1 comments about Fly Fishing Montana: A No Nonsense Guide to Top Waters (No Nonsense Fly Fishing Guidebooks).

1. I purchased this book about six months ago. I've traveled to Montana in the past to fish, and was planning another trip this summer. While we planned to fish some old, familiar rivers such as the Yellowstone, the Madison and the Gallatin, we also wanted to try some new waters that we hadn't fished before. My wife and I spent time reading the information on the various rivers discussed in the book, and decided to also spend time in the Missoula area. We used the book not only as a tool to decide where we wanted to fish, but we also used the maps to get us where we needed to go. The end result was a successful fishing trip to Rock Creek and the Bitterroot,which was certainly aided by this exceptional book. By the way, the authors are incredible photographers; their photos in the book are great. I recommend that anyone contemplating a fly fishing trip to Montana purchase this book prior to their trip.

No comments about Fodor's Colorado, 8th Edition (Fodor's Gold Guides).

5 comments about Day Hike! Olympic Peninsula: The Best Trails You Can Hike in a Day (Day Hike!).

1. I consider myself a moderate hiker and had no trouble traversing the trails described in this book in the time frame stipulated. When I'm hiking I'm not studying flowers or sitting still looking for birds. I usually trot along at the average pace that rangers have told me most hikers do, two miles an hour. That includes stopping to take photos, appreciate views and grazing in the occasional blueberry patch. Mostly, however, I'm there to hike.
   
   Day Hike! Olympic Peninsula is a good, concise, easy-to-use guide that provides perfectly useable directions to trailheads. A pet peeve of mine is wasting valuable outdoors time trying to navigate my way in a car to a trailhead. I never had that problem with this book. In fact, I appreciated the tip provided for the trailhead at the end of the 8-mile gravel road accessed near the Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center. I never would have known this narrow road leads to a trail.
   
   The walks listed are a good assortment for average day hikers. I only tried a few of them (Hoh River Trail being my favorite - not least of which is because there's basically no elevation gain and I saw 25 - 30 Roosevelt elk there!) so I can't vouch for the complaints of other reviewers. However, I've kept the book for future reference, meaning I'd definitely use it again. I can't wait to get back to the Pacific Northwest to explore more of the wonderful wilderness and hiking is the best way to do it.
   
   All in all I'd recommend this book. It's not perfect but for casual day hikers it can be mighty handy.



2. Just returned from the Olympic Peninsula and found this guidebook to be less helpful than expected. Perhaps things have changed their since the 2002 publication so double check info on hikes before heading out. Had trouble finding trailheads for #61, specific distances would have been helpful in the "Getting There" section, wasted 1 hr and lots of gas trying to find #59 Big Flat,never found it. A confusing time trying to locate #35 Mount Angeles Saddle, trailhead signage doesn't include this name, located it nearly a mile in. Recommend a more current publication.



3. I had high hopes for this book but, suffice to say, it's no longer in my collection. I have no question but that the author knows his topic. However, like a previous reader, I found myself confused and even lost (at $3.00+ a gallon) trying to follow directions that are too vague and in one case really led me astray.
   
   If you want someone's opinion (and don't we all have one), this book is okay. But do yourself a favor and cross reference suggestions and particularly directions. Or, better yet, just find a better resource. Sure wish I had.



4. I bought this book and "Best Easy Day Hikes Olympics" in 5/2007. I found this book, "Day Hike! Olympic Peninsula ...", to be much more substantial.



5. This is a very thorough hiking guide, no doubt about it. My only comment besides that is, the author is a VERY experienced hiker; so when he describes a hike as "easy", it might no really be the case! I am young and healthy, but the difficulty level seemed definitely more strenuous than described.
   On the other hand, if you are super fit, go for it, the book is good.

5 comments about Chicago Architecture and Design.

1. This book described many of the significant architects in Chicago history. I found it to be informative and very readable. It is the best book I have found which summarizes Chicago Architecture. The color photograghs are excellent



2. I thought this book was very interesting it has great pictures of the buildings in Chicago. It has alot of information about the beginning of when Architects wanted to build something modern but unqiue at the same time. Get inspired by the great exterior and interior of these amazing buildings.



