Travel Books

I've just granted my eyes and heart a second opportunity to experience Alaska through the verse and images of John Pezzenti Jr. The verse conveys both the spiritual and emotional connection the author obviously has with Alaska. The images transport this viewer to a place and time that feature nature displaying a magnificence worthy of savoring. Alaska, the book, inspires me to contemplate another adventure here in the northern Eden we call Alaska. A place where I am invited to quest for the spirit of the natural world that John Pezzenti knows so well. Alaska, the book and Alaska, the place transend the ordinary with grandure and excitement. I recommend both to anyone who lusts for beyond the ordinary. John Toppenberg

After 40 some years of living Alaska, I am well aware of the difficulty and seeming impossibility of capturing the great land on film and with words. The true essense and spitituality of this vast offering often eludes our cameras and pens. John has nailed it. His enduring patience and impecable eye for the finest of nature glows from image to image, mushroom ice stands, an otter enjoying a meal, volcanic clouds balloning over stands of towering spruce, an eaglets first moment broken from the shell, in your face bears, all these images and much more inspire me to look harder, go further, and wait longer for more of Alaska than I have ever experienced. The photos are sparkled by John's unique style of writing. After recieving the book as a gift I spent long nights, reading and re-reading his tales of adventure with delight. My work takes me far from home and John's book gives me opportunity to share the true flavors of Alaska with those I meet on the trail. Thank you John for sharing your God given talents, I so look forward to the next book.

There are a great many picture books on Alaska, some which contain exceptional photgraphic elements. There are a great many journalistic books on Alaska, some which are so well written the reader is taken with and to The Great Land. John Pezzenti's book epitomizes the best of both.

Like Alaska, this book is greater than it's physical boundaries. It evokes the senses and the emotions. This is one photo book that is a must read!

Great Book! I would recommend to anybody interested in the beauty of our 49th state. This book captures the wild beauty and grandeur of the last frontier. Buy this book, if you can!

Once you have met John Pezzenti, you will understand that this artist and his incredible photographs are one entity. John's "ALASKA..." will take you on an incredible journey through the heart of the Alaskan wilderness, into the soul of an unforgettable man.

Five years ago, I walked into a conference room at the World Trade Center in Manhattan. A man stood beside a display of exquisitely breathtaking photographs, protecting them like an anxious parent; listening to every word, every comment, as if there might be some question about the magnificence of his work. That enigma was John Pezzenti, Jr. Those privileged to know him, have experienced the complexities of the man: Passionate, sensitive, wild as Alaska, free as the wind and sometimes, as immovable as the mountains. His life and his photographs have made an indelible impression.

Language seems a truly inadequate means of conveying the experience of John's "ALASKA" book. The photographs seem to have a life of their own. Speaking directly to the heart and soul, they give a glimpse into the spirit of the man who created them. This is a soul that seems to dance somewhere between heaven and earth. A soul that has borne burdens that few of us could shoulder, but one that has known transcendent heights that few will ever reach.

With each page, John's photographs and stories allow us to share his incredible gift, and to see places on this earth that seem closer to heaven. John's spirit is as wild and free as the Alaskan wilderness. Nature seems to recognize a kindred spirit. You will feel certain that he has been granted special permission to view the sacred, and that at times, nature must say "wait, keep that until John gets here." But such honors are not bestowed without tremendous tests of courage and endurance, endless patience, and unquestioning faith. No work of this magnitude is brought to fruition without great sacrifices, and John has made more than his share.

John has the unique talent of capturing the essence of the moment - then combining it with a fragment of his own soul - the result is this spectacular gift he has given to the world. No one can experience "ALASKA: A Photographic Journey..." and not be deeply moved. The superb imagery and heart warming words speak to everyone in a unique way. It will draw you in, touching your heart and soul each time you open its pages to relive the journey. Again and again it will surprise you, revealing something new with each reading.

