5 comments about Roadside Geology of Northern and Central California.

1. As an owner of the original 1975 edition, I was both impressed and dissapointed by the scope of this edition. In the expanded text, modern geologic theory is covered in plain-English in a manner that makes this a must-have for any geology student or enthusiast. An incredible amount of information lies within the covers in easy to digest segments.
   The new road maps themselves however suffer from trying to cover too many miles in too few pages. Compared to the 1st edition, the geologic "points of interest" are fewer and farther between and many notable geologic features are missed or ignored. (It's almost as if Alt and Hyndman rushed a couple of weekend trips along various highways while dictating notes as they whizzed by obvious rock formations.)
   Still, it's an excellent reference that does a credible job of covering a 100,000+ square mile area full of some of the most varied and complex geology on the planet.
   Good reading both at home and on the road and perfect by itself for the casually curious. Students, teachers and rockhounds will find it to be a valuable "companion book" to more detailed texts as this volume presents only "the big picture" as viewed from the roadside.



2. Begins with an accessible description of the major processes that worked to form the diverse and dramatic geology of Northern California. It is a good introductory discussion and introduces most of the concepts referred to in the rest of the book. The roadside guides identify appropriate points of interest and do a good job describing their significance. My only major complaint typifies each of the offerings in this series. The geologic maps (which I believe are the most helpful tool in Geologic synthesis) are in red, black and white are not very clear at all but there are a number of other helpful diagrams that make the text more readable. The text might be a bit of a slog for someone without a Geology background but would not be impossible and should be fairly accessible with just a little initiation. And, after all, Northern California's geology is too sublime for it to just be a bunch of rocks we drive by.



3. This is an updated version of the book and is an improvement over the previous one. It's intended for use by casual readers and does a very fine job of it.



4. This is definitely a good book. I have already taken it on a few road trips, and have had a good time learning about the geology of the area I was at. It has also been updated with more info about the bay area (compared to the older prints).



5. I've used this book many times over the years on trips up and down the state of California. Driving up interstate 5, it can turn an otherwise boring trip up the central valley into something actually fun. For example, the author explains that the low moutains that parallel much of I-5 to the west in the central and north valley are known as the Central Valley Sequence, and mark the subduction zone for the Pacific and north American plates. Very cool. I'd been driving by those mountains for twenty years before I brought Alt's book on one trip and discovered that.
   
   Clearly and concisely written, it's an interesting guide to the observable geological features of much of California. Although not for real rock hounds or petrologists, it still dispenses a great deal of interesting and useful information, and will be especially helpful to fans of natural history who lack formal training in geology but who want to learn something about it for their state.

5 comments about Weird Washington: Your Travel Guide to Washington's Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets (Weird).

1. Weird Washington by Jeff Davis and Al Eufrasio is a truly remarkable and valuable book for tourists,affcianados of the unusual and all those interested in the wonders of Washington State. It includes items on The Maury Island UFO Incident, DB Cooper, The Seattle Museum of The Mysteries, Mel's Hole, famous hauntings.Thornewood Castle, and even the grave-sites of Bruce and Brandon Lee. It is informative and factual, and has great pictures. Its not flaky in any way. It would make a great gift to anyone who is new to Washington or appreciates the amazing things the state has to offer.



2. Perfect fill the time reading and learn at the same time book. Good for out of time guest or for one to appear as well-knowledged to out of town visitors. Also great for the bathroom office( a good thing).



3. This is a great book for people that like to know lots of strange things about places where the live.



4. This is a great book filled with all kinds of fascinating tid bits. I've lived in Washington my entire life, and now I have a list of places to visit that I did not know about. I highly recommend this book.



5. I got hooked on these "Weird" books the moment they started coming out. They were just unbelieveably fascinating, fun, and educational. I had always hoped that my wonderful state, Washington, would get the 'weird' treatment, since the state doesn't always get that much attention. My hopes came true and this book was released. I snatched it up as quickly as I could. What do the pages hold for the weird and wonderful that is in Washington?.
   
   Like all of the other books, it is broken up into chapters, each with it's own identity. You have "Fabled People And Places", "Local Heroes And Villains", "Bizarre Beasts", "Ancient Mysteries", "Unexplained Phenomena", "Personalized Properties", "Roadside Oddities", "Roads Less Taveled", "Haunted Places", "Cemetery Safari", and lastly, "Washington Lost And Found".
   
