3 comments about The Best in Tent Camping: New York: A Guide for Campers Who Hate RVs, Concrete Slabs, and Loud Portable Stereos (Best in Tent Camping - Menasha Ridge).

1. Had a book in this series for camping in Virginia, which was very helpful and this New York version hasn't let me down either. We've already tried a few of the sights and the camp site location guide is particularly helpful. A good resoure to have for those who love camping.



2. This is a very good camping book. I like the list of features it has for every campground, including whether dogs are allowed or not (very useful for us, we have 2 dogs). We definitely will try visiting a few of these campgrounds in the future. I also liked the camping packing list in the back of the book, it's a good checklist to check out before any trip to make sure you don't forget anything important.



3. I think this book is great. It has lots of information and I found it to be perfect for my needs. Kudos to the authors!

5 comments about Old Glory : A Voyage Down the Mississippi.

1. Um, fellow reviewers, do you think that every little town in America is a picture postcard? Or do you not think there is a dark side to life in London, New York, or in any little burg one might chance upon, say, going down the Mississippi? Do you think that people don't have a disgruntled, distrustful side as well as a kind, generous side? Would you, in short, prefer a chintzy Hallmark postcard to a well-penned, thoughtful, erudite travel book, such as this?--If so, why did you bother reading or reviewing it?
   
   As Raban remarks to one of his inquisitors, he in not a journalist and this book is about him and his impressions on his, brave or quixotic, depending on how you view it, travel down the Mississippi inspired by dreams of it since a boyhood reading of Mark Twain.
   
   Yes, some of it is sad and melancholy. But often it is laugh-out-loud funny at the author's expense as much as at the expense of any of the people he meets. It is often very bracing and generous; and erudite, like all of Raban's writings.
   
   As a refutation to all the nay-sayers, please cast your eye on the last page of Chapter 10 where he opens the note from the tow captain he has been accompanying:
   
   "I opened it ten minutes later and read it by the light of a city streetlamp, with the paper dimpling in the warm rain.
   
   "I know very little
   of writers, but people
   I do no. You are a
   Good man to ride
   The River with, Jonathan Ravan
   Bob Kelley
   Master M/v Jimmie L.
   Dec. 7, 1979"
   
   It was the one certificate I had most wanted to earn."
   
   Another fantastic book by Raban, the greatest, most thoughtful, introspective, literate travel writer alive today.
   



2. Raban is a very special travel writer and this book, which I read 18 years after he drifted down the Mississippi, warmed me like few others.
   His conversations with such a diverse (but from my experience, typical) set of Americans were classic. I dont believe he is unduly pessimistic but rather realistic and in many ways he captured early , many growing influences that impact American society (and global politics) today.



3. This is the first book I would recommend to anyone who wanted to understand the Mississippi River. It is the story of an Englishman who dreams of seeing the river, from Minneapolis to New Orleans, and so buys a 16' motorboat in which to ride downriver, see interesting cities, boring cities, and judge everyone he sees on the way. Telling a narrative of his journey, Raban takes time to meet the people who make the river work, from lock operators to barge drivers, and gives a clear picture of how the Mississippi lives. He offers colorful, clear descriptions of river features like boils, eddies, wing dams, and tows (which actually push). And still, he takes time out of his trip to campaign for a mayoral candidate.
   
   Nevertheless, in any book of this nature the author becomes the only major character, and I didn't find myself liking Raban the character very much. When I think of traveling the Mississippi, part of that dream is something of a wilderness adventure, but here is the wealthy Raban spending most of his nights in hotels, seeming rather weak and overly afraid of nature and wildlife. And while one's personal relationships during a solo journey like this are sure to be mostly superficial, Raban seems to take a uniformly negative, judgmental view towards the people he meets. Read this book to better understand the river, not mankind.