Thank you, John for sharing your vision. Your book is dearly treasured, and keeps Alaska close to my heart until I return. God Bless, John. We await your next creation.

As a travelogue, Welcome to the USA is pretty good, Kalpanik certainly made me think about wanting to go to San Diego, Seattle and Nashville.

as a character. Kalpanik seems simultaneously incredibly thoughtful and serious and yet someone who has a carefree attitude towards life, someone who handle life as it happens!

It's a light reading, and yet thoughtful; funny yet serious; conversational yet literary!

This book takes many life concepts expressed in different forms and combine them in a mishmash. He structures the 12 different personal essays, each highlighting a particular transitional period in his life or a specific experience in to a beautiful collage of experiences in this book very successfully. What a funny memoir!

Kalpanik S. is a fine writer with a lot to say about a lot of things and a unique way of making you laugh! I highly recommend her book.

This is the story of a brilliant young man who seems to be always on the move, moving from one interesting city to the other.

At the beginning, the author leaves New Delhi for US, where he is awarded a fellowship to study at University of California, but he gets caught into culture shock, as well as an internal dilemma, seeking a deeper meaning of life. While he is most vulnerable, he manages to fall in love with one his student but is unable to express his feelings.

Then he seems to have gone through the roller coaster ride of the technology industry emerging as a winner, a successful technologist leading a group of innovators.

We end in beautiful San Diego, with a moving story about how the author and his family face the Inferno, the great wildfires of 2007.

I don't believe anyone has experienced living unless they have ventured around like the author has. It is in his narratives, his reaction to the challenges he faces and his observations of people and culture of various places that he truly shines.

It is my top read of the year!

Whether you ever wondered about meaning of it all, or you want to read something light amusing, or want to see places like Seattle, San Diego, and Nashville from the eyes of the writer, or vicariously live the life of a student at University of California, this book is for you!

This book combines elements from good humor, a memoir, a scenic travelogue, a touching love story, science fiction and philosophy.

The author, pretends to be an Artificial Imagination computer program simulating human creativity, describes the life/career journey of a modern nomad through the Hi Tech world of California and Washington (Settle). The book is clever, witty and obviously written by someone very intelligent but still manages to be very down to earth and funny! it's light reading, the author has a conversational style, you feel as if you are reading a letter from a close friend!!

ReKalpanik S. takes us through his arrival in USA as a student and subsequent travel to several places - San Francisco, Seattle, Nashville, and San Diego. In each places, he focuses on similar aspect of his life as a technologist and an immigrant - acceptance by local people, standing out as a ethnic minority and foreign born, life as a technology execuitve and family life. In addition, he covers local food, people, culture and sources of enjoyment, joy, and finally, and his quest for love and balance.


He adds so much meaning, passion and humor, he is so open with the readers that I felt like I was reading a private letter that someone would write only to their best friends.

The writing is refreshingly unexpected, humorous and meaningful. Great read!!

This is small format book! Simply put, this is not a then and now picture book considering that photos were taken at various distances from different angles. For those who love Chicago, an outstanding book is "Chicago at the Turn of the Century in Photographs", A large format book with great clear photos!

I just received this book as a gift from a friend who has heard me talk about relocating to Chicago. Well, after reading this book, I really want to visit this city and seriously think about moving there. This book was a nice addition to my library

I just found this book at my local bookstore and was excited about reading it cover to cover. I just loved how informative this book was and it is a great tribute to a great mid-western city. Having lived here for the past 20 years, there are many facts that I didn't know until I read this book. I just loved the selection of photographs contained in this book. Thank you for several enjoyable afternoons reading this book.

Just purchased this book that really gives you a good feel of Chicago, past and present. The photographs are wonderful and I enjoyed reading about this great midwestern city. A must-have to complete any collection of Chicago History Books.

I just purchased the book online and after reading it cover to cover, I now want to visit Chicago. A real nice introduction to a great city. I found the many descriptions of the various historic places in the commercial district extremely fascinating along with the very interesting "old" and "new" photography. I loved the book!!!!

