Reviews (21)

Choppy, Hard to Follow, and Random - No Connection
I am a big fan of modern day China and literature that delves into the people, places, and turmoil of current circumstances in the country.I think Hessler may betrying to give us a taste of the everyday people in China today, but he fails to engage the reader and keep our interest with this book. It is too choppy - with random incidents, rather than stories about real people - that were difficult to connect and often bored me, instead of drawing me into their lives. I couldn't connect with the characters and relate to them because there wasn't time in the short blurbs Hessler recorded, and reported in such a random style.I prefer more depth, as in his previous, River Town, or other books on current Chinese experiences, like Shanghai Baby by Wei Hui, that get the the heart of one or two people's lives in modern day China, than just a smattering here and there.The book is not put together clearly and is confusing.I am a fanatic of Asian Modern Lit, but I didn't even finish this one!!

A Series of Chinese New Yorker Profiles
Oracle bones, the scapulas of oxen and plastrons of turtles were the crystal balls of the late Shang, the first Chinese dynasty, ruling three to four thousand years ago.They span a period of less than two centuries, ending in about 1045 B.C.Hessler uses their discovery, recognition and exposition along with the people involved to tie China's ancient history to the recent past and the conditions that persist in China today. He originally went to China ten years ago in the Peace Corps to teach English.He stayed to work as a press clipper for the Wall Street Journal. He is now the New Yorker's correspondent in China, and is a facile writer who captures the color and mood of human interest stories.They are what we have come to expect in the New Yorker.But he is no better at this than Lovell, whose description of Wang Yirong's, discovery of the oracle bones and his subsequent purchase of the pharmacists entire supply in The Great Wall is superb prose.And Hessler's constant interspersion of the Wall Street Journal newspaper clipping categories, devised during his earlier job is disconcerting.
A Random Though Insightful Glimpse of China Through Its People
Understanding China through its people rather than its politics is the agenda author Peter Hessler, the New Yorker's correspondent in China, has in mind as the thesis of his fascinating though somewhat meandering new book. The title refers not to some economic indicator from the renowned multinational corporation but rather to actual bones made of cattle shoulder blades and turtle undershells. In ancient times, they were heated until they cracked, the sound of which apparently bespoke of long-departed ancestors. Hessler uses them as metaphorical touchstones for the stories he tells and the characters he so meticulously introduces to us. Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - China    2. China    3. Civilization    4. Description And Travel    5. Essays & Travelogues    6. History Of Civilization And Culture (General)    7. Travel    8. Travel - Foreign    9. Travel / Asia / China   

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.
Read more

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

Subjects:  1. California    2. History - General History    3. Individual Photographer    4. Mountains    5. Nevada    6. Photo Techniques    7. Photography    8. Photography of mountains    9. Pictorial works    10. Subjects & Themes - Landscapes    11. Subjects & Themes - Plants & Animals    12. United States - State & Local - General    13. Photographs: collections    14. Photography / Nature & Wildlife    15. Places & peoples: general interest   

Subjects:  1. Europe - Ireland    2. Europe - Italy    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Travel Guides    6. Italy    7. Travel & holiday guides    8. Travel / Europe / Italy   

Reviews (7)

A GUIDE
This is a great guide if you can stick to it. It contains over 200 pages of restaurants across the map. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Applebee's Grill and Bar and Pizza Hut just to name a few. You just have to make sure you remember what phase you are on before selecting your menu choices and this guide will let you know what food you can have in your phase. This is a good reference guide when you go out to eat. I started by taking the book with me then I just started writing down things that I might enjoy from the restaurant that I was going to. I think for long-term weight loss, you have to be mentally prepared to commit to a change of life. You should also research as many diet plans as you can, this way you can find out what works for YOU, and not what works for majority of people. You have to see yourself as a unique individual and remember; what works for someone else may not work for you. I gave this book 3 stars because unless you are clear of how the South Beach Diet works you may get frustrated with this guide.