4. Raban left his wife in England and went to live in the States a number of years ago. He's written a number of great books about America and this is his best. He remarried and lived in Seattle, but is now divorced again. You won't see too many photos of a smiling, happy Raban- but apart from his Passage to Junea and his fiction, everything he's written is first class



5. Cerebral, yet accessable, Jonathan Raban is hard to peg in terms of genre. A book such as Old Glory could be considered travel writing, but such easy classification would fall far short of the mark. He incorporates history, some incredible descriptive prose, and sparse but welcome bits of dry British wit. In fact, his Englishness is part what makes the book so interesting - you see America, warts and all, from the eyes of an outsider. Raban is a stylist, who reveals himself to the reader slowly. I found him to be a very interesting, complex, slightly tortured figure. I will never look at the Mississippi as just some long line on a map ever again. The whirlpools, the logs, the dangers; always moving atop and into the unknown and on a vessel ridiculously undersized for such a trip; a metaphor, certainly. In terms of pure writing style, there cannot be many better than Jonathan Raban. This is a writer, you think, you will come back to.

3 comments about Backroads of the California Wine Country: Your Guide to the Wine Country's Most Scenic Backroad Adventures (Backroads of ...).

1. There are other books on touring California's wine country, but BACKROADS OF THE CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY: YOUR GUIDE TO THE WINE COUNTRY'S MOST SCENIC BACKROAD ADVENTURES has journeys even residents may not know about. One-day excursions for weekend travelers and wine lovers chart some of the lesser-traveled routes of the wine region from central California through Santa Cruz and north to Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino counties. Gorgeous black and white and color photos pack a bright treatment which details wines, scenery and other attractions - all beyond the usual tourist routes.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



2. I lived in the Bay Area for several years and to be honest, the Wine Country is not really my cup of tea. However, the images in this book by Gary Crabbe are amazing and makes me feel as if I were there and enjoying myself. It takes a truly dedicated photographer to make such a wonderful collection of images of Wine Country. Many photographers have published photos of the Wine Country but these are some of the best photos I've seen from there.
   
   The text by Karen Misuraca is well-written as well. It's informative going over a touch of history without over doing it and takes you on a literary road trip through the heart of the Wine Country. The photos and text compliment each other well and the book has a fair amount of both. In 160 pages, it's packed with meat as it works both as a photo book and travel guide.
   
   If you'd like a personally signed copy, Mr. Crabbe is selling them through his website as well.



3. When many people visit California to tour wineries, they head for Napa Valley on the weekend and sit in traffic jams for hours on route 29. Realizing that everyone in the slowly moving train may not be totally sober, the visitors think about how much they would like to be someplace else. A little known fact is that there are back roads into virtually every wine region in California that offer stunning vistas, gorgeous greenery and constantly changing scenes around every curve.
   
   Backroads of the California Wine Country is a great resource for those inexperienced visitors. Otherwise, these well-meaning travelers will miss the best of what the wine country has to offer: Scintillating scenery!
   
   The photographs do a great job of picking up on the amazing sights. Here are a few of my favorites:
   
   p. 6 -- The moon rises over vineyards in Napa County's Carneros region
   
   p. 11 -- A dramatic sunset over Napa Valley wine country
   
   p. 13 -- Cirrus clouds float above the hills of the Redwood Valley of Mendocino County
   
   pp. 18-19 -- The early morning sky glows orange in the hills above Ukiah
   
   p. 22 -- Orr Springs Road twists and turns through some of the most pristine and dramatic landscapes in wine country
   
   p. 30 -- This lovely tree-lined drive leads to Fetzer Vineyards, a wholly organic winery and the sixth-largest premium wine producer in the country
   
   p. 31 -- The warm valleys around Hopland offer an ideal climate for growing grapes as well as apples and pears
   
   p. 34 -- Mount Konocti, illuminated by the setting sun, looms large above this Lake County vineyard
   
   p. 35 -- Peaceful at sunrise, Clear Lake State Park
   
   p. 35 -- The vibrant flower gardens of Tulip Hill Winery
   
   p. 38 -- A distant moon sets beyond a winter vineyard in the Valley of the Moon
   
   pp. 42-43 -- Vineyards stretch across the Alexander Valley in northern Sonoma County
   
   p. 47 -- Downtown Geyserville is lined with charming buildings
   
   p. 83 -- A rainbow forms
   
   p. 90 -- Hot air ballooning
   
   p. 94 -- Winery at Groth Vineyards
   
   p. 99 -- Grape vines and mustard plants
   
   Nice work, Mr. Crabbe!
   