My 10 year old daughter loves all four of the Melanie Martin books. She cannot put them down. Not only is she entertained, but also has learned a few things about other countries. As a teacher, I highly recommend the Melanie Martin books. I sure hope Mrs. Weston keeps adding more to this series.
Melissa Lombardo

The Diary Of Melanie Martin is a book about a young girl called Melanie. She flies to Italy with her family on an airplane when she had never been out of the U.S.A. She loved the thought going to a foreign country, but things didn't turn out how she expected... I liked this book and all the characters in it. My favorite part of the book was when Melanie just went back home to the U.S.A. She had realized a lot about her family and learned some important values. Melanie inspired me to be nicer to my sibling, as she did in the book. I definitely recommend this book to anybody who has a sibling, or who has never been out of his or her country. In this book, she gives the lesson about trying new things and taking risks. I am sure that anybody who reads this book will learn some useful information about life! Enjoy!

Having traveled to Italy with my family when I was twelve, The Diary of Melanie Martin called back dozens of similar memories of all the museums which were endured with the promise of gelato and of the delicious food which Weston describes to mouth-watering perfection. Reading this book, I kept on wishing it had been around for my family vacation so that my brother and I could have played "Point out the Naked People" during our museum tours; now I can only wholeheartedly recommend it to every member of a family planning a trip to Italy or just looking for a funny and truthfully-written book too perfetto to be missed.

I read melanie martin, and it was sensational!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I wanted to learn about Italy, and she helped me learn about it. Read this book, and you'll wanna read the other three book too.

A must read with the monalisa, sistin chapel, and boots the cat. Also it has ton of poetry. The book makes your mouth water for more.

Compact, great pictures, well indexed. It won't scream "TOURIST" when you pull it out of your bag. I got this one and the Paris book. Used them exclusively. Barely opened the other ones I got.

This books gives you the 10 top sites to see and itineraries. I like the itineraries (10), because it's very simple. It reminds you that your on vacation and you don't need to be running around town to enjoy London.

This is one of the best guides out there, very detailed & full of photos of things worth seeing & comes in a neat, small size so you can easily throw it inside your back-pack.

This book is compact and easy to carry around and has all pertinent information for daily use. Maps are good and the top 10 seemed to agree with my assessment.

My wife and I love the Top 10 series. We always buy a Frommers or Rick Steves book for the trip's planning, but the Top 10 is a must for the trip itself. It'll fit in a pocket (a long one), and will provide quick and easy references to the most important sights, as well as maps and public transportation routes.

Completed reading The Frigid Mistress in three days, a very good read. It put into perspective a lot of the detail missing from a too brief a visit to the Antarctic Peninsula. On thing is very clear, we were incredibly lucky with our weather compared with what's in the book. The detail of life on those expeditios is very graphic and illuminating; so many other writers leave interesting details out of their accounts. Some American expressions and field words sounded odd, but I have been able to guess, or at least I hoope I have got them right.

I have just finished reading The Frigid Mistress and would like to say that I enjoyed every word. I almost felt that I had been on the trip myself and endured the discomfort, expectations, satisfaction, and fulfilment. I was fascinating to hear about the day to day problems and all those little things that I have always wanted to know but been too embarassed to ask about. I am sure the book will give pleasure and insight to all readers.

The reviewers names listed are incorrect. The same name (Carl Lackey) appears on most reviews. Lackey sent one review only. The rest of the reviews must have other names. Better check your archives and apply the correct names to the reviews.

The Frigid Mistress is simply excellent. As one who only can wish to go to Antarctica, I could not comment on the authenticity, but after speaking to my dad on the subject, I'd say Dr. Doumani hit it right on the nose. I know my father, who participated in these expeditions, also really enjoyed reading the book. I thought it was particularly interesting how the explorers made it around in those early years, let alone survive. And to think that now people can purchase vacations to the same place!

