
   
   Although other guides had more detail, this actually made them harder and slower to use.



2. This is an excellent map for getting to know London, as it says in many of the other reviews. The main reason I'm writing is that I was on the fence between getting this guide or the Streetwise maps for a recent trip. I ended up getting this mapguide for London and the one for Paris, but we used Streetwise for Barcelona, and I definitely found that the map books are far superior.
   The books show a level of detail that Streetwise can't match. We walked all over London and never found so much as an alley that wasn't on the map, whereas it was often hard to locate streets on the Barcelona map (I realize this may reflect a difference in the cities, but no one ever called London an easily navigable grid). Also, this mapguide can be folded and put in a front pocket, and it's small enough that you can read it on the street without looking like the quintessential tourist. You pretty much have to unfold the whole Streetwise any time you want to use it and since it's laminated it can't really fit in your pocket.
   I can see where some people had problems switching between pages on the maps, but I found this pretty easy - it definitely helps to spend a little time studying the overall city map in the book before setting out. This mapbook does have a small London guide section and we actually found some good recommendations in it, but it won't replace a full size guide book for planning a trip.
   All in all I loved using this mapguide, and I still look fondly at the dogeared copy I brought back. It's not that Streetwise maps are horrible, but if you have the choice, I'd bring the book.



3. I had a previous edition of this book that I used repeatedly until it was out of date. This edition is just as great. I love that major stores, hotels, etc. are listed. Also this is about the only map I can find with bus lines.



4. I repeat: Do not go to London without this map!
   
   The BEST guide book that I spent my money on. I am not a city girl, so I relied on this map heavily during my trip. I would have been lost without it. Every street and site is clearly listed on this map. Excellent!



5. We could not have toured London so thoroughly without this guide. It was VERY helpful & we had it out all the time. Small enough to carry in you bag. It is full of great information with easy to see large maps of the city broken down by neighborhoods. This is not really a review guide but an informative guide. It has information that you need to know, hours of operation, overview of what the attraction consists of, locations on maps, etc.
   
   I also purchased the AtoZ but found it had too much detail & was much larger, not as easy to carry around. I think it would work better for someone living or staying in London for an extended period. For the average tourist just wanting to see the main parts of the city, this is perfect.
   
   I highly recommend you don't go to London without this guide, great price for such a wealth of information.

5 comments about Watch It Made in the U.S.A.: A Visitor's Guide to the Best Factory Tours and Company Museums (Watch It Made in the USA).

1. Great book, I did not know that a book like this existed. Will definitly come in handy when planning trips. Checked information on places we have already been and information was accurate.



2. This is my first review in Amazon.
   
   I am always curious about how things are made,
   and after watching many episodes of "How do they do it",
   and "How it's made" on discovery Channel.
   I started to look for extra resources for a better understanding on these "behind the scenes" mysteries.
   Then, I found this book.
   And this book is a real treasure!
   The book is well organized,
   It provides many detail information about the factory tours,
   and the brief background of the companies.
   
   Thanks to this book,
   now I have some itineraries in mind.
   I plan to visit KitchenAid's factory in the near future for my mom.
   (My family is in Taiwan)
   She is a big fan of KitchenAid mixer. ha.
   I will also visit Airstream company as well,
   Owning a travel trailer is my dream, and I want to know how it is made,
   And I will be more determined to realize this dream!
   Maybe one day I will write a similar book "Watch it made in Taiwan" in a mobile trailer office. Who knows?!



3. This is an excellent book for anyone who is interested in things made in the USA. It gives a nice description of the facilities, locations, tour times, cost and lengths, age appropriateness, and phone numbers.
   We like to travel the country and will use the information to plan our trips. The book is well organized and very helpful.



4. My wife and I love to go on factory tours and visit company museums when we travel. It's corny, I know, but fun. This book gives wonderful examples of some of the best tours and museums around. Whenever we're going on a road trip, we always consult Watch It Made in the U.S.A.: A Visitor's Guide to the Best Factory Tours and Company Museums (Watch It Made in the USA) to help us decide where we might like to go. I would very much recommend it for families with young kids who might enjoy such tours, and probably retirees who have the time and interest for them, as well.



