France Books

I was first introduced to this book way back in junior high. It soon became a favorite and I borrowed it from our school library numerous times. Eventually it was so worn out it was discarded and given to me. My copy got worn out and taped together after many reads. I finally was given the chance to replace my copy with this new release. I love the style of the printing. It seems to glow off the page. A great re-release for a great novel!

Facing the threat of possible separation after the deaths of their parents, 15-year-old Matt McKendrick flees his tiny Idaho ranching community with his deaf younger sister Katie. Once they hit Los Angeles, however, Matt quickly learns that he never anticipated how hard life in a major city might be.

Leaving Katie in an abandoned theatre as he searches for work, Matt returns to discover Katie's been murdered...and *he* is the primary suspect! In a place where no one knows him, Matt struggles to clear his name -- a daunting task, with most of the LAPD believing he is guilty, and the media creating a public frenzy.

With the encouragement of his partner Tony Prado -- and his own family -- Lt. Les Ryder slowly learns to look past Matt's tough, angry exterior and become acquainted with the teenager inside. He begins to think that maybe, just maybe, Matt is telling the truth...

The Truth Trap is about a sad family. Two kids are on thier own. This book shows how Matt, the teenager in the book, is really dedicated to his family. His younger sister, Katie is deaf. Matt took care of Katie after their parents dies in a car accident. People tried to separate them so they run away to stay together. I wish that Katie had lived. Matt went to a lot of struggles to get the family that he is with now to trust him. All in all this is a good book.

"The Truth Trap" is one of the best young adult novels of the last decade. A hard-hitting look at the pain and suffering of Matt McKendrick, the novel shows his attempt to survive the murder of his sister. Adding to that difficulty is the fact that he is the police's primary suspect! Having taught this book for a number of years, I can tell you that the scene in jail is enough to convince any male teenager not to commit a crime; it's unforgettable. Matt is a survivor, however, and he fights back against the loss of his sister and his reputation. An excellent page-turner, "The Truth Trap" will keep you up at night until you finish. My sole warning to the reader: there are three sequels, and the murder mystery is not solved at the end of the first novel (which sometimes angers my students, until I tell them that the sequels are in our school library!).

I first read this book about five or six years ago and loved it. My friends bought me the sequels, and they're great, too. ("Aren't You the One Who...?", "Losers and Winners", and "Cutting Loose"). I've reread "The Truth Trap" a few times, always looking in the library for it, and I'm finally going to buy it now. Amazingly, each time I read it I find something new: another nuance, another aspect of emotion. Miller is a great author, giving the reader deep looks into the characters' personalities and emotions. Her plots are unbeatable for excitement and interest. Having read each of the four books about Matt McKendrick a few times, I still find myself getting teary-eyed. Sometimes I just skim the book, looking for all the good parts (many per book). I strongly recommend these books!

a review of Colette's The Vagabond

The opening of the story in the dressrooms of the music hall smell like rancid grease paint, dust, sweat of performers. There's only few people you can relate to, since everyone comes & goes in the music hall, so why make friends?

But the music hall is good place for Renee Nere, a pantomime, who performs half nude in see-through silks, and gets slammed to ground on purpose by her mentor, Brague, who treats her like an amateur: but this a joke between them. Renee is no amateur. At 33 she can out perform anyone

"You get use to not eating, a toothache . . . . but you cannot get used to jealousy." is the way Renee describes her high profile marriage to Adolphe Taillandy, and his many, many mistresses. A marriage ends in divorce when Renee can no longer take it. Divorce from a wealthy man was unheard of in 1910.

Renee, the vagabond, loves the music hall in her own way, even though she hates the dust, the animal abuse, the low-class crowd. But she will never have to deal with Adolphe Taillandy again. She also endures the touring which means terrible food, discomfort, bad hours. It mends her broken life and heart, or gives her a chance to avoid it.

A rich suitor arrives and Renee doesn't want to get involved. She becomes emotionally involve, but then goes on tour, and tries to forget him. She's a vagabond now and she doesn't want to get tied up.