South Beach Diet is Now Even Easier!
My husband and I gave South Beach a try, but we gave it up about a year ago.The recipes were just so time consuming and the ingredients seemed pricey.We did experience some wonderful results, though.Well, now that more microwave meals are available and meal replacement bars, as well as a 30-minute meals cookbook and this guide, we've decided to give it another try.
Handy book
I love the South Beach diet since it is so similar to "normal" food that I grew up on but the restaurants are not. This guide shows you before you have to pick it from the menu what is available and what might be the best choices. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet/Nutrition    3. Diets - General    4. Glycemic index    5. Health & Fitness    6. Reducing diets    7. Restaurants   

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 nerves of first-time world travelers, while still listing off-the-beaten-path finds sure to thrill even the most jaded globetrotters. Lonely Planet has been perfecting its guidebooks for nearly 30 years, and as a result has 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 giving insights for the low-budget traveler, the books now list a wide range of accommodations and itineraries for those with less time than money.Read more

Reviews (39)

good reference
The info in this book is universal to different types of travelers.It is not meant to be read completely.It's format provides an overview of cities for tourists.Another writer from England, Ian Middleton, spent four months backpacking across Mexico.He considered Lonely Planet to be a "Barclaycard", never leave home without it.While Ian Middleton wrote an ebook titled "Down Mexico Way"(availabe at diesel ebooks) that is written in a different and candid format.I originally bought his book to research driving through mexico.But his book is mainly a sharing of one's journey as a backpacker by bus, personal van, hitchhike and train.I suggest decide what kind of traveler or tourist you are before when you buy these books.

Go Pick Up Let's Go Mexico instead
I just returned from a 10 day trip to three different states in Mexico with a friend.I had "Let's Go Mexico" and she had this book.By the end of the trip we were both cursing this guide.We found several innacuracies (the museum hour times in Mexico City are not correct for the Museums around the Zocalo, it also is innacurate as far as the days open while the Let's go book is correct), the descriptions were not helpful, and we found several instances that the descriptions describing sites were simply false.Also, Let's Go gives much more information and history on Mexico.

a good guide
I am living in mexico now and working and have a two year contract.Living here, I take advantage of going around Mexico during my holidays at work. I always take this book with me around and traveled around Mexico.This book was very helpful to me and telling me where to go.However, it is good to note, sometimes if you are looking for mid range to high end hotels in big cities (Mexico City, Monterrey, Acapulco, ect..), it is better to make reservations via the internet.But smaller cities like Durango, Zacatecas or Torreon, LP is very helpful and truth to what it mentions.Reserving through the internet, you can also see what it mentions in LP to compare, which is very helpful. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Mexico    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Travel Guides    5. Travel & holiday guides   

Subjects:  1. Diet / Health / Fitness    2. Diet/Nutrition    3. Diets - General    4. Diets - Weight Loss    5. Health & Fitness    6. Nutrition    7. Health & Fitness / Diets   

Reviews (5)

Combines beautiful photography and great travel ideas!
What a great idea!Lazzarin has combined beautiful photography with 'teasers' of these interesting destinations.
One Hundred & One Beautiful Small Towns in Italy
I already had a copy of this book (given to me as a gift) and was so pleased with it, I purchased this copy as a gift for a friend. As a frequent visitor to Italy, I have really enjoyed retracing my steps and looking for new places to visit

A Beautiful Book
A very Beautiful book that was a gift to a friend who loves Italy. The detailed, colorful pictures are a pleasure for the eyes. Highly recommend. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe - Italy    2. Pictorials    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Italy    6. TRAVEL & HOLIDAY    7. Travel / Pictorials   

Reviews (60)

Fascinating and life saving
Couldn't put this book down!Instructive and illuminating!Tales and advice can apply to any hiking and biking trips that our family takes in the future.

Mostly good
I was afraid that this book would be a boring, thorough, and complete list of Grand Canyon deaths.It isn't -- except for Chapter 4.With that exception, this book is a complete page-turner, well-written and informative.
Over the Edge: Death in Grand Canyon
It is a most interesting and informative book.It should be read by anyone who has or wants to hike the Grand Canyon.It relates individual stories of people that have died in the Canyon and what they did wrong that caused or contributed to their death.It weaves many of these stories together to create an excellent book that was hard to put down.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Accidents    2. Anecdotes    3. Arizona    4. Grand Canyon    5. Grand Canyon (Ariz.)    6. History    7. Social Science / Death & Dying    8. Travel    9. Travel / Parks & Campgrounds    10. Violent deaths    11. Death    12. Death & Dying    13. Parks & Campgrounds    14. Social Science    15. United States - State & Local   

Reviews (20)

Exactly What It Claims to Be
Cheaply published, on flimsy newsprint, this book does exactly what it purports to do--guide the driver to the services needed by the motoring public traveling our interstates.For RVers, especially, knowing which exit has a gas station that is accessible to our 55 foot+ rigs, is critical information, saving time and frazzled nerves.

