Reviews (3)

Make that 3 1/2 stars
Actually, I would have given "Making Your Move" 4 stars had I found the descriptions of the individual towns more interesting.But, what I did find was a witty style of writing, some laugh-out-loud moments, and some very down-to-earth advice on the pearls and perils of small-town life.One might apply Norm's smart and insightful guidelines to just about any sparsely populated area in the quest for new habitation.So even though his selections failed to fire me up, they did make me realize that I may not be cut out for small-town living after all.And that, in itself, is worth far more than the price of a book.Thanks, Norm, and make that four stars.
Part of the story
This book is a good place to start if you're thinking of moving to a town of 15,000 or less. It will point you to many interesting communities. However, having used his previous book to guide my last move, and as a resident of one of the towns highlighted in this book (Grinnell), I can honestly say that data only carries you so far. Crampton could provide readers with a great benefit by lengthening the amount of description and flavor for each town. In particular, one key element missing is the 'dynamic' of a town: is it progressive? conservative? excited about education? quick to vote down taxes and bonds? These elements form the 'culture' of a small town, and believe me, the culture of a small town will be *very* important to you!

A good guide to start
As a resident of one of the 120 "best small towns" recommended by Norman Crampton, I was delighted to see Silver City on the list. Read more

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Census And General Statistics    3. Cities and towns    4. Environmental Planning And Management    5. Public Policy - Regional Planning    6. Rating    7. Ratings    8. Real Estate - Buying/Selling Homes    9. Statistics    10. Travel    11. United States    12. United States - General    13. Urban-rural migration    14. House maintenance    15. Housing & property for the individual    16. USA   

Reviews (25)

Engaging Style
This book shows people solving ecological problems as a community.Weisman engages the reader by showing the people involved, not only the ones with training in certain disciplines, but also natives with practical solutions for living in a Columbian village. Even the children got involved in problem solving in Gaviotos.
Not DIY
The vision described in the book is inspiring and very hopeful.The idea is to use our ingenuity in ways directly adapted to our environment so that small towns can be self-sufficient.Along the way, very clever uses of wind and water are discovered and described.If the reader is looking for great general ideas or approaches, this book would be hard to beat.On the other hand, if you are a garage-tinkerer and would delight in building the clever devices described, this book is close but no cigar.The drawings offered in the book purposely omit the most important details required to fabricate the devices in a proper working form.If you are a tinkerer and want to build these "goodies," you have three options.In the U.S., you can e-mail with the "Sustainable Village" web site and get the plans (eventually---they are not quick in responding).You can contact the Gaviotas offices in Bogota, Colombia.You can, of course, also take the basic idea and think through the details for yourself.That could take longer and be a little more expensive---perhaps. If you primarily want the ideas and the inspiration, then buy the book, by all means.If you primarily want to tinker and build, go straight for the plans.

interesting
In 1998, journalist Alan Weisman collected and presented information about a little known, yet quite monumental, village known as Gaviotas. To get there, one must travel 16 hours by car from the nearest major Columbian city, Bogot�. Even then the path there is not a smooth one; rough, muddy roads and severe political unrest serve as some major barriers in getting to Gaviotas. So why then is such an arduous trip worth it; in essence, Gaviotas is yet another tiny village located in a generally uninhabitable region and possesses none of the modern modes of transportation or communication that we are accustomed to. While in a sense these aspects may be true of Gaviotas, it is also undeniable that this community holds as one of the most efficient, supportive, and thoughtful communities on the planet.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Colombia    3. Description and travel    4. Development - Economic Development    5. Environment    6. Environmental Conservation & Protection - General    7. Environmental Science    8. Environmental Studies    9. Environmental conditions    10. Human Ecology    11. Nature    12. Nature/Ecology    13. Rural communities    14. The Environment   

Editorial Review

This invaluable book collects some of the first-published first-person accounts of the tragedy, described in old-fashioned prose and enhanced by photographs and illustrations redolent of Edwardian society, with captions such as "Ladies and gentlemen in riding habit exercised on mechanical horses and camels in the ship's gymnasium." Some of the social attitudes of the day are preserved to often startling effect: the habits of obedience of "the Teutonic race" are repeatedly praised, and one brave Read more

Reviews (18)

Interesting, but long and drawn out
I'm very interested in the Titanic, and have read several books about the events surronding this disaster.This book was interesting, but very very long and drawn out.Sometimes I was so bored reading it that I fell asleep.Particulary, I didn't care to know what every single person inside of every single lifeboat did, said, didn't do or didn't say, etc.But, like I said before, there was some interesting info.Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone nor will I ever read it again.

