Travel Books

I love Disney world and I love love The Pirates Of The Carribbean! Great if you like both!

I really enjoed the first chapter on how the concept translated into the final product of a ride. Amazing how these things come together. The second chapter comparing the ride throughs between the four parks I found a bit frustrating - hard to really picture it unless you're there (for me). I was more interested in the ride portion than the movie chapter myself. Worth the buy (though I bought it used).

My daughter just loves all the background information. She's very happy with it.

Know this first: I'm a huge fan of all things Disney, especially POTC the ride.

Imagineer Surrell's book is very well-done. This is one of those (along with his earlier work on the Haunted Mansion) that I go to again and again, like watching a favorite movie or listening to a favorite album. Maybe I'll notice on the 50th reading ONE MORE DETAIL I somehow missed...
I especially enjoyed the look at the other parks' version of the ride. Rock on, Jason!

Con: Woulda liked it in HARDCOVER.

Now, as with any OTHER topical subject, some of the info goes out of date the day the book is published, and will continue to "go stale". The 2nd, 3rd, and even talked-about 4th movies are, of course, not included. The much-publicized ride rehabs are not either. This is the same with Jason's earlier Disney's Haunted Mansion book (a good companion piece, by the way). That said, the HM book goes off into a hopeful description of the actually-miserable HM movie, touting it as the best thing since Bela Lugosi. This was written well in advance of the actual public release of the HM movie, I guess, so they were gambling the public would love what turned out to be a huge embarrasment. ( When I need cheering up, I sometimes imagine HM Director Minkoff at what I hope is his new day job, asking people if they want to add a cherry turnover to their order for just 50 cents more ). Okay, here's your soapbox back.

They shouldn't have pushed the HM movie so hard in THAT book.

Not so in THIS book: Because they "got burned" on the HM movie, there's a decidedly less-throat-cramming push for Curse of the Black Pearl, which, of course, in hindsight, they could have laid on thicker, now that the movie has generated some kind of Star-Wars-level cultural shift.

Buy the book. You know you want it.

I know I want more books on CLASSIC Disney attractions, and I only want 'em writ by Jason Surrell. Amen.

As of November, 2006, a newer, updated version of Mr. Surrell's book is now available! Look for the version with the compass rose in the upper right corner of the cover.

Cheers!

Beck

This is one of the most enjoyable and most readable books I've read on any aspect of astronomy. It does show that some planetary astronomers are a bit more human than they ought to be, putting fame ahead of knowledge, but at least they're fussing about something that might conceivably be useful (but hardly, right?) and not about how old Time is, or how to convince me that there is no center to the universe although 'it did so start with an explosion!'. Much of astronomy, and all of cosmology, is just a big boondoggle for smart graduate students and their mentors, but at least the ones Ken Croswell writes about are almost 'down to earth'.

I generally liked this book. I will mention here that the author does tend to write in all the politics amongst the different astronomers and their institutions, making these people real and their discoveries intriguing. However, the bitterness he dotes on gets tiring in some places. Also, he writes to keep you in suspence and only a few times does the anticipation get annoying.

This is an excellent book on the given subject, covering the history of the search for other planets in a technically proficient but accessible way. Croswell frequently brings in the scientists involved and lets us hear what they have to say. Since the search for planets has often been controversial, this makes for exciting reading sometimes, as two leaders in the field take turns taking potshots at each other.

Mostly, though, it brings more of a human face to this arcane endeavor. Croswell also takes pains to explain how the search is progressing and how so many false alarms have managed to take place over the years.

Again, an excellent book.

Planet Quest is a great book for all you armchair astronomers who want to learn more! I am not an astronomer or even an amateur astronomer, in fact, Planet Quest is only the Third book I've read on the subject but my interest is growing. Planet Quest is very easy to understand because all of the scientific jargon is followed by words and explanations that beginners, like you and me, can follow. Read this book, you won't be disappointed!