   The text is equally inspired with a nice mix of California history, wine background, local features, and suggestions for activities you can enjoy. The text is also well endowed with maps to show you the directions of the backroads that you are being encouraged to pursue.
   
   Here are some of the unexpected materials:
   
   p. 24 -- Seabiscuit's home in Willits
   
   p. 36 -- Organic farming methods
   
   p. 45 -- Cyrus Alexander's founding of the Alexander Valley
   
   p. 61 -- Jack London in the Sonoma Valley
   
   p. 89 -- The soil of Rutherford
   
   p. 108 -- Apple Hill, east of Placerville
   
   p. 117 -- The Gold Rush
   
   p. 125 -- Covered bridges
   
   p. 133 -- Steinbeck's world
   
   Here are the areas covered:
   
   The Redwood Valley in Mendocino County
   Anderson Valley
   Hopland and the McDowell Valley
   Lake County
   Alexander Valley
   Dry Creek Valley
   The Russian River Valley
   Green Valley
   Valley of the Moon
   Sonoma Valley
   Northern Napa Valley
   St. Helena
   Eastern Napa Valley
   Yountville
   Oakville
   Mount Veeder
   Town of Napa
   Wooden Valley
   Los Carneros
   El Dorado County
   Shenandoah Valley
   Calaveras County
   Santa Cruz Mountains
   Carmel Valley
   Salinas Valley
   San Juan Bautista
   Paso Robles
   Edna Valley
   Santa Barbara County
   Santa Ynez Valley
   
   Nice work, Ms. Misuraca!
   
   Don't miss this gorgeous volume. It'll transform your life if you follow its advice.

5 comments about Spirit Of America.

1. I was fortunate to purchase a Peter Lik Limited Addition Photo, at which time the book had been just rec'd. by the Maui Hawaii Gallery. The sales person was kind enough to give me a copy of his new book. They has just rec'd. and still in the back shop. Boy what a great gift and stunning piece to have on your end table for guest to see. Would highly recommend this fabulous book.



2. The book arrived right on time and it was great. The pictures were like nothing I have ever seen before. I recommend the book and Peter Lik to anyone.



3. I viewed this talented artist's work while vacationing in Las Vegas, and loved it. When I returned home, I found the new book on amazon.com for half price--a great collection of beautiful photographs at a great price.



4. At least five of my friends and family, who had looked at the book, imediately purchased one for themselves. The pictures are amazing. Get it while you can - they sell out fast. I waited six months between printings.



5. This book contains a lot of the photos on display in his galleries in Hawaii. He's got a great eye, and this book is a wonderful substitute for those who can't afford (or don't have large wall space) to purchase his individual works.

5 comments about The Devil's Cup: A History of the World According to Coffee.

1. I came across this book by accident and bought it out of my sheer love for coffee. But the book not only has the great tale of how coffee came from Africa and made it's way all over the earth to the daily drink we know today, it also is a first rate travelogue. The author follows coffee's migration from Africa to Europe. Mr. Allen has quite a knack for finding and reporting his adventures and misadventures with a fun easy to read style.
   
   If you like non-fiction travelogues, then do yourself a favor and buy this book.



2. Stewart Allen's "The Devil's Cup" is one of those books that appear to suffer somewhat from a case of multiple personality syndrome. It's gonzo food journalism with a healthy dose of history and cultural anthropology carefully disguised as a travelogue.
   
   The focus of the book is coffee, and Allen treats his subject with Hunter S. Thompsonesque flair as he traces the history of the divine bean from it's African origins all the way to the Texas Panhandle. I'm still a little skeptical as to how much of the text was real experience as opposed to caffiene-induced delusion, but in the end it really doesn't matter much. It's an entertaining and informative read, and that's what really counts. You certainly can't fault the author on his research and sources. Allen has good footnotes and his stories hold up well under the scrutiny of a good many Google searches.
   
   The author is accompanied on his quest for javalightenment by a revolving door of unusual and interesting characters, all helping to drive the narrative forward with lightning speed as Allen travels from one locale and adventure to another. Allen begins his quest in Ethiopia, where coffee was first cultivated. He moves quickly along the traditional trade routes to trace how the bean migrated through Arab and Muslim lands to Europe, the New World, and beyond.
   
