Travel Books

Last fall, as a 21 year-old college student in his final year, I started pondering what to do with that ludicrous accumulation of wealth that all university students find upon graduation. Lies, actually: I scraped together the best I could and bought a ticket for London. A pair of "Let's Go" guides accompanied me for practical reasons, but Neither Here Nor There was my travel bible, my Psalms, as it were. I read it that Fall of '07 and it inspired me to take the trip in ways that no other source had. It revealed to me that even travel hardships can result in the most absurdly funny, cherished stories.

His ascerbic wit goes gangbusters on the little quirks of the Continental, from country to hilarious country. I partially molded my trip to make sure I checked out some of his destinations--they were that well-described.

Interestingly enough, I found him to be dead-on in some countries/cities, and WAY off the mark in others. One of his most memorable anecdotes comes out of backwoods Austria. I happened to find the same people to be the kindest, most hospitable of my whole 14-country trip. But the laughs I had over that chapter, and the inspiration to camp out under the Tyrolean night sky, paid dividends. So what if his descriptions aren't cookie-cutter and unfailing? No two travel experiences are the same, and God forbid they ever will be.

Read this book. You'll shoot (insert beverage here) through your nose laughing and develop an ache to see Europe. Prost, Bill.

Bill Bryson has written so many hilarious books that it's hard to say which is the funniest, but when I meet someone who is new to Bryson's work, again and again I find myself recommending this one.

The one-liners ("Italians park as if they've just spilled a beaker of hydrocloric acid in their laps") are funny no matter how well-travelled (or non-travelled) you are, and the prose is so descriptive and wonderful that you learn as you go along.

As far as I'm concerned Bill Bryson is the finest non-fiction writer of our time.

Reading Neither Here Nor There made me think that I won't die happy if I don't get to see Capri, and I determined that there were several other cities I don't ever wish to visit. I also learned that a certain brand of travelers' checks is terrible, and I won't be using them in this lifetime.

It is interesting to read this book in it's Communist-era, pre-Euro context. Empty shops in Bulgaria and discussion of purchasing things with dinars and schillings was very interesting. Unfortunately, reading the book even as I did, spreading the chapters out over several days, I still got that "If it's Tuesday, this must be Belgium" feeling. I began to lose track of where Bill saw the beautiful sunset, or where his pocket was picked.

I was also disappointed by Bryson's alarming views towards animals and cavalier comments about hating them and wanting them killed. Dogs hate him, and this fact has provided much humor in his writing over the years, but the tangents he went on regarding his loathing of companion animals were over the top and distinctly unfunny. So was his anti-Arabic rant during one of his many visits to queues for financial situations. I may be more sensitive to such things in light of recent world events, as comments about the guttural nature of German language or the expense of traveling in Switzerland didn't bother me, but this did.

The funniest anecdotes were the ones Bryson shared about his previous travels through Europe with his friend Katz. Katz provided a hugely politically-incorrect thread of humor in the book, and at times I thought he would have made a more interesting traveling companion. Heresy, I know.

All in all, I'm very glad I read the book, and I got many laughs out of it, but it was no Walk in the Woods.

I really enjoy Bill's relaxed style in his travels. He doesn't edit out the less complimentary aspects of his travels or of his own personality. Europe has such a rich history and varied cultures as well as climates are a treat as background for his dialogue. This is my 3rd Bryson read and thus far my favorite.

Bryson brings his characteristic humor to his explorations of Europe. While his observations can sometimes be a bit mean-spirited, he also pokes fun at himself, and many of his observations are quite funny, if clearly exaggerated. Starting in the artic north of Norway, and continuing in a zigzag pattern across the continent, Bryson explores many of the most famous of Europe's cities, as well as some more obscure locals. While he notes the changes in Sofia that occurred after his visit, his descriptions of Yugoslavia are even more dated (starting with the fact that Yugoslavia doesn't exist anymore!). Fans of Bryson's humor won't be disappointed, but if you're looking for a guide to traveling in Europe, this probably won't be your best resource.

