No comments about Rick Steves' Paris 2009 (Rick Steves' Paris).

5 comments about The Best American Travel Writing 2007 (The Best American Series (TM)).

1. This has to be the worst "Best American Travel Writing" edition I've seen so far. As a big taveler and a big fan of travel writing, I buy this book every year. There's usually four or five great essays in it, which makes it worth the money for me. But this issue of 2007 is so off the mark. I found almost nothing in it of real interest. I don't know what the editor was thinking. As far as I can tell, Susan Orlean is not known a a traveller. Why she was chosen to put together this year's editon of this book is beyond me. I think it takes one to know one.



2. I loved this year's collection, edited by Susan Orlean. Many great essays, but the highlight is definitely Elizabeth Gilbert's report of a two week eating/walking tour through Provence via rural trails.



3. This is the fifth in this series that I have read. Only one other (I think it was 2002) was this good. I love this series and give it as Christmas gifts every year. This editor had exactly the right point of view in compiling these stories.



4. I've long been a fan of the various Best American books, but this was my first year to read the travel writing, but I figured, Susan Orlean, okay. My mistake. Most of the pieces were tedious, though I did enjoy Jason Anthony, Ian Frazier, Steve Friedman, Nando Parrado (but didn't he already write this), and my two favorites, though I'm not sure I'd call them travel writing, Andrew Solomon and Jonathan Stern. It's because of them two that I'll probably pick up next year's edition.



5. For those of you looking for travel writing as a form of appealing escapism, avoid this book. Susan Orlean is either clinically depressed or prefers to roll around in the more tragic underbelly of the world's great places. Those of us who travel know that the world is a far from perfect place and that great poverty and cruelty exist in the world, but is it really necessary to throw it in our faces, essay after essay after essay? I mean, seriously, essays children surviving on scavanging on mountain-high mounds of garbage? Drug-induced stupors in Djibouti? Hunger induced cannibalism in the Andes? Even the few fluff pieces she picked are depressing, i.e., surviving off of processed foods on Swan Island. What a depressing entry in an otherwise great series. Someone get that woman a Prozac subscription stat.

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
   [...]

3 comments about The Rough Guide to South India 5 (Rough Guide Travel Guides).

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



2. I used this guide on a recent study abroad trip to Bangalore. It was indispensable for traveling alone (i.e. without the guidance of a local). For example, on a weekend trip to Chenni (Madras) it helped me find the only place in the city with a plethora trees and gardens - The Theosophical Society grounds - as well as make my way around the city and get to a high class restaurant when I was craving comfort food. It also provides little bits of local knowledge; for intance, it tells the story of how J. Krishnamurti was 'found' by the Theosophists on the beach and recognized as the 'enlightened one'- where else would you find that information?! I would have been lost if I didn't have this guide, or relied on the National Geographic India guide my parents gave to me. I don't know about restaurants or hotels as I didn't use it too much for that purpose, but it listed all of the major bookstores in the area, even some that my host mother (raised in Bangalore) didn't know about!



3. I have been travelling for a couple of weeks through Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka using the Rough Guide, together with a friend who had the Lonely Planet to South India. Overall I found the RG a very good guide, both in terms of practical information (maps, transportation, budget hotels) as well as for providing sufficient background information about the temples in that region (which is definitely not the case for the LP!).

5 comments about The Secret Knowledge of Water : Discovering the Essence of the American Desert.

1. I was excited to read this book based on the reviews. I was expecting a hiking adventure and narrative about people affected by water. What I read was confused and disconnected. It was the two styles I mentioned plus detailed scientific analysis of flowers and geology. Most of it was in the Grand Canyon area but it also dealt with parts of New Mexico and southern Arizona. I would not recommend this book.



2. This was a very interesting book about water in the desert. We read it for book club and it made for a very interesting discussion.



3. This is a great book for those that love the desert. The descriptive narrative is beautiful. The abundance of the waters in stark rock desert is amazing. Ancient trails to water, pockets in the sandstone, Native American religeons tied to the seeming magic appearance of waters coming from the earth. All tied together with descriptive prose that lets you feel the cool water after scorched days of walking. There is just enough scientific fact blended in that you will find yourself learning a little something as well. I also recommend the authors book "The Animal Dialogues".



4. I perhaps shouldn't be writing a review for a book of which I read only 15 pages, but I don't think the sample of reviews should be skewed toward people who could stomach more of the writing than I could, either. The book put me in mind of George Orwell's essay "Politics and the English Language", which isn't exactly on point, but is fundamentally about writers whose writing gets in the way of communication and even thought. There seem to be some interesting stories in this book hidden behind what veers from prose to the edge of bad poetry; it didn't seem to me to be worth it.
   
