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 (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)   

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   

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. 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   

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)

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   

Reviews (17)

More helpful than maps found in travel guides
I was very reliant on the Tokyo City Atlas and the maps found outside train and subway stations. The level of detail in the maps on the City Atlas is helpful if you're one of those people who need to check every two minutes if you're heading in the right direction.
Good, but NOT Great
You are kind of stuck.You need a map like this to navigate Tokyo, and this is the only map of its kind on the market.In other words, you pretty much have to buy this book.
Excellent Book for self-guided travel
Just like most of the reviewers, I agree that this book is an excellent source for self-guided travel. The Map is so easy to use and accurate.
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Subjects:  1. Asia - Japan    2. Maps & Road Atlases    3. Reference - Guides (General)    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign    6. Japan    7. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (214)

Inspiring
When I got this book I was pleased about most of the places it listed. However, the author left a lot out (though I know you can't please everybody) and put in too many expensive hotels. If we're supposed to do all 1000 things before we die, how are we expected to afford all of it if we're staying in all the expensive hotels? *sigh* oh well.
Stop reading & travel
I bought this book as a challenge for myself to highlight all the places I've been, considering myself well traveled.But I had no idea and now, I have clear goals of where I want to go and why.I also thought it was funny, that there are no places in Korea listed.I'm unhappily stationed in South Korea and couldn't agree more that there are no places that anyone HAS to see before they die here.I will however make it a point to travel to the steakhouse in OK.The only thing that would make this book better, would be more pics and some of them in color.HAPPY TRAVELS!!

Worst travel book........possible
This has got to be one of the worst travel books I have ever come across. It does not cover anything that would not already be obvious if you went to one of the places listed here - like not to miss the Empire State Bldg if you are in NYC or the Eiffel Tower in Paris. On the Swedish section it has the area referred to as all of Southern Sweden mixed up with an island of its east coast. Anyone looking for experiencing something special on their trips should stay far away from this book. I only give it one star because the system does not allow me to put none. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Guidebooks    2. Reference - General    3. Reference - Guides (General)    4. Travel    5. Travel - General    6. Gift books    7. Places & peoples: general interest    8. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (3)

Lives up to the Pirate Soul Museum!
Croce's Pirate Soul book is an amazing achievement in that it captures a large part of the history, interactive entertainment and pirate lore residing within Croce's one of a kind Pirate museum in Key West, FL. This is no small feat given the quality and scope (over 500 authentic artifacts) of the museum and is a testament to Pat's emerging presence as the foremost pirate expert. Whether you wish to relive your Pirate Soul museum experience or get a taste of the world's largest collection of pirate artifacts, this book is a must read!

the perfect pirate book!!
this book is a major WOW!everything you'd ever want to know about the golden age of piracy while making the trip so fun and hands on.i just keep going back through it and finding more and more "stuff"!i love just leaving it out on my coffee table -- no one is shy about playing with it and talking about it. a great gift this holiday season for all pirate lovers.

Brilliant interactive adventure and wonderful learning experience
Croce has introduced a whole new way of learning about Pirates that children and adults can enjoy.This book makes the experience of reading to your child truly enjoyable.The numerous 3-D representation of Pirate artifacts is a great way to tell the story.The playing cards, fold-out map and the Henry Every's "Wanted" poster are brilliant additions to this book.My children (all ages 6 and below) were fascinated by the history and Pirate culture.There are many imitations, but this book is the real deal!!!!!Buy it for you, your child (as a treasure/keepsake) and for a relative!!!!Worth every bit of the price!!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. History    3. History - General History    4. History: World    5. Maritime History    6. Navigation    7. Reference    8. Travel writing    9. World history: c 1500 to c 1750   

Reviews (4)

Disappointing
I bought this book thinking it would be new and different from all the other traveler's guides. I was sadly mistaken.I looked up my city - Boston.There is nothing described that you couldn't find on the internet for free. In addition, the recommended restaurants are either tired old spots that are just riding on their reputations or yesterday's hot spots, which in my opinion, are overpriced and not that great.
the best travel book everq
Hands down, this is the best travel book I've ever read -- and I enjoyed reading it cover to cover, unlike many travel books. It's a combination of where to eat, stay and what to see as well as a fascinating history/commentary that really gives you a sense of what a city is like, the pulse. Apple is a fantastic writer and I trust his restaurant recommendations over any other writer/critic out there -- in the cities I know well, he's definitely included the best of the best eats, both high brow and low brow. I really hope he can update and re-publish his European guide soon. I don't want to travel anywhere without his guidance any more!

Good book for reading.
I had a wonderful time reading this book. Not bad. Go's into some interesting topics and covers the bases for the most part. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Canada    2. Cities and towns    3. Description And Travel    4. Guidebooks    5. Travel    6. Travel - United States    7. United States    8. United States - General    9. Travel & holiday guides    10. USA   

Reviews (70)

Bundle with Party Italy
Wow, what a blast I had. I found some cool off the beaten path things to do with Rick Steves and then turned to my Party Italy book to live it up and have the most amazing time. What a great combination.