Perfect for those offramps looking
Absolutely perfect for those off ramp excursions. My only gripe with this book is that is does not have the Parkways in NY and NJ (maybe other places too). I love that it has Wal-Mart for the different exits. A must have.

Great tool to use
This guide takes a short time to figure out how to use it, but well worth it.We used the book on a 3-family trip from Illinois to South Carolina's southern coast.We found ourselves constantly looking up where rest areas were to be found, and just what was available at the exits we were approaching.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Maps & Road Atlases    2. Reference - General    3. Travel    4. Travel - United States    5. United States - General   

Reviews (5)

Brilliant Golf Landscape Photography
Emerald Gems is a terrific compilation of golf landscape photographs in a large coffee table type of format (11x12?).Many if not all of the very best courses of Ireland are reviewed.
Incredible photos.
This book has incredible beautiful photographs of ALL of the great courses in Ireland and a wonderful written talk about each course. The book is big. It will have to go on the coffee table and not in the bookcase, but it is truly beautiful. Very highly recommended.

Emerald Gems
In "Emerald Gems", Larry Lambrecht has been able to capture the feel and distinct nuances of the Irish links. The stunning photographs and accompanying stories provide the reader with an incredible sense of how golf was and is meant to be played and enjoyed. David Owen said, "The thing I like best about golf is the sense of infinite possibility..." Emerald Gems presents a real glimpse at that possibility and is a must read for those fortunate to have visited and played, and those who dream of doing so.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe - Ireland    2. Golf    3. Golf courses    4. Photography    5. Pictorials    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Subjects & Themes - Regional    8. Subjects & Themes - Sports    9. Travel    10. Travel / Pictorials   

Reviews (60)

A book to appreciate
What an exceptional book this is. I very much enjoy the outdoors--fishing, hunting, camping, and hiking for long stretches of time in the wildest places I can find. If you like similar activities, you may come to love this book as I do.
Interesting
Flipping channels a couple of years ago, I came across a show on PBS about a man building his own cabin, with no power tools, in the Alaskan wilderness.I was mesmorized watching this program.It was one of those shows that stuck with my thoughts and emotions for several days.I was awestruck with some of the things he was making with his hands.I wanted to be there myself.Wanting to get more out of this, I bought the book.I would describe the book as interesting, not riveting.It held my interest and does inspire me to start and complete the task at hand, whatever that may be.To me, the description of the cabin building process was a little too tedious, but the rest of book seemed to flow right along.I'm glad I read the book, but I think this is one of those rare instances where I liked the video better than the book

Easy read, inspirational story
This book is a good read for those who feel inspired by someone who follows their "dreams" (trite, but true!).The book reads like the subject is talking, simplified but descriptive.The Alaskan wilderness plays a big part in the story, although I would've thought that life on your own would have been slightly more difficult - the subject almost makes it seem easy. The idea of someone making a life on their own from nothing (building a house, obtaining food) is tempered somewhat by the fact that the subject had supplies flown in on a regular basis.Still, living on your own for 35+ years is an interesting topic.A nice addition to an "outdoor adventure" library.For those that have seen the companion video, this book may be less important. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th Century Description And Travel    2. Alaska    3. Alaska - Local History    4. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions    5. Diaries    6. Essays & Travelogues    7. Frontier and pioneer life    8. General    9. Photo Techniques    10. Photography    11. Pioneers    12. Proenneke, Richard    13. Travel - United States    14. Twin Lakes Region (Kodiak Isla    15. Twin Lakes Region (Lake and Peninsula Borough)    16. United States - Pacific - Alaska    17. United States - State & Local - General    18. Wilderness survival    19. Travel writing   

Reviews (2)