   Your mileage may vary; if it's convenient to look at a sample of the writing, perhaps you will like the style better than I did. I would warn you about thinking you're buying something readable, though, just because the topic interests you.



5. As a desert person I reveled in this book about finding water in the desert, but it is more than that. It is about how water affects all of us and why we need to take care of that precious resource. I have purchased additional copies from time to time to pass on to others. His spititual approach to water and to life is what really moved me the most. Don't miss this journey.

5 comments about Retirement Places Rated: What You Need to Know to Plan the Retirement You Deserve (Places Rated series).

1. Almost more information than you can assimilate, it's amazingly informative. It can really help you find the place you want to be.



2. You know exactly what's promised when you read the title of this book, and it delivers exactly that, and better than any other book on this topic that I have seen. This is a great companion book to read together with those that address finances and other aspects of preparing for this major life transition. But with relocation being part of so many Americans' retirement strategy, for financial or other reasons, it is really helpful to know in advance what you are getting into. David Savageau makes that task easy through his seven-category rating system. And I particularly liked the fact that the rating system is transparent, so you can make mental adjustments to the ratings based on what is important to you. While moving to another place may not solve all your problems, if you are contemplating a retirement relocation, this book can be very helpful, and can help you avoid mistakes.
   John Trauth, Author, "Your Retirement, Your Way."



3. Book contains a preference inventory based upon real data. It helps narrow ones preferences and then focus on areas that meet personal preferences. It also provides ratings of all of the major retirement areas. It is an invaluable tool.



4. Overall it is well written. I do miss the earlier format as is had much more statistical data. This current format is good for readers who don't like to really dig into the data and make more more analytical avaluations. I happen to like statistical data so I can slice and dice to come up with my own "best choices". I have the two earlier editions so I can cross reference to some extent. I really look forward to the next edition which will reflect the current foreclosure/subprime mess and possibly result in more affordable places to retire.



5. Previously I have used Places Rated for reference and it is much more comprehensive than Retirement Places Rated. This book focuses on smaller communities and is limited in that respect. It also gives general information about working in retirement, housing, medical care and personal safety that is readily available in other sources. The section on climate is most comprehensive and helpful. Otherwise, I will mainly use the links to websites for further information about communities of interest to me. Since I am more likely to retire close to a larger metropolitan area, this book is not a lot of help.

5 comments about Lonely Planet Great Britain (Lonely Planet).

1. This is an excellent guidebook. The only problem with it is the quality of the city maps, which are almost impossible to read. I saw an earlier edition in which they were in color and much better. They must have tried to save money in this edition by doing them in grayscale.



2. In planning a trip to Great Britain, I have purchased three travel books: Lonely Planet, Eyewitness and Frommer's. I would rank them in that order as far as helpfulness in planning our trip. Here are my reasons: I have found Lonely Planet's sections on "where to sleep" and "where to eat" are much more extensive, informative and include a wider variety in price ranges than the other two books. Also, they have more information on some of the smaller towns, that are off the beaten track. I enjoyed the wonderful photographs, maps and illustrations in the Eyewitness Guide to Great Britain and if you can afford two books, it is a great way to prepare for what you will see. However, since I only have room for one travel book in my small suitcase, I plan to take the Lonely Planet book with me on our upcoming trip.



3. This is the third Lonely Planet travel book I've purchased, and as usual, it surpasses every other book. All the information is easy to understand, well organized, and relevant. Don't think it's going to include Ireland though, because it's actually part of the United Kingdom, not Great Britain.



4. You want a guidebook with a touch of attitude, Lonely Planet books are for you. They may lack some of the warmth and reach of other books, but they also cover things no one else touches. All the big name sites and attractions are here but so are some spots that most tourists never think of. Lonely Planet Great Britain is unique and I'd recommend it to anyone.



5. I just returned from 3 weeks in the UK and think the reviews over sold this book. It was not at all the travel bible I expected. You know the comments about how weak the maps are? Well....... if it isn't on the map, it isn't in the book. This book is an excellent resource if you are looking for ideas on what to do with your time in Britain but if you know what you want to do and expect it to be in this book you will most likely be disappointed.
   
   If you just want to see the standard tour stuff, you are better off looking up the visitor information center location for each major city you're visiting and heading straight for it when you arrive. You can book your city tours and attractions and get the best deals on city sanctioned accomodations from the visitor centers.
   