This is a side of my dad that I was really looking forward to hearing about. Dr. Doumani writes in a way that is very informative, yet very easy to read, and at many times humorous. I wish I could think of a way to get down there; I would go in a heartbeat.

This is an account of isolated winter and several traverses, suffering from mechanical problems, crevasses, whiteouts, blizzards, lack of privacy, physical and emotional malaise, arguments (even fist fights), boredome--in short, the whole list of problems associated with living in an extreme, unusual isolated and confined environment.

To his credit, Doumani is open about describing these difficulties. This is among the every few accounts I have seen that deal with the embarrassment and discomfort attendant upon having to defectae when one is living in a polar vehicle without a latrine, and that give the true feeling of traveling for weeks or months in a small, cramped vehicle with a group of other men, none of whom has washed or changed his clothes during the trip.

By the same token we get glimpses of the excitement, joy, and even ecstansy of going where no man has ever gone before, of collecting truly unique scientific data and specimens, of climbing up rocks, sliding down glaciers, and generally feeling as if one were in a brand new, challenging and intriguing world.

Doumani's book is especially impressive in touching upon many of the topics that figure large in the psychological literature on stressful environments. Such topics as the effects of age differences, the combination of isolation and lack of privacy, the relationship between educational level and the ability to counteract boredom without use of alcohol, the importance of food as a palliative, the swings from good fellowship to withdrawal or hostility, the role of communications with home, and the imprtance of patience and humor, are presented with great insight. In fact, I found it very reinforcing that a geologist would thus pinpoint the very concerns that psychologists doing research in such environments have identified as important. Most unusual of all, Doumani's final chapter deals with re-entry to home and family. This is a major issue, generally ignored in the psychological literature as well as in memoirs: The family, having reorganized itself according to new roles, structures, and procedures, must now reintegrate a long-absent member who expects everything to be just as it was when he left.

Less exciting than the heroic narratives of famed explorers, this well-written book is more forthright than many, and can be more useful as a guide for future research.

I had never heard of Cash Peters before. I was browsing Amazon looking for books that I can't get in the UK and one of them was Gullible's Travels. It sounded like my type of thing so I thought why not? I'm so glad I did. Its one of those books that is so enjoyable I don't want to get to the end.

Bill Bryson is my favourite author and the only one who can make me laugh out loud and I would rate Cash Peters to be as funny and readable as Bill. So, I have a few pages to go but I know this will be a book I will keep re-reading - it is highly entertaining.

This is a genius of book. Picture his TV Show on Travel Channel with some bite. He goes over many things as he travel the byways of not just travel, But lifes quirks. In all his travel semgments he goes over the eleations, and the pitfalls. Like the hearfelt moment about his guide in Memphis, or the rude treatment he got in a B&B in Boston. The book will help, or hinder your appreciation of tourist traps. For a nice laugh at, or with Cash Peters --- buy the book!

I discovered Cash Peters' Travel Channel show over the summer (where he's dropped off in some strange land--he has no idea where--with no money whatsoever and has to convince locals to feed and shelter him for a day) and was given this book over the weekend as an early birthday present. I am glad to report that Gullible's Travels is even wittier and more fun than his TV show! Peters visits and writes about a number of cities and tourist traps, as well as some of the oddest, most tasteless and inane destinations imaginable. Not only are the locations themselves simply brilliant, but Cash Peters' running commentary on these places would crack up a 1692 Salem Puritan. Sure you can learn a thing or two and maybe get an idea about where to go when you make your own vacation plans, but the real attraction here is Peters' himself and his goofy way of perceving everything. I suppose one could ask for a more serious guide thru these "bad taste" sites but it'd be hard to come up with one who was more bizarre. Peters is a likable bloke and while I'm not sure I'd let him crash in my house should his Travel Channel producers ever drop him off to film an episode in Mason, Ohio, I'd love to hear his comments about my home town. I can only imagine the things he'd say...

