Arizona Books

An ton of useful information is packed into this book. That leads to what I think is the only real fault, which is the denseness of the type and the lack of white space. But I'm not going to mark it down for that. There is more covered here than any other guidebook I've seen on the subject. Some fine photos, too, although I also find his spelling "fotos" annoying.
As to directions, in the wilder parts of the southwest it only takes one small mistake and you're off the route pretty quickly. Anyone who used the guidebook only and didn't have a good map and compass or GPS would be making a mistake.
In response to those who think guidebooks like this are a bad thing, since they expose the natural and archaeological sites to more people, I can only say: How would you feel if you hadn't yet found this treasure, and those who had tried to keep you out? I know it's an instinctive thing to want to protect certain areas from overuse, but really, not that many people will visit this area. It's too harsh and unforgiving for all but those who are serious hikers, so we don't really need to worry about hordes of people overunning the canyons.
While I'm as concerned as anyone about the effect more people will have on the Colorado Plateau, I applaud Mr. Kelsey for giving us the benefit of his many years experience in book form.

Just looking at this book makes want you to go, let alone reading it ! Clear description of all the 120 hikes on this subjects :
- Location and acces
- Trail and route
- Elevation
- Time needed
- Water
- Maps
- Main attractions
- Best time to hike
- Author's experience, adding a personal flavour.

Color photos, through coverage of hikes, lots of tips for traveling the backroads to these trails.

Michael Kelsey guide books inspire only two reactions--you love them or you hate them--and I must admit to being a fan. These are not the greatest guides ever written, those would be the Steck "Loop Hike" guides, but for this area of the planet NOBODY knows more than Kelsey. The "readability" could be better, and yes, there is no index, but this book will get you to explore places nobody else even mentions. Kelsey does appear in the "fotos" (Kelsey spelling--kind of annoying, really) but I find this provides helpful scale. If you are buying a guide book for artistic photos, buy Sandra Hinchman's book--Tom Till did most of the shooting. Alternatively, you could just buy one of Till's books--they are ALL spectacular! Kelsey's hiking times ARE quite fast, but he gives these in the "Author's Experience" section and provides more "realistic" times in the "Time Needed" section so I don't see the issue. As for the metric system, well the USGS has started printing topo maps in meters so you might want to get used to it now.... The bottom line is this--if you have the canyoneering experience to be thinking about exploring these areas this guide is your ONLY choice!

Controversy surrounds this hiking guide. On the one hand are those who criticize Kelsey for giving innacurate directions, exposing the pristine lands of southern Utah and northern Arizona to more people, and giving ridiculously fast hiking times. On the other hand are those who find this guide extremely helpful in exploring the Colorado Plateau canyon country, land which is open to all. I used different editions of this book for over a decade and found the book invaluable. This newer edition contains many beautiful color photographs and updated maps.

Admittedly, the book is a bit eccentric. Kelsey insists on giving directions in metric, though this is certainly helpful to the many foreign visitors who visit the Colorado Plateau. I agree that an index would help as well. But the amount of time and energy that went into the research for this book must have been staggering. I never had a problem finding a trailhead or route with Kelsey's directions and maps. And after one hike, I had a general idea of how my hiking times compared to Kelsey's. His books have always contained ample warning about potentially dangerous canyons like the Black Hole.

His book has helped me to explore canyons in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Partially autobiographical, La Maravilla tells the engrossing tale of a young boy growing up in a migrant workers' "town" outside Phoenix, AZ, in the 1950s and 60s.

Speaking to some of the other reviewers' comments that the book is difficult to get into, I found that the "slow" beginning was actually the author building the base on which the wonders of the rest of the book so beautifully fit.

Rarely have I felt such a sense of wonderment and connection while reading a work of fiction. Vea's depictions of some of his characters can (and should) be labeled magical realism, but those touches make the characters even more real and allow the reader a deeper understanding of the world Vea has constructed.

Read this book. You won't regret it.

