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 (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   

Editorial Review

From Antarctica to Zimbabwe, if you're going there chances are Lonely Planet has been there first. With a pithy and matter-of-fact writing style, these guides are guaranteed to calm the nervesof first-time world travelers, while still listing off-the-beaten-path finds sure to thrill even the mostjaded globetrotters. Lonely Planet has been perfecting its guidebooks for nearly 30 years and as a result, has the experience and know-how similar to an older sibling's "been there" advice. The original backpacker's bible, the LP series has recently widened its reach.While still givinginsights for the low-budget traveler, the books now list a wide range of accommodations anditineraries for those with less time than money.Read more

Reviews (39)

Great Resource
Best overview on India.If you want more in depth you need to buy books related to a particular subject.This book gives an overview on everything Indian.Really important resource for a traveller in India.

AS MUCH ABOUT TOURISM IN INDIA AS CAN BE PACKED INTO A BOOK
It is almost a crime to try to fit a great country such as India into a one volume guidebook.However, being such the understandable proposition -- tourists are unlikely to want to carry many guides -- this guidebook does a very nice job of putting it all together.
Strongly recommended to anyone planning to visit any part of this remarkable country either for business or for pleasure
This expanded and updated eleventh edition of India is the result of considerable research and study by Lonely Planet's expert staff including Sarina Singh and ten associates. India is an comprehensive and highly portable 1140-page paperback guide to the diverse country of India. Introducing travelers to a significant grasp of Indian culture and land, India offers readers a "user-friendly" reference for best accommodations for budget, historical information, lesser known locations such as national parks, remote tribal villages and serene secluded mountain treks, comprehensive understandings of Indian cuisine, and transportation information with over 200 precise maps. India from Lonely Planet is very strongly recommended to anyone planning to visit any part of this remarkable country either for business or for pleasure.
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Subjects:  1. Asia - India    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. India    5. Travel & holiday guides   

Subjects:  1. Asia - General    2. Asia - India & South Asia    3. Civilization    4. Description And Travel    5. Essays & Travelogues    6. Mishra, Pankaj    7. South Asia    8. Travel    9. Travel - Foreign    10. Western influences   

Reviews (9)

Not practical for serious travel
I bought this book before moving to India, hoping it would make traveling in the country easier. I was disappointed. There is no practical information in this book. Train times, bus fares, budget hotels, and more useful information is completely ignored. The only plus to the book is sometimes helpful information is given on art history and monument history, but overall I would only recommend the Lonely Planet guide for those looking to really see and experience India.

A thing of beauty - A joy for ever
Just been to Goa and this book was a great reference for the places to visit.
Beautiful Book
This is a beautifully done book. The pictures are amazing and very well done. This simply stands out. Great work guys! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - India    2. Guidebooks    3. India    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign    6. Travel / Asia / India   

Reviews (1)

Devoted fan of Rough Guides
I should begin by saying that I traveled around India with the fourth edition of the Rough Guide.Though I cannot comment on how updates and revisions may effect the utility of this particular version, I feel quite confident in recommending the Rough Guide over any other guidebook in the market.
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Subjects:  1. Asia - India    2. Guidebooks    3. India    4. Reference - Guides (General)    5. Travel    6. Travel - Foreign    7. Travel Guides    8. Travel & holiday guides    9. Travel / Asia / India   

Editorial Review

From Antarctica to Zimbabwe, if you're going there, chances are Lonely Planet has been there first. With a pithy and matter-of-fact writing style, these guides are guaranteed to calm the nervesof first-time world travelers, while still listing off-the-beaten-path finds sure to thrill even the mostjaded globetrotters. Lonely Planet has been perfecting its guidebooks for nearly 30 years and as a result, has the experience and know-how similar to an older sibling's "been there" advice. The original backpacker's bible, the LP series has recently widened its reach.While still givinginsights for the low-budget traveler, the books now list a wide range of accommodations anditineraries for those with less time than money. Read more

Reviews (5)

tour guide
we were in nepal in recently and found this guide to be very useful and informative; will recommend it to anybody who is travelling to a new country.