   I had a car for half the time and used the rails the other half. This book did not have the detail for either modes of travel. I needed a little more detailed maps, local rail stations and how the underground connected with major hubs in the major cities. I did not even see anything on the Heathrow Express into the London Paddington Station. That is elemental info for getting into London from the airport.
   
   This book is not bad, it just was not right for me and was not what I expected. I knew where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do and there was very little about those things in this book. They really tried to cover too much in a single volumne. They need to break England, Wales and Scotland into individual volumes.
   
   I still recommend this book but don't rely on it to get you where you want to go and copy just the pages you need (including the area maps at the beginning of each section)instead of lugging the whole book all over Britain. I ended up leaving mine in a the hotel because it was just one heavy item too many.

5 comments about Four Corners: A Journey into the Heart of Papua New Guinea.

1. This is by far the BEST travel adventure book I've ever read. The first chapter is so intense I guarantee you won't be able to put the book down! Without giving away anything from the book (you can read the description on Amazon yourself), I'll tell you this book is exciting from the first page all the way to the last. Does this woman have a death wish traveling alone through Papau New Guinea? I've read her other book, "The Cruelest Journey" and that was also incredible. I can't wait until she writes another book!



2. WOW! This book blew me away, and like the title of my review states, there were several times throughout where my heart was literally pounding. Any writer who can transport a reader like that knows how to write. This book is definitely among my "Top 5" favorite travel narratives.
   
   Some reviewers suggest that there was too much inner reflection on the part of the author regarding why she was in PNG and what she was trying to reveal about herself. While this was definitely a thread running through this book, I do not believe that it takes away from the overall "picture" in any way. Any traveler who embarks on a similar trip and who doesn't reflect on why they're doing it has simply been on vacation. Those that do choose to reflect have been on a journey.
   
   If you are a seasoned traveler to PNG, like one reviewer annoyingly overstates, why would you want to read a travel narrative by someone else about the same place? Being there is always better and I make it a point to not read books about places that I have already visited extensively. What would be the point? So, if you've spent a good deal of time in PNG you probably will not get much from this book. If not, then I highly recommend it! * Side-note: Just because you've been to a place does not neccessarily make you qualified to review a book that takes place there.
   
   While I agree that some of the situations that Ms. Salak gets herself into do seem very dangerous she herself is honest about the immensity of these situations and does not try to down-play them in any way. Lucky for readers because this makes the book that much better. The suggestion by one reviewer that Ms. Salak in not respectful of PNG and the people that she meets there is unfounded and I do not recall anything in the book indicating that this was the case. This book is not a "PNG how-to" and the suggestion that the author's journey is irresponsible (and even unbelievable) is ridiculous, she is simply telling her story and it is fabulous! If you are looking for something to help you travel in PNG then pick up the Lonely Planet guide. If you're looking for a great adventure story that takes place in PNG then this is the book for you.
   
   I have resisted reading Ms. Salak's second book, "The Cruelest Journey" for some time now because I will then have nothing of hers left to read and that's a depressing thought! I eagerly await more work from this author!!



3. The book is full of personel feelings. I read travel journals and that is what I am looking for. If I want a guide I buy a guide. I admire writers who leave the reader with an understanding of who they are as well as where they are. Ms. Salek does a fine job doing just that.



4. This book was fabulous. It kept me riveted from page one. What Ms. Salak accomplished in New Guinea (with her intelligence, guts, wit, courage and luck) is truly amazing. Hands down the best book I read all year. A true travel adventure.



5. I have read both of Kira Salak's books and thoroughly enjoyed them. I am hoping she will write another one soon. Four Corners was great and I was able to compare much of my trip to hers (although mine was not quite as adventurous). I don't feel she spoke too much on the dangers of PNG, as one reviewer wrote. The dangers are very real and different than other countries. I also enjoyed the excerpt on her travels through Mozambique included in this book. She has a gift for writing. Hurry up Ms. Salak and write another book soon!

2 comments about Do Not Give Way To Evil: Photographs of the South Bronx, 1979-1987.

1. The book documents the decay of the Bronx in the late 60s
   through the early 80s. Both Presidents Carter and Reagan
   visited the Bronx. I'm certain that President Clinton
   has done the same. Page after page documents the run-down
   buildings which were once proud edifices around the turn
   of the previous century.
   
   After a number of decades, the South Bronx has seen
   a considerable restoration. The Bronx Land Reclamation
   Project is put forth as a success story
   in the continuing revival of the Bronx. Many pages have
   actual pictures of local residents. Some of the pictures
   are familiar to me. The presentation is an important
   contribution to the continuing restoration of NYC and
   the Bronx in particular. The author should have stressed
   the role of "enterprise zones" in the restoration of
   inner city neighborhoods.