Colette was a master of the word written by a woman, from a woman's heart. She knew how to move from one scene to another and astonish the reader. The most amazing fact of this novel was that it was written in the dressing rooms of the music hall, and on tour too. ("It takes up too much time to write," states Renee, a writer herself, "and the trouble is, I am no Balzac!")

And then there is a nod to people who make up the music halls of Paris: "How unrecognized they are, these cafe concert artistes, how disparaged and how little understood! Forceful, proud, and full of an absurd and outmoded faith in Art . . . . "

Renee's faith in art is on a thin line too, but it saves her from "a woman dying of grief".

Colette's Renee Nere is complex, her name alone tells us that (the last name is the first name spelled backwards, not to mentioned that Renee means "reborn"). This female protagonist would certainly fit in with the modern notion of being female, and in the early 20th century, this was not only rare, but not very-well understood. I adore this book because of the way it encourages women (by example) to carve out their own existence and not to rely upon men for security. It is also wonderfully written. However, you'll be in for a shocker if you read the sequel, "The Shackle".

Colette's beginning as a writer is one of the strangest in literature. In her early 20s, she married a no-talent hack named "Willy" (that was how he signed his pieces) and wrote a series of novels about a young girl named Claudine. Willy took these pieces and published them under his pen name, giving his young wife no credit.

In her early to mid 30s, Colette grew weary of Willy, and turned her back on him to embark on a career as a dance hall performer. This is the setting for THE VAGABOND, Colette's first post-Willy novel, and the first to bear her own name.

The main character, Renee Nere, has been touring for 3 years, and although she's sometimes lonely, is enjoying her freedom and self-sufficiency. She's also suffering from what we'd refer to nowadays as Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Her marriage to her philandering and abusive husband was so wretched, that when she meets another man who loves her, the slighest familiar gesture or word will trigger memories that incite revulsion.

THE VAGABOND is a gem of a novel that beautifully shows off Colette's gift for prose as well as her wonderful descriptions of life backstage as part of a touring group. If that isn't enough, she is also very gifted at revealing the psychological insights of her character. The introduction by Judith Thurman is well-done, and both the introduction and the novel left me wanting more Colette.

This was my first reading of Colette. What a poetic, beautiful, and amazing writer she was. In this novel, we meet a woman who is definitely revolutionary for her time and ours. Colette is aware of the sorrow and happiness that are intertwined in life. The main character's life follows a path that has much loneliness and doubt, but she, most importantly, has her will. This is truly a feminist classic. What I admire most is the courage to write such a work and to write it so well. The language is intoxicating.

The Vagabond was my first delicious introduction to Colette, and the first book to make me weep openly. I related strongly to Renée, a professional woman who clung desperately to her independence while falling hopelessly for a man who relentlessly tugged at her vulnerability. Renée's confusion about whether love and happiness could coexist kept me captive in suspense until the very last (and infinitely satisfying) page.

I've just started out in my walk with Christ so Childrens books have been VERY helpfull in my study. Out of the 10 books this is by far THE BEST!

This book is for all ages... If you haven't read all 66 books and want to? Then, this is the right book for you. It summarizes the book and chapter well for all ages to comprehend easily.

This is a very nice bible for children as well as adults. It breaks things down into more understandable reading. I use it myself along with my regular bible.

This is one of those books where the kids version is better than the adults version! It breaks down the Bible, into sections and sub-sections. For example, it introduces the 1st 5 books of the Old Testament as the Books of the Law, explains why they are called that, the main points, the main people, an outline of what happens in each chapter- and then it goes a wonderful step further, and links in known historical information, a map of 'Where It All Happened', and other pertinent information about the world at that time. The same format is followed for each Book of the Bible. Within each book there are small illustrations & summaries of the main events in each chapter, which are surprisingly well done- not off-putting to an adult, very accessible to a child. The reference materials at the end- a good dictionary of words that one doesn't often see outside of the Bible!, Bible geography, good time lines of the Old & New Testaments, and an amazing 16 pages of good color pictures tucked away at the end make this book a must!

There are bits that are clearly written for children, and the section on 'Becoming God's Child' may or may not fit exactly with your view of things, but don't be put off by those: this is a great tool for getting to grips with a lot of information.