My four year old son is in love with this chapter series! A friend suggested it to us since he seemed ready for a more advanced reading material at bedtime. My husband reads him a chapter every night...sometimes more because they don't want to stop. It's become a great tradition for them, and something they both look forward to. We love that there are so many in the collection! Start with number 1 and just continue. :)

I hated this book!!!! It's just about 2 kids and they wonder from place to place. This book is about Jack and Annie who go to the native times. It's not that interesting. But the series is that they just have to point to the book cover and say " I wish we could go there". Then the tree house teleports to the same place. There is a woman named Morgan who sends them there to find things like ( the four M's. Or 4 gifts). Then of course there going to find it and return home but....... when they come home time hasn't changed a bit. They go home and sleep. If you want to read the worst book ever in the world pick up this book today and you'll hate it. But if you want a good book then pick up " Magic Tree House #32" or anyother book in the "30's".

My 1st grader hates to put it down, he would rather read Magic Tree House books, than play video games. He even reads them to his class and explains the story for show and tell. In his kindergarten class the teacher would also let him read the Magic Tree House books out loud, not to give her a break, but to promote reading out loud. Great books!

Magic Treehouse books have been an excellent incentive for my 6 year old to read. At first I was reading them all to him, now he's reading them for himself. They are the perfect combination of adventure, education, and danger! This particular one is one of his favorites.

Would you ever want to be chased by a big buffalo? I read a book about two kids that did. It is called Buffalo Before Breakfast by Mary Pope Osborne. This book is about a boy named Jack, a girl named Annie and a dog named Teddy. They travel back in time. This story is also about the buffalo and Native Americans. This is a really cool book. One of my favorite parts is when they saw a huge heard of buffalo. I also liked this book because I am a child and I would like to travel back in time. In this book I think that the author wants to share what Native Americans used to do. You should read this book to see if Jack and Annie, along with Teddy, get back to their own time!

Social anthroplogist, Kate Fox, has observed the English (she is one) in in all seasons and conditions, and particularly in the places where they are most comfortable. Her books include PUB WATCHING with Desmond Morris, and PASSPORT TO THE PUB; The Tourist's Guide to Pub Etiquette. The book is witty in its analysis of the ways of English conversation and behaviour with its unwritten codes, and of weather-speak, reflex apology, ironic-gnome, money talk, and panaroid-pantomime rules which belie the underlying scholarship and serious study. It can be taken up at random, however, to delight the reader with its anecdotes and many acute observations.

In defining the characteristics of Englishness the core appears to be the Social Dis-ease, the short-hand term for all their social inhibitions and hang-ups. They can be over-polite, buttoned up and awkwardly restrained, or loud, crude or generally obnoxious. Humor, however, is the the most effective built-in antedote to the SD. They do not have a global monopoly on humor but it is the sheer pervasiveness and supreme importance of humor in English every day life and culture which is distinctive. When in doubt, joke, particularly when earnestness is threatened. Response to earnestness is cynicism, ironic detachment and a squeamish distaste for sentimentality.

She has it right in my book, speaking as a fellow Brit who is fearsome of all forms of political correctness. You really must read this eloquent and funny book on human behaviour

A pleasure to read and to smile at some of the most British ways of seeing life and smelling the weather!

I've only just begun reading, but so far, it's been quite enjoyable. The author writes with humor. I've some British online friends. I've been able to use tidbits from the book when joking around with them.

I had read Barzini's well known works on the Europeans and thoroughly enjoyed this book on the English.

The approach is academic yet palatable, laden with insightful observations and well deserves consideration as a work of anthropological interest. The author maintains an objective distance and professional methodology which impart a delicious irony; we are conditioned to primitive cultures as the provenance of these studies, she turns the focus upon what some may argue as the bastion of civilization.

