5 comments about How to Shit in the Woods: An Environmentally Sound Approach to a Lost Art.

1. Few experiences do more to mar the outdoorsy afternoon or the 8 day backpack trek than stepping over a log and discovering your expensive waffle-stompers are filled with the leavings of another hiker. The problem is as old as mankind. At least, it's as old as mankind after he began noticing what was between his toes.
   
   The Bible addressed the problem, probably in the first surviving form, by demanding that people walk away from others with a spear or spade, dig a hole, and cover it. That method works well where the traffic is light. It works less well on heavily traveled forest trails.
   
   Meyer offers 102 pages of suggestions, anecdotes and solutions for novices who want to experience the woods, don't want to create a problem, recognize it's a necessary body function and must be addressed.
   
   I'd recommend it for everyone who plans a trip into the outdoors and isn't already familiar with how to deal with the function in a way that's not objectionable to those who follow. I'd make it required reading for those who go to the areas I'm likely to visit.



2. Ok, it's not a masterpiece of English literature. What is there to analyze here? This is like arguing the merits of Benny Hill. For 8 bucks, buy this book. It has a few practical tips about where and how to deficate in the woods (hence the title). Great. The introduction is a tears-in-your-eyes funny anecdote on that topic that is probably worth the price. Then, you have a conversation piece for your bookshelf that will be appreciated by almost everyone. And, the author goes to some length to argue that this title is NOT vulgar (the book includes a useful lexicon for the word that is also worth the price). And, you'll have something to think about the next time you take a hurried necessary behind a tree or abandon a diaper in the Wal-Mart parking lot! Enough analysis already.



3. This is a serious subject, and I hoped the book would contain some good info and be a useful and light-hearted read for the inexperienced campers I often escort into the country. Sadly, the useful info in this book would barely fill a magazine article - which is where it should have been. The bulk of it is a painfully inept attempt at humour, over-complicated and pompous storytelling and self-apology. There is simply too much tedious waffle diluting the interesting stuff to make the book useful to anyone as a quick reference, and it simply isn't funny enough to warrant it's size (which, given its smallness, is saying something). At best it is mildly amusing in parts - and at worst it is a painfully protracted waste of paper. Perhaps it is intended to be used for wiping yourself after practising some of the poorly described techniques within?



4. A well written book about a subject that people normally don't think about till they are out in the middle of nowhere and it's too late to find a restroom that is miles away. The title may be offensive to some but, the books provides excellent information



5. To the uninitiated, the art of having a dump in the woods probably seems no more complicated than "squat, squint, squeeze and squeegee"! But, alas, as the world shrinks and the use of the world's limited wilderness terrain by outdoor adventurers increases to the limit of the land's ability to withstand the stress of that use, it's just not that simple. When considerations such as ecology, weather, temperature, privacy, courtesy, hygiene, biodegradation, density of camping use in an area, terrain and so on are factored into the decision as to where and how to complete the necessary feat, all is not as simple as it would seem. The methods one should choose are as varied as the terrains one might choose to visit and the times of year in which those choices are made.
   
   "How to Shit in the Woods" is a book that should be read by EVERY person who would choose to venture into the out of doors - whether you want to spend a weekend at the local campground or you're a hardcore toughened backwoodsman heading out into the bush for a week long solo canoe trip in Canada's northern boreal forest!
   
   Be prepared for lots of silly toilet humour, hilarious anecdotes concerning toilet misadventures, lots of tongue-in-cheek jokes, a good number of belly laughs and a very earthy delivery to be sure - but the message ultimately is entirely serious and well worth the read! There is very little humorous when it concerns encountering the leavings of someone who trod the trail in front of you.
   
   Highly recommended for campers of all stripes, sexes, ages and experience levels.

4 comments about The Rough Guide to Hong Kong & Macau - Edition 6 (Rough Guide Travel Guides).

1. This book gives ou a nice overview of the region, and incredible specific tips for visiting HK and Macau.



2. I recommend this guide, it was quite useful.
   
   The descriptions of various areas were quite accurate, and the maps were mostly very good. The one of Macau seemed to have some minor errors, but that place is very confusing to walk around, so it could have been me. Anyway, you want the maps in this book or something pretty good, because the free tourist map is basically worthless.
   
   I really like Rough Guides, because their reviews are very honest and balanced, and they are excellent about cross-referencing recommended locations, restaurants, hotels, etc and maps in each book. This guide is up to the same high standards, so it was very easy to use.
   
   I would recommend that the walking tours guide (available for free at the airport, etc) is a good supplement to this guide. I used it extensively.



