Australia Books

I recommend this book to all fans of the Lonely Planet travel guides. I love how the travel guides are organized. I also loved the TV series and even their calendars so I couldn't resist opening this book when I saw it. Reading this book tells you how the business of Lonely Planet started. It's a story of survival and courage. It's also brutally honest at times. Tony mentions which books were a success and which ones weren't and why. Sometimes the Wheelers meander in their discussions (much like how they meandered in their travels), but you won't mind because the overall story is so captivating. The most amazing thing is how Tony and Maureen managed to travel and raise two children all while running a business. Lonely Planet has always been an inspiration and will doubtless continue to be to its readers.

Lonely Planet Publications began in 1973 when the authors self-published a unique travel guide ACROSS ASIA ON THE CHEAP. What began as a one-time publication evolved into an entire publishing company specializing in places where few conventional tourists traveled. UNLIKELY DESTINATIONS is a wonderful addition to any travel library: it blends autobiography, business history and travel and covers the authors' personal story and the evolution of their budget travel guide business. Armchair travelers and any familiar with the Lonely Planet lineup of excellent independent-travel guides will relish this expose of how they came to be.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Tony and Maureen Wheeler talk about all the places they have visited so far, how they built Lonely Planet as a publishing house, and share their personal views on several topics.

The Wheelers' have travelled so widely that even the names of all the places they have been to can be tough to follow! They understandably have to rush through them. The most interesting part of the travel memoir section is the comparison between how the places were in the 70s/80s and how they are now, something the Wheelers' always point out.

Besides being a travel memoir, this is book about building a boot-strapped busines. The Wheeler's show that building a business is more than just pursuing your dreams, it is about keeping a tight leash on finances, building a good team, competing with similar and larger competitors, staying ahead on the technology curve and reacting to external changes. The chapter "All about guidebooks" is an interesting introduction to how guidebooks are produced - from writing them to getting them printed. As a business book, it is similar to the Starbucks story (Howard Schultz, "How Starbucks built a company..").

The book does not come together as a captivating story. In the first few chapters, the authors describe a chronological order, but that breas down in the later part of the book. Chapters like "All about guidebooks", though very interesting on their own, do break the flow of the story. In addition, there are topics that the authors pick up but do not do justice to (e.g. comparison with competitors is incomplete).

An interesting book overall about travel, how travel is changed over the last three decades, and the challenges of building a business even if it is your dream business.

While the book is well written and covers many fascinating travels throughout the world, including obscure places in Southeast Asia, it is offensive by describing "September 11th and all that." September 11th may have been a joke to wealthy people who live their lives travelling and being paid for travelling, but it was not a joke to the people who lost their lives and the only thing this author can do is complain that there was a "Sept. 11 downturn" in donations to a Lonely Planet Charity. Give me a break. There are more important things than seeing the next 'exotic' destination and playing drums with the natives. While travel is important, and who does'nt love it, is it not the end all, be all. There are times to judge and there are times to take a moment out and say "where did I come from? Did 3,000 of my countrymen just get murdered." There are times and by poking fun at 9/11 and complaining that it led to less donations and pretending that the deaths of people is a joke this book does a disservice both to travelelrs who have morals and to the world. Civilians don't deserve to be murdered and making fun of them is degrading and offensive. Eveyrthing else in this book is interesting but the 9/11 rant spoils it all.

Seth J. Frantzman

If you love to travel and love the idea of making your passion pay for itself, then this is a must read. An open and honest look at the creation and evolution of Lonely Planet!

I have been to Australia three times, from East to West. At least I thought I had been to Australia until reading Cynthia Clampitt's Waltzing Australia.

Waltzing Australia is Cynthia Clampitt's record of a long trip she took to the world's largest island, the driest continent - the only nation that is a continent. Through her record we share this trip. This book is not your normal travel story...

First of all Cynthia didn't go to Australia for vacation. She didn't go for altruistic reasons, to help the locals. And she damned sure didn't go for business opportunities.

She had an obsession.

Cynthia quit her job and off she was for five months in Australia. Starting out in Queensland she headed in a westerly direction then looped back around and headed East until she got to Sydney. And she soaked up everything. Nature. History. Geology. People.

Waltzing Australia is a well written account of this trip, written almost as if it were a lengthy personal journal (just over 500 pages). But I say "almost as if" this were a journal because Cynthia didn't just keep track of her experiences - she kept track of the essence of this large, dry continent.