As a guidebook to a cultural understanding of the English this work is invaluable. The expose on class is penetrating and amuses as there are unexpected twists; such as decorating your home or garden with a modicum of lower class objects, the inside joke apparent only to the cognoscienti.

Kate Fox, a social anthropologist and Co-Director of the Social Issues Research Centre in Oxford, who has lived in England, America, Ireland and France, takes a revealing look at the quirks and habits of the English people. Being very English herself, she holds a mirror up to the English national character and reveals the most famous traits as well as the most bizarre reflex reactions. She attempts to discover the curious, hidden rules of behaviour that all English people seem to follow, but few are aware even exist. In a separate section consisting of 14 pages she focuses on defining Englishness and attempts to define Englishness in contrast to being British.

Writing with gentle humour and astute perception she portrays the foibles in the English and in herself as well. Kate Fox is immensely perceptive about all kinds of English cultural values, behaviours and oddities. Watching the English falls into two main parts: part one - Conversation codes; part two - Behaviour codes. The first part covers everything from the obsession with the weather through English humour to how people use mobile phones. The second part deals with how the English behave inside their own homes or when visiting other people's homes, life in the workplace, food, drink, eating-habits, sex... and many more topics.

Though the smallish print might irritate some, it's an easy read with good flow and the reader will get much material to provoke lively discussion with anyone interested in the English.

Anthropologist Kate Fox, has forced herself to engage in many humiliating field tests-- like bumping into people on purpose and seeing how many people say `sorry'-- in order to test the common theories about English behaviour. Watching the English is the result of her research. Fox's book displays most of the traits that she points out as representing the English: being sensitive to the tiny signifiers of class status (e.g. the `M&S test', which identifies your class by your shopping choices at that particular department store), it purposely avoids taking itself too seriously and is continuously self-deprecating (of course, this is the `popular anthropology', not the real scientific one). Admitting to being neither, Watching the English is positioned between satire and science.

Warmly recommended for anyone from another culture, who tries to survive living in Britain, or live among the English abroad. People working in international teams with English members or bosses would have many aha-insights through this book.

Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell is a trippy field trip to both the exciting and the mundane locations along the way to three presidential assassinations--Abraham Lincoln's, James Garfield's, and William McKinley's. Vowell, the NPR commentator, is forthright in her disdain for our current president, analyzing her feelings against the backdrop of those just crazy enough to commit murder for their ideology. Vowell is humorous and her opinions are clear without being overwrought, but more than anything she is informative. She's fascinated by presidential history, and reveals details both obscure and eye-popping. Even after reading Manhunt, the excellent analysis of Lincoln's murder by James Swanson, I still picked up new insights from Vowell, particularly the preponderance of evidence against Dr. Samuel Mudd, the doctor who assisted the fleeing John Wilkes Booth. The life of Garfield's killer, Charles Guiteau, is explored and the reader is acquainted with the odd Oneida Community cult of the 19th century. Guiteau was a frustrated failure at this free-sex community where he was often referred to as "Get Out" by the non consenting ladies. Finally, McKinley's murder in Buffalo (by Leon Czolgosz) is explored, a story which features the assassin's punch-out by a waiter and the dramatic ride of Theodore Roosevelt from the crest of the Adirondacks to take command of the country. A great read through-and-through, Assassination Vacation scores an A-.

I usually don't write reviews, but when i saw that this book didn't have 5 of 5 stars i was shocked! I loved it. Not only do I own the book, I own the author narrated audio version!

America needs more Sarah Vowell. Perhaps more importantly, I need more Sarah Vowell. I know this review won't exactly make me one of Amazon's Top Reviewers. Nevertheless, I'm just saying. Sarah Vowell, here's five stars -- for you.

I really enjoyed the first half of this book. It focused on Abraham Lincoln and took the author to some interesting places. I found it educational and entertaining, even though it isn't something that I would normally read about.