In a nutshell: I don't have to buy books because I live in Salt Lake City, which has, arguably, the greatest public library in the country if not the world. So I got "Gullible's Travels" (I think I saw an ad in The New Yorker) and, it's a good thing I have a great library because I can't afford to buy books anyway, but guess what, I'm going to buy this one. Several copies of this one, for gifts. Not even Xmas gifts, just gifts for people who need a good laugh and appreciate real wit. It's that good. I hope a lot of people buy "Gullible's" and I hope Cash Peters laughs all the way to the bank.

In usual Cash Peters style, this book is just what the title of this review says it is: Manic, Zany and TONS of Fun! Cash documents and comments on his journeys and experiences as a travel writer. Hilarious comments and insights by Cash. If you like him on the Travel Channel, you'll LOVE this book. A great laugh and a must read!

There is a sense in which the book 'If You Find the Buddha' is a sort of 'where's Waldo?' hunt. Sometimes the images of the Buddha are very prominent; sometimes they are almost imperceptible. Sometimes there are several Buddhas; sometimes there is only one, and even then, just in shadow. Some Buddhas are large; some are small. Some are in intentionally religious or holy settings; some are in everyday positions, such as above a diner's cash register. Even more ironically, the image of the Buddha can be found on the tag of a rifle-toting soldier, or in rows of figurines, each bearing their own price tag.

As the writer comments, the figure of the Buddha is ubiquitous in many parts of the world, and not uncommon in other parts of the world. East and West alike have a share in the presence of the Buddha in this collection, and peoples of all races and conditions of life are shown in relationship here. Perhaps the most surprising element is the touch of the common and the ordinary - in much the same way that pictures or figurines of Jesus or the Last Supper or various saints might adorn the homes, the Buddha similarly is incorporated almost unconsciously into the everyday life and work of people. It becomes part of license plates, nametags, lawn ornaments, golf equipment, and more.

There is a foreword provided by Jeff Greenwald, an author of several books perhaps best known for his travel writing. There is also a brief essay by Jesse Kalisher, who writes of his transformation from a person who lived inside of set boxes (offices, car, apartment, television) to someone enlightened enough to seek the whole world. He recounts his encounter with a Buddhist monk, Pat Panom, with whom he shared his interest in this project, and how his life had come to this point.

This is not a religious text - well, not a religious text per se. It is not a manual of Buddhism, with exegesis, systematic interpretation, description and such. In some ways, however, it is a great expression of Buddhism - I am reminded of a sermon of the Buddha which consisted simply of him holding up a flower. If a picture can speak a thousand words, and open up a thousand worlds, then this book is indeed a religious text, albeit not in traditional Western sense.

The photographs are stunning in quality and composition, all the more remarkable for being 'typical' and 'mundane' subject matter in many cases. The collection as a whole places the pictures in an interesting context that makes for enlightening and enjoyable reading.

This marvelous coffee table book has been sitting on my shelf far too long. Visually witty, engaging and just plain fun to look at Jesse Kalisher's pictures from around the world finds Buddha in various shapes. It's colorful and the only complaint I have is that I would have liked to have a bit more text discussing the circumstances of the photos, where they were, when, what inspired Kalisher to take and pick the particulary pictures he uses in this book.

The sixteen page introduction is witty,intelligent and I could have used more of it throughout the book. While I'm visually driven I also am text driven--words are important to me, their meaning and how we use language since it shapes as much about how we see the world as what we see. Jeff Greenwald's text would have been perfect to illuminate these things in brief chapters discussing each section of plates.

Regardless this is a terrific book and those that enjoy coffee table books that actually LOOK at the pictures and become lost in the details will enjoy the variety of photos included in this book from throughout the world. My apologies to Chronicle Books for taking so long to review this.