5. I'm planning to take my two teenagers cross country this summer and this is a GREAT book for finding interesting places to show them. It has excellent maps, clear directions, and well-written descriptions of what you will (and won't) see so I can figure out what sites will best entertain the different family members. I only wish we had time to see more of the places they describe. It even tells you what other nearby attractions there are. Kudos to the authors!

5 comments about Lonely Planet Argentina.

1. So we're in BA last week with this guide, and we're trying to go to some of the restaurants this book recommends. But the book is so OUT OF DATE that the restaurants have CLOSED DOWN. I don't know how this book is for the less traveled parts of Argentina, but for Buenos Aires, it is USELESS.



2. If you are a student, make less than $25K a year, and enjoy staying in rudown versions of Motel 6, then this book might be for you.
   
   First, Argentina is no longer the bargain the authors claim it is. Outside of BA, you can get a decent meal on the cheap, but other than that, expect to pay $90 and up for a decent hotel. Many of the references in the book come from online entries and clearly have not been checked for quality, cleanliness, etc.
   
   Second, per the review(s) below, many of the recommended restaurants have closed - in BA, you are better off going to Puerto Madero and picking a reataurant at random - they are all good.
   
   Third, keep in mind that AR got hammered by the peso devaluation and many cities are still recovering. Cordoba and others can be less than an idyllic vacation spot.
   
   Conclusion - if you are seeking a quality vacation, you are better off using a good travel agancy. You get what you pay for in AR, notwithstanding the claims of the authors.



3. Excellent guide for someone taking a trip to Argentina. It was supplemented with Time Out Patagonia. Precise in the level of information provided. It was used extensively during the 8 thousand mile trip by car.



4. This is probably the best travel guide out there for Argentina. However, I wish it had more information for Uruguay and more details about other areas besides Buenos Aires. I also recommend Time out Buenos Aires to help keep up with the new restuarants.



5. Lonely Planet misses the mark so badly on Argentina that there is no way anyone should give it a good review. The section on Buenos Aires is absolutely terrible. The free literature that our hotel left in our room was far superior to Lonely Planet's research. As a whole this guide book is geared towards homeless people that are for some reason traveling around South America. So many of the hotels that the book describes as "clean" are absolute dumps. If you do not book one of the "high-end" suggestions in Buenos Aires, I guarantee that you will not be staying in a nice hotel. Restaraunt and sight-seeing recommendations barely scratch the surface of what there is to eat and see in Argentina. In total, it appears that no work or thought was put into creating this guide book. Definitely not worth the money.

3 comments about Alaska (EYEWITNESS TRAVEL GUIDE).

1. I am a frequent Alaska tourist and have used several of the Eyewitness city guides in the past, so I was glad to see that they came out with this book. No one can touch Eyewitness for design and illustrations and their Alaska guide is no exception. Their maps are amazingly clean and functional. It is impossible to pick up this book and not get sucked into it.
   
   The guide is not as comprehensive as a Frommer's or Fodor's, but for me, who needs a listing of every restaurant and gift shop in an area. Eyewitness focuses on the can't-miss attractions and gives more than enough shopping and dining options to cover your stay in state. The information is in bite-sized chunks that are easily scanned and give a good overview to the areas you're visiting.
   
   If I had to say something against this guide it would be that it is so filled with photos that they need to be pretty small. When I flip through it and see these tiny images of areas I have visited, they just don't do justice to the scope of the landscape. But then, maybe this will just help you appreciate Alaska when you are there in person.
   
   If you or someone you know is going to Alaska for a vacation, get them a copy of this book. This is the best guide to the entire state I have found.



2. I enjoyed working with this seller who was very prompt. The book was used, but came in without any wear at all. Great stuff!!



3. I have used the Eyewitness guides for several other countries. The Alaska guide has the same beautiful color pictures but the city & tour info was nat as complete as some of the other guides. I ended up borrowing a Fodor's guide from a friendFodor's Alaska 2007 (Fodor's Gold Guides)