I am not that into recent American history, and that may be why I didn't enjoy the second half of the book as much. Presidents Garfield and McKinley aren't that interesting to me. I didn't think that it was any fault of the author, for she seems to really get into geeking out at historical sites, and likes things that make my eyes melt from the boredom.

I think the book is worth reading, just for the first half, and if you are interested in the other two men, you will enjoy it even more.

This book makes me want to throw my kids in the car and drive them as quickly as possible to the nearest historical memorial/museum/old graveyard/bronze plaque and giggle, tell stories, do ANYTHING other than fret over their brains turning to mush on a Webkinz/Sims diet. Assassination Vacation is not just history for a witty leftie reader. Can you imagine how someone in the future will write the history of OUR time? Do you want just the mentioning of a war in Iraq and details about the number of people who died, or do you want someone to read the part about missing weapons of mass destruction? If you're the kind of person who thinks details like missing WMD's makes the story of our time come alive, you'll really 'get' Assassination Vacation. And you might also learn to love James Garfield and his special, comfy reading chair, which is worth the price of purchase by itself. Great writing.

Haddix, Margaret Peterson. The Missing: Found. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. 2008.

This is an exciting fast paced adventure story, the start of a new fantasy series that should grab the attention of even reluctant readers. The prologue begins with the arrival of thirty-six babies on a mysterious undocumented airplane that disappears as soon as it is unloaded. In the first chapter, a thirteen year-old boy Jonah receives a sinister message in the mail that says, "YOU ARE ONE OF THE MISSING" and even though he knows that he is adopted, he feels shocked. Then his new friend Chip gets the same message and finds out that he is also an adopted child. The two boys and Jonah's sister combine forces to try to ascertain what the message portends and to protect themselves from its vague threat.

Thirteen-year-old Jonah Skidmore feels like an average kid, complete with an intelligent but slightly annoying younger sister named Katherine, a mom and a dad who constantly reassure their children that they are special and well loved, and a quiet home in the suburbs of Ohio. The fact that Jonah is adopted has never been a big deal for him, maybe because his parents have always been so open and reassuring about it. To Jonah, life feels normal. That is, until the letter arrives.

The letter, which has no return address or signature, contains only six words: YOU ARE ONE OF THE MISSING. At first, Jonah thinks it's a bad prank from a kid at school making fun of his adoption. But then his new friend, Chip Winston, receives one as well, and he's not adopted. Or is he? Chip's letter brings out his family's long-kept secret of his adoption, and Chip, being thrust into the situation without warning, isn't handling it very well. It doesn't help that Chip's parents refuse to discuss anything with him. Jonah assures Chip that he will help in any way he can. Chip takes him up on his offer, and together they break into Mr. Winston's home safe to search for information. They discover the phone number of a Mr. James Reardon. They dial the number and find out he works for the FBI. Why would the FBI be involved with adoptions?

His curiosity peaked with Chip's own unanswered questions, Jonah asks his parents for more information about his own unknown past. Through their adoption agency, they end up with an appointment to talk to the same Mr. Reardon of the FBI. But first, Jonah receives another mysterious letter, this time reading BEWARE! THEY'RE COMING BACK TO GET YOU. Even more on edge than ever, Jonah and Katherine manage to sneak some information from a file sitting on Mr. Reardon's desk, including lists of "witnesses" and "survivors." Both Jonah's and Chip's names are on the list of survivors!

Jonah, Chip and Katherine delve into their tiny pile of clues, searching for some honest answers. They quickly discover an incredibly mind-blowing conspiracy, jerking them into a mysterious whirlwind adventure from which they may never return.

Many readers will be familiar with Margaret Peterson Haddix, as she has written numerous other books, including the popular Shadow Children series. Well, hold on tight and prepare to be awed, because this mega-talented author has created another exciting rollercoaster of a ride with her newest series. THE MISSING promises to be an action-packed, non-stop adventure, and FOUND, the first installment, fulfills that promise fully, plus hints at the amazing thrills to come.