This book has become one of my all-time favorites. I didn't want it to end because I loved all the characters so much (even the seedy ones). It reminded me of a story that I loved when I was younger, Ray Bradbury's "Dandelion Wine", in the way the author created a vivid and compelling world. I will never forget Josephina and her "scorpion water" or Manual and his "caboose".
The way that the author wrapped up the story details at the end when the main character is an adult was skillful and pleasant to read.

Before reading this book, forget what you know about the southwest, about indigenous culture, european influences, and what you know about the US. Now imagine having the abilities to communicate with the dead, travelling mythical underworlds, and to live in a world where strangers combined make a community known as "Buckeye." The reader will be able to examine the dicotomies of people, but at the same time come to the realization that there are many similarities in which we live our lives. Hence a microcosm combining folklore, heritage, and tradition which continue into future.

I was only able to get about halfway into this book before putting it down. This was not because of any inherent deficiency in the book itself--Vea is a competent author, and his portrayal of a squatter's community outside of Phoenix in the 1950's is both sensitive and powerful. The problem was really me--I found the pacing in the novel to be just too leisurely--perhaps itself reflecting the more leisurely pace of life in this community in the 1950's.

However, I was still impressed enough with Vea to want to make a few comments. The novel requires a certain suspension of disbelief because of the important role magical elements play in the book, but I didn't even mind that, really. It's just not my cup of tea since I prefer more action-oriented, faster-paced plots.

However, I can still tell a fine novel when I see one (and despite my own shortcomings as a reader), so don't let my lack of patience for an otherwise good, but somewhat leisurely paced novel, put you off. Vea writes quite well and this is a more than competent novel, especially considering it was his first, and it provides a unique glimpse into what would otherwise be a forgotten community of people on the edge of Phoneix society in the 1950's.

I'm not surprised that a few reviewers had trouble staying with "La Maravilla". It is a challenging work, both in content and form...a bit like critically acclaimed art house movies that are greeted with mixed reviews from the public. I can't deny that the writing is excellent, and the subject noble, but I also can't deny that I was bored through the entire midsection of this book.

The novel vividly depicts a squatters community outside Phoenix in the 1950s. Migrant workers return from work on flatbeds, lesbian prostitutes turn tricks in the back seats of cars, elderly grandparents have waking dreams and astral episodes amidst scenes of desert life... sounds fascinating, right? The setting is, but the story is surprisingly spare. Not a lot happens among these episodic moments, and much of what happens would better lend itself to visual form.

I never entirely connected with these characters, although I could appreciate what young Beno is losing when he is taken away to California at the novel's end. There is a rich history to this community, one that is lost in mainstream America.

Believe we need more books like this - geared to fun and entertainment for family. Since I was born in Phoenix, was tickled to see such a refreshing approach for the "tourist" but in actuality there is tourist in each person residing in the Phoenix metroplex. Such a fabulous part of the world and indeed a family treat.

Thank you, Michelle, for finally providing a comprehensive, easy to read source for Phoenix fun. As a mother of three children who has barely survived 5 summers without the book, I am looking forward to a much less stressful sizzling summer. For a local Mom, this is truly the answer. I am impressed with the way the book is laid out by activity, location, season, etc. Having locations and phone numbers makes finding additional information a breeze. I would certainly recommend this book for anyone residing in the area who knows there is a life beyond thier stucco walls!

I found this book to be extreemly helpful in planning activities for my grandchildren. I enjoyed the way in which the book was written, too. Rather that give a bunch of dry facts (when, where, how much) the author used humor and interesting descriptions of the events and places in and around Phoenix. I also enjoyed the illustrations done by the author's children.

I enjoyed the book as it offered great suggestions for parents on ways to enjoy spending time with kids and explore all that the Valley has to offer. The illustrations were great!

While I think this book was written mostly for residents, we found some cool stuff in it. If you want an insider's guide to some activites that are not in the typical tourist guidebook- check it out!