I am a Christian Education Director and have been looking for some solid material for older youth 5th-8th grade. This book illustrates each book in the Bible within a couple of pages with black and white line drawing charactures. It may sound young, but even my adult committee wanted copies for themselves. I am putting together an entire curriculum using this book for the youth, over a four year period (two years OT & two years NT), along with "What The Bible Is All About Handbook:NIV Edition" for the teachers to get familiar with the Bible in about ten pages per book and the "What The Bible Is All About 101, 102, 201, 202", which are leader guides to teach.

Fantastic.....I am such a believer of this book I now buy it for friends who call me up with relationship break ups and divorces. I refer to it all the time

The well-credentialed authors lead the brokenhearted through the various steps of grief. This book features truly helpful suggestions for navigating the post-breakup storm and for nurturing the self while not seeking revenge on the former beloved.

Highly recommended.

What a great book!! This book is a must for anyone who has lost a loved one. Clear and concise, very well written. It helped me a great deal. Bravo!!!!

A year out from seperation I was still of a mind that one of the most miserable things one human being does to another, is betrayal. This groovy little book took me back to emotions of shock and anger and gently walked me through to a place I now cherish, freedom to do and be the person I am.

Rick Whiteside and Frances Steinberg have written a wonderful guide to getting through some of the most difficult times people face. When Your Lover Leaves You is sensible and compassionate, and keeps you focused on the all-important realizations that not only is there life after a breakup, there are skillful ways of managing intense feelings. I recommend this book highly - it's short, it's focused, and it's practical...exactly the way it should be for people in distress who are looking for smart ways to cope with loss.

This novel was a great read. I found myself wondering about and worrying for the main character. I couldn't wait to find out what happened as I read through it. A great quick summer read.

Pick up this book for an intricately woven story that is one of those books where you say to yourself, "I'll just read five pages before bed," and you can't put it down.

The characters are fully fleshed out (how refreshing) and the UK setting makes the double story even more engaging--a *great* read!

I thoroughly enjoyed this short novel. I found myself intrigued by the mystery. And, just like the main character, I found myself trying to sort through the twists and turns, until I reached the final pages. The setting and characters were depicted very well. One immediately feels both at ease in the small English towns and then a bit uncomfortable as the main character tries to resolve "Where is She Now?.

Frances Gilbert has written a compelling and insightful story. Her extraordinary descriptions of the English setting invite you in; and, in fact, the setting plays an amazing role in the drama. You will love this short novel.

I am the author of Where is She Now - I am getting some wonderful feedback - readers are enjoying the English settings - yes, they are authentic - I am English and lived there for many years - readers are intrigued by the insecure bond between Rosemary and her husband Brian, and especially by Rosemary's shifting understanding of what is real and what isn't - to me the one reflects the other the more difficult and ambiguous a relationship becomes the more uncertain one becomes in all interactions and the less secure about one's own judgements - so Rosemary struggles to assert herself and find out what happened to her baby, and employs her stronger self, Anna, when she feels overwhelmed - my favorite scenes - the restaurant by the river, where Rosemary first challenges Brian - and the very end, the gaveyard scene - I enjoyed writing that, it gave me closure - Frances Gilbert

As TOMS wife and house chef--------This book is fantastic--I have made many of the recipes and they are so very flavorful and please the palettes of many of our freiends--I would always show off this book --------BUY itREALLY!!! get the spices and herbs and have a great time--Pauline from AZ

Absolutely breathtaking color photos of exotic locales and foods emblazon every page and corner of this vibrant cookbook. Contents are grouped by location from Middle East/Africa to Asia, India, and Americas. Incredibly delicious healthful vegetarian recipes with authentic origins are presented from all cuisines along with fascinating stories of the Caldicotts' travels and adventures finding the recipes. These recipes are served in the World Food Cafe, which the Caldicotts operate in London. For those of us not lucky enough to visit their restaurant, here are some tasty entrees to whip up at home: Caribbean Vegetables in Mustard Coconut and Rum Sauce (from Costa Rica), Saag Paneer (from India), Sweet Apple Salad (from the Seychelles), Cardamom Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Pepper Relish (from Tanzania) and many more. There are low spice suggestions and special adaptations for the home chef. Exotic and homely, World Food Cafe marries the ordinary and the divine, the fabulous and the mundane. What a beautiful response to the global village experience!