This small, oblong book hides a lot of treasure. Jesse Kalisher, who grew up on the Upper East Side of New York City, traveled to Viet Nam and photographed street scenes that show the image of the Buddha from the sacred setting to the profane. From a tattoo artist engraving an arm to a glitteringly gold temple, the Buddha image, familiar as Uncle Sam or a crucifix, is shown in startling settings.

The photography is good "journalistic" style, and it's a great look at life in Viet Nam. I've spent quite a bit of time in Southeast Asia and I was very nostalgic paging through the book. But if you dwell on each photo for its own content and not its postcard quality, a message seeps out.

Kalisher's work has been on exhibit at the Field Museum as wel as residing in permanent collections of other museums across the US. I think he has a lot to say in his photos.

Perfect gift book for a yoga devotee or a person influenced by Asian philosophy and culture. Highly recommended.

I'm not really qualified to evaluate the quality of photography in this or any other book. When I sit down and try to review a book of photography such as this, I basically ask two questions: can I see what the photographs are supposed to be showing me, and is there a concept that ties all of them together? If You Find the Buddha makes it rather easy for me in this regard: obviously, there is some representation of Buddha to be found in each photograph, and the whole point of the book seems to be an inspirational one, as it's a veritable signpost helping point readers in the direction of their own individual paths toward enlightenment and a sense of purpose in life.

Jeff Greenwald's Foreword and photographer Jesse Kalisher's introduction are no less enlightening than the photographs themselves. In comparatively few words, they give the reader a good feel for who Buddha is and what he represents, while also tearing down some of the veil of misunderstanding that separates many Western minds from this traditionally Asian way of life. I feel rather stupid to even admit it, but I had always assumed that Buddhists worship Buddha - they do not, for Buddha was a supremely enlightened soul but never a god. He even forbade his followers from making any images of his likeness - a fact which is somewhat ironic, giving the ubiquity of Buddhist statues and icons all over the world today (Greenwald explains how this came to be). Another little insight I picked up here has to do with individual reactions to different religious icons. Seeing an image of Jesus turn up unexpectedly doesn't exactly put you at your ease; for a Christian, such a sighting is the equivalent of a "straighten up and fly right" moment. In contrast to this, the Buddha normally engenders a calming influence on just about everyone. Even as a Christian, I feel a sense of reverence (which is not the same as worship) and otherworldliness when I see a Buddha statue. I believe that is the very thing that rests in the heart of this book.

The gorgeous photographs that make up the bulk of this book are impressively diverse, capturing images of the Buddha in all shapes and forms. If you're like me, you tend to think of Buddha only in terms of the large golden statues typically found at holy sites, but this book shows us that Buddha is basically everywhere. Many of Kalisher's photographs do come from Buddhist shrines in several Asian countries, but the most arresting inclusions capture images of normal life in America as well as Asia. For example, you'll find the Buddha in an impressive sand castle, in yard ornaments, in small statues sure to draw tourists' eyes, on dashboards, in clothing patterns, and even in a Thai sex market. Having spent the best years of my life in Chapel Hill, I was especially interested in a significant number of photographs from that city (now the photographer's home) and some of its neighbors. A few of the photographs did prove to be a challenge of sorts to me (Where's Buddha?), but that actually just encouraged me to pay more studious attention to them than I probably would have otherwise.

Certainly, If You Find the Buddha gave me a better appreciation for Buddha and the type of thinking he represents. I suppose many a reader will see the title of this book and ask: what does happen if you find the Buddha? That is something you have to answer for yourself (and this book only starts you on such a spiritual path), but I think most individuals will definitely take away something of value from Kalisher's photographs.

A delightful collection of images from the lands where Buddha's philosophy is part of daily life. Kalisher has a good eye for content. His images range from the intimate close-up to a distant perspective where the viewer must pause to probe the surroundings to perceive the item of interest. The item may be a tiny statue or graphic representation. Sometimes it seems wholly out of place. That, however, only demonstrates how important the Buddha is to the society. While it may not dominate, it is always present. The reality of the Buddha in these societies and the photographs are intimately matched. Kalisher has the ability to capture them with charm and grace. That he shares them with us is almost a personal favour.