   "The Devil's Cup" is too short to provide a holistic picture of the sacred bean, and I'd recommend pairing it up with one of the more traditionally written histories on the subject such as "Uncommon Grounds". That said, this is a great compliment to other coffee-related books and it should sit on your shelf if you have even a passing interest in learning more about the magic grounds.
   
   Grab a good cup of joe, get this book, and start reading already!



3. I received this book as a gift and was hoping for a more informative book about coffee, its history, and its intricacies. Instead, I found a collection of miscellaneous chapters that were, at best, loosely connected. The anecdotes provoked laughter, but I don't think I would call it hilarious. "The Devil's Cup" is a light read and worthwhile so long as you don't open the book hoping for an academic read.



4. This is a must read for Barista's. A rollicking adventure/travel/history book. Makes your everyday cup of Joe an event. This could be on Coast-to-coast radio.



5. a hybrid between "a history of the world according to coffee" (subtitle) and stewart lee allen's research travelogue, the book follows allen who follows coffee's historical and geographical paths of adoption
   
   the early history of coffee is largely unknown, so the first half of the story primarily narrates allen's travel snags in unsuccessful research; border problems, boat breakdowns, getting ripped off by faux art-smugglers, etc
   
   the 2nd half of the book is content-rich and much more interesting - covering the fascinating rise and role of coffee since the ottoman empire (primarily europe, india and the americas). allen provides a lot of speculation (his and others) with his facts - for a subject as nebulous as coffee's impact on civilization, speculation feels appropriate to me
   
   the format would work better for me if 1) his travel tales worked together to form an interesting narrative of their own and/or 2) they had anything to do with coffee. unfortunately they fail on both these counts, and become filler
   
   overall, allen's caffeinated and irreverent writing style makes the book easy to read and i found it reliably funny. for example on page 126 he writes ->
   
   "the main nonalcoholic source of nutrition, bread is now believed to have been plagued with the hallucinogenic fungus ergot, the base ingredient for lsd. drunk doctors, tipsy politicians, hungover generals: the plague, famine, and war. add a pope on acid, and medieval christianity starts to make a whole lot of sense"
   
   if you're interested in the history of coffee and you're okay with some travelogue-genre fluff, you'll probably enjoy this book. i would give it 3 and half stars if i could

4 comments about The World in a City: Traveling the Globe Through the Neighborhoods of the New New York.

1. Joe Berger's magnificent new book deserves to become another filament in the tapestry of the city he so eloquently and lovingly describes. He has a sixth sense about people, place and time that bring to life the essence of New York . He weaves history, sociology, politics and personal anecdotes into a seamless whole that illuminate the nooks and crannies of our great metropolis. In conclusion, this reader, for one, cannot wait for the opportunity to embark on the world tour lying outside his doorstep with "The World in a City" as my Baedeker!



2. Joseph Berger, who has delighted us for years with his articles in the NY Times and prevous books, delights us once again with a vivid and fascinating portrayal of life in the City (there is no other). The pictures of prayer services around the City is enthralling.Great book.



3. Manhattan, with its gleaming skyscrapers, shopping and entertainment, financial district, street-life, etc. etc. IS WONDERFUL. But there is still more to New York City, and that "more" is found in the ethnic neighborhoods of its other boroughs. And Joseph Berger, himself a first-generation American, brings many of these immigrant neighborhoods to life with chapters on each. There's Astoria, long known as a Greek-American stronghold which is changing as other groups move in, and East Harlem, now as much Mexican as Puerto Rican, and areas of The Bronx where emigres from Ghana now predominate. The city constantly changes, which makes it an always fascinating place, but one with which it is sometimes hard to keep up. Berger's book makes the task easier, providing a look at areas of the city that aren't, but should be, in the tourist guides. And, best of all, each chapter concludes with a list of things to see AND places to eat! Overall, an excellent book.



