Travel Books

Camille Chevalier Karfis has created a unique guide to Paris. Without omitting the best known sights, she also writes persuasively of others that are unknown to many tourists, but which certainly merit a visit. But beyond this, she has also addressed the needs of visitors who want to improve their French before they make the journey, by providing an engaging story in 17 chapters about a French-speaking couple from the U.S. enjoying a week in Paris. The vocabulary, grammar,and delivery begin at a very easy-going level but become progressively more demanding as the story continues; nevertheless, the slope is very gentle, and someone who can only manage Chapter 1 at first should be able to progress before long through the remaining chapters. The complete text and a translation are always available to those who can't grasp everything on a first listening. Those with intermediate skills, who will understand the material more quickly, can gain useful speaking practice by echoing each phrase - the relaxed pace always allows this. Even advanced speakers are likely to find the travel information of interest (and they might want to use the story on friends or family members).

Camille (at learnfrenchinboston.com) is evidently a very talented and inventive teacher, and has managed to break out of the inefficient traditional classroom routines that leave so many students stranded when they arrive in France, no matter how many tests they have passed. I can warmly recommend "Une semaine à Paris" to students and teachers alike.

Perfect for anyone wanting to understand daily French conversations! (and even be able to speak as well). No more quizzical looks when a shop owner asks if you need assistance. No more gesturing wildly to get your point across. This book, and especially listening to Camille's CD's over and over again, will truly enhance your next trip to France. There are so many ways to learn here - try NOT reading the book but rather just LISTEN to the CDs - amazing French education tool! Nothing like it on the market! Superb technical quality!

I bought this CD/book combination just before traveling to Paris, and I've enjoyed listening to and reading it many times. Now that I've 'been there,done that' in Paris, reliving my trip through Thomas and Angela is really fun. Plus I know my French has improved because now I can listen to most of the CD in my car without having to look at the text to figure it out.

A good nice story, with a lot to learn and a nice kiss at the end. You read and you listen.

Basically my title says it all; Camille should do more of these.
The book & CDs are good learning tools.
I have suggested these products to others.
Felix

Peter Hopkirk is a child of the British Empire, having been to many places where generally only mad dogs and English men dare venture; among other exploits he was a soldier with the late and largely unlamented Idi Amin. As a historian he has made a name for himself as a very capable chronicler of the Great Game in Asia in the 1900s. This is his book about the Western Drang nach Osten, the quest of European, an American, and Japanese explorers to investigate Tibet and its secrets.

Tibet was a backwards and forbidden kingdom ruled my monks under the Dalai Lama; with China, Russia and the British in India keen to encroach on Tibet, the Tibetans were at least equally determined to keep foreigners out; officials who let foreigners get past them on their mad quests for Lhasa were at times decapitated on orders from on high. Hopkirk recounts the stories of the various Englishmen, Indians, the American and others who were intent to be the first to make it to Tibet and sometimes Lhasa, who did so in disguise, in an airplane, behind rifles the Tibetans couldn't match and more (I am frugal with details lest I spoil the stories.) I highly recommend them.

When it comes to delineating the history of Central Asia and environs, few writers can touch the craftsmanship of author Peter Hopkirk. In his hands, what could easily be boring history, becomes, instead, vibrant excitement. As in his other books, Hopkirk makes these mysterious and fabled lands come alive. In this book he describes the many attempts by adventurers from the outside world to penetrate remote Tibet and its almost-mystical capital, Lhasa. Chapter by chapter Hopkirk ticks off the sagas of these opportunists, some seeking fortune and fame, some on their majesty's (or tsar's) service. In the contest between Tibet versus the world, Tibet scores early and frequently, thus keeping the others out. But eventually, overpowered by modern weaponry, the outsiders win. It's tempting to cast this in terms of good-guys versus bad-guys. But it's not that easy, as the reader will see. What IS easy is declaring this book a fantastic and exciting history of a mysterious land that just wanted to be left alone.

Hopkirk stays on top of the world with this book!

Learn about the "real" Tibet[before China invaded]...

An extensive review of the many attempts to gain access to the hidden city of Tibet. Well done, authoritative, exciting events in the time line of the many documented attempts to gain a look into the mysterious city that has been protected from outsiders for centuries. The reasons from military desires to the hope of finding hidden gold deposits are some of the many exploits of carefully planned adventures presented by Peter Hopkirk. They will keep your interest from beginning to end, guaranteed.