3. I used the sixth (2006) edition of the ROUGH GUIDE TO HONG KONG & MACAU during a recent two-week stay in Hong Kong. Reading it before my trip, I found it to portray Hong Kong as a fascinating and immense place to visit, where one can spend weeks covering all manner of out of the way places. This was a great contrast to the Berlitz guide to Hong Kong I also took along, which make the region seem like a two-day stop where the only interesting thing is shopping.
   
   There's a chapter each on Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories, and the outlying islands. The description of each town or wilderness inside these divisions takes the form of a walking tour. The authors guide the reader through the streets well, and like all Rough Guides the maps here are clear and accurate. I unfortunately didn't visit Macau, so I cannot comment on that portion of the guide.
   
   I didn't use the accommodation listings, as like many travelers I prefer to stay with local from hospitality associations for closer contact with the local culture. As the Rough Guide does not cover this option, I have removed one star from my rating. However, there does indeed seem to be an adequate amount of both budget and luxury accommodation, with the stops in between of course. The needs of shoestring travelers are not given short shrift here, as in the offerings of all too many guidebook publishers. I did use the recommendations for restaurants, which do a great job of steering travelers to hole-in-the-wall eateries with little English signage which might not look fancy, but which show you the real Hong Kong in a way flashier places don't.
   
   At the end of the book one finds a history of the region, as well as some general information on Hong Kong culture. The history soberly discusses the uncertainty of Hong Kong's true autonomy after the handover, while other guidebooks I read gave only a rosy view. In these appendices there's also a list of films and books, fiction and non-fiction, about Hong Kong, letting the reader learn more about the place before he visits.
   
   If you're an independent travelver going to Hong Kong, I'd certainly recommend ROUGH GUIDE TO HONG KONG & MACAU. I find it better than the Lonely Planet guide due to the range of its listings and the quality of its maps, and light years ahead of the paltry listings and assumption that the reader is a millionaire which one finds in many other guidebook lines.



4. Great walking tours are included in this Rough Guide to Hong Kong and Macau-the directions are explicit and easy to follow and the places to which we ventured exceeded expectations. There were GREAT shopping tips for a shopping mecca and we scored on several fronts! This is a great way to introduce yourself to Hong Kong and Macau before you get there and a great way to bring what you read into reality. A must-buy for travel to Asia.

5 comments about Destination Weddings For Dummies (For Dummies (Travel)).

1. The cheat sheet alone is worth the price of the book, especially for the guide to the new wedding-related online lingo. My GBF was my BM -- and I didn't even know it!



2. I'm kind of obsessive, so I bought The Knot destination wedding book and the Destination Bride book too. They're both good, but this is probably the only one you need if you're just buying one. The Knot book has lots of nice pictures of other people's weddings which can give you decorating ideas, but not much practical info. Destination bride is good b/c it's by a real wedding planner.
   
   What I liked about this book is that it first helps you decide if you're the kind of couple who should have a destination wedding (we are!). And then there's a chapter that really helps spark ideas on where you can have the wedding, in a place that's going to make sense for you and your FH.
   
   The book tells you about all kinds of places to get married -- not just hotels but also parks and beaches all over the world. And if you're just in a rush or don't want to spend a lot of money, you can find out how to have a wedding in Las Vegas (I'm tempted!) for under $1500, and that includes flights, hotels, ceremony, and even the ring. But I have my heart set on a beach wedding, and you can't do that in Las Vegas!



3. Susan knows her stuff and she puts it to the reader in a well-written way that any "dummy" can understand. As far as I'm concerned that's the mark of a good communicator. Susan is also an excellent researcher so you can be sure that there is the most up-to-date information and choices of properties in this book. This is a read that every bride or romantic will want on their bookshelf. And it makes a good shower gift as well!



4. This book is great. I love it. There are so many details that it goes over. A BIG HELP FOR DESTINATION WEDDINGS.



5. Planning a beach or destination wedding can be costly and time consuming. We recommend that all our wedding clients get and read Destination Weddings For Dummies. The time and headaches it will save you is well worth the price of the book.
   
   Reed Johnson
   [...]

5 comments about Places Rated Almanac: The Classic Guide for Finding Your Best Places to Live in America (Places Rated).

1. Even the older editions give you a lot of valuable information.
   I highly recommend it.



2. Savageau has surpassed himself. The new PRA has more criteria, more detail, and more pages. I checked his new data on my city and he's got all the new info in it, which shows his thoroughness. He actually knows more about my city than I do.
   
