5 comments about Lonely Planet Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei.

1. Only gave a very brief overview,not enough information for someone who has not travelled to that part of the world.



2. This book is great. It has accurate information and makes trip planning a breeze. I have traveled all over Asia, and I use lonely planet books to plan all my trips.



3. I spent the better part of the afternoon reading this book as I'm planning on a trip to Singapore and Malaysia this week. The Lonely Planet can usually (although not always) be counted on to provide for solid information on travel destinations and this one does just that. It's pretty well written and everything is nicely laid out. I particularly enjoyed the historical overview at the beginning and the section on the national psyche. Malaysia and Singapore (I didn't read about Brunei) sound like thoroughly enjoyable and interesting places. I especially appreciated the description of KL as being something of a nightmare for pedestrians. That's the type of honesty that travelers need, and it's also what helped make the Lonely Planet famous in the first place.



4. Purchased this book to get basic information about the Island of Langkawi. Provided great restaurant list and information about getting around the island. Highly recommend this book if traveling to Malaysia.



5. I am impressed to have received a new copy of this lonely planet so quickly and exactly in the condition i expected.

5 comments about The Devil's Teeth: A True Story of Obsession and Survival Among America's Great White Sharks.

1. The author and her persistence to observe activities on the island leads the the demise of the entire shark research project. great.



2. "The Devil's Teeth" is about more than just sharks. Let's get that out there first and foremost. It should be rather obvious, actually: the book's title refers not only to the animals (though Casey would NEVER refer to them as "devils," and neither should you), but to the islands they inhabit: the Farallones, a mysterious, rugged set of islands off San Francisco, which have, throughout the centuries, repelled any attempt at civilization.
   
   Of course, the sharks are the main draw, and there are plenty of them--as well as info on their habits, some of this knowledge previously unknown, gleemed from the research that Susan Casey observed during her somewhat-legal "internship" with scientists Peter Pyle and Scot Anderson. Though some of the details given are mundane and annoying (do we really need to know that one scientist's arm muscles were perfectly formed?), much of the information is, if not relevatory, then at least pretty darn interesting. The entire book is filled with fun, rivetting info about great whites, seabirds, local history, and even a few funny--and somewhat disturbing--annecdotes about the ghost that supposedly haunts the island.
   
   The book's only real setback: it feels unfinished. Granted, that is life, and this is a true story...but still, it's a bit of a letdown. Of course, can take this another way: this story absolutely had to be told, whether it was finished or not (and, I suppose, it HAS come to an end, and a rather unhappy one at that). It is important that the general public become aware that great white sharks are not devilish killing machines (it would have been nice if she'd gone with another title, one not intended to sell millions of copies). Great whites inhabit a realm of nature that man is only now attempting to understand; the info in this book goes a long way to informing the general public of recent developments that can hopefully clear the shark of many unjust charges. Coincidentally (or perhaps not), the book also provides a rivetting read for anyone interested in the natural world.



3. Journalist Susan Casey visits the Farallon Islands shark project. The Farallones are rugged islands off of the Golden Gate, often visited by Great White Sharks. Casey visited the place, presumabley wrote an article for OUTSIDE magazine where she was editor, and then tried to go back to the islands for more... More research? Time with the shark guys? Time with the sharks? Words to fill out a book-length manuscript?
   
   At any rate, she manages to insert herself into the story, helping to kill the project, get shark research people fired, lose a sixty-foot ship at sea, and in the second half of the book destroy any reputation as a writer she might have.
   
   It always amazes me when liberals try to pose as "outlaws", as Casey does. It always turns out to be a childish pose, "Laws for thee, but not for me." Laws to keep the Farallones owners, the American taxpayers, from visiting the island? Good laws, stick'em with a "six-figure fine"! Laws to keep her from visiting? Bad laws, try and sneak in with the shark research guys cooperation! Keep idiot swimmers and divers from swimming in the Farallones? Good law! Keep idiot shark research boy from surfing the Farallones? Bad law!