More amazing history as the story continues from "These is my Words". The American west and the strong women who settled it.

I just loved These is my Words, I couldn't put it down. This book was good also but it was missing one of my favorite characters, which made it a little sad for me. Which is why it wasn't a five star.

Having read "These is my words" a short time ago I could not wait until "Sarah's Quilt" arrived. Once again I became a part of Sarah's family. Nancy Turner again provides us with a portrait of woman of courage, heart and intense family loyalty.
The grace and strength with which Sarah faces the hardships of territoty life should make ever woman proud. One realizes that life today pales compared to constant struggle to survive Sarah faced. I only hope for another book to complete the story of Sarah Agnes Prine.

I enjoyed this book SO much!! I almost didn't want to start reading it, because I knew if I did I would read it so fast and it be all over! I live in Tucson and really enjoyed the 'historical' point of view of the area in the late 1800's. I love the strong woman Sarah is in the story. If you read the first book "These is my Words"...you will really enjoy this one!!

I enjoyed reading Sarah's Quilt, but I found I didn't love it in the same way that I loved These is My Words. Possibly it was because it was written in a different style - more of a traditional novel format than a diary, although there were still dates with each chapter. I think what bothered me the most, though, is that it seemed like there were a few places where I felt like a great storyline was starting up, only to have it completely dropped a few pages later, particularly in the case of Sarah's brother Harland and his family. I realize that these characters were not important to the major plot of the book, but I found myself getting somewhat attached to them, only to have them disappear completely from the story. However, this was only a small setback for me in an otherwise good story. I think anyone who has read and enjoyed These is My Words will definitely want to read Sarah's Quilt, but it is definitely a sequel and will probably not stand on its own.

After reading "These is my Words" I couldn't wait to read this book. I wasn't disappointed. If possible it is even better than the first one. Sarah is a very tough woman. The experiences and hardships she endures are unbelievable but she comes through it all. It is so well written you actually feel what she is going through. As it is based on the author's own family history, it is thoroughly believable fiction. Please Nancy Turner lets have another follow up book soon.

I didn't even give it much thought, it was so easy. I ordered the book for a Christmas gift and it got to my house in a very timely manner. I would definetely order more books from this person.

I hated to finish this book, yet I was compelled to so I could see if Sarah and Udell got together. I won't 'spill the beans' in this review so you avid readers don't have to worry.
The book is well written and captivating. The storyline is excellent and gives you a greater appreciation for our ancestors and their trials.
I would highly recommend this book!

I absolutely love this book. Mrs. Turner took me right back to the time period and made me feel like I was standing there watching these people's lives happen.

I approached Sarah's Quilt with some hesitation as so often sequels just don't live up to the anticipation of the first book's enjoyment. Sarah's Quilt, however, did not disappoint. The characters of the story are so fleshed out in such subtle ways, I feel as if I have come to know and love these people. The plot is, like life itself, a bit disjointed, and takes a while to get started. Certain matters occupy Sarah's mind more than others at times, but all the storylines ultimately are resolved.

I think this book had particular meaning for me because my second son recently left home for college. With two children away, and only one left at home, I felt many of Sarah's difficulties in how to resolve being a good mother to "children" who are growing up so fast, how to care for an older mother, and questions where life is heading. I am not sure if I had read this novel when I was younger (and by "younger" I mean ten years ago) if it would have had the same impact for me. It was comforting to know that the concerns of a pioneer woman over one hundred years ago can still resonate with a middle-aged woman in 2007.

Read this book if you like historical American fiction, especially involving a strong, independent woman as main character. Also, if you like reading stories where hearth and home are considered something worth fighting for.

This book was not as engrossing as I had hoped, but it is still an inspiring story. It is easy to read, honest, and insightful. I recommend it to anyone interested in the outdoors and who has done or is contemplating a solo trip.

I enjoyed the portions of her stories that dealt with river experiences and less enjoyed the amount of introspection the author shared. As one who has both run the river (with guides) and back packed the canyon I'm left quite impressed with her accomplishment.