2. As an aficionado of New York in the 70's and 80's, as well as being a lifelong New Yorker I found this book to be wonderful. It gives a glimpse of the creative scene contrasting with the culture of the South Bronx during a tumultuous time in the city's history.I find myself looking at it over and over.

5 comments about Moon Oaxaca (Moon Handbooks).

1. 
   Book is very explicit of what to do depending on the days that you are planning to stay. It maps your journey very well and give you good information of what to expect and what to do.



2. Overall this is a very good guide, but it does have its defects.
   
   Here are my impressions after having spent nearly 7 weeks in Oaxaca City and State. First, the good points.
   
   It is very extensive and detailed. The author seems to have left almost no stone unturned in the State of Oaxaca.
   
   His local maps are quite good, and very thankfully he had gas stations symbols on his larger maps. On the one occasion that exact distance was important to us, he got it exactly right. He also states how long in time trips will take in the mountains, not just giving the kilometers, which latter are misleading if you don't realize how curvy and slow the roads are. "It's only 100 km from Oaxaca. No time at all."
   
   The book, like other Moon handbooks, has the good menu of `What to do if you have X days' choices.
   
   In addition, Mr. Whipperman provides many interesting sidebars on various topics.
   
   It's easy to sum up the virtues, which are extensive in applying throughout the book. Now for some of the problems.
   
   Many of the places in the book are described in glowing, even poetic terms. These did not always seem to bear a relation to reality--I'm talking really off--as in our visit to Puerto Angel. The main problem here is that with so many effusive descriptions, it's difficult to make judgments. On the other hand, on those much rarer occasions where a place is described as `downscale' or such, you'd better believe it.
   
   There didn't seem to be directions for where to turn off for Ixtlan (what's the matter with 'turn right at the Pemex station'), and the directions on how to pick up the road for Pluma Hidalgo in Santa Maria de Hualtulco didn't seem correct.
   
   In Oaxaca City, he doesn't mention the comida corridas: inexpensive, light 3-4 course meals offered in the late afternoon, nor does he say where you might find the best of them at the low prices, like 25 pesos. If you ate in our neighborhood at one, south of the zocalo, you'd be having a definitely non-tourist experience. But they are hardly haute cuisine.
   
   However, the most significant fault in the book that I found was in its gross failure to provide sufficient guidance with respect to buying rugs at Teotitlan, a village near Oaxaca City. As a minor matter, he says if you take a bus you need to get off on the highway and then walk or hitchhike the several km into town. This isn't true. There's a bus that goes right to the village. Also, he doesn't mention that the colectivo taxi is only 15 pesos or so.
   
   But the most significant problem is this: you can sign up with a tour company (a lot more expensive) and you will most likely be taken to a specific weaver with little time to see others. Of course, the tour operator's large commission is built into the price of the rugs. And then, to help your reasoning, you may be plied with mescal and/or cerveza.
   
   It's a general phenomenon. The language school I attended arranged a trip just like this too to the same place. Which had both their own Suburban type van and an SUV in their driveway. Hey, they deserve to make good money from their rugs, but not by setting people up. But even this isn't the point. The guidebook should have warned of this common technique related to the rugs. Just as guidebooks to Thailand warn you of the various tout schemes. In a similar vein, Moon Oaxaca doesn't mention that some weavers now use chemical and not the more expensive natural dyes, while swearing otherwise.
   
   The next two times I went to Teotitlan--I was into the rugs--I took the colectivo taxi at 15 pesos and the bus once (4 pesos), and compared rugs at my convenience from many weavers.
   
   Two smaller guide books to Oaxaca, locally written, are Oaxaca Tips ([...]) and Viva Oaxaca ([...]). These are for Oaxaca City and valley only. They are more idiosyncratic and opinionated than Moon Oaxaca, with some more local detail. Viva Oaxaca, for example, lists its favorite comida corridas. We generally carried these around in the city, in part because they are light. Amazon, why don't you carry these books???
   
   Nevertheless, Moon Oaxaca is overall a good guide.



3. This is a great travel book. It was up-to-date with information. Descriptions of restaurants, hotels and things to see was accurate. The back of the book has a wonderful section on the history of Oaxaca which is rich and interesting. I would highly recommend this book. And I saw a lot of copies in the hands of fellow travelers.



4. This a pretty detailed guide for only one state of Mexico. Oaxaca is one of the most diverse and indigenous states in Mexico with very unique cultural traditons. If you have the chance to spend substantial time in this state I recomend this book to get you off the beaten path.



5. We used this over and over during our recent trip. Excellent details, maps, etc. Highly recommended.