Travel Books

This is my third Joan Wester Anderson book. My son and I read one of the stories each night before bed, we've been doing this for about a year now and it is such a great way to finish our day. The stories have strengthened our faith and given us some great discussion openers. The stories are pretty short and easy to read in a 5-10 minute time frame. This is so inspiring and will truly lift the spirit. It is a great gift for any holiday.

Where Miracles Happen is a wonderful book, which will warm your heart, bring tears to your eyes and leave you with such a warm feeling all over! Ms. Anderson has managed once again, to capture the essence of the miraculous in everyday life. With over 50 different accounts of true encounters with heavenly beings, one knows that God loves us, we are watched over, protected, and guided constantly throughout our lives. Sometimes, as shown by several of the stories, our deceased loved ones are with us and also watching over us.

Help is always available, one just has to ask for it, as the story illustrated of the mother who did not have enough money to feed her children and food miraculously appeared, or the child caught in the snowstorm and could not find her way home, yet was guided by a supposed neighbor, who was later found out to be sick that entire week, or the gentleman who was protected driving when his mother invoked safety prayers from him and avoided a collision where a dozen cars lost control, yet no one was injured.

There are also stories of healings and of our loved ones sending signs and messages to reassure us that they are indeed in a place of love and that they are indeed all right. It seems that their messages and signs bring such healing and release to those that they have left behind.

These stories will inspire you and lift you up if you are feeling blue. Sometimes we need gentle reminders from above, that we are loved and cherished and not forgotten, even though we ourselves may think so.

I love keeping Ms. Anderson's books near by and randomly opening them and reading passages after a long and particularly stressful day! I would also encourage anyone to check out Ms. Anderson's website, where one can subscribe to a true angel story of the week!

This book would be great comfort to anyone who has lost a loved one, as well as to those who are experiencing turmoil in their lives. The title of the book does indeed live up to its name and the miracles presented in this book are phenomenal!

Highly recommended!!

"Where Miracles Happen" is a beautiful collection of true stories - all involving either prayers answered, angels, &/or other amazing, awe-inspiring miracles.

As I read on, I kept thinking of the statement "God works in mysterious ways" - and this is quite evident in each & every one of the stories presented.

Overall, I found this book to be an inspiring, interesting, easy read - the pages seemed to turn themselves! So, I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in the topics of angels, prayers answered, and/or other evidences of God's miracles in the lives of "everyday" men & women - you won't be disappointed.

This is a very inspiring book we can rely on when we need the reassurance we are not alone and that our life has special meaning. There are numerous, uplifting short stories covering a broad spectrum of situations where divine assistance seems to be the only logical explanation for the events. This read is potentially life-changing.

Every so often you come upon a book that stirs within you emotions so deep that it almost takes your breath away; this is what happens in this outstanding work, "Where Miracles Happen."
Author Joan Wester Anderson shares the stories of people, like you and me, who were touched with the miraculous. Stories of healings, life's saved, changed and left knowing they were kissed by a God who loves them. Their stories will leave you with a feeling of complete awe, deep reverence and expected hope and will turn your eyes once again to the One who made you.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. For the Believer it is an affirmation of their faith, a building block to draw upon and a salve for their soul. To the un-believer it should certainly be an eye-opener and if nothing more leave them with some thought provoking material. This is a must have, a book that should grace everyone's library; a book of faith and hope that can be read and enjoyed time and time again.

Loved it, loved it, loved it. I am not a teenager anymore but I still loved it. I could relate. I read it in one evening and wished that there was book 2 to read. Please keep writing these great, funny books.

Finally! My 3rd-grade daughter used to dread reading, and the first book "Matt the Brat" got her hooked! This is the first time she has wished that there were more books in a series. Carol Weston, please write more!!

I LOVED this book. it was great. all of the Melanie Martin books are great. In this one she goes with her parents to Spain. her dad has business in Spain to do so her mom used frequent flyer miles to have the whole family go with him. In Spain Melanie's mom meets up with her old boyfriend Antonio. When there. melanie falls for Antonio's son Miguel. In this book many adventures come in with love between Melanie and Miguel. Also surprisling Matt the Brat helps out to keep Melanie and Miguel alone or gives Melanie tips, like when Miguel's cousin comes and Melanie thought it was Miguel's girlfriend. This book was great and I'd recommend it for all ahges.

I bought this book from amazon.com and read it the day it came. It's so sweet to see Melanie in love! Stocked with bullfights, fireworks and of course, ROMANCE, this book rocks! It's almost like being in Europe yourself! This book is a must-read!