4. I happened upon this book and thought it would be a perfect one while I prepare for our trip to NYC this summer. I thought it would tell me many interesting neighborhoods to check out, as well as tell me some stories about the places - given his background as a journalist, I would not have assumed otherwise. Well, he's good at telling about neighborhoods, but their stories are all the same - old immigrants are replaced by new ones. Too many census statistics, too few interesting tales. Oh, and the map is very unsubstantial. I got a few ideas, but in general it was not as good as I thought it would be.

5 comments about Appalachia: The Voices of Sleeping Birds.

1. This book is wonderful! I read it to my class to help them understand what life was like in the Appalachian Mountains compared to their life in Chicago. My students were spell-bound, held by the wonderful descriptions and beautiful illustrations. They really understood that there are many different cultures within our nation!



2. Cynthia Rylant has once again captured the true spirit of the Appalachian culture. Her descriptions are right on target. Many of us, who live in this wild and wonderful country, know folks just like those she introduces to us in all of her stories. The significance of this book, for me, is to keep alive the warm, wonderful spirit of this amazing culture she so colorfully shares with readers. I'm giving this book to children and adults as well.



3. Author Cynthia Rylant and illustrator Barry Moser were both reared in Appalachia, and they are completely in sync on this book. The calm, clear-eyed text and the evocative watercolor paintings balance and enhance each other beautifully.

   Rylant doesn't shy away from the harder truths of Appalachian living. About coal mining, she writes, "Many [Appalachians] are coal miners because the mountains in Appalachia are full of coal which people want and if you are brave enough to travel two miles down into solid dark earth to get it, somebody will pay you money for your trouble." On the facing page from this plainspoken truth is a haunting Barry Moser watercolor of a green-clad coal miner, his eyes weary and his skin gritty with coal dust, his lunchpail resting beside him.

   The beauties come through, too. Rylant writes, "Morning in these houses in Appalachia is quiet and full of light and the mountains out the window look new, like God just made them that day." Throughout the book is a sense of quiet and purpose and appreciation for a way of life most of us will never know. It's a moving and transfixing read.




4. I started crying when I read this book. It is so beautiful and true, from the free hounddogs to the shy contemplaters and those of us who left home and can't quite figure out why there is an invisible rope pulling us back.



5. A lovely book which captures the essence of Appalachian life. Cynthia Rylant writes skillfully with knowledge, sensitivity, and compassion--her descriptions painting pictures as vividly as those produced by Barry Moser's brush. Together they've produced a powerful yet warm portrait of Appalachia.
   
   For those of us who've experienced life in the Appalachian Mountains, this is as true as it gets. It's a world filled with ruggedness and determination, yet with so much serenity and warmth at the same time. Rylant has done a masterful job bringing this to life for her readers.
   
   I'd suggest that anyone studying the many cultures of America add this to their reading list.
   
   Denise Hillman Moynahan
   The Great Cavern of the Winds: Tales from Backbone Mountain

1 comments about Canyoneering: A Guide to Techniques for Wet and Dry Canyons (How To Climb Series).

1. It's the next best thing to actually taking a class (or two or three) with Dave Black! Great pictures.

5 comments about Central Park, An American Masterpiece: A Comprehensive History of the Nation's First Urban Park.

1. Sara Miller has put together an outstanding book: a book as vast and detailed as the Great Park itself. For those not familiar with the park and its history, this is an invaluable introduction to the political, demographical, economic and, especially, aesthetic thinking that went into the creation of 800 acres of gorgeous park space in the middle of Manhattan. For those seasoned veterans of NYC history, this is a welcome reminder of the enormous vision and efforts of Calvert Vaux and Fredrick Law Olmsted, as they conceived the park.

   Nota Bene: A lot of books have gorgeous photos but the print job is miserable ... Others have high-qualtity prints but the photos aren't that interesting ... This book has glorious prints and an expert print job. Pick up this book.

   Rocco Dormarunno, author of The Five Points and The Five Points Concluded




2. Commemorating the 150th anniversary of Central Park, photographer and historian Sara Cedar Miller celebrates the aesthetic, cultural and historic significance of America's first public park with the book "Central Park, An American Masterpiece." This is the park's definitive illustrated history, and offers some of the most gorgeous photographs I have seen on the subject - a difficult task given the number of pictures that have been drawn, painted and photographed of the Manhattan landmark. The book includes over 200 color illustrations, original plans and drawings alongside modern photos, giving the viewer/reader an historical perspective.