   I have lived in this state my entire life. I knew of a few things, but not a whole lot. So, imagine my surprise and fascination when I read up on all these interesting things in my state. For instance, you will hear about the exorcisms that took place at the Monaghan Music Hall building at Gonzaga University in Spokane; The mysterious Indian princess at Pike Place Market in Seattle; Soap People of Crescent Lake; Maury Island Ufo incident; Bigfoot; Ghosts of Thornewood Castle; Bobo The Gorilla, and much, much more. Most of these I have never read or heard about in my entire life here. Reading this book was such a learning experience, and it is sure to intrigue fellow Washingtonians who may not know of this history either. Then again, it's great for anyone, locals or not. There are a few things here I am familiar with : Sylvester The Mummy in Seattle; The Troll Bridge, also in Seattle, and a few others. However, there are some things I would of liked here but are not included. How about the giant red Radio Flyer in downtown Spokane?. The supposed haunting of the Fox Theater and Davenport Hotel?. Weird Washington 2, anyone?.
   
   The book is well written and the pictures are great, as they always are in the "Weird" books. Authors Jeff Davis and Al Eufrasio obviously love their state, and they did an incredible job of capturing the weird and wonderful here. It took a lifelong Washington resident like me on an amazing road trip of which I have never been on, and learned a lot of great things along the way. Some I knew, and some I became shockingly aware of. It's a wonderful and worthy addition to the "Weird" canon of books, and I recommend it to everyone, Washingtonian or not.

5 comments about Las Vegas Then and Now (Then & Now Thunder Bay).

1. The book is a fascinating look at Vegas in the past and present. For each subject there's the "then" and the "now". It captures the amazing evolution of defines Las Vegas. With each picture is a paragraph about the scene. It's a nice coffee table book but also a cool reference book.



2. I was finally able to visit Las Vegas last year and bought several Vegas books as souvenirs. Unfortunately, most of the books only provided information on present-day Las Vegas. Also wanted were pictures of the Las Vegas I had seen on TV as a kid. After all, that is what gave it its magic & attraction to me.
   
   This book provides that. Pictures of the old & new are featured on opposite pages for easy comparison. The pictures are large, sharp, & clear, & are of excellent quality to this layman's eye. They are also accompanied by short paragraphs of essential facts such as build dates & owners, along with information peculiar to the specific buildings.
   
   I highly recommend this book to the nostalgist.



3. I drove through Las Vegas in 1975 and was so unimpressed I didn't even stop and get out of the car. I wanted to see if this book had any photos from that era and was pleased to find out my memory wasn't faulty. I was also there in the mid '60s and the late '90s and the book didn't let me down on those memories, either.



4. this is a nice book with very beautiful photos ,a must for people who like
   to learn about other cities evolution.



5. I purchased the book for my son-in-law who enjoyed it VERY MUCH. Great Book.
   Shirley Nordby

3 comments about Benchmark Oregon: Road & Recreation Atlas - Third Edition (Benchmark Map: Oregon Road & Recreation Atlas).

1. Benchmark are absolutely the best road atlases out there. I have the AZ, UT, OR, and CA maps that I have purchased for trips (I use my CA one all the time, but I live here) and find them invaluable. I can always find my way when lost, and they really do a great job of showing detail that you wouldn't expect, even in metro areas. They show the most random and remote Forest Service or BLM roads, and points of interest on those roads that you would otherwise need specialty maps to see. If there's a dirt road or otherwise going there, these maps show it. Highly recommended!



2. Once again I have purchased a "Road and Recreation Atlas" and found little or no mine locations. My recreation is prospecting/metal detecting and rockhounding and while the contents state "mines" they are few and far between if at all. Are they trying to tell me there was very little mining in Oregon or that I should choose a new hobby because they don't classify mine as a "recreation". I think they are just trying to say that their maps are just not accurate enough or their "Field Checkers" (oxymoron if I've ever heard one) are so lazy or dumb, they can't locate a mine with a GPS? All me and a few other amateur explorers are asking for is a general location of mines, and we don't expect it to be spot on. That would enable us to plan a little bit and hopefully not get lost doing it. If it says "mine location" then it should show them. DeLorme does on most of their Atlas and Gazetteer's so why can't Benchmark?~desertdan



3. If you are going to do much traveling in the more rural areas of Oregon, then this Atlas is almost a necessity. I had the 1998 edition and just purchased this one (2006) to help with our travels this summer. I have found it to be accurate and it has almost all of the roads that are available to a modern automobile - it might keep a person from getting lost and it certainly helps if you are planning a trip into an area with which you are not too familiar.

5 comments about California (Eyewitness Travel Guides).