3. This book provides an excellent introduction to Chicago's numerous schools of architecture over the years. It also provides a photographic tour of the city's important buildings, from the late 1800s to the present day. The photography is great! Highly recommended for fans of Chicago or architecture buffs in general.



4. This book has beautifull photographs. The book is much deeper than other Chicago architecture books because it has a well thought out historical review of the progression of Chicago architecture. Interesting even for the lay person like me.



5. My nephew loved it. He grew up in Milwaukee, went to school and lives in California. He comes to Chicago about every other year.

5 comments about Fearless Critic Houston Restaurant Guide.

1. This book is shocking, funny and incredibly informative. I love to eat out and can't stand it when I am unhappy with the food or the service - especially if I've paid a lot. This book is my salvation with delightfully written, incredibly candid full-page reviews of hundreds of Houston restaurants. The chef-authors give irreverent and as they say, "brutally honest" reviews of restaurants that other reviewers seem to automatically praise. They reveal their favorite, often-not-on-the-radar, little (and not so little) restaurants, many of which I'd never heard of or had avoided. And so far, for the ones I've tried, they were right on the money. I'm so excited about finding this book. It is worth ten times the price they're charging. Avoiding one bad meal in an expensive restaurant will more than pay for the book. I'm so looking forward to trying the (many) restaurants that got good grades and will be happily avoiding those that didn't make the grade. I'm planning to give it to all my foodie friends for Christmas.



2. This is a terrific book and you need to buy it. Today. 'Nuff said.
   
   I plan to give copies to everyone on my Christmas gift list this year.
   
   I think every Houstonian who dines out regularly should ALSO own Mike Riccetti's "Houston Dining on the Cheap". Also terrific.



3. I am the 4th to review this and agree with those who went before -- this is a very helpful guide with very detailed and well-written reviews. I disagree with a couple of the reviews of favorites of mine, but I can live with that. I also second the recommendation of the Houston Cheap Eats guide -- many more hole-in-the-wall places are reviewed there.



4. While in theory it would be an amusing and informative read as the authors fearlessly critique Houston restaurants, I find it quite interesting that the authors reviewing the local restaurants are local chefs supposedly giving an impartial view of their neighboring restaurants. I disagree with the reviews of many restaurants in this book. Maybe it is an ax to grind with a former employer or ex coworker while giving the restaurants their buddies work in good marks? This book sorely misses the mark. Clearly these guys don't have much talent or they would be chefs/propietors of their own restaurants and wouldn't have to write this sort of stuff. For an impartial guide check out Zagat



5. I loved reading about some of the restaurants I've visited for years and laughing out loud at the reviews. Most are spot on!
   
   Then I used the book to guide me to some unexplored destinations and was hugely disappointed. Their #1 rated restaurant (no, I'm not mentioning it by name) delivered fois gras charred beyond recognition, staggeringly overpriced wine, annoying waitstaff and pointless valet parking. The book's best Thai vendor proved to be inaccessible to those of us who can't speak the language to the counter people at the back of the store, so why would the editors bother including it in the book without that crucial detail?
   
   I've given this book as a gift to fellow Houstonians who appreciated and seemed to absorb it, but based on my lousy experiences with the authors' "A" grades, I wouldn't necessarily use it myself to make decisions on new places to try.
   
   Last comment: It's been almost a year since the book came out which promised an "all-new" website with updated reviews, a global food blog, and a searchable restaurant database at [...]. That content is still not there, which hurts the credibility of Robin Goldstein and his otherwise entertaining guidebooks. If they eventually pull it off, MOVE OVER, Zagat!

5 comments about The Legend of the Teddy Bear.

