Reviews (21)

He doesn't deserve that Nobel.... It was a political decision!
He doesn't deserve that Nobel.... It was a political decision!

Roller Coaster Ride

A river through time
Pamuk spans the distances of time and memory in this novel as he searches for the meaning of the melancholy, or huzun as he calls it, of the city of Instanbul.Born into a wealthy Turkish family, Pamuk slowly watches his family's fortune dissolve in the hands of his father.He recounts his memories as his family moves from one quarter to another, interspersing personal accounts with various literary observations.Through it all we experience the uneasy balance between Islamic and Western forces that have shaped the city over the centuries.He explores through the writings of Europeans, how foreigners perceive the city, and how Turkish writers have attempted to respond to these views.Pamuk has such an elegant way of writing, with many undercurrents, like the Bosphorus which he so much loves.I particularly liked his literary chapters, like that of the four melancholy writers of Istanbul, and their attempts to forge an identity for the city.These attempts may have fallen short of their grand expectations, but the books became treasures, and helped to define modern Turkish writing.There are also his amusing observations on Flaubert, Nerval and other French writers and painters, who became absorbed in the city and to whom he felt modern Turkish writing owes a substantial debt.While Pamuk tries to escape this melancholy in his painting, ultimately finding a muse on which to hang all his hopes, he can never fully escape it, as he too becomes absorbed in this great city, which proves to be his literary release. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography/Autobiography    3. Description And Travel    4. Essays & Travelogues    5. Europe - Baltic States    6. Literary    7. Middle East - Turkey    8. Travel - General    9. Turkish (Language) Contemporary Fiction    10. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Reviews (6)

I was literally sent downstairs for laughing too loud.
Seriously.I was up past bedtime, and I was reading Bryson's description of lame 1950's toys.I won't give it away, but imagine what he can do with the topic of "electric football".After a particularly vigorous episode of chortling, my wife trudged out of bed to decree that, if I insisted on continuing to read, I'd have to take it downstairs.
The FUNNIEST book I have read in years!!!
This is a wonderful, funny, and ultimately very human book, which reminds us all, no matter who we are or where we live (I'm Australian) of the total joys of a happy childhood.
A pure joy.
So far as I can tell, there are only 2 problems with Bill Bryson.First, he writes about his life, which means he has to go live it for a while before he can write another book.So he can't write constantly, which is about the only pace likely to keep up with my appetite for his work.Second, he doesn't live near me, so I can't visit him to catch up between books.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Bryson, Bill    6. Childhood Memoir    7. General    8. Humor    9. Iowa - Local History    10. Literary    11. Personal Memoirs    12. Regional Subjects - Midwest    13. Travel writers    14. United States    15. Voyages And Travels    16. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Reviews (86)

A lovely, lovely find...
I heard this book discussed briefly earlier this year on the Today Show and decided to order it since, at the time, I was in the throws of my own divorce.Ms. Gilbert chronicles her international journey of self-discovery with such amazing detail and tenderness and humor that I recommend this book to anyone who has found him or herself in a place or state that he or she would like to change or leave (I imagine, that's everyone!).The story is engrossing and the writing is skillful.I couldn't put it down, and I feel more empowered to follow my own dreams and heart after finishing the book.That's 5-star material if I've ever seen it.

Surprise - you are in control of your life....
A re-count of the author's year spent in Italy, India, and Bali in the wake of a difficult divorce.This book is easy to read and enjoyable.The author does an excellent job of providing her outlook on the variety of experiences she has + how they relate to her dealing with her "life issues."She eventually comes to the self-actualizing realization that she is in control of her life (as opposed to anybody else) and takes steps to make herself happier.

Boring
Just another self indulgent autobiography.It was too boring to read and had not much to say.If you are in for light reading, go for it.Do not expect too much from this one or you might be very disappointed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1969-    2. Adventurers & Explorers    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography And Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. Description And Travel    9. Gilbert, Elizabeth,    10. Personal Memoirs    11. Travel    12. Travel writers    13. Travelers    14. United States    15. Women    16. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Reviews (10)

Stunningly Bad
This book is not funny, insightful, interesting or well written. The style is like prose on speed but ultimately there is nothing here. As a long term traveler to Italy, I saw nothing familiar other than some of the obvious stereotypes. Tim Parks does it better and with style in Italian Neighbors.