   Accompanying Ms. Miller's work, portraying the park throughout the seasons, is a well written text which highlights the conception and creation of the park and its art and architecture. This is a big, beautiful picture book that would make a wonderful addition to any home or library. It's a wonderful gift idea. I know as I have given it numerous times.

   Ms. Miller is the parks official historian and photographer and has been since the mid-1980s.
   JANA




3. Central Park is breath taking and this book does a fine job of giving the reader a feel for what makes this 850 acre masterpiece so special. The book is quite thorough and does an commendable job of disecting various sections of the park. The color photos are vivid and well thought out and the text is highly informative. The author has a real love for the park and it comes out in her writing. If you have never visited Central Park or have visited and fell in love with it like so many others, you will love this book. This oasis really is the heart of New York City and to understand New York you have to understand the parks history and its vast importantance to the city. Central Parks importance to New York and New Yorkers cannot be overstated, I can't imagine the city without it.



4. As an avid fan of Central Park who has been exploring it and studying the books on it for decades, I was amazed at what there was still to learn about it from Miller's book. For example, other historians allude to a connection between Central Park's design and the Hudson River School of landscape art: Miller provides actual sources of the designer's inspiration and shows the results explicitly in the photos. And all in a way that is not at all "bookish" but instead makes you want to go right in and see for yourself the scenes she shows so well in the book's illustrations. The beautiful photos and fascinating stories and the well chosen historical prints all work together in such a compelling and entertaining way that one might never realize one is being educated by a superb textbook in the field of art.
   With her emphasis on the past of the park, and its present restored beauty, it is understandable that the author does not use very much of the book's valuable space on the remaining present-day problems, but she might at least have alluded to the incongruity of the city's insistence on using this artistic matepiece as a through route for motor traffic during the majority of daylight weekday hours. In effect, the city's Dept. of Traffic is providing a refuge from the chaos of the surrounding streets during rush hours - but for the cars, not for the people. If you want to appreciate the park shown in this book, go during the times when the traffic noise does not drown out the wind in the trees, the birdsong, and the happy voices of children!



5. Did you know that the elm lined mall leading to the Bethesda fountain and the view of the ramble are actually based on the layout of a church? Or that all of the lakes in Central Park are manmade. This and many other very interesting facts are interspersed with lovingly taken photographs of the park which were taken by the author of the book as well. Miller starts decribing how the park came to be and the leading ideas and ideals that lead to its creation by Olmsted and Vaux. She proceeds to describe systematically the various sections of the park providing historical information as well. She delves into the some of the controversies and compromises that Olmsted and Vaux encountered in the creation of one of the finest examples of 19th Century art but it is not a comprehensive history of the park. There is a 2 page map of the park at the of the book with a legend identifying each of the features discussed in the book. If you are first time visitor to the city wishing to explore the park in detail or a life long New Yorker this book will delight and surprise you.

3 comments about Fodor's Around Washington, D.C. with Kids, 5th Edition (Around the City with Kids).

1. I purchased this book after getting a great deal on a hotel in a posh DC neighborhood. While I was excited about the hotel, I was quite concerned about finding affordable, child-friendly places to eat in the area. I chose this guide because along with descriptions of kid appropriate attractions, it recommends nearby eateries. The recommended places to eat were just what I needed to keep our daytime food expenses reasonable. Be warned that many of the recommended attractions are either seasonal or too far from public transportation to reach on foot (we traveled pre-Memorial Day and swore not to drive in DC traffic after parking our car at our hotel). Also, you'll need a separate map because only street addresses are provided. Otherwise, it was a helpful, compact travel book that paid for itself in meal money saved.



2. My 10 year old son loves this book and so do I! It tells us the important stuff, location, contact info, prices, ages & hours. It also gives us little things like places to eat and fun other thing to notice and do while we are at each place. We LOVE this book!



3. This book gave us great ideas for places to take our 6 year old. Most importantly, he is allergic to everything and autistic. This translates into an extemely picky eater. With it's recommendations for kid-friendly eating, Around Washington, D.C. with Kids is a God-send!