Paperback Sherpa
The first time I traveled to Nepal I was on a limited budget, was alone, had no idea where I was going to stayand there was a riot going on in Kathmandu.
Here's another book to get in addition to L.P. Nepal
This book is great!I like to travel and not be a "typical american", and this book really helped me in that effort of knowing the culture and the land.I spent 5 weeks in Nepal and was more educated about the country/traditions/culture than any tourist I ran into.I spent a week in Kathmandu, 3 weeks trekking the Annapurna Circuit, and 1 week kayaking the Seti River.I used the medical section of this book (almost everyone gets sick), but should have bought a little medical book available in the bookstores in Kathmandu.Also, the trekking information in this book is good, but it's not great.If you want the BEST guidbook for trekking the Annapurna Circuit or Everest, then go to yetizone.you know what.It's a good site and the webmaster publishes his own guidebook for cheap!It's the best darn guidebook out there without question.Everyone I ran into in Nepal that looked at my book, and I mean EVERYONE, wanted to buy it or make copies.Also, it's not really a book, it's more like a little spiral bound pamphlet, so it weighs practically nothing, and I could keep it easily accessible in my cargo pocket.
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Subjects:  1. Asia - India    2. Asia - Southwest    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Travel Guides    6. Nepal    7. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (30)

Superlative work of art
Delhi is a city of many flavors. Some can be tasted, some viewed, some just felt and still others which are just to be believed......just taken for granted.
"City of Djinn" and "Age of Kali" -
A master's student of Asian cultures at the University of Pennsylvania, I first began reading William Dalrymple's books in the winter of 2003, just prior to my first trip to Asia.I found a beat up copy of "The Age of Kali" in my neighborhood's library when I was working a soul-killing desk job.The book was, in many ways, my introduction to India.It would not be an exaggeration to say that this book changed my life.
A masterpiece!
This book was published in 1993 and I got the chance to read it in 2005 and I must say no other book,author or historian has portrayed Delhi as Dalrymple did!.I cant believe how much I'm in love with this wonderful city more so after reading this book!.Author's sense of humour ably supports his apt and lucid sense of history.His passion for Delhi absolutely shines through and that illuminates every page.Though 'm young and not intelligent enough to commment on greats works and authors but Dalrymple is definitely on the greats!.He sure would make his generation proud.It is a must read whether you like Delhi,history or not. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Asia - India    3. Delhi (India)    4. Description And Travel    5. History    6. History - General History    7. India    8. Social History    9. Social Science    10. Social life and customs    11. Sociology    12. Travel / Asia / India   

Reviews (45)

get this book if you plan to spend more than 2 days in Mumbai
I've been living in Mumbai for about three weeks now (on a 6 month stay) and I began reading this book once I arrived in India.I just finished a coupleof nights ago.Thanks to this book, I can read the local section of my daily newspaper from politics to crime to Bollywood, and the intersection of all three, and actually understand a bit more about what is going on (sadly, justice is so slow here that the people being tried for the 1993 bombings are only just now being sentenced).I can see a slum or pavement dwellers and have a better sense of the stories of the people.I can comiserate with everyone else stuck in traffic, and soon, once the monsoon ends, with everyone else breathing the dirty air.
couldn't put this one down
Read it in a single stretch on a transatlantic flight, and did not once lose interest. A must read for every Bombayite and highly recommended for everyone else. Fearlessly investigated and meticulously researched, while at the same time capturing the heart and soul of the city.

If you're on a Hindustani tip...
...the Suketu Mehta's MAXIMUM CITY -- a book about Bombay and its colourful characters -- is definitely for you!
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Subjects:  1. Asia - India    2. Bombay    3. Bombay (India)    4. Description And Travel    5. Essays & Travelogues    6. India    7. Mehta, Suketu    8. Social History    9. Social Science    10. Sociology    11. Sociology - General    12. Travel    13. Travel - General    14. Social Science / Sociology / General   

Reviews (69)

Shame on the cover designer and also the author/publisher
The coverpage must be changed immediately! Shame and pity on all who have allowed the coverpage to be printed.

Would buy it if cover was different
Being a Hindu myself, I found the cover very disrespectful. I did read a few pages at random and found them interesting. If the cover is different, I would buy the book.

From the Dailai Lama, to Yogato Bollywood it is all there
I traveled through India in the late eighties alone as a woman. Not backpacking, butunfortunately with a suitcase, I could not lock away anywhere. I was fascinated by the country and always wanted to go back. When I was in India I regretted the most that I was not prepared and in many ways helpless how to deal with street vendors who would attach themselves to me for hours , especially in Rajasthan.I never had one single problem with Indian men or with beggars being a big nuisance. And I was surprised to read Macdonald's tales in that respect.Maybe it made a difference, that I dressed in the traditionalSalwar Kameej and mostly covered my blonde hair with a shawl.
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Subjects:  1. 1966-    2. Asia - India    3. Description and travel    4. Essays & Travelogues    5. India    6. Macdonald, Sarah    7. Macdonald, Sarah,    8. New Delhi    9. New Delhi (India)    10. Social life and customs    11. Travel    12. Travel - Foreign    13. Voyages And Travels    14. Travel / Essays & Travelogues   