Awkward format but an incisive and comprehensive dissection of Italians
While dining in a favorite restaurant recently, I congratulated the Italian proprietor on his country's recent well-deserved World Cup triumph."Yeah," he replied, shaking his head, "it was just too easy...I'm really not sure what they can do in 2010 because it's just too easy for us now."I scanned his face for any hint of his pulling my leg (are we talking about the same tournament here?).There was none.
Everything you always wanted to know aboutItaly, but nobody told you.
I think that this book is really well written, witty and serious at the same time. It is a balanced description of the Italian "real life", leaving apart emphasis or stereotypes. As a matter of fact the Author did not run after what most of the foreigners want to ear or read about "il Bel Paese" (the Beautiful Country). Mind the title. Severgnini goes beyond the behaviours of the people, he tries to analyze when, how and why the "Italian mind" acts in a specific situation. This is a complex matter (i.e. Italians are so different despite they share the same flag), but he succeeded to write a clever, deep and also funny book. I'm convinced that North Americans overall like the Italians. If you belong to this category, then go for this book, you may learn more, if not buy it anyway. You may change your mind ! AMust. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1945-    2. 20th Century Description And Travel    3. Culture    4. Customs & Traditions    5. Description and travel    6. Europe - Italy    7. Italy    8. National characteristics, Italian    9. Social life and customs    10. Travel    11. Travel - Foreign    12. Travel / Europe / Italy   

Reviews (13)

Have motorcycle...Will Travel
I just finished reading Roadshow:Landscape With Drums:A concert tour by Motorcycle and loved it from cover to cover!! It is what it is. A written visual discription of life on the road after 30 long years of touring out of a suitcase,town after town, city after city , country after country year in and year out!All I did was buy the new album every year,go to the show every year(33 at present)go home and go to work the next day! I could not do what Neil,Geddy or Alex has done for 2112 days straight!!!The book is a true account of what Neil enjoys in this stage of his complicated life and spoken wonderfully from a very unique private person.Neil,Thank you for the memories and look forward to the next book!

A curmudgeon's diatribe with drums
While I was looking forward to reading this book, I couldn't overlook the nagging feeling in my gut that Neil Peart would fill hundreds of pages with a lot of whining, crabbing and irritation at the fact that he has to actually put in a grueling three hour work day every other day. What I found most enjoyable were his observations about the scenery and locales he visited, particulary in Europe. (The Skibo Castle description was ornate and engaging.) But there was just too much bitching from this misanthrope millionare. The fact that he can't deal with fans who have allowed him to live a life of leisure and luxury is ridiculous. Sure, there are some nuts out there, but this guy needs to show more appreciation for his audience. And heaven forbid that Geddy should want to add one song to the set for the European leg of the tour--Neil freaked out on him like a spoiled child. There's no doubt that Neil Peart has prodigious talent with the pen, but he needs serious help in the social skills department. Of course, I don't need to like a writer at all to enjoy what he writes, but when the two are joined at the hip in a biography, it's certainly going to effect my impression of the work.

great book!
The book read as advertised- a travelogue of motorcycle riding between gigs. Those who are looking for inside Rush info, etc. from Neil should know better- the man is rightfully tight-lipped about private matters, and we, even as fans and patrons of his art, have no right to such info. Nor should we have any expectation of such info. To write negatively about his book because he is guarded about some matters comes across as childish to me. Having said that, it's a great book, and as a fellow motorcyclist (BMW R1100 RT) it's a pleasure to read books about the subject. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Canada    3. Drummers (Musicians)    4. Essays & Travelogues    5. Europe    6. Genres & Styles - Rock    7. Motorcycling    8. Music/Songbooks    9. Musical Instruments - Percussion    10. Rock musicians    11. Travel    12. Voyages And Travels    13. Music    14. Music / General   

Reviews (4)