Although extraordinary geography was the best natural defense the Tibetans had against foreign invaders, it can also be the sole reason that lures many a traveler, visitor, and tourists to Tibet to date. Of course, religion, spirituality, culture, art, and life on the high altitudes in the most extreme of climates are other reasons for venturing into this land. In Hopkirk's book, trespassing by foreigners, especially Europeans, was an extension of the Great Game, the struggle between Britain and Russia for expansionism in Central Asia. Military supremacy, a face-to-face encounter with the Dalai Lama, or recognition by the Royal Geographical Society and other prestigious societies at the time was the prize for people from different walks of life--missionaries, soldiers, geographers, naturalists---to venture into this forbidden land. Alas, no matter how well-guarded the country, especially Lhasa, was, the Tibetans' defense was no match to the military might of the British. China proved to be a formidable occupier as soon as the British lost their firm hold on Tibet during World War II. An American pilot was the first intruder from the air---by accident. Nonetheless, relentless trespassing by foreigners was the inevitable truth that many Tibetans must have found hard to swallow.

The book is a masterpiece of historical writing. Starting with Tibet's stupendous geography, the book segues on the origin of Tibetan Buddhism. Eventually the reader is initiated to the challenging craft of punditry, the only way the outside world could glean some scientific information on this forbidden land. If Hopkirk intended to instill wonder and suspense on the reader as he narrates a series of close calls by pundits and disguised explorers from being caught and daring-do attempts by intruders in order to be recognized as the first outsider to set foot on this forbidden land, he has succeeded. With exquisite writing style and a penchant for vivid description of people, places, and events, the book is a highly engaging read. Those who risked their lives and their families to venture into a forbidden land can be easily blamed for folly, but Hopkirk brings out the humanity in them. Every adventure is told so well that can make good reading anywhere and anytime. History reading can't get to be more fun that this!

Deliah Dawson is strating to become one of my favorite authors. This book starts off as a game and ends like a roller coaster ride, when its over, everyone is extremely SATISFIED!

I have to agree with the other readers. This book was extreamly hot and tastfully written. The "SPELLING BEE" game alone makes this book worth buying. Mrs. Dawson is a talented writer who knows how to pieque the readers senses.This book was funny,sexy and erotic all at the same time. What more could you ask for in a good book? Buy it!You will be happy that you did.

This is the very first romance novel I have ever read. The only thing I can say is that I am hooked. The book kept you mesmerized in the pages from beginning to end. Delilah Dawson really knows how to choose the right words...and boy did she choose them. I could read this book a thousand times. Hot and and romantic cant explain explain it...nor can perfect fantasy and pure desire....you just have to read it...you will understand.

truth or dare is one of those books that can be read when you don't have anything to do,or just plain bored. it was a nice interesting read, that also included humor,steamy sex,and a romantic plot that made the book interesting. i wasn't disappointed. not bad at all...

This book is hot!!!!! A great adventure and romance story would love to see this on the big screen but the sex scenes would make it Quadraple R rated. Mmmmmmm what a way to play Truth or Dare. I look forward to reading other books by this writer.

I have read 4 or 5 collections of travel adventures and this is by far the cream of the crop. I would gift this to any man or woman who loves to explore. A real treasure.

I bought this book to accompany me on a long trip, and wished I hadn't. The stories are very similar to each other, with platitudes of the 'my eyes met with the old woman in the rice paddy, and something wordless was exchanged' variety. I know there are better examples out there: why couldn't the editor find them?

This book is amazing. With a full-time job and a toddler, I need a book I can pick up and read a little at a time. I found myself thinking about this book all day and pouring through it each night. I love to travel, but haven't been able too as much as I'd like in recent years. This book not only makes me feel as though I've been on an adventure - several! - but it has inspired me to make mental notes of where I will be off to on my next trip. The great thing about the stories is the feeling that with a little motivation, any reader could be the next to take a trip and write a story. A great pick-me-up, there's-so-much-out-there-to-experience, carpe-diem, kick-in-the-patooty book! I highly recommend it.