4. Awesome book! Loved every page and found a new interest in sharks. I would recommend to anyone who gets a thrill from adventure and is curious about these amazing mysterious creatures. You will learn a lot of fun information.



5. Couldn't put it down. One of the most fascinating and well written books I have ever read. If you have any interest in sharks at all you will be blown away by how interesting and evocative this book is.

5 comments about Yosemite, The Complete Guide: Yosemite National Park.

1. I purchased several books on Yosemite and found this one to be the
   easiest to read and most useful.



2. A great general information/guide book for Yosemite.
   
   I highly recommend this book for everyone. If you haven't been to Yosemite before, you get high quality photos of what is to come and some great general trail information to help plan your trip. If you have been, it is still a good buy as it is more than just a trail guide. The first 100 pages provide history and geology of the area and are a quick but fun read. In my opinion, it is just a great overall book to own. I plan to purchase the author's books about other National Parks in the future.
   
   I also purchased the Moon book for Yosemite. It has more details on hikes, but for the average vacationer, I think this book is better.



3. Thought this was the best of the Yosemite guides I previewed. Great mini typo maps covering different areas of the park. My only complaint is that the maps are not oriented with North at the top, so it took some time to get the orientation correct. Other than that, the book is great.



4. Bought this book back in March for a trip in early May. At the time, there was only one review, but I bought it anyway as it was the most recently published guide available.
   
   Wow - the day it arrived, I sat down and read it front to back. The history of the park, the geology, the history of the Native Americans who lived on the land ... I was so impressed that it was more than just a "camp here" and "eat here" kind of guide.
   
   What this book has over the others out there:
   - The most gorgeous photos. It made me giddy with excitement to go and see those places for myself!
   - a small but helpful section with pictures of the most common wildlife and plantlife that you encounter in the park (ended more than one debate about "what flower is this?!")
   - Information about the native tribes' names and legends for the features in the park, or other important history of a particular place, highlighted in boxes set off from the main text.
   - A sizeable section on the High Sierra Camps and hikes around them. Absolutely made me want to do the whole circuit (maybe next year...)
   - This guidebook was clearly a labor of love for the author. This wasn't compiled from a bunch of staff travel writers ... it was written by someone who obviously knows the park extremely well and has chosen to highlight only the best parts, to give readers the best experience in Yosemite.
   
   Why this might not be the book for you:
   - There are no compass markings on the detailed mini-maps. This bothered others in my group more than me.
   - Very few details on lodging. Not a problem for me, as I already had accomodations booked, and the lodging choices in the park are few anyhow, but this book is better for planning your TRIP, not your STAY.
   - The descriptions of the hikes are kind of vague. If you are going to Yosemite to back-country hike, this isn't the book for you. If you want the best day (or 2-day) hikes, he hits the great ones. I was relieved to see how well-marked they are once you're on the trail.
   
   I thought this guidebook was absolutely cream of the crop. So did my mother and sister-in-law - they each wanted to steal it from me and keep it as a coffee table book! (I bought them each a copy once we returned home)



5. This guidebook was perfect. It included all the information you would want to know visiting Yosemite. The pictures are beautiful and give you a great idea of what is to come. I think his descriptions of the trails were very accurate and helped make my trip to Yosemite perfect. I am going to buy all his books!!

5 comments about Top 10 Paris (EYEWITNESS TOP 10 TRAVEL GUIDE).

1. For experienced Paris travelers such as myself it's an obvious time and money waster. However for Paris newbies it's great. My friend bought this for her first time in paris and loved it...it was a great way to keep track of the touristy things she wanted to see/do.



2. This was nearly the most useful item I took on my recent trip to Paris. As previous reviews mentioned, the fold-out maps were great.
   
   Every time I needed to go somewhere or return to my hotel, I'd first review the map in the front to see where I was and determine which Metro station I needed to find. Then, I'd flip to the Metro map in the back to navigate the route home. The "zoomed in" section of the front map which is in the back helped me find my way after I went astray and was critical in planning our walks through Paris.
   