In short: This is one of the most inspiring cookbooks I've come across in ages. Nicely designed but not overdone, interesting and often funny personal travelogue tidbits, luscious photographs, easy instructions and best of all, the dishes are divine. There are a couple of hard-to-find ingredients such as paneer (Indian cheese) and I wish the authors had suggested replacements for such items, but overall, I've had very good luck with these recipes. Dinner guests love 'em, too. Add one or two to make add pizzazz to an ordinary meal, or mix'n'match a whole bunch of them for an eclectic smorgasbord of world cuisine.

I loved this book. Illustrated with beautiful photos, this is a mixture of a travel and a recipe book, covering Asia, Africa and South America. Whilst some of the recipes have an (authentic) array of ingredients, there are few difficult techniques involved. You do sometimes have to persevere with surprising instructions though, in the belief that it will all be good in the end! And so far, it always has been.

I was lucky enough to find thid cookbook in the Oslo Public Library. For me is this cookbook really the best one I have ever had. I have tried maybe 10 dishes and ALL of them were very tasty! My husband and I have some favourites, like Saag Paneer and Kashmiri Gobi but we are constantly trying new ones. It is true, though, that if I lived in the Czech Republic (where I originally come from) it would be very hard to get all the ingredients. But here in Oslo where 25% of the population are immigrants, it is not very hard! And the paneer is actually possible to make at home-that is what I do! Just find the receipe on the net! I really recommend this cookbook to those who want to enjoy vegetarian meals even though they are not vegetarians! Because eating this, you won't miss meat!!

To follow in the footsteps of Simone de Beauvoir and F. Scott Fitzgerald.... in Paris ... a how-to guide for those bent on a Gaullist literary retreat into the city that spawned many literary masterpieces. Don't forget the cigarettes, the lattes, and of course ... your French Berlitz language book.

A Writer's Paris proves inspirational, whether or not you're planning to go to Paris or if you've already visited the city where many artists go to create. Not only does Maisel describe life as a writer on a Paris sojourn, but also the activities for a writer to do for inspiration.

Substitute the places in Paris for the ones in your hometown or country you plan to visit to write. While the book has recommendations for places to stay, along with a planning checklist, information on where to go, and other resources, its content provides plenty of inspiration and ideas that work anywhere.

While the book's purpose is to encourage writers to take a Sabbatical in Paris, it also easily inspires and motivates readers to create more and writer better. Maisel happens to use Paris as the central location for the book's theme taking time-out for deep exploration for writing. Paris or no Paris -- writers can glean many things from this original book.

Topics include writing books in three weeks, taking the bad with the good, practicing the art of strolling, dealing with and appreciating the absurd, making the cafe a home, overcoming barriers, engaging your senses, and more. The writing is superb and flows lyrically with the illustrations adding the feeling of going on a journey while reading the book.

I must admit to purchasing this because Danny Gregory did some of the illustrations. That said, as I read I became intrigued with what I could learn about my own compulsion, and sometimes strong commitment, to painting. Although the star of this show seems to be Paris, the lessons about turning away from other preoccupations and just getting to it, no matter where you are, can be applied to any location. Instilling discipline in a routine, albeit one that is wrapped in time and self-permission, is a strong central message. I liked the practicality of many suggestions and the devil-may-care attitude of others.

In a rare combination of travelogue and writer's guide, Maisel speaks directly to every writer who values calm surroundings as well as a calm state of mind in order to write. Part tour guide, and part writing coach, Maisel takes the reader on the journey he promises in the subtitle.

After reading Eric's wonderful book Sleep Thinking & having my writing improve a millionfold because of it, I joined Eric's Yahoo!Group newsletter. He's talked about this book. It didn't do a "thing" for me because I really hate Paris. But his other books have helped sooo much, I keep reading his newsletter.