Ken Croswell's book, "Planet Quest" is a must for anyone interested in the search for planets outside of the solar system. The book reads well, telling a fascinating story from the beginnings of speculation about the existence of alien worlds right up to the present when information is coming to us all the time about strange new worlds around distant stars. Anybody with an interest in the possibilities of life elsewhere must read this book.

"Scotch and Holy Water, by John D. Tumpane, is a charming account of the adventures of a fun-loving group of American ex-pats in Turkey in the late 1950s and 1960s.

John D was a graduate of Yale who went to Turkey with his family's engineering business. I grew up around John D, and he was always a positive influence on me and the other kids around him. John D adored life and travel and language and people. He traveled extensively around Turkey, learned to speak Turkish quite well, and seemed to rejoice in exploring the Turkish culture.

John D often wrote short stories and "Scotch and Holy Water" is the book that grew from his collection of hilarious stories. He wrote lovingly about both the Turks and the American ex-pats. His writing describes the uniquely Turkish spirit of hospitality and joy of life. When he writes about the Americans, he emphasizes the exploration and fun. John D doesn't cover up the foibles of the Americans there in Turkey, but he does treat them gently and with kindness. Having grown up in the places and times he describes, I can attest to both the accuracy and the gentleness in John D's writing.

"Scotch and Holy Water" is full of good deep laughs from this earlier time of innocence.

THIS IS FOR ALL TURCOPHILES OUT THERE, OR ANY ONE INTERESTED IN A GREAT COUNTRY: TURKEY!

For perspective, I was 2 years old when John D met me and 12 years old the last time I saw him. As for the book, it's all true, and couldn't have been better said. I recall my father (Art) and mother (Mim) coming back from the evening excusions John D. and the others would go on and how the laughing never stopped. Like other readers comment, it all needs to be put in perspective. I recently loaned the book to an associate who just returned from Izmir...the book has yet to be returned. They're making another trip and have commented toward the value the book has offered in understanding the people and places. Like the many of us who endured there for over 10 years, as the book prefaces the subject, you begin to understand the people, like the people and land, and never want to leave...yearning periodically to consider a return trip.

I recommend the reading of this book...it's well worth the time...it'll make you laugh..consider, the literal interpretations that can only exist...

A must read for anyone who has lived or is living in Turkey. I laughed the whole way through and could relate to almost everything, even though it's 30 years later. The author captures the uniqueness, frustrations, and wonders of living in Turkey.

I am half american half turkish airforce military brat. I can vouch that the attitudes and ways in the book in the time it was written and even in general today are the turkish people.
It is a great way to understand the culture. I first read this book after finding it my fathers library when I was 18. I read it as almost his own stories from his stationing there earlier on.

This is not only an exquisitely written book filled with spot-on dialogue -- it has a highly cinematic sensibility and would translate well to cinema. They say there is a scarcity of strong, well-developed roles for women in film; well, here, in Patricia Morelos, is one that is most definitely Oscar caliber. I had the privilege of meeting the writer at a conference recently and, like everyone else in the group, was stunned by her abilities as a writer and born ranconteur. (Linda is also an amazing painter as well!) It is quite difficult for a writer to create such an intricate, tightly woven plot that flows organically and Linda has done it here. The vivid descriptions of Mexico make the reader feel as though they are really on this journey along with the characters. I look forward to reading Linda's next book; she's a natural, easily on par with or above many of the top novelists writing today.

This book was very entertaining and hard to put down. I can't wait to read her next novel!

A spellbinding story come alive by stephanie Brush and her awe inspiring acting skills. Her multilingual dialict is right 'on point.' A fine actress. The listener is swept along. A real tribute to the novel. Don't miss this CD!

Author of The Citrus Baron, a family saga of old Florida

"My heart skipped more than a few beats as intrigue, love and Mexican lore, swept me into the ebb and flow of The Second Milagro. Linda Rainwater has a vivid imagination. Rich, detailed text moved me from being a mere reader to become one with the protagonist. Linda has a true gift in the art of story telling!"