   And although you know you want to see the Eifel Tower and the Louvre and what not while you're in Paris, you might not know exactly where they are in relation to each other. That map in the front is great - just look for the purple splotches. Each one is a site you won't want to miss.
   
   The other Top 10 listings were great too. Once you see all the major sites, you might have a little time left to do something completely random. The different restaurants, stores, and parks listed offer many great ideas. And locating them with the maps enclosed are half the fun!!
   
   I'd recommend this and the Rick Steve's Paris book to anyone going. And, for my next trip, I will check out the Top 10 Eyewitness book for my next destination.



3. For the major sites, I found this guide superb! It gave concise and relevant details about each site which I found great. Also, the map in the back was easy to read yet detailed enough to easily navigate us around the City. I highly recommend this guide.



4. I'm not a seasoned or jaded traveler ... yet! Neophyte European travellers will find that experience and time are the limiting resources when it comes to pre-planning a first trip to a destination as large and complex as the City of Lights. The Eyewitness Travel Top 10 format provides more than enough details to allow for an informed choice between competing destinations but unlike many of the competing alternative guides, it makes no attempt to be encyclopedic drowning an unsuspecting reader in so much knowledge that choices become next to impossible.
   
   Eyewitness Travel Guides seem to have the market beat by a long margin! That's not to say that Lonely Planet, Frommer, Michelin or the Blue and Green Guides miss the mark entirely but the Eyewitness series, in general, seems to be more informative. The photographs and illustrations instill a higher degree of keen anticipation and provide a better means of choosing in advance between a world of competing destinations and alternative tourist attractions. And I can't say enough about the Top 10 format ... dozens of lists - events, restaurants, hotels, museums, walks, churches, bars, great spots for children, insider tips and so much more. Whether your taste in vacations runs to exploring the hot night life spots or scoping out the most exciting history that museums and art galleries have to offer, Top 10 Paris will make your trip easier to plan and more enjoyable in the doing.
   
   Portability, durability, sensible layout and organization not to mention the included maps of the city and the metro system make Top 10 Paris the correct choice to tote along with you while you're actually out and about in Paris as well.
   
   Finally, Top 10 Paris is a great way of post-filling information and details into some of the holes or places that you might miss or have to rush through when you're actually on the trip. Along with photographs and trip journals, it's also a wonderful way to resurrect detailed memories of a trip long after you've returned home.
   
   Paul Weiss



5. Concise up to date guidebook. One for taking with you (nice and light and only contains the essentials.)

5 comments about Vermont Atlas & Gazetteer.

1. The Vermont Atlas and Gazetteer (as well as the NH and Maine versions) are simply the best maps I have ever bought and used. Every road in every town is shown, and well as topographical features, landmarks, waterways, etc.
   
   If you get lost using this map, wellll, ummmm, maybe you shouldn't have been going there!



2. If you don't have gps, then this map book is for you. It is very easy to use.



3. Great map, lots of detail that I was looking for. The obvious drawback (and the pay-off for the detail) is it's size - not exactly a handy map for referring to in the car! It is a worthwhile buy though.



4. I've bought various states' Atlas & Gazetteers, and have to say that I don't plan a trip without one anymore.
   If you want to go 'off the beaten path' and still have a clue where you are, these are the best tools. A paper map from the convenience store just doesn't cut it. The front section of these books is terrific for whatever activities you're interested in from biking & hiking trails to campgrounds, amusements, and natural attractions/gardens/museums...it's all there.
   Oh, and a side note: These are VERY good tools to hand your kids in the back seat, as they can literally follow along (road curves, driving over a RR track, along a lake or river & everything!) as you're driving. No more "are we there yet?" because they KNOW where we are! Good tool to get them used to reading a road map; everything is "blown up" instead of just lines like you'd see on a regular road map.
   Very, VERY good resource!



5. I bought this map book prior to my recent June 2008 visit to northeastern Vermont (Northeast Kingdom). I was disappointed. What is shown as a road is actually an impassable trail. Roads shown to connect sometimes do not. Needless to say, I wasted a good amount of time and fuel. You might be the first person to ground truth the maps. Good luck!