Reviews (6)

Have used for uzbekistan and found it useful
I used this guide when traveling in Uzbekistani cities in 2003. I found it very helpful ESPECIALLY THE MAPS.
a mixed bag
I found that the East Turkistan (Xinjiang) section of this book was much more helpful when I actually traveled there than the Cadogan "China: the Silk Routes" guide, which is much bigger and much lesse useful. For Uzbekistan, though, this book is useless compared to the Odyssey guide. Essential guide for anyone coming to Central Asia
Take it from an American expat living in Uzbekistan and traveling throughout the region - this is by far the best guide to any place in Central Asia.The authors do a great job of covering all the countries, and they have practical advice on necessary precautions.The general information about the area is solid.Every expat who lives here has a copy, and we all rely on it for advice on where to go and what to see.Also, the historical review is thorough without being tedious, and the practical information on things like climate and local customs is generally dead on.Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - Central    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Central Asia    5. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (3)

Another strong title from Lonely Planet
I ventured to South India, Bombay and Goa, last January, and this book never left my side.As a first-time visitor to the country, I was nervous at first, but the information found in this book helped me to prepare adequately for the trip and navigate my way through this often confusing (but always amazing) country.The guide caters to travelers on a variety of budgets, and offers tips for escaping the white-washed tourist trail to really get a taste of local culture.I would recommend ordering a copy a couple months before leaving- there is much to peruse in the book and region, and it will help you to plan out what you want to see, what you need to pack, and how to get by when the culture shock is hitting hard.

short on detail
India is really too big to be adequately covered in a single guidebook. That was one of the main reasons I used Lonely Planet's "South India" while travelling there in December 2003. Some of the information, particularly prices for accommodation was out of date, but this is to be expected of a guide book that has been in print for more than two years. What disappointed me about this book was that even though it only covered part of India and should be less constrained by space considerations it was frustratingly short on detail in various ways. Some places could have had more detailed coverage and there were still many places omitted completely. I also think Lonely Planet stretches the definition of South India a bit far by including chapters on Maharashtra and Orissa. Less states and more detail would make this guide book much better value for money.

As always, lonely planet excels
You can never go wrong with lonely planet. Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - India    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. India    5. Travel & holiday guides   

Subjects:  1. Asia - India    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. India    5. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (2)

A DAZZLING JEWEL!
THIS BOOK IS HELLA HUGE. IT'S SUPER! THE FIRST PORTION OF THE BOOK HAS WRITINGS WITH SOME NICE TRADITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS. THEN, THERE ARE WONDERUL, MONSTROUS PHOTOS OF PEOPLE IN COLORFUL DRESS, WORKERS AND STREET PEOPLE. THIS BOOK IS NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC WORTHY. IT'S A REALLY BIG BOOK TOO, AND VERY HEAVY. ANY ONE INTERESTED IN A BASIC CULTURAL OVERVIEW OF INDIA SHOULD GET THIS BOOK. THE PICTURES ALONE MAKE IT WELL WORTH IT.

India by Radhika Jha
For those who collect "coffee table" books, as well as those who have a genuine facination of India, this book is a treasure. The majority of the photos are close ups of people, rather than just the usual landscapes or buildings. The book effective captures a wide range of expression of the many states of this vast country. I felt that it was a very personal book, and offered a delightful viewpoint of the color and beauty that is India. On a different esthetic, I would warn you that this is a large book, almost capable of being a coffee table itself! At 15 by 12 and weighing in excess of 10 lbs, it is not very wieldy for the arthritic or or infirm! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - India & South Asia    2. India    3. Individual Photographer    4. Individual Photographers And Their Work    5. Photo Techniques    6. Photography    7. Photography Of Specific Subjects    8. Pictorial works    9. Pictorials    10. Subjects & Themes - Travel - General    11. Subjects & Themes - Travel - World/Asia    12. Travel - Foreign    13. Travel - General    14. Photographs: collections    15. Photography / Travel    16. Places & peoples: general interest   

Editorial Review

Originally published in 1953, this adventure classic recounts Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer's 1943 escape from a British internment camp in India, his daring trek across the Himalayas, and his happy sojourn in Tibet, then, as now, a remote land little visited by foreigners. Warmly welcomed, he eventually became tutor to the Dalai Lama, teenaged god-king of the theocratic nation. The author's vivid descriptions of Tibetan rites and customs capture its unique traditions before the Chinese invasion in 1950, which prompted Harrer's departure. A 1996 epilogue details the genocidal havoc wrought over the past half-century. ... Read more