This book is beautifully written and is very insightful. It is very descriptive not only of the river and the action that awaits the adventurous but also of the woman who takes the journey . . .her strengths, vulnerabilities and determination it takes to make such a trip. I would recommend this book for anyone who loves the great outdoors, appreciates the Southwest landscape or for anyone who needs to be inspired. I purchased this book first on a vaction and have had to purchase another copy as I read it once every year.

I'm not a rafter, and have no particular interest in rafting, but this book somehow captured my interest and I read it in a couple of hours. Patricia has a poetic way of writing about nature and her adventures rafting over the Colorado, and she takes the reader along for the ride. I admire her greatly for her courageous decision to go it alone (at least most of the time) on a very hazardous journey. I hope she continues to write (and avoid that dreaded Secretaryville).

This is a wonderful read. It gracefully mixes adventure with honest self-revelation as it explores the potentials and pains of a woman at midlife. Especially meaningful to me were McCairen's meditations on solitude versus loneliness and her wrestling with fear of intimacy. Going alone into the wilderness is a radical act for a woman, and McCairen engages it with consciousness and skill. I was sorry when the book ended, I had grown to so look forward to curling up with it at the end of the day. I would welcome a sequel.

I've read my way through most of Elizabeth Peters' books, including every single one of the Amelia Peabody series, but somehow missed this one. It was written in 1979 and is a little bit dated -cell phones could have helped a whole lot, for example. It doesn't matter though - Peters is always a good read, and this book is no exception.
Peters' damsels are never in distress and D.J. is nothing if not resourceful. She manages to get herslf in trouble, naturally, but we wouldn't have it any other way. The book is funny, as many of her books are. A delightful Summer read!

Peters can write and the book is mostly readable if you can get past the silliness. In the Amelia Peabody books Peters takes the rediculous and creates fantastic, entertaining and humorous literary concoctions.

Not so in Summer of the Dragon. I'm surprised she would allow these older books to be published under the same name as the Peabody series.

This was one of the first Elizabeth Peters books I read. I read it years ago, and have reread it many times since. I recently went to Arizona for the first time - I have been dreaming of going there since I read this book back in the 80's. I fell in love with the Desert just as DJ does in this book. I highly recommend this novel - it's descriptive ability to place you in the spot where it takes place, I can now confirm, is fabulous! The humor is great, the charactors interesting!

One of my favorite of Elizabeth Peter's one off mysteries. This one involves a geology student finding herself in the middle of a geology murder mystery in the Arizona mountains. What sort of trouble will her eccentric wealthy benefactor get her into?

Ahhh, Peters is so, so great!

Anthropology grad student D.J. Abbott is a master procrastinator. She has left finding a summer job so late than when she sees her advisor about it, all that's left is an offer from well-known crackpot millionaire Hank Hunnicutt, who seems to believe in every weird theory floating about. Since it's an extremely generous offer, though, D.J. decides to apply for it (it doesn't hurt that Hunnicutt's Arizona ranch isn't within visiting distance from her parent's house, something very important for her).

Hunnicutt's already rejected a few applicants, but he accepts D.J., and so she heads over to Arizona. When she arrives, she finds the house full of assorted weirdos and a couple of extremely handsome men. She also meets the endearing Hank, who's very vague about the reason he wanted her at the ranch. He insists she rest and relax and enjoy the amenities until a certain gadget arrives... then he'll show her his discovery.

But soon thereafter, after a couple of suspicious accidents, Hank vanishes, and it falls to D.J. and a few allies to find out what happened to him... and which of the nuts might have had a reason to make him disappear.