A Must for any Newbie to Disney World
If you've never been to Disney World (or if you haven't been for a long time), this book is a must.As a first-timer, I am so very grateful that I bought it.Reading it prepared me for my trip like nothing else I did prior to leaving.The other books on Disney World vacations are of varying usefulness, but this one should be required reading for all first-timers. (By the way, in terms of the other guide books, I like both Passporter and the EZ-Guide for their maps and fun attitude, but found Birnbaum's Official Guide to be both lacking in substance and filled with too much detail about some attractions, which could have potentially ruined my experience had I kept reading that dastardly book).
FINALLY, Testa makes the cover!
I'm another loyal UG reader--every trip, every year (whether we go or not that year).I agree with a previous reviewer's comments that the book is peppered with author comments--for me, that's the beauty.If you are looking for the pure sunny version of "what's at WDW" this may not be the book for you.Consider Birnbaum's or the PassPorter.
Lots of new content for the new edition!!
I've bought this guidebook for the past 4 trips I have taken to WDW.This book is the BEST guide out anywhere for WDW.This issue has some new content which I was very pleased with.I especially like the new map of vacation house resort locations in/around Disney. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Museums, Tours, Points of Interest    2. Special Interest - Family    3. Travel    4. Travel - United States    5. Travel Guides - U.S.    6. United States - South - South Atlantic (General)    7. United States - South Atlantic - Florida    8. Florida    9. Travel & holiday guides    10. Travel / United States / South / South Atlantic (DC, DE, FL, GA, MD, NC, SC, VA, WV)   

Reviews (4)

Amazing
I have always been a fan of atlases and I received this atlas a birthday gift.Absolutely amazing.This atlas has the most comprehensive index I've seen in a world atlas.Also the coverage of the Antarctic continent is very thorough, something that almost all other world atlases lack.5 stars, excellent atlas.

A downgrade from previous editions
The Times Atlas made its reputation by being the best atlas in the English Language.In previous editions, its detail and scale was as good as you could get(except for the briefly available and slightly less comprehensive Book of the World from Macmillan).This latest edition may still be better than anything else out there, but I haven't bought it even though I'd like to update.I've looked it over in stores, and the user who noted the reduced scales is right on the mark.I think all of the map scales have been reduced somewhat from earlier editions.He's probably also right about the clarity of the cartography.All in all, I'd say they had poor judgment in downgrading.This was the atlas for people who really knew maps, wanted the best and were willing to pay for it.Now it's a disappointment.

going downhill
My old 5th edition (1977) of this atlas sustained some water damage, so I decided to upgrade to the new 11th. My 2 stars are in relationship to a previous 5 stars. Perhaps I would rate it higher if I didn't have an earlier edition to compare it with. It's not all bad: there is a new enlarged view of southern China and Taiwan, a larger map of Korea, a blown-up view of central Japan, a new enlarged view of central Mexico, better coverage of South America, etc. There are several major problem areas, however: a couple of glaring examples: in the older version of central Italy, the scale is 1:1,000,000 and includes a detailed map of Rome which is laid over the sea off the west of the peninsula. In the new version, the scale is only 1:1,250,000 which includes a vast, empty area of the Tyrrhenian Sea taking up about half of the whole map. The map of southern Italy is even worse: it is the same reduced 1:1,250,000 and is about 3/4 empty ocean, whereas the older version has the more detailed 1:1,000,000 scale which also shows more detailed views of Sardinia and Sicily, and much less empty ocean. Greece and its islands also show up smaller in the new version (the page dimensions are the same!). The new version has a 1:3,000,000 map of the whole of Turkey, including generous swaths of the Black Sea and the Mediterranean; the older version had two much more detailed (1:2,000,000) maps of eastern and western Turkey. The scale on the New York/New Jersey map is about the same in both editions; the older has a 1:250,000 scale map of the NYC urban area filling in the large area of ocean s.e. of the city, but in the new version that map is gone, all we have left is the big empty ocean. I'm sure that saved them some money, but not if nobody wants to buy it..... The city maps which were tucked into "low-rent" spaces (empty ocean etc.) in many, many places in the old versions are now all gone. Although the paper-quality is good, and the inking has a crisp, clean look, the topography is not as much fun as before: everything is in a lighter shade (they saved themselves some more money!) and so the distinctions between lowland and mountainous areas are not as clear as before. I was going to donate my older atlas to the department library, but now I'm going to keep it! I feel like the new version is a kind of insult to my intelligence: I don't need to see all of Turkey together to realize it is a single country, what I expect to see in a big, expensive atlas is DETAIL, not cost-cutting. Since this is supposed to be the best, I would be willing to pay even a little more, if I got my money's worth. This time I didn't. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Atlases    2. Atlases - General    3. Reference    4. Maps, charts & atlases    5. Reference / Atlases   