The Martin family band together for a two-week Spring break vacation as seen through the eyes of 11-year-old Melanie. Readers join Melanie through the pain and confusion of first love as she fills her senses with the compelling Spanish landscape. This is an amusing linguistic travel adventure written in diary format. Because the author phonetically spells the Spanish words Melanie learns, I found myself saying some of the words aloud and learning quite a few things along the way. An appendix of all the foreign words Ms. Weston used would have been an added benefit to the book. With Love From Spain, Melanie Martin will make you want to take your kids on a European adventure of your own, no matter where you live in the world! The potential for this book is it's "that's me" value for Tweeners making the transition beyond being big kids.

Detail in drawings opened up a whole new understanding of the ship's rigging. Many thanks

It is an excellent book. Very informative. Gives you added information needed to Build your model. The plans are easily read and can be reduced or Enlarged to other scales without too much problem. As I am new to model Scratch shipbuilding it is a great start for the information needed to carry out the task. Also the Historical interestThe 100-Gun Ship Victory (Anatomy of the Ship Series)

I bought this book for a 76 year old friend interested in learning about the workings of the gun-ship Victory. He couldn't be happier and has spent hours poring over the information provided in this very well written and illustrated book.

This book contains all the information you would need to "scratch-build"
HMS Victory in any scale or to improve any kit on the market. The detail is amazing and leaves no guesswork whatsoever. A "top-of-the-line" book,
just like the ship itself. Lord Nelson would approve.

Admiral Lord Nelson, the most successful naval commander of all time, died on board his flagship HMS Victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Arguably the world's most famous ship, HMS Victory was never decommissioned by the Royal Navy and is now the world's longest serving warship.

Writing this review as someone who, primarily, conducts research into ships but also as one who builds model ships, this book is ideally suited for either purpose. Beginning with an explanation of "First Rate" ships and a list of all those which held that rating, author John McKay takes the reader briefly through a career summary of HMS Victory before moving on to her design and construction. From here on he leaves no stone unturned as he describes each and every facet of the ship - right down to how many tons of salt meat or biscuits she would carry.

Everything from her various repairs and refurbishments to the more specific aspects of her steering gear, ground tackle, pumps, boats, sheathing, accommodation, masts, rigging, yards, sails - and so the list goes on, is fully explained in excellent detail.

The equally excellent photography is only eclipsed by the ultra-high standard of technical drawings which cover every aspect of the ship.

One final point; This excellent series of books include a scale drawing of the vessel to which the book refers on the reverse side of the dust jacket. These are sometimes overlooked.

Altogether a "First Rate" book.

NM

This book is fantastic! I live in Australia but I'm going to be living and working (hopefully...) in New York in a couple of months.
The book includes sections on practically every aspect of life - from cheap food, medical care, and general merchandise, to hairdressing, public toilets, and internet service providers.
I would say this is one of the most useful books I have ever read, and I can definitely recommend it to anyone planning on making a move to New York City.
It is extremely easy to read and not at all like trawling through a guidebook. The sections are well organised and easily located in the table of contents. I particularly liked the book and music store 'reviews'.
It also felt as though it was written by a person that I would actually like in real life, and while this is not entirely relevant, it gave me even greater faith in the advice.
I feel a lot more confident about my trip now that I know where to go and what to expect as I attempt to set up house.
This has certainly relieved me (at least temporarily) from my increasingly frantic google searches.

Wile some of the info offered may be slightly out of date by the time a reader gets their hands on this book (addresses and phones can change, etc.) the wisdom and experience of the author comes through very well. Anyone who is headed for the Big Apple as an actor should read this book.

This book is good, but even better if you plan on living in Hell's Kitchen (midtown west). As the author refers to that area often. Overall, i liked it though. I'd say it helps speed up the process of getting comfortable living in the big city, not working, but LIVING.

Actor or not, this book is a huge help in finding the cheapest of everything in New York City. Listed by category, the author gives listings and phone numbers of the cheapest of it all. There are hints and tips on how to make it in New York on a budget, how to find a place to live, and even where public restrooms are available!

What a gold mine! This book isn't just for actors--it is a meticulously-researched, up-to-date and readable guide to living well in Manhattan without watching money flow through your fingers--it covers everything from haircuts and clothes to great deals at the opera. I'm recommending it to all newcomers, regardless of profession. If I had to find one small flaw, it's that I'm not quite confident about his recommendations for women, as--and he freely admits this--they rely on the judgment of his female friends, and the reader can't gauge whether these women share the author's ability to find the best, the least expensive and the most hard-to-find secrets of New York. Regardless, a minor detail in a worthwhile book.