In a hurry, I pulled this gem off the shelf and took it to work for lunch time adventures. Inside of a page I realized I'd read it a couple of years ago, but I never turned back. Bond collected no near misses; every story in this volume is outstanding. Its full of longing, rough and tumble, sensitive bonding, self-realization, hilarious mix-ups, reality checkpoints, stark terror and pain, transcendance, and pride of achievement--all crammed into a heavy volume you don't want to end. Read it. Read it again.

Ride a horse through China. Trek in Nepal. Ride on the back of a motorcycle from California to Northeast Canada. These women are adventurous... yet are normal women with real fears. After reading this book you'll have the courage to be more independent and challenge-seeking. The stories range from the thrill-seekers (think African safari) to conservative travellers (such as going to Gatlinburg for a weekend with the girls)...but illustrates that stepping out of your comfort zone means different things to different women. It's the effort that counts.

Nothing in this book got me excited about going to Mexico. The natural attractions of the U.S. seem to be far more numerous and spectacular. The author was stretching to fill a book on Mexico's natural attractions - he covers ruins, city parks, and agricultural enterprises. The photographs in the book do not convey any beauty of Mexico.

An honest and informative guide to Mexico. The most complete Eco-guide to the National parks and reserves of Mexico that I've ever read. Includes information I've never seen any place else. A good reference source for every region. Well written, easy to read, and very useful. Steve

I am the author of two guidebooks in this series, BELIZE: ADVENTURES IN NATURE and GUATEMALA: ADVENTURES IN NATURE, as well as dozens of travel articles about Latin America (including Mexico). I am flat-out amazed at the breadth, depth, and detail found in Ron Mader's MEXICO: ADVENTURES IN NATURE. Put simply, there has never been a book like this...and there have been hundreds of guides written to Mexico. Nowhere else will you find the information complied here, about everything from whale-watching to birding, turtle-helping to Maya ruin-exploring. These are aspects most tourists never know about, because nobody tells them about much beyond the traditional turista circuit of big hotels, crowded beaches, and mediocre restaurants. If you want to truly experience the incredible diversity of Mexico natural treasures, you'll start by getting your hands on this book! (Particularly useful is the extensive listing of e-mail addresses and websites, as well as practical info about hotels, restaurants, tour services, and transport)

I am the author of the "Adventure Guide to the Yucatan," a guidebook to Mexico's fascinating peninsula . I used Ron Mader's book for reference as we discovered the best of sustainable tourism and nature preservation efforts in Mexico. Mader is right on in his evaluation and helpful comments. Very well organized. More and more people are trying to travel in an environmentally sound manner and we support that in our book as well. Kudos to Mader!

Biodiversity junkies are always ending up off the pavement in the jungles or on mountain tops and wondering where do we get our next meal, and how the hell are we going to get out of here. Mader comes up with answers in a country where surprisingly little has been written to guide the booming ecotourism trade. Lonely Planet and Moon barely scratch the ecotourism surface and brush over Mexico's fantastic national parks and reserves. Mader lives down there so this is no parachute quickie research junket type book. He has done his homework and gone beyond the obvious places (Palenque, Copper Canyon) to explore some of the most remote but best spots. Lucky gringo. I found his book helpful for finding contact leads in Oaxaca and Veracruz states that led to great guided trips with local enviro groups.

If you haven't been to a zoo lately, YOU'RE MISSING OUT. You need to get yourself a copy of America's Best Zoos, read all about what your local zoo has to offer, and plan a trip! Then pick another zoo from the book that looks really cool, and go there too! No two zoos are alike! My family and I have been to seven zoos in two months, and each experience was completely unique--and wonderful. And America's Best Zoos was spot-on in its summary of each zoo.

I dream of traveling the world and seeing elephants and giraffes in Africa, penguins in Antarctica, giant pandas in China and kangaroos in the Australian outback. BUT I have three young children and not a lot of money, so world travel is out for now.

BUT WAIT! Some very brilliant people have brought these amazing exotic animals right to my front door (or at least to a nearby city). I don't think people realize how amazing it is that we get to see hippos and giraffes and giant anteaters and orangutans and lions and capybaras in THE AMERICAN MIDWEST (or wherever you live). And for such a low price!