A wonderful remembrance of not such a wonderful thing
But definitely worth reading if you want to learn more about the Titanic and how the survivors felt.

Pour les passionnés francophones du Titanic
Si vous �tes comme moi, un passionn� de l'histoire de ce drame maritime presque mythique, vous allez d�vorer ce bouquin pour plusieurs raisons: d'abord parce que c'est �crit par les survivants eux-m�mes donc ce ne sont pas des faits rapport�s par les journalistes ensuite ces faits ont �t� �crit quelques mois apr�s le d�sastre donc c'est comme si on y �tait, tout y est pr�cis et le niveau de d�tail est incomparable surtout dans la description de M.Gracie qui est all� cherch� les t�moignages de nombre de survivants pour �tablir ce qui s'est pass� dans chaque canot de sauvetage. Un bouquin essentiel... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography/Autobiography    2. General    3. History - General History    4. North Atlantic Ocean    5. Ships & Shipbuilding - History    6. Ships & Shipbuilding - Shipwrecks    7. Shipwrecks    8. Titanic (Steamship)    9. Ships & shipping: general interest    10. Travel / Adventure   

Reviews (9)

amazing hikes, erroneous details
This book is a perfect introduction to the wealth of hiking possibilities in patagonia - many of them are still significantly under-used and of equal calibre to the more famous routes. The general information sections are quite good, and give a good feel for what conditions are like both trekking and travelling in general; a good purchase for planning your trip. Where the book falls down is on the actual trekking notes, which are consistently inaccurate, obscenely outdated and sometimes quite misleading (see other reviews). On this front, Cerro Electrico is not safe - however Cerro Electrico Oeste is safely climbable without mountaineering equipment (although crampons are a nice idea) and gives mind-blowing views of the rear of Fitzroy - I think this might be what the author actually had in mind.
An Unparallelled Resource
Like all Lonely Planet guides, Trekking in Patagonia is very much geared to independent trekkers. Considering how huge Patagonia is, the book covers it pretty thoroughly with a wide range of suggestions, from easy short walks right up to a few week-long ones. The text is strong on practical information like local transportation and accommodation and supplies wide coverage to flora and fauna, which is a real bonus. Well-done work
I am using the latest (thid ed.) on my second trip to South America. It an indispensable resource with very accurate text and maps which are quite accurate to use even if you you don't have a topo (yeah I know, but maps are not always easy to buy here). The routes carefuly prepared...this new edition has a whole lot of new trails. I'm also finding it up to date. One thing is maybe that the authors could have given better coverage to some areas such as the Pumalin. But this is more than enough material to spend a couple of summers down here anyhow, even if you just go for it! I definitely feel anyone that wants to trek in this region will be sorry if you don't have this book. Enjoy! Feel free to contact me privately for any info.Read more

Subjects:  1. South America    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Andes    5. Argentina    6. Chile    7. Travel & holiday guides    8. Walking, hiking, trekking   

Reviews (16)

The Origin of The Origin of Species
Voyage of the Beagle: A Naturalist's Journey Around the World
A GREAT AND NOBLE WORK
An unexpected pleasure awaits the reader who comes to this book after reading THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES (1859), for it exhibits not only the same seriousness of purpose, the same comprehensive view of nature and the same precision in describing the natural world as the later, revolutionary work, but it also unfolds a captivating narrative of scientific exploration. Whether begun as a study, a cultural duty or an escape from everyday blather, THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE, first published with a rambling Victorian title in 1839, is certain to uplift your mind and your spirit.
If you are from Chile, read this book
I really enjoyed this book, an amazing 5 years adventure of Charles Darwin and Captain FitzRoy. Specially, when they travelled through Chile, and Valparaiso my home city.
Read more