When reading Waltzing Australia I got the distinct feeling that Cynthia Clampitt and I have lots in common. Well, then again, maybe not. I have traveled the world but have done it in a much different way. Cynthia started with Australia out of college. I started with the Navy after high school. Cynthia moved back into "normal life" in the United States. After a few decades, I, on the other hand, am still overseas. Cynthia chose a location to know well and chose to live frugally. I chose to build my businesses around an area so that coming and going were up to me. But we have that wanderlust in common. In reading her opening chapters I understood this obsession of Clampitt's. I had the same obsession growing up in rural Arkansas, wanting for the life of a world traveler. And of all the enchanting places that I have been, whether I lived there or only visited, I share the sentiment of the bittersweet description Cynthia Clampitt gave of leaving Australia.

It will always still be there...

Cynthia's book wasn't at all what I expected when I first picked it up. I thought it would be a nice, light travelogue of some time she spent in Australia. Boy, was I surprised.

First, this was no travelogue - it's an intense love story between an American city-dweller and the vast continent of Australia. It starts with an infatuation from afar, and develops over the course of five months into a deep life-long love and respect.

Along the way, we are close witnesses to Cynthia's discovery of every nook and cranny of large cities, small towns, and hundreds of miles of outback. Each new experience is described in gorgeous detail from the joy of feeding flocks of wild parrots to the agony of sleeping on a bus. Each page is overflowing with adventures, and we get to meet each city, animal, plant, and person along with Cynthia as if we're right there with her.

"Waltzing Australia" is deeply emotional and personal. It's an inspirational read about a strong woman living out the dream of a lifetime, and we are very fortunate that she decided to take us all along.

I never knew what exactly enticed my daughter when in her late teens she was determined to travel for six months to Australia exploring a country that is called "Down Under." (If you are wondering why it is called "Down Under," it is because it is the only continent with a permanent population that is entirely below the equator and thus it has been given this name.) After all, wasn't she supposed to follow her friends and pursue the usual trip to Europe? However, after reading Cynthia Clampitt's Waltzing Australia, I well understood why this mesmerizing and enthralling country would lure anyone to explore it from one end to the other.

Clampitt is a freelance writer specializing in food, travel, and history. As her bio mentions, the life she now leads began with a dream that seduced her away from her corporate career and led her to Australia. In fact, since her dream took hold, she has traveled to China, Cambodia, Vietnam, India, Thailand, Mexico and several other countries. There is an old saying that no matter what happens, travel gives you a story to tell and this is exactly what Clampitt does as she permits us to relive with her an amazing six month twenty-thousand journey circling and crossing Australia.

Beginning in Queensland, readers follow Clampitt through the Northern Territory, Western and South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, Canberra & Environs, New South Wales, Sydney. Using comprehensive notes jotted down in log format, she effectively chronicles the pulse of her escapades and gives her readers one hell of a ride as she describes what she saw, smelled, heard and felt pertaining to some of the more interesting colorful and historical venues.

Just as an artist would have a sketch- book handy, Clampitt traveled with her journal recording intriguing scenes, descriptions of people and places. For example, the famous Great Barrier Reef is brought to life where we learn that it is 1,250 miles long and supports more animal life per square mile than any other region in earth. In addition, as mentioned, "it is the largest structure ever built by living creatures, constructed over thousands of years by tiny coral polyps." Clampitt leaves her readers with stunning and breath taking images when she describes the reef with its tiny, brilliant yellow fish darting among the channels of enormous, green brain corals. The giant clams, some of which measuring four feet across, turning on their mauve, purple, and green mantles to collect food.

With her keen sense of time and place, Clampitt has grasped the essential ingredients of good travel writing avoiding a common pitfall that some travel writers yield to in that they merely recycle factual information. However, such is not the case with Clampitt who manages to elegantly mix her own personal observations and musings while throwing in a little history and geography. Moreover, as we tag along with Clampitt, we notice how she places us firmly on the ground she describes. In other words, we perceive and experience the same venues as she does utilizing all of our senses in order to enjoy this alluring and captivating learning experience.

As for the people she met along the way, although she was travelling solo, she never felt alone due to the fact that Australia never gave her much opportunity to feel lonely.

Wherever she went, there was always someone to talk to, even Aborigines. Clampitt recounts when she stopped to photograph some beautiful pink flowers, a white-haired Aborigine with limited English stopped and told her about oleanders and picked a branch for her. They even managed carry on a conversation where she discovered various other plants.