Linda Rainwater takes her readers on a suspense-filled journey through time. Though most of the action is set in Mexico, one of the best "miracles" takes place within the reader, who learns, along with character Patricia Morelos, the freeing power of truth!

"Tales from the Expat Harem" was going around our book club. At first I avoided borrowing it, suspecting that the book would turn out to be a disappointment. I needn't have worried: though several of the selections in this collection clearly indulge in romantic embellishments, the book was anything but disappointing. I first came to Turkey in 1989 to meet my mother-in-law, but have raised my family and worked as a musician here for the past 13 years. My friends (some of the other émigrés have been here for almost 40 years!) and I quite enjoyed it, sympathizing and laughing with many of the contributors and their experiences.

"Tales from the Expat Harem" is a "well-written and well-edited," fun and almost overwhelmingly positive collection of personal experiences contributed to by many fascinating women from diverse backgrounds. But reader beware: this collection is not for those hoping to read sociology or travel literature; and though the stories, or anecdotes, all take place in Turkey, they aren't really about this country. As the review posted on this site entitled "Adventures in Self-discovery" points out, Turkey provides a common backdrop for the contributing authors' discoveries about themselves and their own cultures.

The unanimously positive reactions to this book [...] indicate that the authors have kindled a sisterhood between themselves and their readers, illuminating a sub-culture of feminist "expatriatism" (a term evidently used mainly by Americans but which the British find unnecessarily connotative). With a marginal shift of perspective and perhaps a slightly more scientific approach, it seems that further work in this field could acquire even greater meaning and substance.

This book can be used as inspiration, for pleasure reading, or as a manual on how to cope with a variety of intercultural situations on your trip to Turkey. Having spent nearly two years abroad here, I have taken in the stories in a variety of ways. I read them now like memories of my own, from my past, and as experiences to come. The book creates a feeling of camaraderie, as if the expat women are all sitting in a room together, chatting around the marble center stone of the hamam, confessing our trials and challenges, our resilience, our coping mechanisms and our pride in living in Turkey. Whether you visit Turkey as a tourist, or for good, this book will take you deeper into the culture and will inspire you to take similar adventures of your own. A powerful injection of humor, wit, joy and sorrow, all of these stories will make you feel like you have just experienced a whirlwind tour of Turkey through the eyes of strong, powerful women abroad, a book to enhance anyone's imagination of Turkey

I love the insights that the women provided about Turkey. I have never read a book that gave detailed first hand experiences. I am Mexican and I am married to a Cypriot Turk which brings a multitude of cultural differences in to play. When I was told that I had to call my mother in law- Anne, I freaked out. I love my mother in law but I only have one MOM. My own mother was the one that made me understand that it was OK and that I should accept these cultural nuances as they accept mine. Thanks to all the contributors of this book.

really nice book to read - great for foreigners living in turkey, visitors to turkey or anyone who is simply interested in cross-cultural experiences! i can't wait for a version comprised of stories written by foreign men in turkey :-)

We don't seem to be too knowledgeable about countries in the Middle East area and this book will explode any and all stereotypes holding you back from learning from the Turkish experience of several diverse western women who either live there or have spent much time there. Each story is written by a different woman, usually about a different angle or aspect of the culture, and it is rich with warmth and human kindness and real people. It has certainly inspired me not to be afraid to travel to the region and I will the first chance I get! Captivating writing, delightful, mind-opening stories. Don't miss this book. I passed it along to my daughter. Halfway through, she called and said she was heading to the local Istanbul Cafe (here in the southwest) for lunch and was dying to travel to Turkey! It's contagious, the enthusiasm and love of the writers for the country and its people. Don't miss it!

My favorite aspect from the novel is the setting. It is a great setting because you can picture what the people are wearing and what they're doing This book is fantastic. It is mysterious. Once you read the first chapter you won't let the book down. It is a good book is about a girl named Garet and her grandma Gratkins, but there's a girl who comes through a mysterious chute. Could that be Garet's sister or is it Gratkins? You'll have to read the book and find out. I recommend this book to other kids because it is a mysterious book and it has action in it. This book is great; you should read it.