Having recently returned from Africa - my "long-time dream vacation" alas come true, I wanted to savor memories of its beauty and wildlife so I purchased Michael Poliza's book, AFRICA. If I was captivated by the sights I beheld in person during many game drives, I am completely spellbound now after laying eyes on Poliza's incredible, oversized photographs! I am pleased to have this coffee table book so readily available, to take me back to a place that will forever live in my heart. Thank you to Michael Poliza for expressing so beautifully in pictures what I can barely even explain in words! He has touched the core of my soul. His AFRICA photographs are phenomenal and truly inspiring! I know I will one day return to Africa but, until then, this book takes me there (so wonderfully) again and again, every day.

Worth buying and having one of your own. The other reviews say it all. I add that it is one of my favorite books --- there are over 1200 books in my library.

Of all the many great African wildlife photographers, there are a select few whose images stand out from the rest and transcend beyond photography to art - - Nick Brandt's "On This Earth", Anup & Manoj Shah's "The Circle of Life", Robert Haas' "through the eyes of the gods" and now Michael Poliza's "Africa".

As a wildlife photographer myself (I had the opportunity to meet Michael Poliza and observe him at work in the Linynati region of Botswana in 2002), beyond enjoying other photographers' images, I instinctively compare their work to mine. While anyone can take an occasional excellent photo, it is the collective body of work that defines the truly great photographers. Poliza's African wildlife portfolio demonstrates that he is one of those on a different artistic level than the rest of us, including much more widely known and acclaimed photographers like Beverly & Derek Joubert and Mitsuaki Iwago.

If you're going to invest in a single African wildlife coffee table book, you won't regret making it "Africa".

A book for real animal and Africa lovers!! Excellent photos, combining nature photography and the art of composing colours and/or designs. Phantastic views from the air, but also from the ground. Who ever has been on a game drive in Africe, would have hoped to be able to get at least one of these pictures. Also the size (and the weight) is absolutely gigantic!

After a recent trip to Tanzania & Kenya, I wanted to find some way to keep the images of the animal life I saw in those places fresh in my mind's eye. Michael Poliza's photography captures the colorful, raw elegance that is Africa in purest form. This large book is for anyone of any age who appreciates beautiful photography, and also for animal lovers everywhere who want to witness up-close the delicate balance of animal life at it's most majestic. A stunning addition to any collection.

A 1950's folk singer and wild woman's memoir of her love affair with the Colorado River and Glen Canyon before the Glen Canyon Dam flooded her canyon. She tells of floating the river and exploring intimate side canyons on small personal trips.

This is one of the best and most special books I have read. Katie Lee really gives you the experience of Glen Canyon--it's beauty, wildness, and uniqueness. I fell in love with the place through her words, and felt her loss deeply when the damn dam was built. This act (the building of the dam) was truly a dark time in our history. I thank Katie Lee for sharing her thoughts and feelings and cheer her for her openness in those closed times.

Katie Lee has written a beautiful & powerful love story & funeral song to a place some considered the most beautiful on earth, now drowned under Lake Powell. The book is largely exerpts from Katie's river journals from 40+yrs ago & has an immediacy that left me feeling like I was in Glen Canyon with her. She mentions that she shared early drafts of a fiction version with Ed Abbey, who told her to just write her own story. That she couldn't make up anything better than her own experiences. Ed Abbey was right. I devoured the book in one emotional sitting, then spent the rest of the day wandering aimlessly with dreams & visions of lost desert canyons in my mind.

Katie Lee has given us a wonderful glimpse at a lost treasure. Her discriptions of the river and side canyons tell of her love of this lost world. My 2nd greatgrandfather went through Glen Canyon in 1872 with the second Powell Expedition and Katie has given me some feeling as to What he saw and the places he visited. I never understood what a treasure Glen Canyon was to Us till I read her book. Thank You Katie Lee

Katie Lee has led a remarkable life. But while she may be a fine story teller for a live audience, she is a poor writer. I found it a slow book to flog myself through- despite an enormous interest in the subject. Too bad she couldn't have put her ego aside and sat down with a professional writer. I can think of several women writers of the west that would have been a boon to the project. I look forward to the Katie Lee biography from one of them.

This is a delightful book that shows another, less visible, side of the Hamptons. It's refreshing and touching. The author has a wonderful ability to convey a sense of place and to draw you into character. Try it!