Editorial Review

"God, he was a smart kid..." So why did Christopher McCandless trade a brightfuture--a college education, material comfort, uncommon ability and charm--for death by starvation in anabandoned bus in the woods of Alaska? This is the question that Jon Krakauer's book tries to answer. While itdoesn't—cannot—answer the question with certainty, Read more

Reviews (886)

Only read if you can relate to the protagonist
I recently read Under the Banner of Heaven and loved Krakauer's writing, so I picked up Into the Wild.Krakauer didn't disappoint.His writing was honest, personal and to the point.He doesn't mince words, and while his bias is obvious, he presents evidence that reveals many sides of Chris McCandless.
But why?
This is defiantly not my typical read, but once I started I found it compelling, hard to put down, but that does not mean I did not have some problems with it.It seemed like the author tried too hard to make McCandless a sympathetic figure, almost a hero in an odd way.Everything Chris does though leads to his own destruction, he has no one to blame but himself.I don't have much experience in the wilderness so maybe I am just ignorant, but it sure seemed like he could have saved himself.Going off into the woods to die does not seem heroic to me.That being said , the author has done his research and is talented writer.He convinced me not to head off into the Alaskan wilderness alone!Speaking of tales of the wilderness I highly recommend "Across the High Lonesome!"

Jon's Quest
Jon tried to help us understand the unexpainable actions of a misguided youth.Only through Jon's vivid description of his own journey into the the Alaskan wilderness, did we come close to feeling Chris McCandless' intentions. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1968-1992    2. Adventure and adventurers    3. Alaska    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Biography And Autobiography    8. Biography/Autobiography    9. Essays & Travelogues    10. General    11. McCandless, Christopher Johnso    12. Regional Subjects - West    13. Travelers    14. United States    15. Wayfaring life    16. West (U.S.)    17. McCandless, Christopher Johnson    18. Travel / Essays & Travelogues   

Editorial Review

When National Geographic published its first Read more

Reviews (24)

Atlas of the World by National Geographic
This is a wonderful full-color book on the geography of the world.
National Geographic has made changes
In December 2004, National Geographic (NG) updated the Persian Gulf plate (Plate 75) to accomodate the controversies surrounding the place-names used in the 8th edition. Incredible Family Resource
I've had the new atlas for 60 days and find myself looking something up every 2-3 days. It's really been fun looking up remote places like Palmyra Atoll, Kerguelen Island, the Fly River and other obscure places I read about.
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Subjects:  1. Atlases    2. Atlases - General    3. Atlases - World    4. Maps    5. Reference    6. Maps, charts & atlases    7. Reference / Atlases   

Reviews (47)

a genuine journey of discovery
This is a fascinating book, a well told tale, and a genuine journey of discovery. Stewart combines a physically demanding expedition with cultural exploration and, in the process, achieves genuine insight into lives most of us will never have the faintest conception of. Some reviews of the book (e.g. Washington Post) miss the critical element of the journey that sets it apart from books that are entirely expeditionary in nature (like mountains climbed and rivers rafted) - and that is the Muslim cultural proclivity to welcome / shelter / feed travelers no matter how desperately poor they may be (and most in rural Afghanistan are very poor indeed).A critical talent that allowed Stewart to achieve this (besides his keen wit and prodigous writing skills) is his linguistic diversity, which allowed him to do what he did without getting killed or dying in the process. When the British Special Forces declare him a f'g nutter I found myself smiling along with Stewart at his formidable achievement.

A little shy of cultural insights
I would actually give this book a 3.5, but that's not an option.I think I was expecting a broader range of cultural insights from this book.The first half got a bit tedious and sometimes read more like an itinerary than an elucidating journal.The second half perked up for me; I admit this could be because the actual terrain improved and people themselves were more colorful and friendly.In the end, I did take away something from this book and do have a better idea of what Afghanistan's mountain region is about.I passed the book on to a friend this weekend as a suggested read.But the fact that I did this is a testament to my reaction to the book, for I never give away books that I love.Perhaps one day I'll come to regret it!And I can say, I don't regret having read this book.