   I'll be reading this book 'til the next one, which I did with the previous one. Everytime I open it up I find a new category. There's nothing like it! I'm addicted now to demographics.



3. I ordered this book to give me some idea of where I wanted to move to and settled down for retirement. It was very informative with a lot of great information. It gives you a wide range of info from traffic, schools, jobs, housing, cost of living, things to do, etc. This is a very useful resource if you are moving or retiring to another area or state. Excellent research tool!



4. My family is in process of moving, and this book has been a great help in figuring out where is a good place, and where isn't based on what we think is important (crime rates, school systems, etc) and things we don't think are important. Other lists from magazines are loaded with "totals" of what they feel are most important, but that doesn't mean it's relevant or most important to us. With the breakdowns by category of the "best places" and why, it makes it easier to understand, too. And, it's nice to see that where I grew up rates so well, too. The only thing I thought that should be added or different: growing up in the Northeast, within an hours' drive, there are many other rated regions that rated better (or worse) than others. For example, it would have been nice to see that although some areas didn't have a high concentration of universities, that within a 30-mile drive, there actually were a lot, might help people who aren't as familiar with the areas as some that lived there or grew up there.



5. As long as Americans are in love with lists and insecure about keeping up with their neighbors (in some far off state in this case)...books like this will continue to prosper, regardless of whether they actually make sense.
   
   I found the weather section less than helppful as it didn't give any real information (days above 90 degrees snowfall etc) but opted for a 50 page breakdown of "regional weather environments"??
   
   Not taking into concideration that weather can change signifigantly between neighboring cities just a few dozen miles apart.
   
   I wrote them to express my dissatisfaction with this and other aspects and I was told that a new edition will be on shelves next year and that I should just buy the next one and hope for the best.
   
   I donated the book to my local library.

1 comments about Fodor's Ireland 2008 (Fodor's Gold Guides).

1. I used Frommer's and Fodor's both for my recent Ireland trip. I think Frommer's had better detail about sights, for example more accurate times when the sites were open. I usually check the book out of the library and if I really like it then I buy it. I probably used Frommer's more on my vacation because I like the way it is written more but Fodor's had some info that was not in Frommer's and it is interesting to see what attractions they rate well compared to Frommer's. If both books like an attraction then you know it is going to be worth the trip! I really like to deeply research my vacation location so I enjoyed reading both books.

5 comments about The Songlines.

1. As i never wanted to go to Australia, i have to say that after reading this book i have not changed my mind, but it is not a point. It is not a book about traveling in Australia. It is more a book about walking, for example. As i like walking, i have found in this book so many great examples of what the walking is about, it is not just moving from one point on the Earth to another, it is also philosophy. And so on...this book is highly recommended for those who knows what the word "travel" means. In present time many people travel, but just a few ones deserve to be called "traveller". Bruce Chatwin is among them.



2. This is the kind of writing/reflecting many people do while travelling and is not a "how to" type of travel guide. I've recommended this book to several thoughtful people, given it to many thoughtful teens as they begin to self-discover, and re-read the book twice. VERY nice writing, good thoughts, great ideas about humans.



3. In Alice Springs the narrator called Bruce meets Arkady Volchok, an Australian citizen who is mapping the sacred sites of the Aboriginals. Arkady is fascinated by them, by their grit and tenacity and their ways of dealing with white people. Arkady speaks a couple of their languages and he is often astounded by their intellectual vigour, their memory and their capacity to survive.
   It was during his time as a schoolteacher in Walbiri that Arkadi learned of the labyrinth of invisible pathways which meander all over Australia and are known to Europeans as Songlines - a way for Aboriginals to sing out the name of everything that crosses their path during their wanderings: birds, animals, plants, rocks, waterholes and so sing the world in existence.
   When a route is suggested for a new Alice to Darwin railway line, Arkady's job is to identify the traditional landowners, to drive them over their old hunting grounds and to get them to reveal which rock or soak or ghost-gum is the work of a Dreamtime hero. Bruce is happy to join Arkady and to spend some time "out bush".
   The reader of this novel learns a lot about Australia and the Aboriginals. The plot and the characters however are a bit thin. One finds it hard to sympathise with the Aboriginal figures appearing in the story. What they have to say and the way they express themselves amounts to practically nothing. It seems as though they need the white people to tell their stories and traditions.



4. The Songlines really captured my attention. Human ecology, cultural anthropology, human evolution, cultural imperialism, Songlines, Native Australians ("aborigines"), travels... this is a book with information about a people and a place. I enjoyed the flow and pace of the story, and I hope I learned the reality of Native Australian culture.
   