Reviews (71)

An exceptional book
Heinrich Harrer was one of those men you'd describe as a "force of nature," one of the very few Germans to have "a good war" in the 1940s, and a good friend of the Dalai Llama.
Reminiscence of a lost world.
Sadly, Mr. Harrer has passed on recently, but he leaves us with an intellectually inspiring record of what he observed in what was once the free nation of Tibet. Heinrich Harrer was a famous Austrian mountain-climber, and was arrested by the British while on an epedition when World War II erupted. There was a moderately interesting movie somewhat based on the book, but thoroughly "Hollywoodized" with pretty-boy Brad Pitt miscast as Harrer (I think Liam Neeson resembled the actual Mr. Harrer much more). The account begins with a failed attempt to climb a Himalayan peak, arrest and imprisonment by the colonial British government of India, and a number of escape attempts. The one that succeeded resulted in one of the most thorough narratives of life and culture in Tibet in the last years of its existance.
Belonging in Tibet - a book for all ages
Belonging in Tibet - a book for all ages
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Subjects:  1. 1912-    2. Asia - China    3. Asia - India    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Buddhism - General    6. Description    7. Description And Travel    8. Harrer, Heinrich,    9. Historical - General    10. Tibet (China)    11. Travel    12. Religion / History    13. Tibet    14. Travel writing   

Reviews (2)

Haven't gone to India yet But.....
I bought this book with the anticipation of eventuallygoing to India but more so to better understand my Indian in laws.I always felt like there was something I was missing when my husband and I would visit his family.This book explained a few etiquette questions that I had.It's a good starter book but there is always room for improvement.

Culture Smart, India
This is the kind of book every first-time traveler to India needs!It is short and to-the-point, and gives a very concise guide to customs and etiquette that is required learning for Westerners.Other version of the Culture Smart series are available, so if you're traveling outside the U.S., be sure to get one of these incredibly handy guides.These books are small enough to take with you to for a quick refresher course, too! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - India    2. Etiquette    3. India    4. Travel    5. Travel & holiday guides    6. Travel - Foreign    7. Travel Guides    8. Travel / Asia / India   

Editorial Review

For more than a decade following the end of World War II, Eric Newbytoiled away in the British fashion industry, peddling some of the ugliestclothes on the planet. (Regarding one wafer-thin model in her runway best, hewas reminded of "those flagpoles they put up in the Mall when the Queen comeshome.") Fortunately, Newby reached the end his haute-couture tether in 1956. Atthat point, with the sort of sublime impulsiveness that's forbidden to fictionalcharacters but endemic to real ones, he decided to visit a remote corner ofAfghanistan, where no Englishman had planted his brogans for at least 50 years.What's more, he recorded his adventure in a classic narrative, Read more

Reviews (21)

A Wonderful, Humorous Description of Travel
Eric Newby does an excellent job in writing about his adventures, or misadventures in the Hindu Kush.He is witty in that British way that many Americans may not understand.However, due to the popularity of Britcoms in the United States, Americans should be able to appreciate Newby's not so subtle humor.
Kush comes to Shove
Despite the occasional clunky writing [and who knows maybe because of the rough edges] this book possess a compelling charm that makes it a fun read for the most part, although it does get a tad tedious at times. Frequently hilarious, often amazing, sometimes sad, it is a book well worth the read, even if it is now ancient history.

Very entertaining
I've read Edmund Hillary's latest book.And now, for something completely different, we have Eric Newby's, um, "short" walk in the Hindu Kush.Newby is not at all a champion mountain climber like Hillary.Quite the opposite.But that is part of what makes this book interesting and funny.It is a great travel story, and I recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - Central    2. Description and travel    3. Essays & Travelogues    4. General    5. Hindu Kush Mountains    6. Hindu Kush Mountains (Afghanistan and Pakistan)    7. Newby, Eric    8. Travel    9. Travel - Foreign    10. Afghanistan    11. India    12. Travel writing    13. c 1945 to c 1960   

Reviews (1)

Excellent Overview
As I first-time traveler to India, I spent much time searching for a travel guide that would offer the perfect combination of history and culture, while providing insightful advice.The Eyewitness Guide provided both excellent and detailed information, while offering regional and cultural snapshots of the "Golden Triangle." This piece proved extremely helpful and insightful to a first-time traveler. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - General    2. Asia - India    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Travel / Asia / India