I choose this book because I needed to do a report. At first it was a little confusing, but when I got farther in the book I couldn't put it down! This is a must read for everyone! You'll never guess what happens to Garet!

This is wonderful book written by Anne Lindbergh (the daughter of Charles Lindbergh)about a girl, Garet Atkins (age 13) and a mysterious laundry chute. Garet lives with her grandmother Gratkins (short for grandmother atkins) when suddenly a third person enters their lives. Daisy Atkins, a strange girl wearing an old fashioned peach-colored party dress falls into Garet's basement and into her life. This story is a autobiography that Garet is writing for her 7th grade english teacher. Daisy's true identity is never explained to Garet and she is determined to figure out just who this prettier, smarter, more polite, "twin" is.

I first read this book in third grade and have loved it ever since. It's cute, mysterious, and humorous. The narrative is frank engaging, and full of energy. The main character is someone you can identify with, as she's a normal middle school student whose life as been totally messed up. It's worth buying and reading.

It is a great pity that Anne Lindbergh has been forgotten so soon after her death; she was one of the few writers who carried on the wonderful tradition of children's literature that started with E. Nesbit. Lindbergh writes the kind of children's fantasy that doesn't involve elves, dragons, or even wizards. In her books, ordinary children (or teens) stumble across something magical and make the best possible use of it. The magical something, in this case a laundry chute that transports you (or replicates you - it's complicated) fifty years ahead of your time, is not always fully explained. Why a laundry chute should be a time stutter, or why a height chart should allow everyone who is 5'5" to travel to the future, is left unclear, and in Lindbergh's fiction that works.

The basic plot of Three Lives to Live is this: Garet Atkins is an orphan, living very happily with her grandmother Gratkins, who is also her best friend. Then one day, when Garet is peacefully reading in the basement sink, a girl her own age comes flying out of the laundry chute, wearing an old-fashioned peach-colored party dress. To Garet's surprised resentment, Gratkins knows the girl's name (Daisy), takes her in and insists on enrolling her at Garet's school as Garet's twin sister. Garet documents all this, including her increasing jealousy of the pretty, popular, and opportunistic Daisy, in the autobiography she is writing for her English class. As as result, Garet spends a lot of time struggling with Mrs. Magorian, her well-meaning, incompetent teacher, who patently doesn't believe a word of the autobiography. These scenes will induce flashbacks in anyone who has ever had a truly terrible middle-school English teacher. When Garet writes a hilarious conversation between herself and Daisy using only "said" and "asked" as verbs, Mrs. Magorian insists that she rewrite it. She gives Garet, as examples, a list of verbs starting with "beg, bellow, blubber, blurt," and Garet duly sticks them into the dialogue at random. This is funny even for younger children; as read by older children it becomes very pointed satire. The entire book is like this - perfect for many different ages, and worth re-reading as an adult.

Great illustrations, characters and an amazing setting make Tut, Tut (Time Warp Trio) a fabulous find for young readers. There's plenty of laughs here for parents as well in this very well written novel.

Join Joe, Fred, Sam and Anna (Joe's sister) as they travel back to ancient Egypt through a book that lands them in quite a situation. The problem is that they need that same book to get back home, and they lost it!

There's non-stop adventure and some wonderful history that may well encourage young readers to seek out more information about this period of Egyptian history.

Recommended!

Time-traveling is not as cool as you think. Being mummified, being trapped in a secret room and having your friend almost eaten by a crocodile is not cool. But what is cool is being treated as a royal guest in Thutmose III's palace, sailing in his boat and teaching him basketball. So, if you like things that are cool and not, you should read this hilariously funny book.

The book was about three boys and a girl who go to Egypt through a book that one of the boys uncles gave him. They have to travel through Egypt and find the book to get back home and meet a little challenge along the way named Hatsnat. I liked this book because we had just learned about Egypt so that made it better to understand.

