4 comments about Michelin Road Atlas 2008: USA, Canada, Mexico.

1. I have been using the Michelin Road Atlas for about 4 years now. I buy a new one every 2 years because new roads appear about that often.
   
   I travel frequently, and I used to find the map size and amount of detail very good for my needs. For 2008, Michelin has reduced the page width side-to-side by about an inch per page, with about a 10% reduction in scale. The print is starting to get a little small for easy reading. I wish they had kept the original size.
   
   Having said that, I still find that the atlas fits nicely in the door pocket of my vehicle. The page-to-page organization is very logical and easy to follow, with good overlap from page to page. Michelin has done a good job on this atlas series.



2. The key feature of this atlas is the maps division principle. Michelin divides the whole US into equally-scaled rectangular pieces and puts each such piece on a page. This means that they don't put each state on a separate page. This way you get a more logical, uniform organization of maps with predictable transitions between them. The overlaps between the maps are large enough to make it easy to find where you were on the previous map. There are special large-scale maps for the East Coast region, also nicely arranged in an overlapping manner. And of course, many city maps. The atlas also contains a lot of useful information, such as mileages, scenic routes, etc. Be aware that the atlas is smaller than the RandMcNally's big one, I think it is about the size of the smaller RandMcNally atlas, the one which is supposed to fit into the gloves compartment (it does, actually, in my car). I give four stars to the atlas rather than five stars because it is a bit small so the fonts are not large enough to be easily read when driving. But in all other aspects the Michelin atlas is better than its competitors.



3. This atlas is easy to use and very comprehensive. The pages are by sections rather than by state, which is quite good when you are traveling across state lines. I highly recommend it to anyone who travels by car.



4. My wife and I went on a long road trip - I have a navigation system in the car but it's nice to have a paper map handy so you can easily see what's a few hundred miles ahead.
   My only complaint with this atlas, and any paper atlas for that matter, is going from page 96 to 52 to 46 to whatever; that's a lot of page turning and you'd better have someone in the passenger seat or you'll have to pull over to the side of the road.
   But, overall this one is nicely laid out with more detailed maps of the larger cities.

No comments about Christ Our Hope: The Papal Addresses of the Apostolic Journey to the United States.

1 comments about Scenic Driving New Mexico, 2nd (Scenic Driving Series).

1. Laurence Parent is a well-known photographer - his photos illustrating this book are superb (wish there were more) and his descriptions of these drives in New Mexico are great...the maps are crude but serviceable. They are better than the very rough ones in his Hiking New Mexico, though...I've driven almost all the routes described and got my money's worth many times over - the book is well-used and always with me on my New Mexico trips.

1 comments about Michigan: A History of the Wolverine State.

1. As a life-long resident of Michigan, I felt that I needed to know more about my home state. Dunbar and May's work did just that.

   Michigan : A History of the Wolverine State lies somewhere between a textbook and a more casual non-fiction text, with copious endnotes for the historian, yet a clear, flowing style for the casual reader. It would serve as an excellent text for a college course on the subject.

   I found reading this work to be immensely valuable and entertaining, and a great conversation starter. In it you will find explanations of the origins of nearly every facet of Michigan society. Beginning with the ancient history of the Native American tribes, and finishing with the education and tax reforms of the early 1990's, very little is left behind. You will learn such quirky facts as the meaning of the name "Ypsilanti", why Kellogg and Post Cereals are both headquartered in Battle Creek, and the true story of the Michigan-Ohio border war. Comprehensive, lucid, and entertaining. Recommended.

5 comments about New Roadside America: The Modern Traveler's Guide to the Wild and Wonderful World of America's Tourist.

1. A great source of ideas, oddball locations, and "home of the largest" collections, this book is nearly perfect for a long trip that needs some spice.
   
   While it would have been nice to see a state-by-state organizational method (and some contact information) besides the index, the facts and details are nonetheless perfect for anyone wanting to make a trip different. The largest ball of twine, the Jack Daniel's museum and distillery, Punxsutawney Phil, Superman's hometown, and a plethora of pyramids; it's all there. (By the way, the aforementioned attractions are just a few of the ones I have seen personally - but not all the pyramids of course.)
   
   With that said, the authors provide an interesting take on the idea of eccentric traveling. They organize based upon the type of trip a traveler might like. If you want an all religion tour or a "boring" tour, they provide the itinerary.
   
   Along with a highlighter, this book goes along with me on every trip. I want to make sure I don't miss anything. It's great and I'm crossing them off as I see them.



2. This books gives you a lot of sites to see on your Road Trip but doesn't give you very practical advice how to get to them or their exact locations. There are a lot better books out there.



3. This was the answer for a 5,000 mile trip.
   What fun it was to track different oddities in different states.



4. We are going to be using this book to plan our road trip this summer. It has all the unusual places you never know if they really exist. Its for people who are looking for some adventure and dont mind traveling



5. This book is a good start at taking us back down memory lane. It points out places you went when you were a kid in the back seat without a safty belt. Unfortunatly, not the best guide on how to find the ones you missed. Great for the coffee table, bathroom reader, gift book but not a travel guide.

5 comments about Highway Hypodermics: Travel Nursing 2007.

1. Just wanted to post the following reviews that I have received so far...
   
   "I LOVED your book. Read it over the weekend. I particularly thought that these sections were extremely valuable for travelers: (1) Politics, (2)What it takes.. (3) Tax Info (4)Homeschooling
   
   ...all the questions that even experienced travelers want answers to. YOU GO, GAL!! Great job!"
   