Rick Steves' Italy 2006
I would never go to Europe without his books!They are the best updated as far as sights, prices, hotels, food and travel hints.His books allow us to spend our time on only the best sights of Europe using his maps which are by far better than ones you can purchase there.They allow us to be our own travel guide.He shares where the best food is and where to get a clean-good nights sleep without breaking the bank.I can't believe how many people we run into using his books.Don't go without it!

Fantastic resource!
Very good book and gives one a look at what to do for the traveler versus a regular or typical tourist--covers the out-of-the-way places very well. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe - Italy    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Travel Guides    5. Italy    6. Travel & holiday guides    7. Travel / Europe / Italy   

Reviews (1)

Excellent Firsthand Accounts by a Veteran Journalist
Anyone who loves to read first-person accounts of current events will find this book exceptionally interesting. From its intriguing title, "Uncivilized Beasts and Shameless Hellions," to the text itself and the photographs included, the reader is presented with a tour of eleven locations around the world where veteran NPR journalist John F. Burnett found stories to report and personal experiences to describe. This book is one of the few nonfiction "page-turners" I have read in recent times. Once I started reading, it was difficult to put down. His writing is fluid and crisp and as impressive as his height (6' 7").
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography And Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Burnett, John F    7. Editors, Journalists, Publishers    8. Essays & Travelogues    9. Personal Memoirs    10. Radio (Performing Arts)    11. Radio journalists    12. United States    13. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (148)

Falling angels and rising tides
Author John Berendt doesn't tell a story, so much as paint a portrait in The City of Falling Angels-appropriate, perhaps, since the American view of Venice is so colored by art and architecture. The reader gets a protrait of a Venice that is simultaneously cosmopolitan-the playground of nobility, titled and untitled-and provincial-Berendt's Venetians are often distrustful of outsiders, and frequently resentful of the millions of tourists who throng the city, bringing traffic, environmental decay-and money. Though it was once the seat of an empire, Venice today is as much a tourist town as Las Vegas or Orlando.
Another City - no angels
It just didn't do it for me.Like so many other people, I loved Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.It was such a rich, unexpected book and came alive in the reading.But, I fear John Berendt had only one in him - one great story.He found a crime and a city and another series of characters, but he just didn't find the magic.
John Berendt has a formula - and it works well.
John Berendt has a formula - and it works well.
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Subjects:  1. Description And Travel    2. Essays & Travelogues    3. Europe - Italy    4. History    5. History: World    6. Social History    7. Social life and customs    8. Travel - Foreign    9. Venice (Italy)    10. History / Social History   

Reviews (1)

Lovely exquisite coffee table book
I ordered my copy direct from Time Life and it came in the mail yesterday; I was truly impressed; I heard about the Seychelles Islands, but who knew it was that lovely; the flat as pancake Maldive Islands impressed me as well; How they got through the tsunami is nothing short but a miracle; To see the pictures of these islands are beautiful. Closer to home, The Natchez Trace and how it started really impressed me to check it out; Of course, The Grand Canyon, Statue of Liberty(which I'vebeen to) was all interesting; Highly recommended for the wanderlust among us; ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Collections Of Photographs    2. Photo Techniques    3. Photoessays & Documentaries    4. Photography    5. Photography Of Specific Subjects    6. Photojournalism    7. Subjects & Themes - Travel - General    8. History / General    9. Photographs: collections    10. Places & peoples: general interest   

Editorial Review

A travelogue by Bill Bryson is as close to a sure thing as funny books get. Read more

Reviews (244)

A major disservice to the book
The book THE LOST CONTINENT is an amazing captivating read.Bryson is truly brilliant in his descriptions.This CD totally KILLS that.First of all the narrator reads at a mile a minute, sometimes to the point where you can't understand him.And second, they abridged the CRAP out of it, cutting some of the most interesting commentary and actually cutting the entire SECOND HALF of the book!While the book is amazing, this particular recording of it should be avoided at all costs.

NOT HIS BEST WORK
I think Bill Bryson can be very funny. "In A Sunburned Land" was hilarious, whereas this was pretty much trite and dated humor. In fact it reminded me of the kind of humor undergraduate English Majors at overated eastern liberal arts colleges would find funny. The beginning of the book is an ongoing insult of everyone, the middle he calms dawn, and he ends really trying to force some funny. It's a very dated and poor effort by a usually funny man. Skip it.

dark job by a whiny hatchet man--read the later works
My overall recommendation is to read Bryson's brilliantly funny recent works, then go back to less recent works, then stop before you get to this one.As other discerning reviewers have noted (especially Amer-Aussie, whose spot-on review you really must mark as 'helpful'), Bryson looks for the worst in America and, surprise, he finds it.Sure, there's much that's funny here, but the humor gets swallowed up by the mean.
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Subjects:  1. 1971-    2. Cities and towns    3. Description and travel    4. Essays & Travelogues    5. Form - Essays    6. General    7. Humor    8. Social life and customs    9. Travel - United States    10. United States    11. United States - General    12. Travel / Essays & Travelogues