Five-star rating for Stewart's experience; three stars for his writing of it
Try as I might, I couldn't quite enjoy "The Places In Between," Rory Stewart's travelogue from his walk across post-Taliban Afghanistan.Stewart is an amazing young man, brilliant and courageous, and his trek is an ambitious, noble effort.But his writing was so dispassionate, so resolutely matter-of-fact, that I quickly stopped caring.
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Subjects:  1. Afghanistan    2. Asia - Central    3. Description And Travel    4. Essays & Travelogues    5. History    6. History: World    7. Middle East - General    8. Middle East - History - 20th Century    9. Modern - 20th Century    10. Social life and customs    11. Stewart, Rory    12. Travel    13. Travel - General    14. Travel / Middle East / General   

Subjects:  1. Environmental Science    2. General    3. Geography    4. Globalization    5. Political Science    6. Politics/International Relations    7. Travel - General    8. Regional geography    9. Science / Geography   

Subjects:  1. Food Industry Services    2. Restaurants    3. Travel    4. Travel - United States    5. Travel Guides - U.S.    6. United States - Mid Atlantic - New York    7. United States - Mid Atlantic - New York City    8. United States - Northeast - Middle Atlantic (General)    9. New York    10. Restaurant & pub guides   

Reviews (2)

A MUST FOR DISNEY VACATIONERS
Birmbaums is the most comprehensive disney guide there is. Its a fun way to plan your trip. Though not as detailed as some its a very lively look at all that is disney. A great book to get you excited about your trip to the happiest place on earth.

The Official Book of Disney World
My husband, son, and I just got back from Disney World a few weeks ago. We planned the trip in just a month's time, and WDW guides were very helpful!
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Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Travel - General    2. Parks & Campgrounds    3. Special Interest - Family    4. Travel    5. Travel - United States    6. Travel Guides - U.S.    7. United States - General    8. United States - South Atlantic - Florida    9. Juvenile Nonfiction / Travel    10. Travel & holiday guides    11. USA   

Reviews (19)

Lifelong reference book
This atlas is the standard for Geography 101 in campuses across the country.It sets the standard because it is affordable and extremely useful in geographic exercises.In truth, it is primarily a North American atlas, but that is because it is written for and marketed to North Americans.There are still more than enough maps of other world regions to assist you in Geography 101 or to assist you in monitoring the world news.Granted, an intense study of total world geography would require an additional atlas.That said, I purchased this atlas for a geography course in which it was instrumental.Since then, I have used it in more advanced geography courses and in my daily life.While I would prefer it to be printed in a bit larger format, this size is more affordable to students.I will keep this atlas to assist in lifelong learning.

very happy
This is the textbook for my college geography course. I saved fifteen dollars over my college bookstore, their's was a softback amazon's is hardback, it will last longer, I'm happy.

Goode's World Atlas
This Atlas is a great resource to have on hand for any age and any education level. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Atlases    2. Atlases - General    3. Atlases - World    4. Maps & Road Atlases    5. Reference   

Subjects:  1. Travel    2. Travel - United States    3. United States - Pacific - San Francisco    4. United States - West - Pacific (General)    5. California    6. Restaurant & pub guides   

Reviews (5)

Then and Now
The photographs in this book are good shots - clear, and larger than I had expected. It is very interesting to see how the historical city of Boston was, and how it has changed over the years, most times for the better, though sometimes for the worse.Perhaps I would get more out of this if I knew more about Boston. Unless you are already familiar with this city, then "Boston Then and Now" gives you the feeling of peeping through the windows of a house that's up for rent, rather than being taken on a guided tour. A map certainly would have been helpful, and how about an entire page of background information rather than a footnote? Just an idea, in case someone decides to revise it someday. Nice book. Worth buying.

SNOBS
"Boston Then And Now" was reviewed by Charles Higgensworth III.I do hope there won't be a number 4 Higgensworth.This man should drop the attitude.Then people may like him almost as much as this book.What a jerk!