We are given more than a hundred images of the Buddha. They may be giant close-ups in a temple, or centred in a wide-angle view in a restaurant. One watches over some elderly men at a game, while another is a medallion set in stark contrast to a soldier's bayonet-bearing rifle. Sitting on a high shelf, the Buddha keeps guard in an apothecary's shop. Still another helps a guitarist find his muse as he practices. What is significant about this wide variety of settings is that in none is the Buddha disjointed or disconnected .

Even the format of this collection is proper for the subject. While in the West we've become suffused with "coffee-table" books that present us outsized images, this collection is set in an appropriate framework. Kalisher's images and Greenwald's text may be slipped into a purse or briefcase for easy retrieval. The large books are designed to overwhelm our attention. This book follows the theme of that what the Buddha teaches must be sought. It cannot be forced or implanted in our minds. Only one flaw can be attributed to this collection. Designed for a Western market, the identification list at the back of the book might have included more descriptive material. The locations are gratifying, but the circumstances would be informative. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

A long roadtrip can be hard on kids no matter what they're ages. This had something for everyone. It had crafts for the daughter and games for the son. It included everything that was necessary (no hunting for makers or pens) and included a two page list of all the license plates of the US with a spcae to mark the date and where you saw them. They kep a look out for unusual ones along the way.

I have 9 year old twins who thought this was a good book. The packet of activities came with some items that needed scissors. Make sure to pack your own. They had a fun time with it and it was a good hit on the 10 hour road trip we had. While they didn't play it the whole time they did use it through out the trip. It was a good sturdy book that will last for some time to come.

This book was worth every cent to my girls ages 12 and 9. We took it on a trip just recently and it kept them busy for a long time. They love the friendship bracelet craft, the doodle area, the game boards, cats cradle string games and the licence plate checklist! My son was not particularly interested in this item since the crafts seem more geared toward girls. I don't recommend it for younger children, since it will be a little above their level. It's perfect for kids age 7-8 through teens.

There are some used ones for sale, but you need to purchase a new one for this type of book. The used ones will be written in, and have the activity pages filled in already which is no fun. Each child needs their own copy.

My children are getting a little older and needed some more engaging activities for road trips, and this book was just the thing we needed. The Klutz books are always fun, and this one is one of their best, and it is perfectly designed for back seat survival! We road test lots of different items because of my website, and this item was definitely a hit. I give it two thumbs up, and so do my girls. We will be bringing it on all our trips from now on.

It is a truly excellent book. It really does the job of keeping a child occupied. I bought it for my 9 y.o. and he was totally consumed by it. I didn't hear a single peep during the whole trip! He had some other activity books on the back seat, but this one was his absolute favorite! We played games from the book together, he tested the adults' IQ, he checked if we really knew traffic rules, he marked down all license plates of states other than his home one, and so on... Everything from the book was real fun for everybody in the car! Highly recommended!

I actually used this book as a child on long car trips. I remember it fondly. I have 2 sisters and we all played quite nicely with this...for a while. The only problem was we wanted to do different things in different parts of the book. This led to 3 little girls squabbling over a book. Not fun! My advice is to get 1 per child.

I absolutely love this book. I purchased it when it first came out and I am at this moment reading it for the fifth time. It never gets old. I love the characters he meets along the way. Wonderfully entertaining. A must read.

...in preparation for my long overdue personal visit to Ireland a number of books including `Last of the Donkey Pilgrims' by Kevin O'Hara (www.kevin-ohara.com) were purchased online through Amazon.com for shipment to the parched distant locale of Doha...another Qatar `Transient', he being a native of Ireland, last 31 August had kindly written an Itinerary of Travel setting off westward from Dublin to Galway, proposing then a sweep about the coastal extremes of Eire on a circuitous route in return to Dublin a fortnight later...