   However, Bruce Chatwin chose to use this book to publish assorted observations, quotes, and reflections from other travels. For me (me), they affected the flow of his storytelling, my ability to focus on the theme - Australia, not nomads - and the ending. Perhaps this is a style thing, and I don't know if Chatwin applies this style in his other books.
   
   Didn't work for me. I wanted a conclusion to his original story.



5. The first sentence sounded promising:"In Alice Springs - a grid of scorching streets where men in long white socks were forever getting in and out of Land Cruisers - I met a Russian who was mapping the sacred sites of the Aboriginals." And indeed what follows in the next thirty or so chapters is a very readable and insightful travelogue of a British (author? archaelogist? historian?) "going bush" with Arkady Volchok, trying to learn about the mythical Aboriginal songlines. Not understandably, then, the author throws in bits and pieces of the protagonist's notebooks, which all more or less anthropological citations and thoughts from very different sources. The concept reminded me a bit of the motif in "The English Patient", where Almasy carries a copy of Herodotus' The Histories with him, adding his own notes and observations. Fortunately, in Ondaatje's novel, this remains a motif which does not disrupt the plot itself. With "The Songlines", however, I found myself flicking impatiently through the interjection-pages in order to get back to the story.

2 comments about Best Hikes With Kids: Western Washington & the Cascades (Best Hikes with Kids).

1. I have purchased several copies of this book, everytime a new edition comes out actually. I can't believe I am the first to review it. If you are a parent and you are new to hiking with kids in the western Washington region this will probably be the only book you need. It is superbly written, with great details on the hike itself,knowing ahead of time what difficulty level you are facing is a must in my opinion, as well as directions on how to find the trail head, tips and tricks to hiking with your children in a way that you will all enjoy it and so much more. I highly reccomend this book, you will not be disapointed.



2. It is the most accurate rated hiking book I've owned (I have alot) and most used I would also say its an accurate place to start if your out of shape the ratings are realistic you dont feel like your regretting it half way threw the hike You finish without feeling like the only thing you lost is a few pounds (not your mind or breath) your kids arent whinning and are ready for the next one!!!!

5 comments about Photographing the Southwest: Volume 2--Arizona (2nd Ed.) (Photographing the Southwest).

1. I bought all three books from the series Photographing the Southwest by author Laurent Martres. I'm preparing for 2 weeks trip to USA next year. I found these books very useful. All provide very valuable information about the best time and conditions for all the people having passion for taking fotographs at most famous places all over Southwest. Simply must have.



2. In the first edition of this book I found Mr. Martres' directions to be hard to follow and, in some cases, in error. This edition has greatly improved them.



3. This was the first book of the "Southwest" series that I have read. I purchased the book to prepare for a trip I was taking to Arizona. I found the book to be an excellent reference for someone that isn't familiar with all of the wonderful landscape locations available in the Grand Canyon state. The only thing that would make the book better would be greater details in the "getting there" sections. Some local maps and maybe GPS headings would also be a great addition. Some of the best spots are very difficult to find and these additions would really help out. Overall, I am very pleased that I bought this book and kept it by my side throughout my journey. I highly recommend it.



4. If you're planning a tour of the American Southwest these brilliant books are simply the best possible guide to what to photograph, and how. In three volumes Martrès guides you to all the photographic highlights of Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico. At the well known tourist spots he tells you what and when to shoot for best results, but he's also not afraid to take you off the beaten path to some less frequently visited scenic gems.
   
   I've just completed a photographic holiday following roughly the traditional "grand circle" route, and I couldn't have got some of my most successful shots without these books.
   
   The author provides consistent, detailed instructions for each location, including guidance on lenses and timing. Sometimes he even tells you which rock to stand on! Follow his instructions carefully, and you'll usually get good results, although some instructions require careful interpretation.
   
   It's also great fun shouting "snap!" when you realise the only other souls in some lonely location are also clutching a copy of the same book.
   
   All three volumes have recently been updated, with high quality colour photos throughout, and a comprehensive index of locations including ratings for accessibility and scenic and photographic value, invaluable if a tight schedule means making difficult choices.
   
   I'm already planning my next trip using volume 3! Highly recommended.



5. A beautiful book but lacked the technical information that I take a keen interest in.

5 comments about China: People Place Culture History.