5 comments about On the Way Home: The Diary of a Trip from South Dakota to Mansfield, Missouri, in 1894.

1. This book is written in a much different style than the other Little House books. Laura kept a journal of the trip and these are her day-to-day entries. It can sometimes be dry or confusing. I have been reading the series with my daughter and this one has been a little more difficult. We enjoyed it, but not as much as the others.



2. It's often said in tones of this-is-true-but-it's-also-heresy that Rose Wilder Lane, daughter of Laura and Almanzo Wilder, is the real unsung heroine in the Little House books, because while she let her mother have credit for the famous series, it was Rose, via her careful, invisible editing and re-writes, that turned cheery memoirs into beloved classics. I suspect that's true, but in the case of this book, it is beyond all doubt what happened. Rose took her mother's raw diary and prepared it for publication, and the product is the book On The Way Home, which tells of the journey Rose and her parents made in 1894, from DeSmet, South Dakota, setting for the final half of the Little House books, to the Ozark country, where the family would spend the next sixty years. The description is unsentimental, not glamorized (as it tends to be--for the sake of betterment--in the other books) and it paints a portrait of the difficult traveler's life on the by-then crowded prairie overrun with east-central European immigrants, many of whom being exactly the type portrayed in novels such as My Antonia. The Wilder family completes its draining re-location by covered wagon and arrives in Missouri, a state so much a promised land to them that a reader cannot help but share their relief when they safely arrive.



3. I can see why Laura Ingalls was able to write such good books about her early life on the Prairie. Her diaries were packed full of information and detail which she could later draw on. This is one of her diaries, with notes and a setting by her only child, daughter Rose Wilder Lane who was just a girl during this trip.
   
   Laura Ingalls Wilder is, of course, famous for her little House books describing her childhood growing up at the edge of American settling in the mid Nineteenth century. Constantly pushing to new territories and places Ingalls father lead them west into Indian territory and later to Dakota where they settled. Laura met and Married Almanzo Wilder in de Smet, Dakota (Those happy Golden Years, and First Four Years) however those books left a me feeling a bit downhearted. Especially teh First Four Years, in which Almanzo 'Manly' and Laura seemed to be struck with tragedy (the house burning down) etc.
   
   I found this diary to be hugely uplifting. It is not the detailed stories of her childhood, or living in a wagon as an adult settler, but it is a great tale detail of a family moving, of finding something which they could call their own, but far away in the Ozarks.
   
   The most interesting thing to me about it, was that while they were on the road they were constantly being passed by other settlers, some going north and others going south, but the number of people on the move was amazing. At one point Rose adds a note that she looked back while they were about to cross the 'muddy' and there was a stream of covered wagons behind them.
   
   Little details of what life was like really draw this out - tomatoes 10c a bushel and so they bought 2c worth. Huge watermelons for 5 c, Almanzo selling fire mats (ASBESTOS!) and all those little everyday details about life for Laura.
   
   While she did not put her stories down until many decades later, clearly she was a writer in the making right from the beginning. Rose, her daughter has provided much of the detail necessary in here, but it would be really nice to see an illustrated edition of this showing the place as it was and as it is now. It was interesting to use Google Earth to view some of the trail which you can see right now. It gives it a sense of scale which I will not be able to do myself unless I acutally visit.
   
   The only reason this has four stars is it is not as gripping as Ingalls novels - it is still a great read and highly recommended.



4. The Book, On The Way Home, by Laura Ingalls Wilder, is basically what it says it is. It is a Diary of a Trip from South Dakota to Mansfield, Missouri, in 1894. This book was not that enjoyable just because it was just diary entries, like "today we ate meat." But other wise it was quite intriguing to discover the ways in which people traveled back in the day. In one part of the book it talks about how their covered wagon is not a covered wagon at all but that, "It had been a two-seated hack though now it only had the front seat." I also found it very enjoyable to read about the worth of money back then and compare it to now. It talks about how Laura had earned a whole one hundred dollars which today is like penny cash but back then was a fortune. In the beginning of the book there is a setting by Rose Wilder Lane, Laura's Daughter, which is a great piece of writing, it is like the rest of Laura's books in that it makes you want to read the rest of the book. I found this book interesting but a drag because of the slow pace in the book. If you would like to take a slow dip into history you should definitely read this book.