His latest one said:

>>When an editor buys a book from you that in her mind is in the inspirational" category, it can be decidedly hard for you to slip material into the book that is controversial and meaty.

Although A Writer's Paris is an "inspirational book," in the sense that it is meant to inspire you to go to Paris and write, I also wanted to talk about class and privilege, religious opposition to scientific thought, and other "non-inspirational" matters. I tucked in several such essays and wondered how many would make the final cut.

Some of these meaty essays made it into the book and some did not. ...

I am pleased that pieces like Privilege and the Place Vendome, Gay Mayors, and Darwin's Wife made it into the finished product.<<

To me, those "meaty essays" sound like they are talking about what Fiction is really all about.

I just wish all of them had been included.

Maybe Eric will write a "meaty essays" book someday.

Well, what a great tale. The Abbot Rutilius and his new Acolyte, William, are a really humourous new take on the Medieval Mystery genre. In Death and Taxes, they have two murders to solve, a surprising fraud going on in the Abbey kitchens to expose and... was Medieval life really as sexy as this?

There is humour throughout this book, both the subtle kind and the overt but this does not hide the more thought-provoking realities of life in 13th Century France. There is the mentioned-in-passing machinations of the French to get their own man onto the Papal throne, who can and can't benefit from game in the nearby forests, who has the real power over people's lives - Church or State. We see that the past - as they say - really is a different country and that things are done differently there.

I recommend this book to readers of the Brother Cadfael series and to those who found Candace Robb's Archer series a little severe. Read the book and enjoy it.

I discovered that the same authors also wrote Merlin's Kin and Last Free Men

Abbott Rutilius is assigned to travel to various monasteries to balance their accounts in 13th century France. Does that sound serious and boring? You might think so, but you would be wrong. This story includes, robbery, temptation, two murders, tempting women, afternoon romps, food theft, and much more.

The Abbott brings a young man to work with him in his travels and these two get into all sorts of situations. The Abbott seems to often be on the hunt for a decent meal and you can tell that he doesn't feel that he must deny himself of some comforts of life. There's an interesting group of characters in this story and they each play important roles. You will have to read to the end to see who is really innocent and who is really guilty. And, who is that beautiful young woman who seems to pray a lot?

I've seen episodes of the BBC show Cadfael and this reminded me of that series although there is more humor. The Abbott thoroughly enjoys a rich meal. He makes it clearly known when he isn't happy with the food that is prepared. He meets a mysterious woman from a nearby village and is very pleased when she invites him to dinner parties. Abbott Rutilius also has some personal problems that offer some very humorous episodes within the story.

An interesting setting, fascinating characters, suspense, intrigue, misappropriation of church funds and much more await for you in this tale of death and taxes.

Merlin's KinHaving read Merlin's Kin I was looking on Amazon for any further works from this author when I discovered this gem.
Two such disparate heroes I have never before read: one who relishes food as though every meal may be his last, and whose waterworks constantly cause him trouble and a callow youth innocent in the ways of the world who can teach his companion nothing. It shouldn't work but it does, brilliantly, think of Cadfael with humor, change the scenery to medieval France and you're getting somewhere. I see a brave future for this endearing couple here's to many more mysteries, Gyle Meredon

This is the story of a man and a young boy whose friendship blossoms as they travel the country roads of medieval France together. Each in his own way, benefiting the other. On the one hand we have the Abbot Rutilius and on the other his appointed Acolyte William. Rutilius is the Papal auditor of monasteries in 13th century France. He goes around the monasteries checking on their finances and standing in for any Abbot who happens to be away at the time of his visit, as is the case in this book.

William, soon to be fifteen years old is the son of a minor noble who had led an undistinguished life but whose relations had become embroiled with the lost cause of the Cathars. William is quick witted and has also taken something of a shine to Abbot Rutilius. They set off together to the Abbot's next posting, St. Guilhem. Along the way they are robbed of some of their possessions and the Abbot's donkey.