Wonderful
This is simply one of the best NYC historical reference work available. The book is divided into periods and will display numerous maps , photos and drawings of the buildings and landscape of the city at that time in history. Plenty of history is included to make certain you are keyed in to the era, and how the buildings fit in. Just a beautiful book. Great binding and very sturdy.
Almost Great
This book includes many really nice maps of early New York.Much of the historical information included in the maps is uniquely presented here and lacking in many other publications.However, there are many editorial mistakes and misspellings that I have observed, which makes me wonder about the accuracy of the rest of the information.Additionally, the narrative text is simple, limited and sometimes disjointed and difficult to follow.Buy this book simply for its beautiful graphics and depictions of the city as it used to be. Some periods of the city's history could be greatly expanded, especially the city's role in the revolution and the siege of Fort Washington. Anyone with knowledge of the city will find it of limited value beyond the maps and illustrations.A little polishing of this book and some additional material for some historical periods in a future edition would make this book an outstanding work.For now, I would call it good but lacking in important areas. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Atlases    2. Atlases - General    3. Atlases - Historical    4. Historical Atlases    5. History Of Individual Cities    6. History: American    7. Reference    8. United States - State & Local - General    9. United States - State & Local - Middle Atlantic    10. Local history    11. New York    12. Places & peoples: general interest   

Reviews (34)

A beautiful book that is NOT for tourists only.
I was excited to read this book after the first reviews were published; it has exceeded even my wildest expectations. The author combines personal experience, graphic arts, poetry, prose and philosophy to describe at last 'why' we travel and 'what' we can expect to gain from travel instead of the 'how' and 'where' to travel. I have already enjoyed past trips more for having compared my experiences and impressions to M. de Botton's musings; I know that I will enjoy future trips more for the same reasons.
This book changed my life
The insight and perspective offered in "The Art of Travel" changed the way I looked at the world.There is something atmospheric and beautiful about the writing here, as opposed to "Proust.." and others.I highly recommend this book.

The Way of Travel
De Botton explores ways to set one's mind to traveling and ends with a view to adopt that mind set to everyday life itself. He uses various famous artists, philosophers, scientists, and critics to assist him with this. At worst De Botton has charm and is cute, at best he encourages one to expand their vision and develop greater insight and interest of the world and in the history of ideas in general. The more familiar I was with who De Botton was talking about the more superficial if not flawed he seemed, the less I knew the more knowledgible he seemed. Not his best but his books always lead me on to more interesting works. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Essays & Travelogues    2. Travel    3. Travel - General    4. Voyages And Travels    5. Travel / Adventure   

Editorial Review

In the world of contemporary travel writing, Bill Bryson, the bestselling author of Read more

Reviews (192)

Not one of his better works
This collection of short essays he published in an English paper (and meant for an English audience) seem to miss the mark for American readers.It's as if he published this because he needed money.There was nothing original in this book, nothing really funny and what few authentically funny parts there were seemd trite and at times exaggerated.
A minor work of collected news columns
Not particularly interesting or funny. None of the ridiculous turns of language of a Dave Barry column, no elder-statesman crabbiness like Andy Rooney's. Just routine bitching about airlines, office supplies, and so on. Save it for "A Walk in the Woods" or "A Short History of Nearly Everything"

Good, but Bryson can be preachy
Bryson has been one of my favorite authors for years now - the first thing of his that I read was a magazine article comparing American weather extremes with those in his beloved England.This collection of his writings on things American has me confused.Most of it, as his wife points out, is griping about this and that.Bryson has a tendency to talk down anything that doesn't fit into his view of how life ought to be and a maddening myopia when it comes to understanding why things are the way they are in this modern world.Balancing that though is his self-deprecating humor and his beautiful writing skills.There is a piece on global warming in this book that all ought to read.So, basically, even though he is preachy, and a bit gripy, he is laugh-out-loud funny and writes so very well that I will keep reading him. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1971-    2. Anecdotes    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Bryson, Bill    7. Description and travel    8. General    9. Literary    10. Social life and customs    11. Travelers    12. United States    13. United States - 20th Century    14. Biography & Autobiography / General    15. Travel writing    16. USA   

Subjects:  1. Central America    2. Mexico    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Costa Rica    6. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (34)

Absolutely the best book for Rio, and I've tried many...
I am about to head to Rio for the third time.The first time I spent nine days figuring out that I shouldn't have stayed in Copacabana.I wasted a lot of time and money learning this lesson.Before my second trip I decided to try this book instead of newer editions from the well-known publishers that I had tried on my first trip.What a great decision.Here is why Rio for Partiers outshines books from it's competitors:
LA guy saved by this little book!
Hey fellow americans... this book saved my week long experience.Thru the haze of partying and jumping around, I continually referred to this book to find tips for where to go every night.My buddies and I used it to try alot of different activities and were never disappointed! Whoever put this together knows this city inside and out!Good times!!