Waltzing Australia is a splendid travelogue that delivers in spades and anyone contemplating a trip to "Down Under," or even armchair travelers, would be more than satisfied with its abundance of intriguing revelations. By the end of the book, I felt as if I actually sat beside Clampitt as she explored beautiful Australia.

Norm Goldman, Publisher & Editor Bookpleasures

This is a compelling tale of adventure and dreaming. Cynthia takes us on a journey and climbs her 'Everest'. Many Australians make similar journeys to Cynthia- it is still a challenging country to travel through. Yet as we share her travels something becomes clear; there is one thing that most of us cannot do.... and that is to write about our adventures and dreams in such an engrossing way. This is what marks this travel book apart from other similar tales; it is a piece of literature. As an Australian I could almost smell the scent of eucalyptus leaves coming out of the page. (This is the highest praise an Australian can offer!)

This is such a wonderful and compelling book! As a nature photographer, I have a sense of adventure and a love of the outdoors that is shared by Cynthia and expertly conveyed to the reader along the way. I was amazed at her journey and felt I was right there with her. I found myself reading slower during the last few chapters of the book as I didn't want the journey to end. This book really brings to life the wonders of Australia and I admire Cynthia's adventurous spirit and joy in discovering all that nature has to offer.

If you are planning on doing any driving in New Zealand this is the atlas for you. It is rather large but it makes it easy to follow the roads. I have a friend that lives there; she begged me to leave it for her.

The AA Zealand map/guide is an excellent source for all your driving & touring needs in New Zealand. Highly recommended.

This is an excellent detailed resource for travel in New Zealand.

This is the equivalent of the Rand McNally Road Atlas for New Zealand. I highly recommend it if you are planning a road trip through New Zealand. It helped tremendously with our trip planning. It also includes a table of distances between major cities and towns and estimated drive times.

If you're planning on renting a car in another country to do some sightseeing, I highly recommend this series of Road Atlas. I have several of them from different countries and all of them are extremely helpful when you want to make your own route for a driving excursion. It is large scale, with excellent detail on roads and routes. A must have for driving in other countries.

We give "Angelina and the Princess" 5 stars. The ballet students have been asked to dance for Her Royal Highness, the Princess of Mouseland. Mr.Lightfoot, the director of the famous Royal Ballet Company, was coming to help Angelina's dance teacher, Miss Lilly, choose the best ballerinas for the special performance. On the morning of the tryouts Angelina woke up feeling terrible. Her mother said she could not go to ballet school that day. You will enjoy reading this book to see if Angelina does get chosen to dance for the Princess.

beautifully illustated, heartwarming childrens stories. Even though the Angelina stories are geared towards girls, my little boy, at 8, enjoyed these as well, especially when mom read to him. These are good stories to read to your child at bedtime.

The artwork is detailed and delightful to look at-you'll see new things each time you look, and children love that that every scene is filled with many little mice.

This Angelina story deals with doing your best-even if you're not picked to lead. Each book is filled with wonderful life lessons told in a gentle, non preachy way.

I highly recommend this series for any child.
5 stars!

When Angelina Ballerina finds out that her ballet school will be putting on a performance for the Princess of Mouseland, she couldn't be more excited. She stays up all night practicing and practicing, only to wake up feeling sick, and unable to dance. However, she does try, and ends up with only a chorus part in the performance. Disappointed, she vows never to attend ballet school again, until her Mother tells her to be happy with the part that she has. Agreeing, Angelina Ballerina goes back to ballet school only to save the day once again.

ANGELINA AND THE PRINCESS is an adorable addition to the ANGELINA BALLERINA book series. As always, Helen Craig's illustrations are breathtaking, and will capture the heart's of all readers, young and old, as will the wonderful, moral-building story by Katharine Holabird. A must-have for all.

Erika Sorocco

In this sequel to Angelina Ballerina, Angelina learns that her ballet school is to put on a performance for the Princess of Mouseland. Angelina is crushed, though, when she gets sick in time for the tryouts. Forced to settle for a supporting role, she takes her mother's advice and determines to do her best at the part she is given. This is the story of Angelina's triumph!