I take America's Best Zoos with me wherever I go. I can't get enough of the photos and descriptions and valuable advice. Anytime I have a question about a zoo, I find the answer. I'd love to be able to check off every zoo in the book. Someday!

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.

This is a must for all ethnic groups to read.

One problem with writing intelligent books on religion is that religion demands the author experience it. Halevi takes this difficult challenge and seeks common ground with Christians and Muslims. To find this common ground he is willing to push his boundaries, go beyond his fears to find a common ground.

In his efforts he encounters a Catholic order of religious that seeks to return to the Jewish roots of Jesus as a common ground for Jewish-Christian relations; a Catholic monk of the Melkite rite (Jerusalem rite) seeing Arab-Jewish understanding through the Arab Christian; a common ground of genocide with Armenian Christians; a common ground of love with Sufi sheiks ...

Throughout his search runs a thread of the common monotheistic underpinnings of the three major religions of Israel. A second thread is a more universal acceptance that includes the great Eastern traditions - Buddhism and Hinduism. The third thread is the history of the Jewish people and the reality of strife in Israel. Through these threads, Halevi challenges the reader to confront his or her prejudices in the political and religious arenas.

The net result is not a great book, but one I highly recommend because of the issues raised and the author's personal willingness to share his experience in addressing the issues.

I just love this guy. Starting with a simple urge to connect with his neighbors, Yossi Halevi embarks on an awkward, fascinating, dangerous journey through Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. He discovers a series of surprising characters who dream, not just of peace between Jews, Muslims and Christians, but of spiritual friendship. And the story of these fragile, budding friendships becomes an adventure of almost overwhelming power.

I want to quote from one episode, where Halevi and a madcap Jew called Eliyahu Charanamrit McLean attend a mosque in Karawa village on the West Bank:

"This mosque was a family project: Everyone here belonged to the Abu-Laben clan. They were working class people; the shaykh himself was a car mechanic.

"What do the other Muslims think of you?" Eliyahu asked.

"That we're crazy," replied Saud's father. "They think we chant the name of 'Abdallah' instead of 'Allah"". Laughter.

I asked Saud what he experienced during the zakir [or dance of remembering God]. "That our hearts kept getting closer and closer to God," he said, with the Sufi vagueness I'd so often encountered from Ibrahim. ...

Ibrahim, not to be poetically outdone, added "Our souls went up to heaven like clouds".

"When you pray together," said the shaykh's father, "you form one heart".

I felt sad for this forlorn Sufi Shteibl. Here was an Islam with which we could make peace, yet it was almost absurdly perepheral. Still, maybe the fact that a handful of Muslims and Jews had danced together was enough for God to work with; perhaps He would magnify our prayers, widen the circle of ecstasy." (p. 104-105)

Halevi is realist enough to claim no easy victories. As the level of sectarian violence rises again, his network of friends retains little but hope and prayer. It's a marvelous book.

--author of "Different Visions of Love"

The title is exact. Halevi is an extraordinary person: a mystic deeply rooted in his Jewish faith but who can share a common search for peace and religious experience with Christians, the historic persecutors of Jews, and with Muslims, who have now become the "enemy." I know three of the communities of Christians he shared with and the descriptions are accurate so I can assume the Muslim sections are just as fair. Anyone searching for religious and mystic truth that is non-violent but serious about faith and God will love this book.

Yossi Halevy thinks he is only writing about interfaith connections in the holy land, but in fact the most inspiring aspect of the book is the delicate portrait of his own faith in God, where this deep faith takes him, and the grace of goodwill and wisdom that it creates inside his soul.

Extraordinary spiritual and personal journey. The author brilliantly transported me to a world totally unknown to me and I was hooked. The author allows the reader to witness the loving and nurturing relationship she developed with Mother Theresa.. It was an honor to be a part of the lives of these two woman, if only for a brief time.

Lorna Kelley's book had a profound effect on my life when I was early in my sobriety. I heard her speaking , and went out and bought this book. She is an inspired speaker and writer and her valuable life lessons and story of transformation make her one of the best authors I have ever encountered. I agree that this book needs to be made into a movie and I think she has to write another soon!