5. This Laura Ingalls Wilder diary is somewhat dull in parts, but the introduction by her daugher, Rose Wilder Lane, is worth the price of the book. Lane gives a first-hand account of the days before and after the journey that puts Laura in a new light. There are also several good photographs unavailable in other LHOTP books.

3 comments about Lonely Planet Washington, Oregon & the Pacific Northwest (Lonely Planet Travel Guides).

1. Why is Lonely Planet making the text so terribly small when us boomers can no longer see this tiny print without strong glasses with books like this one? They should be helping us since we are the ones who travel most.
   
   Please reader,s let's get them to increase the size instead of decreasing,



2. LONELY PLANET WASHINGTON, OREGON, AND THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST is yet another great book covering the highly bountiful Pacific Northwestern region of the United States, as well as British Columbia in Canada. Although it lacks extensive coverage of media options for each major city in the region, that's more than compensated for by in-depth descriptions of sightseeing, dining, and outdoor activities, as well as discussion of local vernaculars. This is a book that no one who enjoys traveling should be without.



3. Great book and very helpful for our travels. Many of the prices printed were out of date (Hotels, entertainment, etc...) but prices change often so just call and check.

5 comments about Morocco (Eyewitness Travel Guides).

1. Just returned from Morocco and this book was indispensible! Great insight, great information about what to see. The photos are terrific to look at even if you don't make it to your destination.
   Can't wait to use the one from Turkey soon!



2. It is a colorful book but lack the basic information and tips on basics. Gives you a nice history of Morroco political life. But it was't as helpful on basics like maps, tours.
   
   This is a cheap book its ok for a overview. If your thinking of visiting Morroco with only this book as experience, dont. Always do some research and get maps in the city you visit. Especially Marrakech



3. It is a great book because gives you pictures of what you are expecting to see. Also gives you information.
   Very easy to use.



4. Having travelled to Morocco April of 2007, I wanted an armchair mode to relive and add to places, events, memories of the trip. While no book can replace the marvel that is Morocco and its people, this gives a good and accurate overview, with lots of interesting information. All those things your tour guide shares and you can't remember!



5. Though many swear by the LP guides, my Eyewitness guide did me well during my recent 10 day excursion through Marrakesh, Fes, and Casablanca. It's not so great for finding hotels and restaurants, as well as many "big picture" details (like where to find walking tours, etc.), but the history sections at the beginning of the guide were incredibly informative and helped me understand the culture and background of the people before I went, and the pictures (both photos and illustrations) and descriptions of the sites are great. Especially important since in Morocco, if there's a non-Arabic description of anything, it's typically only in French. Finally, it's a good keepsake at the end of the trip... a great collection of photos of the sights in case you weren't able to take enough.
   
   All in all, my travel buddy had an LP guide, which we used for finding hotels and to figure out a walking tour in Casablanca, and we used my Eyewitness guide for everything else. Perfect for us.

No comments about Europe by Eurail 2008: Touring Europe by Train (Europe By Eurail).

3 comments about The New Christian Traveler's Guide to the Holy Land.

1. The book has good information, and a month long Bible Study for those preparing to travel to Israel. Not the same secular perspective as many travel guides.



2. This guide is an excelent source for Christians that would like to read in the bible what took place in the Old and New Testiment in Israel and Jordan. It was exciting to recount stories in the bible and connect them to where I would be visiting. There is also a great 4 week bible study and daily prayer guide to prepare you for your journey. There are a few tips to prepare you for the culture and what to pack but I would suggest the lonley Planet guide for less spiritual and more cultural guide.



3. This is a really good book if you are going to travel to Israel.
   I found so much to help me. I have now taken the trip and am going
   over some of the things written. It was surprising because I was able to meet the author before the trip and he gave me many pointers. He is remarkable.