Once again the unbeatable duo of Katharine Holabird (author) and Helen Craig (illustrator) combine to create a supremely lovable book. My ten-year-old daughter tore through this book, thoroughly enjoying the story. Yes, it wasn't a challenge to her reading ability, but she loved the story, and I appreciate any book that keeps her reading! Both my daughter and I highly recommend this book.

"Angelina and the Princess" is the first of the Angelina series my daughter and I have, but we plan to get the rest as we love this so much. Angelina is a tiny white mouse who yearns to be feminine and sweet, but is sometimes headstrong and silly--just like most girls I know (including my five-year old daughter!). Angelina has a dance recital coming up and she is pining away for a major role. However, as she's sick on the day of auditions, she doesn't do well and in fact, barely is able to crawl back home and into her worried mother's arms. She knows she did poorly, and her mother admits as much too, which brings me to one of the things I love about this book--there's no sugar-coating the fact that Angelina has gotten herself into a pickle. It's a storybook, and a fantasy at that, but it's realistic enough to keep the edge off the sweetness.

Angelina is counseled by her mother to do her very best. I don't want to give away the ending, but by keeping a cheerful attitude and trying to do her best for the whole dance company, Angelina is amply rewarded. It's a story with a moral, but the moral isn't presented in a sickeningly sweet way.

The illustrations by Helen Craig are truly a treat. Set vaguely in a Victorian England mousedom, they depict tiny cottages with climbing vines, drapey dresses with floral prints, tiaras, bouquets, adorable furniture, and so on. Three cheers to both Helen Craig and author Katharine Holabird for a book which is a joy to read and great fun to peruse just for the illustrations alone!

This book is a must have for anyone interested in Celtic Art. I can't wait to get started on the designs. This book has clear detailed instructions that can be altered with little to no problem it seems. The designs range from simple quick projects to more advanced longer projects which would make it an excellent purchase for those just getting into cross stitching.

I own far too many of these books. Each one I buy gives me new projects to explore, new possibilities for colour combinations and wonderful gift ideas.

This book is no exception. The basics are all here: an innovative stitcher might want to experiment a little with the use of metallics or beads while a new stitcher can learn to master his or her technique.

The projects are keyed to both Anchor and DMC - which is great for those of us who use either.

Recommended for those who, like me, think that there is always room for one more stitching book on the shelf.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

The designs included are a little simplistic, with little or no shading and relatively little detail. NEVERTHELESS they are well charted, well organized, and treated as "motifs" rather than projects (though some project ideas are included) so that you can use them for a variety of purposes. The nice thing, however, about not using 50 colors for one design is that you can easily adapt the color scheme to suit your needs.

I'm not entirely familiar with traditional Celtic art, mostly just modern interpretations. This book is pretty much what I expected to see, so I don't know if it's historically accurate or any of that. All I know is that I'm satisfied with the design and contents, and I suppose that's all I can say!

Much better than the other Celtic cross-stitch I've looked through. Good library of designs - all the clasic knots and animals - and perhaps most important for beginners (and the lazier among us): No half-stitches!

This book is worth the cover price for the lettering patterns alone!

I anxiously awaited delivery of this book. So many books are full of designs you'll never use. This book is a wonderful exception. The beginning of the book has a short section on how to instructions that could help the novice cross-stitcher. Then the remainder of the book is devoted to classic Celtic designs and a wonderful array of projects that range from the simple Celtic cross book mark (a nice quick project) to a Celtic designed rug.

Best features of all -- 6 different alphabet designs and a pattern library in the back to fuel your stitching creativity even further. This is a great addition to any stitcher's library and especially those who love Celtic design!

Crowded House was one of the best bands I've ever seen, and they made great records, so why didn't they sell millions of records all over the world?

Read this fantastic book--complete with interviews from all the band members--and find out some of the reasons. The book is detailed and raw with emotion because many of the interviews took place right after the band broke up.

It is a sad tale, but not for the reasons you might think.

Overall, it is an excellent read for both hardcore and casual fans alike.

Crowded House was one of the best bands I've ever seen, and they made great records, so why didn't they sell millions of records all over the world?

Read this fantastic book--complete with interviews from all the band members--and find out some of the reasons. The book is detailed and raw with emotion because many of the interviews took place right after the band broke up.

It is a sad tale, but not for the reasons you might think.

Overall, it is an excellent read for both hardcore and casual fans alike.