1. I will summarize the reactions and comments from 3 different generations with different experiences.
   1. Our parents' generation who live in China but visit US occasionally - This book has a different perspective about China. It is not how we view it, but it also strikes a cord with us because it combined something old and something new, or in another word, a new perspective on both new and old things.
   2. Our generation who lived in China until college years and then lived in the US afterwards - Great introductory book of China. It is simple and it is mostly from a Westerner's perspective in terms of how the history, architecture and cultures are described - a very good one indeed. It is certainly missing a lot of information, especially about the culture and the ways of life in the northern part of China where tradionationally held a stronger influence in the country. But we also agree that this book is an effective introduction.
   3. The kids who are born in the US and managed a visit or two to China - Curious. Tell me more. Is that really how you lived, Mom and Dad?
   
   So overall, it is a wonderful book to read and many great photos to look at.
   As much as it feels complete, it is only a simple slice of China and you can only take one slice at a time.



2. Taoism is the heart of Chinese culture. This is what makes Chinese different from Westerners. One cannot understand Chinese culture and Chinese elite without understanding Taoism. ---By the author of Warren Buffett and Tao Te Ching: A Modern Investor and an Age-Old Philosophy



3. Stunningly beautiful photos ... well-organized chapters ... plenty of information on many aspects of Chinese culture. I gave this book to my 11-year-old nephew for Christmas, so he will begin to appreciate that China is very much more than a supplier for Wal-Mart!



4. I visited China earlier this year on business, so I was intrigued when I came across this book. When I opened it, I was not disappointed. This book celebrates China and its variety of culture, art, landscapes and rich history with beautiful photography and educational text.
   
   The beginning section of the book draws you in with page after page of beautiful photographs of different landscapes in China, sprinkled with verses from Chinese poetry (translated to English, of course). It makes the reader aware of the varied landscapes (snow to desert, mountains to plans, forest to fields) that make up the vast country of China. Truly a treasury of photos!
   
   The next section explains Chinese history, complete with a timeline. The information is provided in titled short paragraphs and articles so it is easy for the reader to get a glimpse of the history and read quick pieces for more detail. Small articles include items such as "The Grand Canal" and "The Boxer Uprising". All are sprinkled with old photographs and pictures of paintings and artifacts.
   
   The most delightful section of the book is "A Day in the Life" which is a collection of stories about daily life of particular people in different areas of China. There's the life of a student in Shaanxi, a Chinese herbalist, a Buddist Monk, a Cricket Seller, and a farmer, just to name a few. The photos and text provide a window into the lives of the people of China to let the reader see life from their eyes.
   
   There is also a section on Chinese Culture, which includes articles on philosphy and religion, painting, literature and Chinese opera.
   
   The last segment of the book is entitled "Architecture" and contains pieces on various types of building styles, both old and new. From modern buildings such as the 88-story Jin Mao Tower in Shanghai to an old Buddist Monastery in Hebei, this chapter contains a wealth of information and beautiful photography. The Jin Mao Tower is truly stunning inside (I wish I had gone to see it while I was there!). The Couple's Garden is typical of the gardens in Suzhou that I visited while there. One of the most beautiful places shown in called the "Temple of Heaven" with colorful painted decor and detailed stonework.
   
   I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone wanting to learn about China and its culture. It is not only informative, but makes a beautiful "coffee table book"!



5. This book has beautiful pictures and good writing. I got one for my 5th grader, and another as a gift for a friend. Unfortunately, both copies were somewhat damaged (one copy had a crease in the front, and the other copy has a slit in the middle). I think the production/ manufacture of this book is not perfect. What a shame as it is truly a beautiful book to be treasured.

3 comments about Malaysia and Singapore (Eyewitness Travel Guides).

1. This is an excellent product in many ways. Good text, gorgeous pictures, informative re shopping, food and cultural matters - the beautiful photos of same help a great deal. This is less useful as a primary guide book like the Lonely Planet, which has more nuts and bolts information re places to eat, stay etc., than as anexcellent adjuct. They are really good together to give a complete picture. I lived in Singapore some time ago, and have traveled extesively in Maylasia, and the iformation in the book looks to be acurate as far as I can tell.



2. If you are looking for where to stay, where to eat, what is cool, get a Lonely Planet guide. This is a typical DK Eyewitness guide - packed with detailed historical and cultural information, superb illustrations, an easy-to-follow maps. The information is well-written and is presented in a easy-to-read-and-grasp manner.
   
   I usually get both the Lonely Planet (or similar) and DK.



3. I used this guide for a 2 day trip to Singapore. The guide was helpful as an overview to Singapore. We used it to find an authentic Malay restaurant on Boat Quay, which was really excellent, and seemed to have a lot of locals, even though it was in a tourist area. There is actually a lot of interesting things to do in Singapore and the guide helped us find them.