A good backstop to any trip to Boston's sites
We purchased this book in Boston and found almost all of the sites we saw in town in this book.In this book, the older, up to 150-year old photo of the original structures on the current site, or older pictures than offered a juxtaposition of the surrounding landscape of buildings present in the past and now around selected sites.Read more

Subjects:  1. Boston (Mass.)    2. History    3. History - General History    4. History - U.S.    5. Photoessays & Documentaries    6. Pictorial works    7. Pictorials    8. Subjects & Themes - Travel - U.S./New England    9. Travel    10. United States - State & Local - General    11. Places & peoples: general interest    12. Travel & holiday guides    13. Sale Books   

Reviews (5)

A slow start...a rousing finish!
This volume picks up the plot line where the *Galileo Affair* left off. The principal players are young Frank Stone, his lovely young wife Giovanna (ex-Marcolli), Sharon Nichols, and the irrascable Ruy Sanchez. The *bad guys*, Cardinal Borjas and a lengthy cast of characters are seeking to neutralize pope Urban VIII, due to his acceptance of the USE and the *foreighn witches* from Grantville.
Good writing in an exceptional series
Eric Flint and Andrew Dennis have written a great follow-up to their Galileo Crisis. It is not as much fun as that book: there was a lot of humor in Galileo, with a cute ending. A nice love story or two as well.
Canon Law an improvement
The first book in this side story about the USE that takes place in Italy is an improved story from the Galileo Affair. Frank Stone, the eldest son of the Stoner clan (well it was a druggy comune and the family name is Stone) has set up a Frank's Place, his version of the Committee Of Correspodence's Golden Arches, to serve pizza and wine. I really hope that in Italy the rest of the CoC's offices become Frank's Places, because I like the idea of bringing American pizza's to the forefront of Italy like we did in WWII with American soldiers. Note: they still make better pizzas than we do if my last visit to Sicily is any indication. What I like about this story is that the silliness of the first book is lessened, while the insight into the barochian politics of Spain, Rome, and the Vatican is looked at more closely. I really like the way Frank has developed his version of the CoC in Rome and I look forward to how it evolves in the third book. Sharon Nichol's wedding with Ruy Sanchez looks to be a very good team as far as Sharon's diplomacy and Ruy's spymanship is concerned. They both make great foils for each other. The coverage of the Pope and his nephew Antonio Barberini is a fascinating look into the workings of the church during the 1600's, remember that the French only lost control of the Catholic Church about one generation ago, and how much influence the Spanish had on Catholic policy. Cardinal Borja's plot to change Catholic policy is fun to watch, and his tool Francisco de Queverdo y Villega makes for a good rival for Ruy as spymasters. The strength of this novel, more like the main storyline, is its characterization and its look at politics, its downgrading of the silliness of the first book is a very serious plus. What is missing is David Weber's counter-balance of Republican values. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 17th century    2. American Science Fiction And Fantasy    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - Science Fiction    5. Historical fiction    6. History    7. Italy    8. Science Fiction    9. Science Fiction - Adventure    10. Science Fiction - Alternative History    11. Science Fiction - Space Opera    12. Time travel    13. Fiction / Science Fiction / General   

Reviews (202)

You will be delighted, this is simply the best of the lot!
The depth and quality of content in this guide delighted us for 2 solid weeks on Maui. Excellent reviews on restaurants and lodging, insightful guides to attractions - the exact opposite of the blatantly dishonest and cheaply done Frommer's Maui.
Going to Maui? Get this book.
We found this guidebook an excellent companion on our recent Maui vacation. Their advice on must sees and what to skip was invaluable to us. We knew there were many more sights and activities than we could fit in on this trip, so I found it very helpful to know the opinions of locals who had taken the time to thoroughly research their recommendations. The descriptions of the Road to Hana were very detailed, which is important if you're going to find all the neat little stops along the way. Their beach reviews are also excellent. In my opinion, this is the only guidebook you really need.

Best by far.
I've been visiting various Hawaiian Islands for nearly 30 years and no other guide book even comes close to this series.It perfectly describes what to expect, where to go, and more importantly when on a limited vacation, where NOT to go.
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Subjects:  1. Guidebooks    2. Maui (Hawaii)    3. Travel    4. Travel - United States    5. United States - Pacific - Hawaii    6. United States - West - Pacific (General)    7. Guidebooks; Adventure Travel    8. Maui, Hawaii    9. Travel / United States / West / Pacific (AK, CA, HI, NV, OR, WA)   

Reviews (5)

Absolutely Awesome!
This is the best book I have ever seen on the National Parks. The photography alone is worth the price. It gives very comprehensive advice on each park, and you can tell by the way it is written that these people have actually been to, and spent time, in each park. I love the way it breaks down each park into suggested amounts of time so that you can better plan your trip. There are maps for each park, and in the maps is my only complaint. Most of the maps cover more than one page and because there is very little page border down the center, it can make it difficult to see the center of the maps. Other than that, it truly is an awesome book, whether you actually get to travel to the parks or not.