This is a lovely read of a beautiful journey, one from British schoolgirl to Sotheby's auctioneer to volunteer in Calcutta, India. Her tale puts a face on a spiritual quest for Jesus which is inspiring, uplifting, and encouraging. Great story-telling and a wonderful and rare insight into Mother Theresa and her world. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

This is one of the best books I have read in many years. It was inspiring, sad, funny and has changed my life. What a gift Lorna has given to many.

I was very touched by this true story of an intelligent person struggling to come to terms with her past, her family, grief, alcoholism, the material world and all the ills of everyday life. Beautifully and artfully written. The writer is no saint but, after one reads this book, her pure heart in unquestioned. Her sainthood (if I may use the word) is in her humanity and divine inclination to do good. She is like you and I struggling to exist and make a difference in this tragic world. In spite of all the material conforts and easy life, she is the poorer of the poor. I highly recommend this book to anybody looking for a good read to inspire both the heart and the spirit. God bless you Lorna! I just wish there were more books like yours out there!

I really enjoyed reading this charming book. The author Betsy Draine is unassuming and her honesty is refreshing. It's obvious that she didn't make up stories just to spice things up. More often than not, truth is more interesting than fiction. Dordogne particularly the town of Castelnaud where the author and her husband buy a vacation home is beautifully described, but you feel her sadness as she describes the changing of the times.

Another great book on Dordogne that I recommend is "The Most Beautiful Villages of Dordogne" by James Bentley and Hugh Palmer. As a matter of fact, the town of Castelnaud is featured in that book as well with some fantastic photos including one of the castle and its surrounding town on the back cover of the book. I highly recommend both! It's also refreshing to see that the story is actually set in the French region of Dordogne instead of the very popular Provence or Tuscany. There is a list of suggested readings in the back of the book.

I am going on a trip to the Dordogne area so this book has given me a perfect insight as to what to expect of the land, villages, food and people. The author writes with honesty about their experience and relays what I believe is the joy of owning a home aboard and intertwining with another culture. I can feel the sun of the morning when she opens the shutters to the day.

This book is a charming joy. The authors' successful search for a modest summer home in France will take the reader on their own dreamy journey, exploring what it would be like to live in a French country village and to succeed in making friends with the villagers. Great insights into what rural French folks are really like, and how to make them your friends. The book also underscores the importance of finding what is truly important to you in your life.

I bought this book while we were looking for our own house in the Dordogne (most wonderful spot on earth -- go, see it for yourself!), and found it both comforting and helpful (as well as funny, touching and insightful). We found our own house a short time later (in Aubeterre sur Dronne, a village in the Charente just across the border from the Dordogne), and are giving this book to friends and family to help explain the experience and the lure of southwestern France.

very entertaining book about buying a vacation home in France. I love sw france--the food, the villages, the people. This book is about an American couple from Wisconsin--looking for a house in SW France-- buying a house and then living there for the summers. They become friendly with the residents of the small village. They tell of how they were invited to dinner parties ---the food that was served-- the people the conversations etc......Its great! I really enjoyed it.

Very informative. Gives very good details on full-timing.

This is an older book on RV living and as such it doesn't have much if anything in the way of solar for power, satellite dish for TV and computer use or other off the grid living information one needs in 2007+. But the information on mail, medical, fees for various things, and what type of floor plan for an RV vs a trailer are helpful. Am still looking for a newer book and one that speaks to the single woman who travels in an RV and alone.

My husband wanted to try full-time RVing, but I was too attached to having a house. Anyone trying to make that decision, needs to read this book.
It helps you figure the costs of such a lifestyle and how to deal with mail, licenses, and medical issues without a home base. Two chapters cover selecting an RV for full-timing. Then it addresses adjusting the RV to your special needs and what to do about storage. Five chapters cover the care of the RV (electrical systems, water, sewage, etc.). There are sections on driving, security, and selecting campgrounds.
We're talking about more than 500 pages of solid information here. It's essential for full-time RVers and quite useful for even part-time RVers.

This is a comprehensive work that provides the pros and cons of life on the road. Although some of the material is out-dated the core message is complete. I found the information on licenses, vehicle registration, and voter registration to be very thought provoking.

This book is full of great information. Every chapter is very detailed. What I like most about the book is that it discusses things to consider when looking for your RV - things you might not have even considered had you not read this book. Also contains a great section on customizing/modifying your RV for full time RVing. A great book to read if you are considering the full time RV life style.