It is a slightly disheveled and flustered pair who arrive at St. Guilhem, only to be told of a death that has recently occurred of one of the monks. On the face of it the death seems to be from natural causes but is later proved to be murder. The Abbot soon realises that all is not as it should be at St. Guilhem. Money is missing from the accounts in both the kitchen and the scriptorium and food is also going missing on a regular basis. Add to that the fact that another body is found and it soon becomes apparent that Rutilius and William have got their hands full in trying to solve the murder's and the false accounting.

The book is an enjoyable piece of light reading with no gimmicks or sensationalism within its pages and it is all the better for it. Just a good, honest medieval mystery.

What better than to put the troubles of the world behind you and curl up on a few cushions on a warm shaded terrace overlooking the Med and immerse yourself in a book that just blows you away. A couple of glasses of Rioja help too!

Not my normal genre, this medieval 'fantasy' murder mystery by David Coles and Jack Everett did just that. The title intrigued me, chapter one reeled me in and before long those occasional glances over the top of the book viewing the latest yacht cruising out to sea became less frequent.
The pages were turning quickly and the plot flowed well as the characters developed, seemingly of their own accord, the sign of a good writer (Or Two). A effortless enjoyable read doing exactly what in says on the tin. Fantasy, escapism... being able to switch off and be transported to another world. It's what a good fantasy novel is all about. Make no mistake this is up there with the best. Another great find for Libros International.

A great source of information for the true Francophile who loves Paris and like a great love wants to know her better !!

This is an excellent guide for the independent traveller. Its best use is for details on neighborhoods. I often "study" it before taking off for the day and get a much better feel for the neighborhood I am visiting. I also "study" it after spending time out for the day and clarify or confirm what I have seen. Used it for years.

I own Access Guides to San Francisco and Wine Country and found them to be very reliable sources of information on eating and shopping, so when I was planning a 5-week stay in Paris I purchased this guidebook. Overall, I'm quite pleased.

Access Paris is an excellent guide targeted at a cultured reader that prefers to consider him or herself a visitor to Paris rather than a tourist. The organization emphasizes neighborhoods rather than monuments, and offers excellent information on cafés, restaurants, bars, shops, and other neighborhood attractions. Restaurant listings include a range of prices for each district, though there are fewer budget options than, say, in the Time Out, Let's Go, and Lonely Planet guides. I've gone to a number of the listed restaurants, mostly those in St. Germain and the Bastille with one $ in the listing, and found them to be of high quality, though I was unable to find one or two. And I appreciate the memorable descriptions this book gives--one restaurant is characterized as right out of a Jean Rhys novel, for example--and the frankness of its evaluation of certain restaurants as overrated and overpriced traps for the well-read visitor.

The book's organization, with neighborhood maps followed by entries on each number that appears on the map, is very easy to use while wandering. The neighborhood maps omit metro stops, however, making it difficult to coordinate one's immediate location with the map of the metro that appears at the back of the guide. Also, the local maps don't indicate arrondissements, which makes the guide difficult to use in tandem with a more detailed map book.

This book covers the islands, the Latin Quarter, St-Germain, Eiffel Tower/Invalides, The Louvre and the Champs-Elysées, St-Honoré, Les Halles, the Marais, the Bastille, and Montmartre. These are all well-established eating and shopping districts in the arrodissements that are at the center of the city. There's also a brief section at the end with select attractions in other neighborhoods, as well as sidebars that discuss specific themes or types of sites (Paris in film, representations of Americans in Paris, flea markets, etc.). If you're mainly going to be in the central arrondissements, you'll probably be very happy with this guide. But if you're staying in an outlying arrondissement, or looking for information on offbeat neighborhoods, this may not be the guide for you--as it also may not be if it's your first time in Paris and you want a guidebook that emphasizes a tour of the monuments. I myself have already done the monuments and was looking for what this book has to offer, so I'm very pleased.

The author of the ninth edition offers more Paris travel tips at www.parisland.com

I must say, I am a big fan of all the ACCESS guides, and the one on Paris was no exception. I'm always disappointed when I go somewhere and there is no ACCESS guide for that city! One of the best things about the guides, Paris included, is that it allows you to break your trip down by neighborhood. While in Paris, we spent one day (or more) in each of the neighborhoods highlighted in the color code system. We had a great time, and the ACCESS guide played a big part in it (as it did in San Francisco and Montreal!). Highly recommended!