Make sure you have a big block of free time before starting this one, because it will be nearly impossible to close the cover until the last page is reached. And when you do finish, prepare to be floored...and impatient for the next book in the series!

--- Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman, author of FINDING MY LIGHT and THE BLACK POND

I am teaching summer school this year. I read this to my 8th graders and they loved it. Haddix has done a great job, again!

I really enjoyed reading this book. I was hesitant to start ANOTHER series, but I am glad I read this one.
The main character Jonah's family gets along well together, something I find refresing after reading many books where the teenager's family is completely dysfunctional, the moms being fussy and annoying, and the dads caring only for football and beer.
This book is somethign akin to National Treasure: It's pure entertainment, so turn off your brain for 3 hours while you read it.
Reading this was a nice break, as I have been reading books this summer such as the classics like Jane Austen, Victor Hugo, Lloyd C. Douglas and so forth, so this was a book to look forward to when my brain was tired.
The end is a complete cliffhanger, so be prepared. I was really disappointed in that. I am getting really tired of waiting for the next book to come out.
Overall, I would this again, maybe next year when the story would be semi-fresh. It was really gripping, and the characters themselves were likeable.
I definitely recommend it.

Found a fun read, with the Haddix's usual array of strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths include an intriguing mystery, an interesting premise, and strong protagonists. The brother-sister relationship between Katherine and Jonah is well done, one of the best portrayals of sibling relationships I've read recently. It starts with a bang and is a genuine page-turner, lean and strong.

Weaknesses include the too-familiar scenes of hysteria. Yes, I'd panic too if I were locked in a cave outside time, but at the same time, the response here very much resembles similar scenes in the Hidden series; she's moving toward an authorial tick. More seriously, there is also a certain hand-waving about the basic premise/solution to the mystery. It does, as I said above create a fascinating dilemma and I am looking forward to seeing how the story plays out. I also find, however, that I can't quite believe it, just as I could never quite believe the third-child persecution and hysteria in the Hidden books. There's a certain tension between wanting to let go and just enjoy the plot and not being able to get the disbelief to remain fully suspended; it keeps sticking its toes on the ground and demanding my attention.

Being someone who loves motorcycles, travel, and thought Long Way Round was awesome, this book was already high on my list. I saw the one time showing of the Long Way Down movie and I am currently watching the full series on the Fox Reality Channel. I love this stuff!

So why didn't the book get five stars? Well, I think it suffered from being the second time around. It never felt quite as much of a seat of your pants adventure as Long Way Round did. I suppose it shouldn't since this is the second major trip and all the crew kind of know what they are doing. I also thought that having Ewan McGregor bring his wife along for part of the trip did change the dynamic of the trip, as you'll hear Charley Boorman say a few times. But it was damn funny to hear about her falling all the time.

I won't say much more so as not to ruin some of the truly entertaining and interesting parts of the book. But if you love motorcycles, travel, or both, this book is for you. Heck, you've probably already read it!

The first book was great and so was the series. This one is awesome as well. Very funny and a great read.

I love this book. I read his first and I couldn't wait to receive this one. It is very well written. I am afan of both Ewan and Charley.
Marianne Shinmon mshinmon@cox.net

I really enjoyed their first book, but this one's much, much better. I have to admit that I like memoirs and travel journals better when they're not ghostwritten. I like to hear the voice of the person whose story I'm reading. In other words, I like it to be genuine.

Ewan and Charley's enthusiasm for their travels comes through in every page. The ups and downs they experience are there, with no sugar-coating. The photographs are better this time around as well, and some of the captions are quite amusing. There's one humorous photo of the two that looks as if they're about to rob a liquor store. Another, in which the guys are down to their shorts, makes me think of a line from "Smokey and the Bandit": "The last time I saw a leg that looked like that, it had a message tied to it."