A great read about a great band that never quite fulfilled its potential. Something So Strong shows that writing and performing wonderful songs is only part of a band's journey. There's also dealing with the music business, and fashion. 'Something So Strong' gets inside the band, tells detailed stories about how the music was created, and also tells the other story: how the music business operates. The band made some mistakes - releasing 'Chocolate Cake' was one of them - but so too did Capitol. It's the best book on how a record is made and marketed since 'Star Making Machinery'.
PS, contrary to what it says here, the book is readily - and cheaply - available through Amazon's UK site amazon.co.uk .

`SOMETHING SO STRONG' by Chris Bourke is arguably the greatest book ever written about a rock band. It is detailed, entertaining and informative. As well, the book is almost impossible to put down. Although the author is clearly a fan, he doesn't dodge around any contentious issues. He seems to have had unfettered access to the individuals involved with Crowded House and that, of course, is always a plus. Any music buff, regardless of whether you're a Crowded house fan or not, will enjoy reading `SOMETHING SO STRONG'. I've read dozens of books about musical groups and this tome is far and away the best. If I have a beef, it's that the Canadian market (where the band was huge) is pretty much ignored. For that you must read `PRIVATE UNIVERSE' by Doole and Twomey.

The ballad of Crowded House, told by Chris Bourke, is entertaining, thanks to the way it was written. What makes this biography so enjoyable is that the author doesn't tiptoe around issues that arose during the band's lifetime. Although Crowded House kept aiming at the US market, the impact that they had in Europe, as well as Australia, is equally important, perhaps even more so, than this. Unlike other reviewers, I don't think it is necessary to label the band as US '2 hit wonders' when clearly they've made an impact elsewhere. Bourke chronicles this struggle well, and top marks go to his research. Great book - must for any Crowdies fan.

To quote from the book: "But I have read all the books in the bookshop, gone to all the seminars on the circuit...and yet stayed at the starting line. I didn't move off that line until I took a principle, learned it, and applied it in my life unconditionally."
That fundamental principle is set out and, if followed, leaves no choice: the only way is up.
For me, this book has resulted in a critical turning point. Don't pass over it!

One of my clients recommended this book to me and to be honest, at the time I wasn't in the frame of mind to 'get rich' so I didn't buy it straight away. I only purchased it after another conversation with her when she told me it was as much about richness of life as it was about getting rich in the monetary sense. How grateful I am to her! I've read so many personal development books in my life but this one really shifted something in me. So much so that a year after reading it, I have a much clearer picture of where I am going both personally and professionally, I am more in control of my finances than I have ever been in my life, I feel happier and more at peace with myself AND...the turnover in my business has nearly doubled (so it looks like I'll get rich anyway!). I highly recommend this practical and entertaining book...it might just change your life.

This book is a genuine worthwhile read.
It is written with a wonderful twist of humour but delivers a content that is personally challenging. It challenges because in small subtle ways you start to question how you can improve the way in which you live your life... To be all that you can be!!!!! (whatever that is for each of us)
Sometimes in life it is the little differences that make the big difference.
I found this book helpful in practical ways that I could apply the lessons quickly. The case studies on the characters in the book were stories I could relate to, so I found the book easy to read. The humour is very earthy and real.
I would recommend this book for those aiming to fulfill their potential.

I've read many books on wealth creation but this one really hits the mark! Why? Because it talks to all areas of life, not just making money (as one might imagine given the title). It makes you take a good look into your life and ask the hard questions - like "what do I really, really want?". This is a book that you'll want to read over and over again, each time learning a little more about yourself and where you are headed. Love it!

I have listened to the audio version of the book and have to say that it is my favorite title I have in my mp3. I find myself listening to certain parts of the book over and over again.

This isn't your usual self help book that feels like a clone of everyone elses book. The book is pretty deep and really should be studied until it gets entreched in you brain. There are some really great ideas that shouldn't be taken lightly.

For instance, the authors suggest that if "someone is getting ready to harm you wife or mother in front of you, you wouldn't think "well I don't know if I will succeed at stoping the intruder or what if i fail at stopping him from hurting my wife. Of course you wouldn't even consider that, you will react without even thinking about the consequences.

The above mentioned contrasts that analogy to a key result in your life that must be acted on, but you don't do it because of all the thoughts that go through your mind that stops you.(anyway, you get the picture)

The authors take a group of "losers/(bitchers)" and take them through a journey of self discovery as you can and will relate to one of the "losers" in the group.

I don't have the book, but as far as the audio...it's great.