Summer of the Dragon has three strengths which are the reason I love this author so much. First, there's the characters. Peters is a master at creating fascinating, three-dimensional, fresh secondary characters, and she's not bad with her protagonists, either! Each of the weirdos in residence has a distinct personality, and they are, every one of them, loads of fun. As for D.J. and her romantic interest (whose identity I won't reveal here, though anyone familiar with her books will probably deduce it the minute he shows up), they're great. I especially loved the way D.J. was a declared feminist and refused to take any silliness from anyone (remember this is a 1979 book, so she's a very unique heroine that way), and the way Peters wrote her total enjoyment of food... and her guy's reaction to this!

Second, I absolutely adore Peters' writing. She's got a wonderful sense of humour, and this shows through, not only in extremely funny scenes, but also in the very way she puts things. If you want to see what I mean and haven't yet tried this author (what are you waiting for?), just go use the Look inside feature amazon offers and read the first couple of pages.

Third, Peters' plots are always enormously entertaining, and I always love her mix of adventure and archeological and historical elements. Summer of the Dragon wasn't an exception. It takes a while to get to what's going on, but once we do get there, it's fascinating, as is the setting!

this work clearly copies the formula and style of louis l'amour. i read it only because of the reviews that claimed it was better than l'amour.
i cannot agree. it is generally entertaining but lacks the broad scope and diversity of characters common in l'amour works. it also lacks the feeling from l'amour works that he probably experienced events similar to those portrayed. if you disagree, ask yourself honestly if you really believe that jonas was not affected by l'amour. certain parts are repetitious and the action gets recycled. some parts are very cliche and sophomoric. there are subtle differences on moral codes. l'amour heros don't kill unarmed or unsuspecting opponents. jonas' attempt to introduce
vulnerabilities of the hero for assumed purposes of realism don't seem to work - they just make him look weak or compromising.

Dansing Star is a great book by a terrific author-what a talent! You won't be disappointed.

Just read Kirby Jonas's The Dansing Star and I flat out loved this book. Dansing Star is about a fellow who was raised by Indians, but goes "white" again. As such, he is not quite accepted by either the Indians or the whites.
Dansing, the main character, goes off on the trail of some bank robbers and eventually is on the trail of a man who killed the woman he loved. He gets into all manner of trouble, and the group of criminal brothers he gets stuck with...well, they are something else!
All the characters are well drawn, the conversations sharp, clean, always interesting. The story moves along very fast...the book is a real page-turner. There is a good deal of history in this book too, all of it well told, fascinating. More than any western I remember reading, Dansing Star gives an honest point of view from the Indians side of things.
This was the first one of Kirby Jonas's books that I've read, and it was great fun to find a new western writer whose work I enjoyed so much. I passed the book on to my brother, who loves westerns, and he was keen on it, too. Jonas is a darn fine writer, the book is just flat out terrific and I expect anyone who enjoys a good action story will appreciate it. I highly recommend The Dansing Star.

A while ago, I bought a copy of Dansing Star because I wanted a Western novel to read. I read about 1-2 Westerns per week when I have the time, and have done so for about twenty years. In particular, I prefer historical fiction about the Old West. Dansing Star was a delight, to say the least. Kirby Jonas is an author whom I became familiar with as a result of this book. Isn't it always more satisfying to seek out an author because you stumbled upon one of his or her books, rather than being made aware of the author through the publisher's public relations?

Dansing Star has a bouyancy about it: Jonas' characters are real, flesh-and-blood Old West characters, however, they seem to deal with their actual and philosohical struggles in a manner that makes them more intellectually appealing to the reader than most characters in popular Western novels. Several of Dansing Star's characters transcend the mundane and seem to think about things that are larger and more complicated than the actual gunfight, or pursuit of a killer, in which they are engaged. I also appreciated the insight which which Jonas imbued several of his characters in this novel.

I highly recommend this book!

Pat Schutz

(Author of "Pinto's Tales")

I stumbled across "The Dansing Star" because of a review written by James Drury. He was my favorite TV star during the 1960s. He always hit his target as the Virginian and his aim is still good. Kirby Jonas has written a very good book that has peaked my interest in his other books.