1. As a member of the Eyewitness Travel Guides, this book's presentation and organization are fabulous and updated. However, travelers beware, it still tends to be on the heavy side given the paper type. I also own the previous (2003) edition of this book, and haven't found the changes to be too important. Furthermore, I don't find the color quality and sharpness of its pictures to be as great as the 2003 edition. I still prefer to use my older version.



2. I really like it.It has many pictures and tips for visitor.



3. I purchased this book and also the current Frommers CA guide. I appreciated this book, because as we drove around the cities- the book gave detailed information about the different points of interest including their history and origins. It was great for all of those times we wondered what the heck something was- or how it came to be - while driving around CA cities. I also found this book more helpful in pointing us to some cool shops in the cities. While the Frommers guide was more detailed in its restaraunt and hotel descriptions, this book was more helpful in finding some of the off the beaten path - fun to see sites.



4. For every destination worldwide I plan (or dream) to go I buy a new DK guide, it`s a wonderfull search for research and recordation and California DK guide is not an exception to this rule.
   
   The only problem is that comparing with my old DK guides (my oldest one is around 9 years old)I would say the printing quality is getting more poor now, maybe because it`s made in China.
   
   But still the best you can find in market.



5. I always love books from DK because of their colorful pages and organized. They have listed as much places, events as possible into useful categories and give readers a brief idea for each places (address, opening/closing time, websites...) I live in Los Angeles myself but never been to several places listed in the book. This book is not too big to carry if you are planning to bring it with you in the carry-on bag. Recommended to all the travelers !!

5 comments about Alaska (Regional Guide).

1. It was bought as a gift and my Dad really liked the book. It was a great present for someone who is taking an Alaskan trip!



2. I just came back from the vacation in Alaska last night. I came from China one year ago and had this vacation all by myself. Thanks for this book, my trip was fantastic! I used this book for trip planning, like booking hotels. And I had it on my way always. Information in this book is very updated and really helpful. On the last several blank pages, I got some stamps of national parks, as well as contact information of many friends made in this trip. I'll keep this book, which will make me recall all the great details of my trip. And I will recommend this book all my friends who are interested in traveling in Alaska.



3. If you hitchkiking, backpacking or not using an RV that this is your book. If you using a RV, this book as little value.



4. Another really great book - typical of Lonely Planet quality. Shipped on time - I'm a happy camper.



5. I always buy Lonely Planet guides because they are great but I purchased this in August 2008 and was shocked to find it's a 2006...the costs of everything in the book are meaningless because it's so outdated. There are new tours, new prices not even listed in here. I was disappointed that Lonely Planet would sell such an old book and hasn't come out with a new edition since 2006.

5 comments about The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland.

1. This book tells a memorable story of how people cope and reach out to others in a time of crisis. It also makes you want to discover Newfoundland for yourself. If you need a uplifting view of the world, this book is a must read.



2. So many reviews have been written about this book, I'm not sure I can add anything that hasn't already been said. But I'd like to try! This is a very heartwarming book, in the best (almost unbelieveable) way. People didn't just go out of their way to help stranded travellers on 9/11 and in the days following, they gave up their linens, their food, their homes...and this is in a depressed area with a 16% unemployment rate. Each and every resident jumped in to give their all, staying up all night to cook (and, in one case, just sitting up to watch over people while they slept, in case they felt insecure). Businesses gave up inventory. Drivers turned over their cars to complete strangers. School bus drivers, who were on strike, poured in to drive anyone and everyone. No effort was too large or too small for these generous people. When someone was disappointed that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police didn't actually wear the uniforms that are so well known, a local RCMP officer got permission from his superiors to don the duds and had his picture taken with thrilled travellers. Although written in a plain, straight-forward style, this book holds up well. I read it when it was first published, and just re-read it today. It feels just as good now as it did then! It's all about the people - they're simply the best!



3. Most amazing book I've read. Most Americans were unaware that all of incomming flights at the time of the bombings were diverted to the nearest airports not within USA borders. This story is wonderful and shows how the human race really cares about one another. It was hard to put down.



4. Over 6,000 diverted passengers disembarked in Gander, Newfoundland on Sept. 11, 2001. Various newspaper accounts (most notably the Wall Street Journal) have told the tale of the Newfies' unsurpassed hospitality in the week that followed. Here, Jim DeFede does a nice job collecting the personal experiences of 180 individuals involved in events in Gander that week. We hear from passengers, pilots, Gander air traffic controllers, town mayors, school principals and the townsfolk who put their lives on hold to help out.
   