We all have dreams. And when you read this book and do the excercises in it, you will be closer to achieving those dreams. It's pretty simple, a quick read. But Milton makes you work too. The world is against the dreamer and this book helps you to see your dreams and go after them. Check it out.

I have listened to the tape 3 times so far; in turn I have bought this for four people. Having read numerous books on making lifestyle, career, and relationship changes -- all of which have helped me considerably -- I can tell you that the advice Milton Katselas gives us as "average Joe" citizens (instead of the actors & actresses he has coached) is what I want to follow more than any other book I've read. I am buying the book because this time, unlike with all the other authors who have said basically the same things without the hard-hitting succinctness that Milton uses, I want to write it all down. I want to follow through. I want to change my life for the better. I'm going to do it with more gusto and fervor than I've ever done it before. It's time to REALLY GO AFTER what I want in a career, not just "make my life better" as I've done to date. Many things have improved in my life, but the clock is not turning back. If ever there was a launching pad, this is the book to use.

I've never said this about a book before, but this book has absolutely changed my life. It's a simple approach that helped me to get out of my head and start taking action toward achieving my dreams. The author recognizes that everyone can be an artist in whatever profession s/he chooses. He insightfully addresses the obstacles that we build for ourselves and offers practical solutions for removing them. There are exercises at the end of each chapter that help you to focus on your personal goals. The exercises start out pretty broad and then drill down to become more and more specific as the book progresses. I have read the book many times, and have figured out that it really does make all the difference if you write out your responses to the exercises for yourself. The book is also very engaging because the author has lead such an interesting life. He has had success as an actor, director, author, visual artist, gallery owner, teacher...

This book motivated me to enroll in the author's acting school 3 and 1/2 years ago. I have grown so much as an actress and as a person by having made that decision. To the post of "A Reader" - I'm not a Scientologist. To everyone else - If you're interested enough to read the reviews, I suggest that you read the book for yourself and start making your dreams happen.

This is one of my favorite audiobooks. Milton is very pragmatic and focused on real life. Everything he says can actually be applied to your life and your situation. I think my two favorite concepts are the career concept and the flinch, though I totallylove the entire thing. I really love the flinch because it's this great thing you can just bring out when you're having motivation problems. It's much better than "Come on I can do it!" It's "Don't flinch!' To my than makes it this great challenge or a game. So much better than when most motivational speakers say "See every problem as a challenge."

Gently, but without mincing words, this author delivers a matter-of-fact message that cuts through the psychobabble of finding out "why" something is. Then he tells you how to pursue your dreams and to get unstuck from wherever it is you ARE stuck. It works for young and old, scholars and teachers, slow or warp-speed minded. His methods apply to all. I've listened to it three times and will do so again. And I've bought the book! I want to change my life!

I have used this book repeatedly to help educate teachers, administrators, mental health personnel, and parents to the needs of highly and profoundly gifted children. Dr. Gross packs terrific information into a lengthy *and* very readable book.

This book is a fascinating study of a small group of exceptionally gifted (IQ>160) children in New South Wales, Australia. Gross follows these children over several years, and includes extensive details about their interests, family background, progress through school, and social and emotional as well as academic status. She shows that when these children are not allowed to learn at an appropriate pace and level it places them at serious risk. It is interesting even for those who do not live with such children.

Miraca Gross has brought us an amazing gift: she continued her original 10-year longitudinal study of exceptionally gifted children, and brought us up-to-date another ten years later. Following the pain and successes of these unusual young people over the course of 20 years gives the reader tremendous vistas from which to gain perspective of the way society treats the highly gifted...and what that does to them.

If you already think your child is gifted, but she or he isn't "fitting in" you just might have an exceptionally gifted child. Since the intellectual level of these children is high, even compared to other gifted kids, parents don't generally have any true means of comparison. They often have never met any other kids like theirs.

Instead of guessing, read this book. You will know--quickly--if you see your kid there. This is NOT a book about "perfect," high-flying, academic achievers. To the contrary: it is a painful examination of how enforced academic underachievement has hurt these kids, and how appropriate intellectual challenge (when they could get it) helped them feel comfortable in their skins.

Read this book if you think your child is gifted. Read this book if you "just knew" there was something special about your child when they were little, but they've never fit in school. Read this book if you work with or care for the gifted.

I read the reviews about this book and bought a used copy (old edition) expecting a book that would change my life. Now my only regret is that I didn't spring for the current edition right up front.