A small note to James Drury; I watched the latest movie remake of "The Virginian" just to see your small role. It would have been a much better movie if you had played the title role!

Having never heard of Edward Abbey or any book he ever wrote (I picked up the book because it was the first on a shelf at the library) I was absorbed by this guy's life and tribulations. I even made it a point to start to read A Fool's Progress. I'm glad I took the time to read the book because it makes you realize that the guy was human, introverted and not the eco-rebel everyone thought he was. He was a writer. I love his mantra:
1) Write Right!
2) Write Good!
3) Write On!

Though he had his troubles with family life I thought his struggles with life, writing and being successful made for a good story.

Reading about Abbey provided me with the realization that some people in this world really do have a "life" - without many constraints, guilt, or heavy-duty obligations that are often tagged on to an individual by nature of his/her duty to satisfy others. Cahalan presents Abbey as a human being in search of his soul while dispelling the myths of his misogyny. Made more interesting by the fact that Cahalan was my professor at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2003, I easily became immersed into the journeys of Abbey, who like myself, see no boundaries for where I travel or where I go in the future. A great piece of interesting literature!! From the sands of Abbey's Southwest to the sands of Kuwait, I have fallen victim! This inspires me to write my own account of the life of an American woman who finds her passion in the deserts of Kuwait.

Edward Abbey's life was so interesting that most any decently-written biography of him should be entertaining. Cahalan's biography is certainly that, but he also delves into Abbey's psyche through the presentation of details that are ignored in other biographies of Abbey. Thus, the reader is provided an image of Abbey that has a lot of "texture," and, I believe, is closer to a faithful picture of the real man, faults and virtues combined. Cahalan does a good job of remaining impartial, and tries to present the events just as they are, so that the reader is pretty much left free to make his/her own judgements about Abbey The Man. This doesn't mean that Cahalan's personal opinions about Abbey don't come out in the book (he is sympathetic to Abbey), but he lets the reader know when he is expressing an opinion, and when he is stating what is taken as fact.

Biographies of famous authors, especially revolutionary ones like Abbey, is a genre that I have started to really enjoy. It seems that, for me at least, reading about the events, and the author's reactions to them, that helped to form such an extraordinary individual is often more entertaining than the author's own writings! That's not to say that I haven't enjoyed most of Abbey's books (not all, though). The same goes for Jack Kerouac. Cahalan's biography and Ann Charter's biography of Kerouac are two fine examples of biographies that read like novels, but are in some ways better, because they report actual events!

I had never even heard of Edward Abbey until Dr. James Cahalan's book was published. I live approximately 35 miles from Indiana and Home, Pennsylvania, and happened to catch an interview of Dr. Cahalan on my NBC affiliate in Johnstown.

This sparked an interest in Abbey and I immediately bought "The Fool's Progress." I struggled to get through 250 of the 513 pages of his "Fat Masterpiece."

I received Dr. Cahalan's "Edward Abbey: a life" as a gift and found it extremely interesting. The author provides very good insights into Abbey's life, his viewpoints and his writing style.

Reading this book has breathed new life into my interest in Abbey. Having read Dr. Cahalan's book has given me what I needed to now finish "The Fool's Progress" with a better understanding of the context in which the book was written. Also, as soon as I finished "Edward Abbey: a life" I bought "Desert Solitaire."

"Edward Abbey: a life" has given this casual (or maybe wannabe) Abbey fan the inspiration and understanding to become a true Abbey fan. In my opinion, this book is the perfect starting point for those fans wanting to explore the many facets of Edward Abbey's life, relationships and writing.

It's true that Cahalan never uses the term, and Abbey himself certainly never fesses up to it, but it's clear that's the case, as a careful reading of this great biography shows, especially if you've read the bulk of Abbey's own work as well, as I have.

Clues? The womanizing and multiple marriages, whether or not Abbey was a misogynist. The immature and obstinate behavior (Example A: Abbey rolling a tire off the South Rim of the Grand Canyon). These alone, if seen in the context of someone's drinking, almost stamp them on the forehead as a stereotypical Type A male alcoholic. If they don't, the whopper storytelling part of his personality does.