Glitz of the Hamptons may be a small book, but it has an important message. Berg's poignant story is a perfect gift. Locals will love seeing sketches of their favorite places in the Hamptons.

Glitz takes us on a lovely tour of the Hamptons, depicting the special beauty each beach community holds. This thoughtful and touching tale paints an engaging sketch of true friendship and loyalty.

Everything about this book is wonderful. Janet Berg has written a story that makes you feel like you are in the Hamptons. A very enjoyable read for every age. This is a story that will stick in your head & heart.

Glitz of the Hamptons takes the reader on the short intense journey of an "insular" character. While the trek is not always comfortable, the protagonist finds his reward. The search for what is most important is always compelling, and Janet Berg, with a style that is straightforward and unembellished, delivers a satisfying tale of surprising depth.

Murphy's book has given honest and straightforward insight into the missionary experience. It doesn't try to sell or market his choice to go. It has nonetheless helped my wife and I process through our decision to serve in Africa. It is written in journal form, so don't expect a sweeping narrative with elaborate character and setting. A helpful description of a young missionary's personal journey.

I work with Ryan at RVA, and I like him enough that I was afraid I wouldn't like the book. There was no reason to fear; this is a terrific book. He is wise and honest, and it comes through. Anyone with a heart for missions will love this book, although you might suggest to Ryan that he devote a LARGE section to ME in the sequel that is sure to come.

Set in Kenya during the Murphy family's first years as teachers of missionary children, Ryan Murphy tells the real story of a faith-driven life abroad. Away from the comforts of home, friends and family, he recounts not only the daily challenges and frustrations, but also the heart-warming victories inherent in doing the Lord's work afar. Murphy's tales of daily life evoke humor, compassion and wonder and take the reader on a unique voyage to a rich and colorful land where adventure and uncertainty lurk around every corner. This is a real page-turner, sincerely told in everyday language. It is a delightful read for anyone interested in a unique memoir and a must for anyone contemplating the missionary life.

This easy read give a fresh look at what God can do with two open heart. Honest, open and enjoyable this book will be an highlight of your day as you fell like you actually been to Rift Valley Ac. This book talks about real life and dose not forget what's really important.

My husband and I have been volunteering an American missionary school last two months. It has been an interesting adjustment to the culture. We have gone through all sorts of emotions, but the most disturbing emotions have been ones of discouragement and questioning God's hand in bringing us here. Living here has been tough. Praise God that Ryan Murphy's book "ALL THAT YOU CAN'T LEAVE BEHIND" was given to us to read. Not only is it a delightful and entertaining book, but God used the book to show us that our feelings were not unusual. We could relate to Heather and Ryan's first year missionary life and laughed as we realized how similar our experiences were. I am encouraged to know that my emotions are to be expected and that they are not signs that I shouldn't be here, but rather part of the process of entering missionary life. I have been able to see through the Murphys' experiences that we too will survive and grow to love this place.



This book helps one take a deep breath and realize that these feelings are okay. To realize that the struggle will not last forever but that it is part of God's plan is liberating. Praise God for this encouragement! I think anyone who is considering a cross cultural experience should read this book. It is an easy read and will help those coming to the field to understand the "fitting into the new culture" process. I think it is a must read.

Highly recommended. Reading this book I learned a lot about the history of Congo and the suffering of its people. Once you started reading you can't really put it down. But be warned: The stories about gunboys, militia and so on are really cruel and reading about their atrocities makes you want to throw the book against the wall or shout at somebody.

I read this book in May and still find myself haunted by it. Episodes like the Kinshasa Fight Club or the surreal appearance of Jessica Lange at a triage camp will stay with me for a long long time.

Mealer tenderly renders the humanity of a situation most of us would prefer to think of as inhuman.

You owe it to yourself to take a look.

I had to put the book down several times because I felt sick. Bryan's writing was so real that I felt every terrifying and treacherous moment along the way. Just when a dangerous jouney ended, another began. I am so overwhelmed with what Bryan experienced in the Congo. I know him personally as well as his family, and I can't imagine what they all went through at their own levels.
I applaud Bryan Mealer for the excellent portrayal of a dire situation. I admire his wife, Ann Marie, and family for living through all of the reports, emails and contacts from Bryan throughout his entire journey.
BRAVO, Bryan, for the intensity, honesty, and real depiction of the situation in the Congo that we should all be aware of and concerned about.

Bryan Mealer has penned a brutal memoir of his three years as a reporter in the Congo, three years when teenage gunboys roamed the countryside and city streets, when UN peacekeeping forces faced mystical leaders operating from jungle mountaintops, when rebel militias and government forces alike pillaged their own nation. It was a horrible time in the history of a country that has seen little else for the last hundred years.