Subjects:  1. 19th century    2. Geology    3. History    4. Life Sciences - Evolution    5. Literature: Classics    6. Natural history    7. Science    8. Voyages around the world    9. Classic travel writing    10. NATURAL HISTORY, COUNTRY LIFE & PETS    11. Science / Evolution    12. c 1800 to c 1900   

Subjects:  1. Asia - Southeast    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. South East Asia    5. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (33)

A WONDERFULLY IRREVERENT DIVING BOOK
This wonderfully irreverent book chronicles the adventures of one Michael G. Zinsley as he travels the world as an itinerant dive instructor. He dives, lives and loves from Bermuda to Thailand and everywhere in between. I have not dived everywhere he has but I certainly have the bars covered. I can't help but feel that some of the mainstream authors on diving have missed the boat. This hilarious rollicking book is worth far more than the asking price and belongs on the bookshelf of anyone who loves adventure for its own sake. If you are a bit prudish and perhaps even a bit snobbish as well, give this one a miss.

Lots of Fun
This is a great read while traveling by air, bus or train. I laughed so hard, tears came to my eye.At times, I had to take a break to avoid really annoying pssengers in the seats nearby.Well, o.k., it's not great literature but it is easy and fun.Thank you, Mike!

It wasn't exactly what I have expected, but it was very good
I got this book to read some diving adventures, and stories. The book is more about the stories of a Diving Instructor in many places in the world, rather than Underwater. It is written in a way that is very easy to read and has a lot of fun in it.Read more

Subjects:  1. Diving    2. Scuba & Snorkeling    3. Travel    4. Travel - General    5. Sub-aqua swimming    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Adventure   

Reviews (25)

An often unseen vantage point
This is an important book, particularly in today's charged political climate. It is very easy to deal in absolute when one deals with abstract ideas, but what Conover does well, is to humanize those ideas.While many speak of illegal imigration, Conover speaks of specific imigrants. He shares their perspectives,not condemning them, not glorifying them, but merely letting them tell their stories.
Outstanding book
I live in Southern California, and work with and around illegal aliens (or undocumented workers) on a daily basis. This is one of the best works written by an Anglo-American on the subject I have read.Conover took the time to really get to know these people, and not just from an investigative point of view.He worked the fields with these men, lived as they did and currently do, and even took a beating for it.Actually knowing and physically feeling what these migrants do gives him credibility far beyond other reporters/journalists who ask only questions, and feel that they are "in depth" after spending a week with their "subjects".Conover makes his experience personal, and the reader feels like this is a story told over dinner.The next time you are at the grocery store, after reading this book, you'll have a greater appreciation for the bag of oranges you are buying, and the story behind them.

Outstanding glimpse into the lives of undocumented Mexicans
Written all the way back in the mid-1980s, long before all the heated rhetoric about illegal immigration going on in the US today, this book has turned out to be amazingly prescient. I feel like I would have had a much better understanding of this subject (not to mention appreciation of the people involved) had I discovered it a long time ago, but I suppose late is better than never.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Alien labor, Mexican    2. Aliens, Illegal    3. Emigration & Immigration    4. Ethnic Studies - General    5. Illegal aliens    6. Labor & Industrial Relations - General    7. Migrant Workers    8. Nature/Ecology    9. Sociology    10. Underground economy    11. United States    12. Economics    13. Travel / Adventure   

Editorial Review

It's rare to find a travel guide and a memoir joined neatly together in a single, highly readable 176-page volume. But Chuck Palahniuk (Read more

Reviews (32)

Interesting, offbeat
This collection is an idiosyncratic and appealing mix of off-the-beaten-path sights for the visitor to Portland, personal anecdotes of the author, and brief essays about the history of Portland and its defining vibes. Entertaining and enjoyable.