   Greg Allen, Cirrus Medical Staffing
   
   
   
   Epstein... YES I read the ENTIRE book and I thought that you did a GREAT job on the ins and outs of being a traveler and I love how you went into a little detail about how travelers are often given the more difficult assignments and are treated differently in some locations because everyone thinks we make sooo much more money than they do! It was a great way to throw much needed light on a topic that often discourages new travelers. It was AWESOME...as always!
   
   Half-Pint, RN, Travel Nurse
   
   
   
   "I am a huge fan! Highway Hypodermics is required reading in our office."
   
   Mary Cheek, Bestaff Arcadia
   
   
   
   My first impression was I liked the more in depth reviews of travel companies, which is helpful to gaining a knowledge of what the different companies offer. I also believe there is no perfect travel company, but each nurse can benefit by doing their homework in Highway Hypodermics to determine which company best fits them. Like in all of life, it is very hard to have a company that is tops in pay, service and benefits. Each nurse needs to determine which is most important to them and find the company that best delivers that need.
   
   I do agree that a good recruiter needs to know their nurse's strengths, likes and desires. And a pro-active recruiter is always a benefit to all involved.
   
   Thanks for what you do for the industry. Your service is helpful to all of us involved in it.
   
   Jon Perry, Travel Nurse Across America



2. This book explains all of the ins and outs of travel nursing. I wish I had read this before I signed a contract.Taxes, per diem, housing, pets it's all in here. Plus the indepth info on many of the travel agencies is very helpful in narrowing down your decision on who to sign with.



3. As an aspiring travel nurse, I knew that this book was a must have. It was a very easy read, a bit redundant, but had a lot of valuable information that you just might not think of until its too late. Valuable information but reads at a 10th grade level. Thanks so much to the author for her diligence in journal keeping and having enough foresight to see the need for a reference, easy read like this!
   
   :) Kauainurse



4. Very useful information, especially for someone who is just getting ready to start travel nursing. I will keep this for future reference during my travels. Highly recommended.



5. Better than the first, but this book could REALLY have used an editor....My mother, who is also a published writer, agrees about this book - Shalon Kearney's book is much better written, if a little outdated.
   
   Also, the author rated herself and gave herself 5 stars!!!
   Save your money and buy Shalon Kearney's book instead, it's been much more useful to me.

5 comments about Backcountry Adventures Northern California: The Ultimate Guide to the Backcountry for Anyone with a Sport Utility Vehicle (Backcountry Adventures).

1. I have read several other map books for off road trails, etc. and this one is by far the most comprehensive and accurate. My wife and I have used this book on a couple of trips now and the accuracy of the directions is uncanny. I also apprciate the GPS coordinates and the maps in the book itself. The fact that this book is all color is awesome too. I would definitely buy this book if you're in the market.



2. This is the top dog for off road books. I've driven several of these courses in my stock Chevrolet truck with zero problems. Beautiful lay-out, great descriptions and GPS coordinates. Get this book!



3. We have two other 4-wheel drive books for northern California, but neither one comes close to this! The color pages, descriptions, and added history and nature lessons are great. We enjoy the eastern Sierra and were glad to find so many trips for that area in this book. We can't wait for the snow to melt so we can try some trips out!



4. this series is extremely useful. covers offroading options from beginner level to seriously advanced. each option is rated for difficulty, accompanied by maps and directions and, importantly, gps coordinates at each key junction on the route. hence one could make the trip without road signs using a gps if absolutely necessary. great photographs and good history regarding each trip make this a stimulating and priceless resource.



5. I won't rehash how good this book is, you have all 9 other reviews to do it. Just a note of caution, make sure you buy the latest edition (from 2006). Amazon still lists the one from 2002 first in the search results.
   
   I like the GPS coordinates, and the fact that it gives directions and mileage for each trail in both directions. So you have a lot more flexibility on how you plan your outing.

No comments about Frommer's New York City 2009 (Frommer's Complete).

No comments about The Thomas Guide California Road Atlas.

5 comments about Access New York City 13e (Access Guides).

1. We just returned from a trip to New York City. I am a HUGE fan of Access books and have used them for cities around the world for the last 14 years. However, the current version of the New York City Access is woefully outdated and was a waste of money. We found several businesses had moved and one, the venerable Balducci's, had gone of out business. Needless to say, this de-railed us a few times and was inconvenient to say the least.

   Things change quickly in New York. If Access wants to be in the business of publishing guides of New York, they need to commit to annual updates.




2. Very helpful approach that discusses sights, restaurants, shops, and hotels block-by-block. Subway stops should be superimposed on these maps, although they are included separately.



3. Out of date info.
   Waste of your money.
   Do not purchase.
   Wait for new edition.



4. The layout of this series of guide books is excellent to have along on the trip. Laid out street by street, area by area, with color coded text for different types of attractions - hotels, dining, shopping, etc.- it is wonderful for finding your way. Much easier than a book with all hotels in one chapter, all dining in another. This way, if I'm shopping in SoHo or visiting an Upper East Side museum and want to have a bite to eat, its a breeze to find a good place nearby. I have used ACCESS NY for many years and find their reviews of dining to be spot on.
   
   Highly recommend.



5. I have always loved the format of ACCESS books but to be honest, the last 3 guides to NYC have been very outdated. I feel as if the author has told a flunkie to "check the websites" of all the places listed in the book, and that the flunkie then quit his job and the author just published the edition from 10 years ago. I cannot continue to purchase the Access books knowing this is the case. I wonder if the author reads his own reviews on Amazon (I kind of doubt it). He should stop wasting his and our time by publishing out of date books.