My only disappointment with this book is that I would have liked to see some input from Ewan's wife, Eve, on her leg of the trip. As a woman, I'd enjoy getting her perspective. After all, she held her own after only six months of riding, while these two men had been riding for years before attempting a long trip. I laughed at her response to his objections when she wanted to join them.

She really should have put together her own trip with a group of women. I know a lot of female bikers who would have been willing to join her for a good cause. Isn't kicking the guys' butts always a good cause? Oh, yeah, and it could have been good for UNICEF, too.

If you want a window into the life of a Safari Guide, mixed with humour, good story telling and a wonderful insight into African wildlife - read this book. I have just read it in one sitting. Loved it!

Yes, I did laugh out loud.
I should have read it before my trip to the Okavango. I read botanical, animal books, but none captures the experience like this one!. However, since you tend to find amusing what you relate to, I would have missed much. Afterwards, it just reminded me of a wonderful experience. Nevertheless, you don't have to have the experience to enjoy it. The author is funny, funny, funny and manages to give an intriguing and realistic glimpse into the life of a guide. I'm mailing it to all my South African companions.

This book is fun and exciting its defiently a page turner. You just cant stop reading about all his adventures that he is having. And all his experiences and the amazing stuff that he sees while he is on his journey. He did a great job on writing this book! I cant wait to read his next adventures!!

I'm really into the humorous travel tales and this one is high on my list. Peter Allison followed his dream and wrote about his dream come true in short adventure stories that describe near fatal incidents quite often. His stories make you appreciate the work of a safari guide and their incredible responsibilities to tourists who are often quite stupid in their assumption that wild animals are there to be photographed. Well written and exciting, I loved this book

This is a book you are likely to read loudly--gasping, laughing and groaning at the antics of a safari guide whose love of the Okavango Delta and its wildlife consistently gets him into trouble of the "I-can't-believe-I-wasn't eaten" variety. I recommend reading this book with a laptop open to Google images so that you can search for pictures of the camps, parks and lesser known animals Allison mentions. The images will enhance your appreciation for this beautiful land and its wildlife.

Though Allison does not write with the elegance of a Theroux or a Bryson, his twenty-something style is part of what makes this book so much fun. It's a pleasure from start to finish, and a great way to learn more about Botswana's parks and wildlife, the safari experience, and all the things you shouldn't do while tracking big game in the Okavango Delta.

I am a 21 year old event organizer, I have been in this field for about 2 and a half years, and as a young organizer thats trying to get ahead in this market i found this book an absolute must have.
if you in this field, want to get into it, or just need help planing your daughters wedding, this book is indispensable.

It is a helpful book for first timers and newcomers. For someone who has been in the field for 6 years it isn't very good. It is just reading the same things over again. I would reccomnd this for anyone just trying to get something togther and not wanting to hire an event planner. The info is good and doesn't miss much. Just do not buy it for a refresher if you have done this time and time again, it won't help

This book is a fount of knowledge. Its simple to read and easy to follow. I thought it would be a person spouting about how great they are and not alot of practical information. But I was wrong. This book is helpful in many ways: for the beginner it provides a practical guideline to get started; for the intermediate planner it provides further ways to improve what they have begun; and for the advanced planner it hones their skills with the latest ideas and information.

For myself as an advanced even planner, it confirms that I am right on track with the trend for event planning. The CD with the forms and such are very useful and easy to customize for each planner or event.

I have already recommended this book to a large organization to use to train other event planners!

This is a great high level overview of event planning. I am still looking for a reference with more detailed checklists and events of a more civic nature. But it was great to get the accompanying CD to use to start making your own checklists. And a great way to see all the possible areas that could be involved with planning events, especially large ones.

Having to plan an event? First time or old pros needing a refresher go no further than this book. Shannon Kilkenny has outdone herself here with step by step instructions and tips to walk you through the whole process of planning and executing even the most difficult event you've ever faced. I found the charts, lists and forms both in the text and the copies on the CD ROM for easy print out to be the most beneficial.