Doesn't make you want to visit
Palahniuk puts you right into his world of an overgrown small town with its carnival attractions.
a puking bore
As he writes in his epilogue, "This is not Portland, Oregon." Just scads of non-site-specific deegradation written in clipped New Yorker prose. Elliptical descriptions of perversion after perversion, spilling over the pages to become one big bore. And on top of all this, there's no index to the places he touches on, so even if you wanted to go there, you'd be hardput. Self-indulgent yet simultaneously unrevealing, as uninteresting a discovery of spirit of place as one can get. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative lifestyles    2. Curiosities and wonders    3. Essays & Travelogues    4. Guidebooks    5. Oregon    6. Portland    7. Portland (Or.)    8. Tours    9. Travel    10. Travel - United States    11. United States - Pacific - Oregon    12. United States - State & Local - General    13. Walking    14. Travel / Essays & Travelogues   

Reviews (5)

Great Travel Companion...
For those of you interested in the praticality of this as a travel companion, trust me, it works.The maps are not enough alone to find buildings in their respective cities but between knowing their general locations and addresses you can easily navigate your way to find them.I carried this book in my pocket around Europe and can say first hand that it was the best travel guide I had.A must for any Architect or student planning on traveling.

So Many Buildings In Such A Little Book
When the original Phaidon Atlas of Contemporary World Architecture was released in My 2004, several reviews were more enticed with the size of the tome in contrast to its contents. Frankly, I was put off by the price tag (albeit well deserved).
Excellent resource for an Excellent Price
I think this is a book EVERY architect student should posses as a reference. It contains a large selection of references from all over the world. In comparison to the large version, which is rather costly for a student, this version contains brief descriptions and its a good size. I just wish there was a version on DISK!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. International Architecture - General    2. Museums, Tours, Points of Interest    3. Reference - General    4. Special Interest - Adventure    5. Travel    6. Travel - Foreign    7. 21st century    8. Architecture    9. Architecture / General    10. Reference works   

Reviews (69)

"Shiver me timbers!"
Maybe I'm being unfair, but MAIDEN VOYAGE rankled me from the starboard dust jacket to the port, with its repetitive, "The first American woman---and the youngest person ever---to circumnavigate the globe alone." That, and the saccharine title just set my teeth on edge before I ever turned to page one.
Full of Courage
Being a parent of two daughters I don't know if I could do what Tania's father did -- sending his daughter sailing across the world -- ALONE -- at the age of eighteen. But I do understand his vision of what an adventure can do to change a persons life, and that is definitely seen in Tania's story. She left a troubled teen and came back a woman.
Simply Wonderful...
Maiden Voyage is a wonderful account of Tanya Aebi's adventure around the world.Her story is told in such honesty that any reader may feel the longing to explore the world.I myself have spoken of it so often that my husband is a little worried that I will leave him and the land for the seclusion and adventure of the sea.He needn't worry, but I at least want to learn how to sail.
Read more

Subjects:  1. 1966-    2. Aebi, Tania,    3. Essays & Travelogues    4. Sailing - Narratives    5. Sailing, Single-handed    6. Special Interest - Adventure    7. Travel    8. Travel - General    9. Varuna (Yacht)    10. Voyages around the world    11. Aebi, Tania    12. Travel / Adventure   

Reviews (2)

EXCELLANT -MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE YOU'RE THERE
THIS WAS THE SECOND BOOK I HAVE READ BY AND ABOUT DICK PROENNEKE. LIKE ONE MAN'S WILDERNESS, THIS BOOK IS A COMPILATION AND DAILY ACCOUNT OF DICKS' LIFE IN THE ALASKAN WILDERNESS. THE SIMPLE PROSE AND WRITING STYLE OF PROENNEKE IS EASY TO READ AND MAKES THE READER FEEL AS HE IS TALKING TO DICK IN PERSON. THERE IS ALOT OF READING AND THE BOOK IS LONG, BUT AFTER I FINISHED IT, I FOUND MYSELF YEARNING FOR MORE. I CAN ONLY HOPE THAT THE ALASKAN PARK SERVICE( WHO PRINTED THIS BOOK) ALSO PRINT THE REMAINDER OF THE PROENNEKE JOURNALS.
Splendid sequel to One man's wilderness
A great book from a great writer I loved it A++++ ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Personal Memoirs    2. Special Interest - Adventure    3. Travel - United States    4. United States - West - Pacific (General)    5. Travel / United States / West / Pacific (AK, CA, HI, NV, OR, WA)   