But, of course, that's not all.

Although it turned out to be an incorrect diagnosis, normally, there's only one reason you get a diagnosis of pancreatitis without some other medical condition being indicated along with it. And, of course, Abbey's ultimately fatal esophogal varisces are traceable directly to alcohol.

Now, that said, in addition to never owning up to being an alcoholic, Abbey never quit, contrary to myth that even Cahalan doesn't appear to catch.

That's clear from Abbey's final years journals, from which Douglas Peacock, Abbey's model for Hayduke, quotes in "Walking it Off."

In early 1988, Abbey describes the effects of withrdrawal from the codeine he had been using to try to suppress chronic coughing that aggravated the varisces. He explicitly says beer does not ease his codeine withdrawal symptoms.

To the degree that Cahalan, without labeling or analyzing, does catch Abbey's alcoholic behavior, he described it well. Unfortunately, whether because of lack of experience in dealing with the breed or whatever, he unfortunately doesn't analyze Abbey.

The alcoholism is of a piece with other parts of Abbey behind his legendary self-spinning, a glimpse behind that sometimes Abbey gives us himself.

Abbey adamantly insisted he was NOT an environmentalist. Well, the Grand Canyon incident, among MANY others, prove that point all too well. Again, Cahalan sees the pieces, but doesn't do the dot-connecting as much as one might like.

What Abbey really was, as shown by things such as his fondness for 20h century classical music mentioned in "Desert Solitaire," was an existentialist philosopher with a heavy dollop of libertarianism on top. If he had fallen in love with another way of expressing and getting in touch with both existential and libertarian selves, he wouldn't have been out in Arches National Monument.

And yes, we would have been poorer for that, but not as much poorer as Abbey idolators would have us believe.

Abbey deprived the environmental world, the world at large, and many people around, of what could have been much more that he had to offer. But, that's because he was ultimately depriving his own self of -- himself.

But, again, Cahalan, while laying out all the pieces, doesn't quite put the jigsaw together.

That's the prime reason this otherwise excellent bio falls a star short of the top.

Living in Australia, planning a road trip around the Southwest is not an easy consideration. I received this book and suddenly the Southwest was withing smelling distance. The reading is easy and expressive. I have a clear idea of where I will go and what I will do. No matter if I were travelling with children or on my own, I'd be clear about what is available to me. This will be the trip of a lifetime and this sensational book is a catalyst for my planning. Fully enjoyable, this book allows the magic of anticipation to grab me and give me colourful dreams.

This book was incredibly helpful to me. The maps are awesome. It's organized well. I hiked and did Route 66. The book was great for both. The table of contents is super accessible. Buy it and take it everywhere!

I have recently encountered poor Lonely Planet books, but this was not one of them. It is the good old LP at work.
The coverage of Las Vegas, however, was extremely poor. I spent there 24 hours and this book didn't have enough info for even that short of a trip. The rest is great.
The California LP had twice as much info on Las Vegas.

Does a very good job of covering a large area. This book exhibits the best of the Lonely Planet series: a combination of facts, interesting suggestions, opinion and background information. Good maps and graphics. I like that camping suggestions are included for many places.

I purchased this book before a recent visit to Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Taos. I lived in Albuquerque for 4 years about 6 years ago, but I hoped to find new insigts on places to eat, explore, etc. Basically the guidebook told me where not to go. It failed to mention some excellent restaurants in Albuquerque including The Dog House, Las Mananitas, Il Vicino, etc. In Santa Fe I attended a class at the Santa Fe School of Cooking which was a five star class - not mentioned in the guidebook. In Taos I visited a community of alternative homes constructed of tires and cement (earthships.com will explain more) - again not mentioned in the book. I did go to look at a ruin near Espanola that was recommended, but the reservation does not allow admittance.