First, this book isn't about gifted children - it is about exceptionally and profoundly gifted children. There is a difference. If your child falls into this special group, this is one of the few books you will find that discusses your child - with all the good and the challenges that accompany these extreme gifts.

The book has very BORING sections if you are reading for the sake of reading. Be prepared. I didn't skip anything and I don't regret it - but some sections were hard to wade through. In the end, however, some of the charts and tables gave me the insight that I was hoping to get. Also, each chapter has a high level summary - so if you do have trouble wading through a particular chapter, skip to the end of the chapter and figure out what you are supposed to be learning. Decide whether it is worth going back to deal with the details.

I started reading the book with the goal of convincing myself that my son didn't belong in this group. The first few chapters with their amazing stories of each child's most wonderful accomplishment left me thinking that I was right. However, as I read further along and got into the meat of the book, I recognized my son in its pages.

Ms. Gross holds out hope in her numbers for allowing a very special child to grow up happy and well adjusted. It isn't politically correct to allow a child like this to go at their own pace, but it is healthy - and her data shows it. Quantitative evidence (albeit on a limited sample) to show that these children are not normal and we should celebrate that rather than trying to force the issue.

I'm much more prepared for the future with my child than I was before reading this book. I would recommend highly for parents and teachers who are coping with EG and PG kids.

For many parents, teachers, and school admnistrators who need to understand exceptionally and profoundly gifted children, this book is the one that finally makes the world and the educational and emotional needs of these children comprehensible. It is the first book recommended to newcomers in the online support groups for parents of "EG" and "PG" children. It is scavenged from 2nd hand sales, hoarded, and loaned with care. The publisher's remainders were sold out [within] 48 hours of a notice posted to one email list.

It is easy to see why. Miraca Gross brings her subjects alive with her even-handed and clear-sighted case studies. The narratives illustrate the lack of comprehension frequently encountered in schools when children are functioning 4 to 8 grade levels ahead of their "peers" intellectually, and the stress and outright cruelty often inflicted on these children and their parents as a result. It also documents the almost immediate elimination of these problems when appropriate educational settings are found.

The book was a continuation of Gross's doctoral research, and it shows it's origin in the data analyses. These sections aren't for everyone, but they are quite helpful for those with a research or education background and interest. Others can skip directly to the summaries. But for both groups, the case studies are what make the book.

If you have one of these remarkable kids, I recommend that order a used copy from Amazon and keep your eyes peeled for it elsewhere...

I first saw a picture or two on some program to download desktop photos. I followed some info cuz I was captivated by the Alice pictures. I discovered Robyn's journey, story and this story book. I considered buying a used one, but decided to get a new one. I just love the whole of it and so appreciate the author not only taking the journey but sharing it with the rest of us. Even if some of the sharing was against her original plans. Thanks Robyn. Your journey touches deeply in inexplicable ways.

Although large in size, and filled with breathtaking photographs, this book includes so much more than the regular "picture book". Robyn's thoughtful words make you feel as if you are traveling right along with her and her famous camels. The story is engaging and heart-wrenching; and the reader runs through the same emotions that Robyn feels at each leg of the journey, from the tragedy of loss to the jubilation of completion.

Beautiful and introspective - and very highly recommended.

This book breaks all the boundaries - combining Photography, digital media and narrative to capture the wild spirit in us all. Makes me want to buy and camel and set off!

The combination is a winner because of:
* the stunning page and a half photo spreads of Australian desert and scenes showing Robyn's trek with the camels
* engaging narration by Robyn that shows you the beauty, fear, boredom, and other feelings that accompany her on the months of solitude crossing 1700 miles of outback Australia
The photographer represented National Geographic, and the photos have that look the magazine readers expect. Interesting panoramas, the light playing on the spinifex, the wrinkled face of an Aboriginal tracker, the otherworldly red dirt, the camels silhouetted against the skyline.
Robyn represented only herself and undertook the trek for reasons even she did not understand. Seeing her develop and expand her thinking during the days and weeks and months on the track makes this a fascinating book.

I bought this book while on a visit to Australia in 1990 and read it on the flight home! I was completely entranced by this woman's tenacity and determination to complete her often difficult but life expanding trek ALL ALONE! I had lost this book in a fire in 1993 and felt like I had lost a friend - I am soooo happy to see it is back in print! The incredible photos that accompany the journey are worth every penny!