This book is exciting. You always want to turn the page. It is funny and interesting.It takes place in ancient Egypt.In Tut Tut there is a girl named Annie. She is 6 and two brothers. I would tell you to read it.The name is Tut Tut.

I give this book five stars because it is very funny. It is also adveturous. The characters in this story (Joe, Fred, Sam) get in a lot of trouble and Sam almost gets eaten by a crocodile. I don't want to say more because I want you to read it for your self. I don't want to spoil the surprise.

When Gordon sent me the book, I was excited to dig into it, but life is busy, and I didn't get a chance to read it right away. I am sorry I delayed reading it as it is an excellent story. I couldn't put it down once started. Gordon's undying passion and perseverance in the recovery of these WWII relics is impressive. I thought that I have had some pretty crazy adventures moving aircraft around here in the United States, but they are nothing compared to the situations that Gordon and his group had to endure. It makes me very thankful to live in America. Warbird Recovery is a well written story that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone, even if you are not an aviation fanatic like me. Thanks Gordon!

This book is a narrative of tenacity, grit, adventure and very real danger. This book is for anyone that enjoys a concise and quality read, as it is informative on a variety of topics. Gordon Page crafts an intense tale of his quest for a WWII aircraft as an "Americanski" in various settings throughout Russia in the early 90's. The story is exceptionally well-written and fast-paced. No fluff here, and great descriptions of the horrid accomodations, delectible menu items and treacherous, exploitative and sinister characters Mother Russia offers up for Gordon and his companions to navigate throughout this quest. Gordon was one of the pioneers in military relic treasure-hunting in Russia. Lots of guys have done it since, but Gordon is very lucky to alive as he ran into all of the initial life-threatening obstacles, before the Russians realized the profit opportunities, and became receptive to Westerners looking to buy the remnants of war. Reads like a spy novel, meets travel guide. Excellent. Read this book!!

Gordon Page's Warbird Recovery is a book that once you pick it up, you will not put it down until you finish it. And finish it you will quickly as it is a true to life page turner. Fittingly I finished mine sitting in an airport waiting for my plane. Fortunately I didn't wait as long for my plane to arrive as Gordon and his team did waiting for their's. However, during my wait I got to enjoy Warbird and it made my wait fun and exciting - just like the book. Buy it, read it, enjoy it! I know I did.

As soon as you start reading the first page you will not be able to put this book down! It is an incredible story that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Gordon Page puts you right with him and you will ride the emotional roller coaster he endured throughout this adventure. Read this book and you will wonder why this story has not yet been made into a movie!

I definitely knew nearly nothing about warbirds, or much about airplanes in general, when I picked up this book, but I walked away from it wishing I had a pilots license - a victim of Gordon Page's passion and determination having rubbed off through his recollections. The travel adventures of Page and his companions are sometimes funny, sometimes disturbing, but consistently entertaining, and the book is very easy to engage with, which makes it a quick page turner, as well as a quirky introduction into the passions of warbird enthusiasts.

I love travel. I love stories and gritty, difficult, joyful interactions with peculiar locales and cultures, and I cherish being able to sample those adventures through the stories of others. If you're like me, this travel memoir will get you excited. Sketchy helicopter rides, run-ins with the Russian mob, shady bribes organized by shady contacts, etc. - it's all there! And through all the action, you come out with a solid appreciation for the preservation and restoration of history as experienced through these important WWII warbirds.

Poor Abby Hayes! Every time she receives money she ends up spending it. She is having such a hard time saving up for her new rollerblades!

I like that Abby is not always spending her money on herself, but sometimes spends it on friends. Toward the end, this idea is again repeated when she has extra money that she chooses to spend on friends, teachers, and family. Appreciating others is a nice subtle message in this book.

The book has a mixture of text and diary like entries which makes it fun for kids to read. Abby tries a few different ways to earn money which are nicely woven into the story. I am always on the look out for books using a fictional story to teach children about money (as they seem to be fairly rare). This was certainly a worthy find.