National Parks Guide does its job.
If you are visiting National Parks and want a useful guide to help plan your day(s) this book should be on your list.It goes beyond the quick synopsis you get in AAA guides and describes worthwhile stops and hikes at all the National Parks in the U.S.

A handy reference to supplement (or start) Web research
I just bought the 2006 version of this useful resource to replace my trusty 1989 (!!) original. The new one includes up-to-date content (e.g., Joshua Tree is now a National Park, no longer a National Monument tucked away in the "Excursions" section) but I have two major gripes:
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Subjects:  1. Guidebooks    2. National parks and reserves    3. North America    4. Parks    5. Parks & Campgrounds    6. Travel    7. Travel - United States    8. Travel Guides - U.S.    9. United States    10. United States - General    11. Travel & holiday guides    12. Travel / North America    13. USA   

Editorial Review

Bill Bryson has made a living out of traveling and then writing about it. In Read more

Reviews (889)

"I had never encountered anything so hard, for which I was so ill prepared."
Returning to the US after living in England for twenty years, Bill Bryson becomes intrigued with the idea of the hiking the Appalachian Trail, a portion of which is in his New Hampshire backyard.The 2100-mile trail from Georgia to Mt. Katahdin in Maine winds through virgin forest and scenes of incredible natural beauty and provide an unparalleled opportunity to be alone and reflective.
WONDERFUL
THIS MAY BE MY SECOND FAVORITE BILL BRYSON BOOK BEHIND SUNBURNED COUNTRY. AS I SAID IN HIS FORUM, IT'S BEYOND BELIEF THAT HE AND HIS OVERWEIGHT FRIEND GOOD OLD KATZ WALKED AS FAR AS THEY DID IN THE WILDERNESS AND SURVIVED. IT IS A WONDERFUL, RELAXING, EDIFYING, LAUGH-RIOT OF A BOOK AS ONLY BILL CAN PROVIDE. I LOVE HIS WORK AND TRUST ME, BUY THIS, YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN. EVEN READING ABOUT THE DANGERS YOU'LL FEEL LIKE IMMEDIATELY GOING FOR A HIKE SOMEWHERE. ONE WARNING, TAKE A LOT OF BILL'S HISTORY WITH A GRAIN OF SALT. HE TENDS TO BEND THE FACTS A BIT FOR A LAUGH AND HIS "HISTORY" OF THOMAS J. JACKSON (STONEWALL) IS JUST NONSENSE, BUT VERY FUNNY. IN FACT, JACKSON WAS PROBABLY THE MOST BRILLIANT MAJOR OFFICER THE UNITED STATES EVER PRODUCED AND HE, NOT ROBERT E. LEE WAS THE STATEGIST IN THE SOUTH'S GREATEST VICTORIES. BUT I DIGRESS, BILL BRYSON IS MY HERO AND FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE I'M A REPUBLICAN AND HE DETESTS REPUBLICAN'S SO YOU KNOW I FIND THIS MAN FUNNY. GO BILL!

Elitist and arrogant
I have made it to page 84 and I don't think I can read any further.At this point in the book Bryson is in Franklin, NC."Late on the third afternoon I stood in a Burger King and studied, with absorbtion, the photographs of the manager and his exectutive crew (reflecting on the curious fact that people who go into hamburger management always look as if their mother slept with Goofy), then slid one pace to the right to examine the Employee of the Month awards.It was then that I realized I had to get out of Franklin."If you find this sort of elitist humor funny, then this book is for you.Also this book reads like fiction.Too much of it is not believable and appears to me to be written to make the story more interesting and therefore more publishable. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Appalachian Trail    2. Description and travel    3. Essays & Travelogues    4. Natural history    5. Travel    6. Travel - United States    7. United States - General    8. United States - Northeast - General    9. United States - South - East South Central (General)    10. Travel / United States / General