I think the best thing about this book is that you can take away something from reading the whole book cover to cover. But you can also take away information from individual chapters if the whole book doesn't apply to you. The best example of this I can give is that my mother was panicked last week over trying to plan my little sister's 16th birthday. I told mom that while I'd only read this book last week for a friends baby shower that I thought she might want to take a peek at it. When I came over the day before my sister's party to help with setup my mom said that the book had more than paid for itself. It had shown her a much less stressful way to do what she was trying to do. She said that she skipped the chapters aimed at event planners but that a lot of the later chapters helped her immensely in avoiding disaster or over planning for the party. This is a definite read for anyone trying to plan an event from the smallest birthday party to a large banquet or conference.

This is, as made clear by every review, a beautiful book. But on our trip to Italy, we found ourselves using Rick Steves WAY MORE. This book has great pictures and maps, and is good for planning, but it lacks the information Rick Steves gives such as where to park. We would have been completely lost without the Rick Steves book. I will give it this though: We found our hotel from this book and it turned out to be a very nice hotel. Also, this boo weighs a ton so carrying it around was kind of a pain. Get it a a keepsake, but not as a tool for while you are on your trip. Or use it only for the planning stages. If you are looking to get one guidebook, I would get Rick Steves, but I will probably buy both this one and a Rick Steves next time I go to Europe. Happy Travels!!!!!

IF YOU ARE PLANNING A TRIP TO ROME IN THE NEAR FUTURE THEN THIS BOOK AND THE LAMINATED STREETWISE ROME MAP IS LIKE A BIBLE TO YOU. THE PICTURES IN THIS BOOK IS OUTSTANDING. THE AUTHOR BREAKS EACH SECTION DOWN INTO MAPS, DIRECTION AND INFORMATION ON EACH MONUMENTS,CHURCHES, AND PLACES OF INTEREST IN EACH SECTION. THE BOOK ALSO DESCRIBE MOST OF THE HOTELS AND BED-N-BREAKFAST THROUGHTOUT ROME, RESTAURANTS AND SHOPPING. IT ALSO GO INTO DETAIL OF THE SUBWAY SYSTEM. WITH THIS BOOK YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WILL NOT ONLY HAVE A ROMAN VACATION YOU WILL EXPERIENCE A ROMAN EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME. WHAT REALLY STANDS OUT IS AN INDEPT OF ST. PETER'S BASILICA AND THE COLOSSEUM

Look no further than any D&K guide for your travel needs, it covers everything and anyting; the guide divides any big area in sections and then suggests which routes, or attractions you must see; it also covers a historical background on them. From history of the city in question as to how to get there, how to use public transportation, basic conversation dialogues a tourist may encounter, places to eat, see, stay, do, it's all there.

To me, there are no better guides than D&K guides. Recommend 100%.

Used this on a trip to Rome earlier this month and found the information very helpful and up to date. One aspect of this guide that I enjoyed was the division of Rome into neighborhoods. It was nice to see at a glance what was located in each neighborhood and plan my day accordingly. It also listed some lesser known streets around Campo di Fiori where furniture is restored and antique books are sold. We didn't run into any tourists on those streets! The book had some nice maps, but I would recommend picking up a more detailed one locally in Rome.

Bad news first: this book has the issue of trying to cover too much in too small of a format and page count. As a result, you'll run into some cases where entries are text only. This is not too big of a deal, but sometimes a photo would really help identify a place when you're hemmed in by roads and buildings with little in the way of addresses to guide you. When in Rome, this can be a problem for the uninitiated.