   As a slice of life story, this is nice reading. As a historical accounting, this is not the place to come. This book cries out for a map. I just finished Peter Robb's A Death in Brazil: A Book of Omissions. A big part of what made that book work was a Alex Snellgrove's excellent hand-drawn maps in which all places mentioned in Robb's text are noted on the maps. See a place mentioned...flip to the map...flip back to the text. Works great. Would have worked here. Also, I'd have liked an appendix with some stats - a list of the flights by carrier, flight number, number of passengers, origination and intended destination. That would have been a very useful addition to the narrative.



5. I read this book on the heels of Chris Rose's "1 Dead in Attic: After Katrina." Chris Rose mentions this book toward the end of his, and I thought reading a positive story would be a good balance after reading the details of post-Katrina New Orleans. The story of 9/11 and the people of Gander, Newfoundland is fascinating and uplifting, but the book itself is poorly written. Perhaps it is because the author is a reporter, but the emotional impact that should have been there just wasn't. The sentence structure and word choices made me think I was reading an elementary school student's report on what happened rather than a professional's rendition. Had the content of the tale not been so wonderful, I'd have given this book even a lower star rating. I rarely think a movie is better than a book, but in this case, I kept wishing for a movie version.

5 comments about The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids (Unofficial Guides).

1. We've been to WDW three times with our two small children in the past 2 years. We decided to become Annual Passholders because its cheaper. We have now read 9 books on WDW - hey, saving on the trips if you are going to take them requires planning. Of all the books we own or have borrowed this one just plain reads like an attempt at a fast buck!
   
   On a factual level: There are so many errors in here about when things happen, which characters are where, etc that it is a complete waste of money. In addition to the factual errors, the authors arrogance about what they like (as opposed to describing the quality or characteristics of something so the reader can decide for themselves) is just too ever-present.
   
   Pass on this one and look elsewhere if you actually want to know what to do with the kids at WDW. We were VERY disappointed in this book on our trip this month! The best choice for us, and MANY of the families we know and work with, has been the PassPorter series!



2. I picked this up last week thinking I would do a little research on a Disney vacation and make plans for the summer. I chose this book because it wasn't backed by Disney itself and I'm glad I chose it over the other guides. I have never been to Disney World and I had no idea of the cost--WOW! After skimming through this book I realize that a Disney World trip will probably cost as much as a short trip to Europe or a nice cruise! Ugh!
   
   The book is very well laid out, and I truly appreciated the section "Is a Disney Vacation Right for You?" because it made me see that NO, it definitely is not! With a 2 year old little girl, the expense, hassle, and the sheer size of Disney is enough to make me scared to try it! I agree with the authors that Disney is the perfect vacation for a family with kids ages 8-14, and our plan is to wait a few more years. I really liked the break down of the parks and all of the ride descriptions--I can just imagine older kids wearing this book ragged while they make their itineraries for the vacation.
   
   If you are planning a family vacation, definitely pick this guide up and prepare yourself. It has everything you need to know, from hotel rates to tips on making a coveted reservation for tea time with the Disney Princesses, to preparing your kids for the heat and endless walking around the parks. I will warn you that you may come away from the book a little scared and wondering, "Uh-oh, what have we signed ourselves up for?" Don't forget to pack it in your travel bag and carry it with you when you go. :)



3. This book is great. It gives you a lot of hints on how to make the most of your day, yet allows you to be flexible for your particular likes and dislikes. It was very helpful when traveling with 3 children under 7.



4. I've noted some of the more negative reviews of this book, but quite honestly I thought this book did the job. Yes, the main Unofficial Guide has even more info than this book (it's quite a brick), but if you are traveling with kids and especially if you are planning to stay at a Disney resort or hotel you will find this book pretty informative. If you aren't traveling with kids, need to know about practically every hotel in the area, or you have a lot more time to research everything to death then by all means get the main Unoffical Guide, but either way you won't go wrong. I think the authors did a fine job on both books, and ultimately helped us get the most out of our vacation.



5. This book was a total godsend. It was our first time (with kids), and this book answered every question we had and then some. We never asked anyone anything, if we had a question, we consulted the book. Only thing I wish they would do different is update it annually. Some of the newer rides weren't in it. But didn't make big difference. I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it! When we go back, we will always have the most updated version of this book with us.

No comments about Boston (Eyewitness Travel Guides).

5 comments about Downtown: My Manhattan.

1. Mr. Hamill takes on every bit of New York and discusses why he loves even the worst parts of it. He crafts a walk downtown thru the 1800's past buildings and men who shaped this city and produces a novel that inspires.