1. The Legend of the Teddy Bear is a "must have" book for every home. It's a beautifully illustrated story that all children will enjoy while actually learning a piece of history. Imagine a child in your life explaining the story to an adult who doesn't know how the teddy bear got his name! This book belongs on all bookshelves, it will captivate children and adults alike. Looking forward to reading more from Frank Murphy!



2. I didn't read the book. I gave it as a birthday gift to my niece who is a teddy bear enthusiast. The rating I gave was based upon her overwhelming response to the book.

   She was so taken with the story that she excitedly wrote a letter to the author. To his credit, the author responded with a handwritten letter that, along with the book, became a show-and-tell project for her 2nd grade class. She talks about the whole thing with stars in her eyes. It's truly priceless.

   I give 5 stars to both the book and the author.




3. This book appeals to all teddy bear lovers- young and old! It is a great way to share history with children. My kindergarten class throughly enjoyed it cover to cover! A must for anyone who ever had / or has a teddy bear!!



4. Cuddling Teddy Roosevelt is kinda strange...but cuddling a soft bear is better. Who would've known that the teddy bear was named after a president!
   In this children's picture book, children will be amazed that they know a bit of history after they read this beautifully written/illustrated book.
   ~Erin
   Age 11



5. In this fabulous book, it tells you the remarkable story about how the first teddy bears were made. Not only is the story exellent, but it has fabulous illustrations! GREAT JOB MR. MURPHY! i give this book an A+++++++++++++++.
   -Stephanie,
   Connecticut

2 comments about Twenty West: The Great Road Across America.

1. Twenty West: The Great Road Across America in an engaging travelogue about journeying upon America's longest road, US Route 20, a coast-to-coast road crossing twelve states as it stretches 3,300 miles from Boston, Massachusetts to Newport, Oregon. Written by Mac Nelson (Distinguished Teaching Professor of English at SUNY Fredonia) and drawing heavily from his personal experience touring its length, Twenty West gives an up close and personal tour of parks (especially the "peaceable kingdom" of Yellowstone), historical landmarks, Americana and much more. "Yellowstone's famous wildlife doesn't pay much mind to artificial boundaries, so it's wise to start watching for bear and deer and moose as soon as you reach Wapiti, twenty miles west of Cody." A wonderful read for armchair travelers, and the next best thing to touring the length of US Route 20 in person.



2. This is a book that doesn't fall into a neat category - it's part travelogue, part history lesson, part autobiography and memoir. Highly entertaining, the author's voice is unique and you feel as if you are there with him as he travels his beloved Route 20.

3 comments about Ron Kay's Guide to Zion National Park: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Zion National Park But Didn't Know Who To Ask!.

1. We have just completed an Elderhostel trip around the Grand Circle under Ron's tutelage, and I have reviewed an electronic version of this book (I am in the process of purchasing the paper volume). Ron is an authentic naturalist and a dedicated advocate for the glories of this region which he has explored from corner to corner. He's also a very effective teacher. From an up-close and personal perspective, I doubt that there is anyone better qualified and able to write a book with this title and I recommend it strongly.



2. Amazing! I have made many trips to Zion National Park and this book made it a new experience. I would recommend this to any person wishing to visit the canyons or looking for information about the beautiful area. Ron did a great job on this book; I will use it for many years to come. I never leave reviews, but this has me so excited I think others should experiance Zion with the information this book provides.



3. My family and I have visited Zion in the past and it is a wonderful place. However, this book is just magnificent!! We are now in the process of visiting many many more areas in which we have not hiked and explored! It is so informative and exciting that I think it is an awesome read and so very helpful in planning our hikes in the park. Anyone who is interested in finding out the many possibilites and adventures that are waiting to be seen, Ron Kay's book is a must have for everyone!!

4 comments about Fee Mining and Rockhounding Adventures in the West.

1. An invaluable guide with lots of information to help with trip planning. The state histories are fantastic. If you love hobby mining this book is a must have for your keeper shelf.