On the other hand, I found the descriptions, diagrams, and photos of the major areas to be more than adequate. I also found on several occasions that the guide pointed out little details (such as the location of Raphael's tomb in the Pantheon) that I would have missed otherwise. The restaurant and refreshment recommendations (save yourself some ground money by drinking from the aqueduct fountains) were right on - not a bad meal in the bunch. Which reminds me...if you like coffee, stop by Tazza d'Oro next to the Pantheon for a really good cup.

To sum up, you cannot go wrong with this guide. Actually, all of the Eyewitness Guides I own - Rome, Florence, Naples, Venice, and Amsterdam - are essentially the same: not exactly perfect, but very good. Other than the minor issue of missing photos on some pages where it would have been useful, I can think of no complaint.

This book will be enjoyed by anyone who likes to eat. It's a must for anyone who likes to cook, and an absolute must for anyone who wants to enhance the insight gained by reading travel guides before (or after) traveling to China.
The author's writing style places her sitting in your living room, telling you about her adventures!
Gotta run, I've got more Chinese food cooking to try!

Wow. I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. I'm absolutely blown away and agree with a previous reviewer that it was hard to put this book down; there were several times when people on the train looked at me while I cackled or exclaimed aloud at what I was reading. Jen Lin-Liu is amazingly straightforward and puts it all out there - some shockers in here! She makes no excuses about her experiences or her own thoughts/actions and poses some interesting, thought-provoking questions.

Her journey is clearly beyond geographic - it's a mix of culinary, cultural, and personal growth. Her description of the different cuisine and her relentless pursuit of their origins translates into her quest for her own identity. The food she discovers and describes had my mouth watering! As a Chinese-American, I find she's hit the nail on the head on many of the personal issues I've worked through as well. It was refreshing (and comforting) to see her journey and they way she went through self-discovery.

I totally want to go enroll in her cooking school myself! And who is this mysterious Craig who has stolen away her heart?! Congratulations to you both and I hope to see more from Jen Lin-Liu!

Satisfying book that is as much about Beijing as cooking; it captures a sort of mix of optimism and sadness that is contemporary Beijing, through Lin-Liu's writing you really see the city as it is today; especially vibrant if you've lived here for any time.

Jen runs a small cooking school in Beijing where you can learn to cook some of these recipes.

The characters, especially Chairman Wang, grow on you; I also liked the brief appearance of Allison Moore.

Between this wonderful book and another I'd also highly recommend, Why the Chinese Don't Count Calories, I have become immersed in Chinese food culture recently, to the point that my kids tease me about becoming Chinese. Luckily I live in NYC and have a few Chinatowns to choose from, so it's been congee on the way to work for a couple of months now.

Jen's personal search to learn Chinese cooking (and to practice it) is inspiring...telling about her travels and travails through a China in a tug of war between its culinary past and its current rush towards modernization.

I could tell just by looking at them that the dozen or 20 recipes, relating to each chapter of Jen's journey, would be delicious and the few I've tried so far more than live up to their promise.

Once I starting reading this book, I couldn't put it down. It is the story about a Chinese-American who goes to China on a Fulbright scholarship as part of her journalism career and ends up riding her bike down a narrow street to take cooking classes. The story (both humorous and touching) is told through her quest to learn about authentic Chinese cuisine both past and present, home cooking and high end restaurants. One of the many compelling things about the book are the Chinese people we are privileged to meet. It is a very personal portrait of Chinese people of all ages and classes. One memorable moment is when Chairman Wang finally tells about the Cultural Revolution and how it affected her and the people around her. It is heartbreaking to hear about it, but amazing to see how the Chinese people survived and continued their lives. And of course there are the mouth watering recipes peppered through out the book -- favorite recipes from people the author meets along the way -- Beijing-Style Noodles, "The Best" Mapo Tofu, Tea-Infused Eggs, Smashed Cucumbers, Drunken Chicken, Lamb-and-Pumpkin Dumpling Filling -- the list goes on and on. The recipes are why I bought the book, but got so much more. This is a book that I will keep, cherish and use as a cookbook forever.