This is a delicious and absolutely reliable guide to the delightful B&B establishments of France. I wouldn't think of traveling without it. The selected accommodations always have some unique feature or special charm.

This volume describes 721 French B&B's in 370 pages, each B&B keyed to one of 18 useful regional maps. An additional 40 pages provide maps, indices, some French vocabulary and advertising for Sawday's other products. The descriptions are very useful and the book's organization conducive to effective planning of an independent trip.

I am using this volume to plan a trip from Nice to La Herradura in southern Spain during during the next few months. This permits me to compare this book to the companion volume, Special Places to Stay:Spain.

After reading the Spain volume I expected French B&B's to be as detailed as that of Spain. Certainly it provides information about B&B's in every corner of France. Yes, it too is a marvelous aid for planning the independent trip. Yes it is much stronger than any Rough Guide to France or Spain that I have read. It provides prices, the number and type of rooms, web site references, e-mail addresses, telephone and fax numbers. It very briefly describes what each B&B offers and when it is open or closed. What is lacking for my taste buds, compared to the "Spain volume", is the detailed descriptions provided by a pithy writing style descrbing the locale, the owners and of the cooking style that almost makes the roast kid aroma of a described culinary delight jump out of the pages. My wife misses photographs of the interiors of each B&B.

To provide considerable detail for two establishments per page is an ambitious task and the editors carry it off. Not withstanding my "comparative disillusionment", the word descriptions do compensate for the missing photographs, directions to local eating places anticipate culinary delights and "How to get there information" makes it easy to locate a Special Place on a detailed Michelin map.

Based on my personal experiences, the Spanish volume appears to be very reliable, I see no reason why the French B&B should not be equally so.

An American friend resident in France and my wife and I used this guide last May on a trip through much of France. We set out with a fistful of books: three lodging guides in English and three general guides in French including the familiar Michelin. After a few days we used only Sawday. We found it rock-solid: reliable, authoritative, sensible, up to date, well illustrated, easy to use - all we could hope for. We would phone during the day for a place to stay that night and scored most times with our first choice. [A caution: While some proprietors spoke English, we relied on our friend's French for the cell phone.]

All was as advertised: our hosts welcoming, the accommodations clean and comfortable. A few miles from Omaha Beach we stayed in a new extension to a 18th C. manor house on a 100 acre dairy farm. The next morning, after a delightful breakfast, the proprietress gave us a tour of her milking barn. The average cost for was $50 for two, breakfast included.

Some hosts provided dinner for $15 to $30 including wine. On another farm, dinner included home grown vegetables and home brewed aperitif and digestif, all for $14. In Arlanc although we phoned late, the proprietor graciously made a special trip to purchase extra food for a gourmet meal.

It was a memorable, and thrifty, way to meet real people. What's more, Sawday maintains a searchable database for pre-planning and a most helpful staff. Overall, a superb resource.

I used this guide to plan my husband's and my last trip to France. Although we've been to France many times, the excellent bed and breakfasts in this book made this the best trip ever. The descriptions were accurate and the facilities all lived up to our expectations and more. This book must be popular in the U.K. because most of our fellow travelers were British and had found the B&B's through the book. The book indicates which B&B's serve evening meals along with the cost of the meals; we enjoyed the lively family style dinners immensely. The places we stayed were outside of the towns and cities but the book gave adequate directions to find them.

Many of the B&B's owners did not speak any English which can make telephone reservations difficult for anyone who does not speak French, however fax numbers are included where available. Although the book did not stress any need for reservations, we traveled off-season in the fall and many places were full and turning away drop-ins. I highly recommend the book for planning a casual trip in the French countryside.

My wife and I used this book as the basis for a planning a vacation driving through Normandy. We stayed in four different B&B's recommended in the book. We found the reality met or exceeded the descriptions and we were able to enjoy excellent stays. We recomend this book to any traveller to France wishing to use small hotels and B&B's.