New Zealand born with Great Grandfather Irish ancestry (Co. Tyrone), some years since I had the privilege of living on a long established property in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, created by it's owner `in the manner of England', and on which co-resided an elderly Donkey of much spirited antic, mannerism and personality - an endearing memory remains of that acquaintance in those bygone days, and influenced the choice that the Donkey odyssey would be my final read...my reward was to discover an absorbing chronicle of Kevin's 1979 1800 mile trek around the peripheral coast of Ireland, walking alongside his donkey Missie `Long-Ears' Mickdermott yoked to her cart, and written in 2004, 25 years after the doing...

...an inspired achievement to be applauded, and for me a delight to share the journey by way of an intimately personable published recall of such a grand meander through a land and people of a then traditional lifestyle which soon would substantially fade away into history...Ireland 2008 surpassed my any and every expectation - time and change may have advanced apace since the Nation in attaining EU membership emerged from being a `third world' Country, bringing financial advantage in some quarters and also significantly transforming the landscape and makeup of the populace, but the welcome and essence of the Irish people as acutely portrayed by the innumerable encounters and acquaintances along Kevin O'Hara's wandering way, we found to be very much the same...

...the book and infectious spirit of Missie accompanied us throughout as by car we drove, blessed I must add with only fine weather, our brief excursion along some of the highways and byways that shared partial commonality with the much earlier passage the Donkeyman and his travelling companion together had traipsed many years prior...there were particular moments which brought upon me a quiet smile with vivid memory of what I had read; hearing the call of the Cuckoo at Inishmore and Doolin - boarding the Killimer to Tarbert ferry, then later that same day driving through Abhainn an Ghleanna (running at but a shallow flow) on the road to Slea Head, Missie's obstinant reluctance to go on in chancing upon those two same `obstacles' came to mind...we sought out and had the pleasure of meeting Robert Shannon, mentioned in the book who happily recounted the long ago arrival of Missie in lovely Doolin - affection for Kevin and his roving partner lingers...

...having partaken of the ready welcome, spirit, beauty and abundant joys of Ireland, a return is inevitable - likely to be sooner rather than later I would venture...similarly I am driven to pick up and once more read `Last of the Donkey Pilgrims' - my immense pleasure and appreciation of the Tale at first take will assuredly be all the greater at a second reading, enhanced further by familiarity and insight gained from our recent visit...

Lindsay McLean
Doha, State of Qatar
16 June, 2008

I bought this book on my way out the door on a trip to Ireland, as a friend had recommended it. I read it on the airplane and during quiet moments, and finished it on the way home.
Not only is this book entertaining and well-written, I was amazed by how much I learned about Irish culture and history as I was reading.
It is especially recommended to those traveling to Ireland, but has wide appeal for its insight into human nature, and warm humor.

I enjoy reading about Ireland, and thought this book would be like Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods. The donkey book was much more serious. I liked reading about the different people he encountered, but at times, felt that it was a glossary of names of potential buyers. I did enjoy his time with the travelers. He exemplified the attitudes of the 70's, and I think the book would have been more effective if he had written it 25 years ago. Still, it was a good story.

Kevin's writing draws you into his journey - a remarkable romp around Ireland with a donkey that seems human. I loved it. You could nearly smell the air and see the characters. A magical look at an island that has changed so much in the 25 years since his journey took place. I wanted to be there by his side as he runs into character after character. His book is the next best thing to being there.

I didn't want his journey to end. Alas, time moves on and progress can't be stopped. If only there could be a sequel.

Anyway, it is written in very short, easy to read chapters. Perfect nighttime reading. If you like adventures, humor, self reflection, and interesting characters - read this book. If you have ever been to Ireland and fallen in love with it, this book is a must read. If you live in Ireland now and want a look back at the country as it existed 25 years ago, this book is required reading.