Guides and Directories Books

For people looking at how colleges have changed and developed in the last 20 years, using an old Barron's guide is a great tool. Current Barron's guides have changed very little so an apples to apples comparison is fairly easy. The one caveat is that the SAT was re-centered in 1996 so you'll need a conversion chart. (For example, a 570 v 580 m is now about 640 v 590m.) As most colleges have become more difficult to get into as the college-age population rises, it can be wise (and perhaps important) to check to see if a school under consideration isn't one of few colleges that haven't improved. While it may be inconsequential, parents might want to investigate such a school more carefully to ensure there's nothing that indicates you're sending your child to a sinking ship.

The annual Baseball America Directory is the most comprehensive guide for all pro and amateur baseball from, literally, around the world. The leagues, the teams, their organizational clubs, addresses, contact information, the logos, the schedules....it's all here. I have bought, (and still own), every edition ever printed. A must-have tool for any baseball junkie.

My husband has been buying this for years through Baseball America directly. We got the best deal through Amazon, and will do again this year!

I have bought the Directory for many years. As a fan of minor league baseball, I've found that it's resources are invaluable. The Directory is updated every year and is extremely accurate. I just wish it would come out in February to help me put my trips to Spring Training together!!

Kay Evans has really done her homework with this book. New comers and long time residents will find this an invaluable resource guide. This book covers alot of ground and it's great to have a personal reference when looking for services.

Shirley Anderson
MinnaStreetCreations.Com

I particularly like this book because not only do they tell you about the cost of each school and the median GPA and LSAT score but also they ask the students what they like or don't like about each school. For example, they will tell you whether or not a law school is "high schoolish" or how cutthroat the place is. They also give the average age of the students.

"Fodor's 99 Worldwide Cruises and Ports of Call" is an outstanding guide.

Yes, we're given honest and pertinent advice on all the top cruise lines and their ports of call. And yes, the presentation of that information is very well-organized.

But what makes this guide such an exemplary one is the wealth of "cruise-primer" details. Everything from cabin graphics and library information (most ships have 500 to 1,500 volumes, including the latest best-sellers) to CruiseLoan offers and seasickness fears are addressed here.

Even routine issues are presented with welcomed specificity. The guide, for instance, doesn't just inform us that movies are shown aboard ships. It explains how many are generally shown, their times, screening facilities, and that "R" rated films may be edited for sex or violence (which may or may not float well with you.)

Another fine feature is the immensely-helpful two-page listing of cruise-only agencies near the front of the book.

This guide is a must-purchase for anyone planning a cruise.

This is a great coffee table book for pool fans and those interested in unique pool design. The book has fantastic shots of pools but it is not all pictures. There is some interesting commentary on the included pools from hotels around the world. Also serves well for vacation planning ideas.

Well-written and helpful guide for camping, especially tent camping, in Utah.
The author has done a fantastic job of highlighting the different tent camping options in Utah and has included his personal preferences of both campgrounds and the individual sites within each campground.
If you are new to tent camping in Utah, I highly recommend this book. If you are a more seasoned camper, I still recommend this book because he has obviously put his heart and soul into visiting all the campsites in Utah which is something that most of us simply do not have the time to do.
Included are helpful maps, contact information and additional sources for further information.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to go camping in Utah!

If you're considering attending a Midwestern university, I highly recommend this book. In addition to typical information about universities, there are also testimonials from students about student life, organizations, and whether the campus parties are good. Some comments include: "There's not really a lot to do", "The faculty care greatly about the students", and "Everyone drinks and the parties rock". That's certainly not information the school's P.R. department would disclose!

All in all, a wonderful guide (which I used) to determine which school fits you best.