Reviews (24)

Another review about a book you already know is stellar
Ok, so if you do not get it already Simon's work is a well-deserved classic.Read it.
Amazing!!!!
I've read a few travel books - Miles From Nowhere (a brilliant book in its own right), 10 years on 2 wheels etc... but there is something my limited vocabulary will simply fail to explain about this book - something intangible.Perhaps it's something that cannot really be put into words - more of a feeling - how finishing the book makes you feel (almost as if you were there with Ted). Great!
I've always ranked this as the finest travelog about motorcycle touring ever written. I agree with all the positive comments by other reviewers, and don't have a quibble to make. I've read this book twice, and loved it both times.Read more

Subjects:  1. Cycling    2. Cycling - General    3. Essays & Travelogues    4. General    5. Motor Sports    6. Travel    7. Travel - General    8. Voyages And Travels    9. Non-Classifiable   

Reviews (11)

Great for cross state travel
While the book does not cover every trail in every area, it is a good resource for traveling around the state to many different areas. There are more detailed books for a certain area, but if you need a book that covers the state, this is a great resource. We traveled all over N Cal. with kids in the summer with some unexpected changes in route. We seemed to always find a nice hike in this book and a good campground in its companion book (Campgrounds of California?).

The ONE BOOK you need to hike, backpack, or walk California (at any skill level)
Even in the age of the Internet, these is no other resource as comprehensive and user-friendly as the Foghorn Outdoors California Hiking guide. In fact, this resource transcends the paper-and-ink category by incorporating indexes and cross-references that beat hyper-links any day. The book is prefaced with a California state map broken out into grids. Chapters of the book correspond to grid locations, and each chapter opens with an expanded map of the grid at hand. If, for example, you were looking at the Lancaster/Palmdale area in Chapter/Grid, and you noted that your area of interest was just north of this particular map, you follow the North arrow out of the map, which points the reader to page 596. If you want general areas for perusal, you can turn to the sections that comprise Northern California, Central California, or Southern California areas. If you know your geographic region of interest, it is a snap to locate it on the main state map and find the corresponding chapter. For those following the Pacific Crest Trail, a special index and symbol tracks the hikes which make up the overall trail, and guidance is provided about the general direction (south to north) that the trail is hiked.
Own it, Own others. Don' t buy it. Here's why.
I ordered this book, used it, and I had to return it. Imagine you work for big guidebook company (Foghorn Outdoors) and your boss gives you, say 3 months, to write an 800 page book with a stupid gimmick like it has "1000 Hikes of California"
Read more

Subjects:  1. Hiking    2. Special Interest - Ecotourism    3. Travel    4. Travel - United States    5. Travel Guides - U.S.    6. United States - West - Pacific (General)    7. Travel / United States / West / Pacific (AK, CA, HI, NV, OR, WA)   

Reviews (17)

Great Insight into the Causes of War
There are a lot of books that focus on battles in virtually all of the wars, but very few that actually focus on how wars came about. Usually, a book on the war spends a few pages discussing the origins in passing, then quickly moves on to the war itself. This book is very different, and focuses on how wars come about. The writing is terrific and the author's insights are very illuminating. The sections of this book explaining the origins of the First World War, the Second World War, and the Cuban Missile Crisis are especially good. In additon to history readers, I would recommend this book to those looking for books on leadership and crisis management, because the author focuses on the decisions made by leaders on both sides of various conflicts and explains how those decisions, in light of the existing circumstances, led to an often unintended outcome.

Insightful recollection and theory
This book was written before Bush and anyone of his cronies came to power. This book is not an excuse for going to war in Iraq either the first or second time. While I am not in favor of the current situation or government this author does not in my opinion give any creedance pre or post Iraq.