While Mealer writes about the bloody atrocities he witnessed, the real story he tells is about himself. He's drawn back to the Congo three times, apparently addicted to the extreme discomfort and random violence he endures. His travels cover nearly the entire country from the capital of Kinshasa to the mineral-rich southern provinces to the guerilla-infested eastern region where an alphabet-soup of militias, foreign armies, and UN forces fight a never-ending war of terror, rape, and mutilation. He rides a newly-reconstructed rail line and even follows Conrad's trail up the Congo River via barge. At one point, he and his adventure-junkie buddies take off through the jungle on bicycles.

While Mealer tells us the names and stories of many Congolese he meets along the way, he never really gives much insight into them as anything other than victims. He says as much when he reflects on his bicycle journey:

"...once in the jungle, my own basic needs and level of comfort had stood in the way of learning anything. I didn't even know my riders' last names or anything about their families. I'd simply been too exhausted and hungry to care. It wasn't my proudest moment, and even now, those last days on the trail leave a sting of regret."

Still, All Things Must Fight To Live puts the reader close to the action and accurately reflects the aftermath of war and colonialism in one of the world's greatest humanitarian catastrophes.

Dave Donelson, author of Heart of Diamonds: A Novel of Scandal, Love and Death in the Congo

I recommend this book for many reasons--Mealer's lyrical, colorful prose, insight into some of the most magnificent and heartbreaking events and places in the DRC, and finally, for a first hand account of how, why, and when news reaches us out of Africa. I'll recommend this book to my colleagues who study Congo, but also to family members who would like a window into this fiercely captivating and complicated place.

This is, without doubt, THE must-have guide to the Angkor area. Dawn Rooney writes with clarity, thoroughness and a balanced view of the monuments without talking down to (or over the head of) the reader. Some books on this area read like travel brochures, others like snobby scholarly textbooks. Ms. Rooney's book strikes the perfect balance between the two.

I'm a research-aholic about my travel, and collect guide books by the dozens. This is one of the best I've read anywhere, about any area.

This revised edition features tons of full-color photographs, good maps and many, many touring tips. I especially liked the fact that she talks about when to visit certain areas, where the best photography opportunities are, along with what makes each temple/monument unique.

The first portion of this book gives a "just-the-right-depth" overview of the history of the area, plus overviews of the artistic styles, royal lineages, construction methods, restoration efforts, etc. Then the second portion goes into detail about each monument - grouped into logical touring sequences.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. If you've been searching for a guide book to the Angkor area - end your search now. This is the one.

After 6 days in Siem Reap with a licensed guide, this book is 'Cliff Notes' to what the guide tells you. I don't recommend touring the temples without a licensed guide, unless you want a quick, superficial tour. The only book that contains info on the temple Koh Ker (3 hours from Siem Reap, built in 900 AD) & the Preak Toal Bird Sanctuary (2.5 hours by boat across Tonle Sap Lake). If you want to truly enjoy & understand the carvings, the history (Buddhist & Hindu) & culture of what you seeing, read this book before you depart (it's too heavy to take), hire a licensed guide (not a driver who cannot legally take you inside the temples) who is trained to explain how the temples were built (different materials & methods) & what the carvings depict (Hindu mythology, Buddhist kings). Then when you return, reread the sections on the temples you visited... and it will bring back a flood of images & memories. Floor plans are confusing, pictures scant, but her historical descriptions & distances are accurate, lesser known, less touristy temples are included for the adventurous or art lover.

Excellent, up-to-date info. on all sites; very detailed and accurate text on history and culture. Very informative for architects, historians, and other people interested in more profund knowledge/ facts. Far better than the other guides I've read!

One of the best guides that I have read. Very good background, history, religion,and description of the sites. In short, a great book.

This book is an absolute necessity for visiting Angkor, at least if one has an interest in archaeology. In fact, knowing what I know now, I would have skipped hiring a guide and just rented a bicycle with this book as my guide. It is comprehensive, well-illustrated (although the illustrations are not always tied to the adjacent text--my most serious complaint about the book), and has the right balance between academic and popular interest. It is well-worth the extra weight involved in taking it along to Asia (I wish they had used cheaper paper and binding to make it lighter, but then the pictures wouldn't have been so inviting). Maps and organization make it easy to use, although the index sometimes is off by a page or two--perhaps they didn't update it all from the 4th ed. At any rate, it is far superior to all other guides I found on the subject.