I am a BIG fan of this series. This book acutally gave me the idea of having a garage sale. So,Abby wants new rollerblades,not Eva's(her SuperSis who is a twin)rollerblades. The ones that she wants are dark and shiney but best of all,they have purple wheels with a swirling,bright desing that would flash when they turned. Abby just has to have them...but how. She does her chores,looks on the streets for money,washes her dad's car and, takes care of Marshmallow(her neighbor's cat).She's going out of town for a week and when Heather(name of the neighbor) comes back she will give her $10.Perfect...until Marshmallow escapes. Uh-oh,wants a 10 year old girl to do? Read it for yourself.

This is a great book, although I HATE to play rollerblade. Abby planned a garage sale and save money to buy herself some rollerblades with purple wheels!( Purple was Abby's favourite colour. So am I!)

P.S.:Question:Do people actually save money to buy rollerblades?I wonder who.

Before the garage sale, Abby did many things, but she only got a few dollars. So at the gargage sale, she earned $162.75! She could buy rollerblades,new pads and presents for her friends
and family who had help her while she earn money. At the end, she still have little money for herself.(PHOO!)

In the fourth book in the series, Abby Hayes has hand-me-down rollerblades from her older SuperSis, Eva. Abby hates them, she can barely take them off! So she decides to save her money. Many unexpected things happen in the process, and someone in her family takes a trip to the emergency room! Abby finally gets an idea where she earns more than enough money to buy shiny purple rollerblades she has had her eye on for a while. I loved this book because it is so interesting to see how Abby resists the urge to spend money and how she finally accomplishes her goal. Read this book today!

This and the rest of the Abby Hayes series are amazing! The books are wonderful and very cool. There is one problem though: Anne Mazer (the writer) repeats the same thing over and over. Like about Abby's friend Jessica and how she has asthma. That kind of gets frustrating. But, overall, this book is great!

This is one of my favorite books of all time. It shows the ignorant person how truly amazing each zoo is. The two authors have visited nearly all the major zoos in the country and offer very helpful advice on what not to miss at each certain zoo and ways that can make touring the zoos more efficient. Whether or not you are a zoo fanatic like me, this is still a great book

The United States is home to some of the best zoos in the entire world. "America's Best Zoos: A Travel Guide for Fans and Families" is a complete and comprehensive listing of the best places to visit humanely kept wildlife in the United States. Featuring a directory complete with tips, driving directions, listings of rare exotic animals and the niches some of them fill (such as Arizona-Sonoroa's Desert Museum for desert creatures), "America's Best Zoos" is a must-have for any wildlife lover traveling across the country. Highly recommended for community library travel collections.

Living in San Diego, near a great Zoo, I was very interested in reading about it as well as other Zoos. This book has a very attractive cover, which will catch the attention of Zoo lovers. It is well written, has good pictures and makes me want to visit some of the other Zoos.

The way it is divided into areas of the country is very helpful for travelers and I especially like the Appendices with the Top Ten Zoos in Twenty Catagories and each author's picks. I'm sure I'll refer to it frequently and have purchased one for a gift.

When I first received this book, I glanced through and looked and found many of the zoos I have visited in America. I found the Introduction, Going to the Zoo, and Animals to Look for very helpful. I am currently serving as a missionary and living in Liberia, West Africa. Regretfully there are few animals here in the wild and only a couple private zoos - much of this is due to the civil war from '89-'03 - though I keep my eyes open for pygmy hippos and diana monkeys when I am upcountry. I plan to re-visit the Indianapolis Zoo when I return to the US next year. Thanks for a great resource book.

With school out and summer in full swing, America's Best Zoos is a resource for all stages of life. What an excellent resource to add to one's library. Our copy hasn't collected any dust with our desire to vacation and friends wanting to take full advantage of a day at the zoo. We especially like the quick overview at the beginning of each review. Dale and Sandy from Gaithersburg, Maryland