2. being an ex-NYer and having been changed forever by the years I lived there this book was a whirlwind tour through my favorite city. Pete Hamill knows his history and takes you through the history of buildings, people and the vibrant city that it's always been. Parsing bits of his own life with the life of the city it's like being on personal guided tour by one of NY's finest writers. My only problem was it was too short, I wanted to read more.



3. During Pete Hamill's lifetime, he has lived mostly in Manhattan which is usually the priciest and most expensive borough in the city. I live in New Jersey which is considered the poor sibling to the most exciting city in the world. Pete's right about writing about how much the twin towers' presence is missed alright. Where I live about thirty miles south of the city, you could have seen the twin towers. My grandfather's home was right across Manhattan where you could have seen the New York City skyline. He passed away before September 11, 2001. Every time I drive to Jersey City for school, I see the skyline without the twin towers and it's heartbreaking. It's just not the same without them there. Even though I didn't lose somebody I know, we all know people that did or survived the disaster with horrifying memories. Hamill's cynical but New York cynical, he writes about a city he loves so much, warts and all. Of course, most people just can't afford to live in New York City or they would not have moved away to the suburbs. People don't choose to run away from the city, they just have too because it's just expensive. Nobody unless you make six figures can afford to live decently in Manhattan or most of the five boroughs. The Village is not the same anymore since it has become so fashionable not just for gay couples but for straight couples with children. According to the times, the West Village has become family friendly. The East Village is following suit in becoming expensive and gentrified. It's all about money, who has it and doesn't that determines who gets to live there. Even Harlem has become gentrified like the rest of the city. Hamill doesn't talk much about the celebrity invasion that has determined who gets to live in the greatest city in the world. I love Manhattan! Would I live there? I don't know but it's got the best restaurants in the world, the best shopping, and the best sight-seeing of celebrities. In New York City, I feel so alive but it's still so expensive for the artists' population. Where do the artists like writers, artists, actors, and actresses go? The Village is no longer the place unless you're successful in your career. I wished the city well in the future and Hamill too. After September 11, 2001, there was a line in my church for confession which there never was or has been since. Many of the victims of 09-11-01 lived in New Jersey too. Commuters to New York City make up a lot of the foot traffic and business but they also contribute by spending the time to commute which can be difficult to do. If you want to see something in New York City, you should go to Penn or Grand Central Station and watch the commuters around rush hour. You'll see thousands of people waiting to find out which track their train is on and rush to get on board. I think of those stations as a place where I most likely run into people I know. New York City's great to visit, work, and even live if possible. I beg that the twin towers be rebuild but stronger because it's just not the same city anymore. I remember when I was in Warsaw where almost the entire city was destroyed about 90 percent I believe from World War II. After the war, the Poles rebuilt the city best as it was before the war and even added some Russian influence from the Soviet Communism. New York City should be rebuild those twin towers to make them stronger as well. There too busy concentrating on contracts and politics rather than remembering those lost their lives. If only, New Yorkers would stand up and demand the twin towers to be rebuilt and a memorial to honor those who were killed on that fateful day. By not rebuilding the twin towers, they are only cowering to the terrorists themselves.



4. My attraction to this book was unexpected. As I got into it I became helpless to stop reading.
   
   To reveal too much would be a kind of sin. You must read for yourself. You'll learn, you will chuckle, cry and, I promise, the historical facts will amaze you at times. The history of New York is the history of our country, and our known history goes back only so many years. Just looking at some of the buildings, the architecture, the streets, will bring old stories to life. As a native New Yorker, Pete Hamill has lived his life as journalist and reporter, soaking up the flavor and moods of the city. He has been editor in chief of the New York Post and the New York Daily News, as well as author of numerous books and many articles and stories for other distinguished publications.
   
   New York IS history - and I think New York is Pete Hamill - and the natives live with it as they breathe. Pete Hamill will surprise and delight you, sharing his life and style while gently informing.
   
   Coming to the end of this book is like having to say a reluctant goodby.



5. 
   Hamill's love for Downtown Manhattan is obvious. He speaks lovingly of "a city of daily irritations, occasional horrors, hourly tests of will and even courage, and huge dollops of pure beauty. He fills the book with tales of Peter Stuyvesant and John Jacob Astor, CBGB's and Delmonico's, but in the midst of this history, personal reminiscences are tossed in carelessly and this technique creates a schism in the narrative. It breaks the natural flow of his writing, which when on target create wonderful pictures of the Downtown that was. It's almost as if Hamill couldn't decide whether he was writing; history or memoir. I'm sure with careful consideration of approach this could have worked, but here style seems to be an afterthought, surprising for a newspaperman. Worth reading for his portraits of Old New York, but skip over the words when Hamill injects himself into the mix.