2. I liked the state histories but for a rockhound the book is not of much use. The book tries to cover too many states with too little actual information on each state. A good example would be Arizona. The book lists 14 sites for Arizona but only 4 are listed as diggings. Of that 4 only 2 are actual rockhound sites and the other 2 are fee panning at a tour. The other 10 of the 14 are Museums, caves, points of interest, and fairs and festivals.



3. Some useful digging sites, but more information about museums, caves, fairs, etc. There are better books out there for the serious rockhound.



4. I really enjoyed reading this book. It has turned out to be a great reference for our trip through Utah, Wyoming and Colorado which we are planning for next Fall.
   
   We are going to be camping in our RV and we have planned a route that will take us from our home in New Mexico through the Eastern region of Utah to Idaho and Montana and then to Wyoming and Colorado. This book has really assisted us in deciding where we want to stop and search for gems, minerals and fossils.
   
   I would recommend this book for anyone who may be interested in finding great places to rock hound!

5 comments about Hiking Acadia National Park (Regional Hiking Series).

1. I found this book to be very helpful in planning my vacation in Acadia. I have 2 boys aged 5 and 13 and needed hikes that were doable for the youngest one. He turned out to be the best hiker of us all! This book gave me a good sense of what the trails would be like. We only did easy and moderate and one strenuous one (South Bubble Trail). You will need to buy a more detailed map (like from the AMC) but the trails are well marked. I liked the section on the authors' favorite hikes. We did most of our hikes from their recommends. Don't miss the Wonderland and Great Head trails if you go! Happy hiking.



2. For a party with kids, this book is just what we needed. The descriptions and difficulty ratings were right on. The directions to the trail heads were very clear (unlike in many hiking guides). Perhaps the best thing about it was the size. The book fit easily into my back pocket. No taking off my backpack everytime I wanted to check the map!



3. This guide is a scaled-down version of the longer "Hiking Acadia National Park" by the same authors. Included in this guide are 21 day hikes within the national park boundaries, some of which follow along the coast while others go to the more accessible mountains. Each hike contains directions to the trailhead, an adequate though not particularly detailed map, and a brief but adequate description of the hike. Length ranges from 0.5 mile to 5.8 miles, with the average falling at around 2 miles.
   
   There are a couple of things you should know before purchasing this guide. The book is only 84 pages long and only measures 6" by 4". This small size makes the book easy to carry, but at a cost. Specifically, only hikes on Mount Desert Island are included in this guide, with the rest being left on the cutting room floor from the larger version. So, if you are only planning a few days vacation to Acadia (like I did), this book will probably fit the bill. If you want a more comprehensive guide to Acadia hiking, you will want to look elsewhere.
   
   Second, the term "easy" in the title is relative. True, there are no multi-day backpack journeys described here, and the handhold rock climbs do not appear in this guide, but not everyone in even decent health will be able to hike all of these trails. For example, as an experienced day-hiker with average conditioning, I could have hiked any trail in this guide. However, my 60-something mother would have struggled on many of these trails even though she has no major health problems. My point is simply that not all of these trails are easy strolls on a level path, and I think you should know that before buying this guide. You may still need to choose a trail for your ability, and given the guide's size, your choices are somewhat limited.
   
   In summary, I gave this guide a good rating because I felt that it accomplished what the authors intended, namely a compact guide designed for short-term park visitors. However, depending on what kind of trip you are planning, this guide may not be for you, as I described above. So I recommend that you decide what kind of Acadia visit you desire and then use this review and others to choose the guide that will help you the most.



4. My wife and I just got back from Acadia. It was amazing. However, this book was useless for planning hikes. It has less information than what you can get from the park hand-out you get. We stayed at the Atlantean B&B and they had a book with a man and his 3 dogs on the front. It was excellent. I did not get the name/ISBM, sorry.
   
   However, we really enjoyed the extended Bubbles, Beehive and Goram (sp?) hikes. The beauty of this area rivals the Rocky Mts.



5. Good book and the descriptions are accurate.
   If you haven't been to Acadia, this is a good book to get.
   Acadia National Park is very big and has a lot of different areas with many options, so this book really helps you make informed decisions.