Rio for Partiers
The book is amazing, very very very funnny, answers the questions that you wouldnt normally have the guts to ask....quality book ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Travel / South America    2. Brazil    3. Rio de Janeiro    4. South America    5. Travel    6. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (14)

Leaves A Reader More Excited Than Ever To Get To New Zealand!
Like other volumes in this series, this book does what I think is a first-rate job of pointing out sites of interest most other guides wouldn't think to include. The Lonely Planet books are not for every traveler but for anyone who wants to leave the more typical tourist locations behind, it is truly valuable. It is loaded with (the usual) practical information a first-time visitor to New Zealand might need and I think it will save A LOT of time and trouble with its helpful tips and suggestions. I am really pumped by this book and found it excellent.

Simply outdated for 2006 travel
I am near the end of my 1 month stay in NZ, and in the past month, I have encountered too many instances where I relied on LP's info but found it to be erroneous.Trains/ferries no longer running, activities/tours no longer in operation, and restaurants that have closed (in various regions). This book has proven to be a disappointment for 2006.(Thank god for the internet so I am able double-check everything.)

Mom loves it
I bought this book for my mom, who is spending three months in New Zealand.She says she loves it and reads in it all the time. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Australia & Oceania - General    2. Australia & Oceania - New Zealand    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Travel Guides    6. New Zealand    7. Travel & holiday guides   

Editorial Review

Who hasn't dreamed, on a mundane Monday or frowzy Friday, of chucking it all in and packing off to the south of France? Provençal cookbooks and guidebooks entice with provocatively fresh salads and azure skies, but is it really all Côtes-du-Rhône and fleur-de-lis?Author Peter Mayle answers that question with wit, warmth, and wicked candor in Read more

Reviews (117)

A Vacation for the Mind: A Year in Provence
This book has something for everyone.The anecdotes are charming, funny, and full of deliciously descriptive sentences.I read some passages aloud to whoever will listen.This is the 2nd book I've read by Peter Mayle. I also read "A Good Year" and am currently reading, "Toujours Provence!"Mayle's books are refreshing and delightful to read.

Delicious reading, creme brulee for your head!
I read this book as a follow up to "Almost French" which I thoroughly enjoyed. I wanted more but that author hadn't written anything else (yet?) so I looked to the back cover where there were some recommendations. I am so glad I did!
A Hilarious Vicarious Journey to France
Englishman Peter Mayle and his wife realize what most of us could only dream about--life in the French countryside of Provence.Food and the hearty French life are the themes that run through this book as the Mayles undertake renovating their 200 year old farmhouse.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Essays & Travelogues    2. Europe - France    3. France    4. Homes and haunts    5. Mayle, Peter    6. Provence    7. Provence (France)    8. Social life and customs    9. Travel    10. Travel - General    11. Modern fiction    12. Travel / Europe / France    13. Reading Group Guide   

Reviews (135)

phenominal
Bill Bryson is a genius. This book is absolutely hilarious. I was never much of a reader, but i got this book for a present and when i started reading it i couldnt put it down. This is a must read. Bill Bryson, please right more (italy, islands, etc.)!!!

Bill Bryson is no Mark Twain, but who is?
Why not just read Mark Twain's Innocents Abroad instead? Bryson's account reads like a bad rip-off at many points, and while Twain's mockery of a typical American tourist in Europe is clearly coming from love of and respect for his fellow Americans, Bryson comes off as snobbish and superior, wishing to distance himself from all things American, quick to point out that he is an ex-pat. Also, Twain is funnier. Of course.

Bill Bryson is always great
You must know by now that I never write a bad review about this guy. In this book, we take a whirlwind tour of Europe. You can read the cover blurbs about how funny and perceptive he is, and how skillful he is with the language, and how eminently readable he is. I agree with every word. But I'd like to mention that this isn't some snooty tour guide or gushing forth bubblehead. He's an average guy who won't hesitate to tell you what sucks, or leave a place that he doesn't like, or bend over backwards to say nice things. He'll bash anybody, himself included. He's refreshingly honest.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Essays & Travelogues    2. Europe - General    3. Europe - Western    4. Form - Essays    5. Travel    6. Travel - Foreign    7. Travel / Essays & Travelogues