A reminder of how we are born to relive the past
Kagan wrote this the same year that bin Laden declared war on Western civilization with his fatwa to kill the infidel no matter where he finds him. This is a wonderful book to understand the history of mankind's desire to avoid war at any cost, even when it means that the consequences of doing so means that millions will die in the pursuit of peace.
Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. History    3. History - General History    4. History: American    5. Military History (General)    6. Military history    7. Special Interest - Adventure    8. War    9. War And Peace    10. Non-Classifiable   

Reviews (10)

A classic, and mandatory reading.
Everything by the Pardeys is good. This book cannot be too highly recommended. Still, even the Pardey's budget(at least for their super swanky boats, albiet minimalist) might seem unachievable for many. I'd get Anne Hill "Voyaging on a Small Income" and Jerome FitzGerald's "Sea-Steading" to fill out the bill.

The Cost Conscious Cruiser
This is very useful for preparing a boat (and crew) for a cruise. Helped put many things in perspective...especially what you can do without. Excellent ideas!

It Helped Me Select Gear for My Sailboat
I bought my first sailboat, a Catalina 30, in 7/02. The boat did not have much equipment. This book helped me in the selection of the appropriate level of equipment for the type of sailing I intended. In particular this book helped me avoid spending more than I would otherwise have spent and feel good about it. As an example, I followed the advice to avoid buying the very expensive "offshore" foul weather gear. However, I still spent much more that the Purdey's would say is necessary. The book helped me make better spending decisions.The writing is clear. The tables arehelpful. The stories from their vast experience taught me a lot.The book is less helpful to someone who is looking to use their sailboat for just racing or day sailing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boats and boating    2. Cooking    3. Equipment and supplies    4. Essays & Travelogues    5. Sailboat living    6. Sailing    7. Sailing - General    8. Special Interest - Adventure    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Travel   

Reviews (1)

Brilliant Set of Photographs
A photographer with the eye of an artist, Tim Palmer has spent a lifetime photographing rivers. He has gone to extremes to get just the right view, at the right time of day, the right time of the year. He has combines these photographs with prose that is almost poetic to add in our understanding of what he sees, what he feels.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Environmental Conservation & Protection - General    2. Nature    3. Photo Techniques    4. Photography    5. Photography Of Specific Subjects    6. Pictorial works    7. Rivers    8. Subjects & Themes - Landscapes    9. United States    10. United States - General    11. Nature in art, still life, landscapes & seascapes    12. Nature; photography; travel    13. Photography & Photographs    14. Photography / Nature & Wildlife    15. TRAVEL & HOLIDAY    16. USA   

Reviews (39)

inconceivable
I'm so baffled and delighted by the adventure these 2 guys embarked on, I've been wildly telling all my family and friends to check out this DVD because though it takes 2 sittings to watch the entire thing (you just can't condense 100 days into 2 hours you know), every minute is plain riveting.I would recommend watching the DVD's before reading the book, then you can better picture where they are and the people they meet while you're reading along.
Complaints about the bed your made
I made the mistake of reading Simon's JT before reading this work. I failed to adequately drop my expectations, and was let down as a result.I say that on two levels. First, the writing, and second the riding.That Simon met with these blokes to shake hands and snap photos does not mean their "adventure" was on par with his. Second their writing, like the ride it seemed, was the product of some tight schedule driven by "have to's" versus desire to.
Vicarious Travel
I am one of the individuals who are a sucker for travel narratives.As much as I love to travel, there is very little likelihood that it will ever involve a motorbike journey around the world.Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman do just this and their tale is a delight.
Read more

Subjects:  1. 1971-    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Boorman, Charley    5. Essays & Travelogues    6. General    7. McGregor, Ewan,    8. Motorcycles - General    9. Motorcycling    10. Special Interest - Adventure    11. Travel    12. Travel - General    13. Voyages and travels    14. Voyages around the world    15. Biography & Autobiography / General    16. Biography: general