Travel Books

Reading Jean Genet's books always makes me thrilled. He has the power of detailing stories after stories of sins. He also has the magic of transforming sins into beautified actions that everyone should have appreciated instead of detesting. His words are powerful and contain a seductive emotion. He also confess his love for male bodies in this kind of autobiography book. This work is one great masterpiece in my mind.

Jean Genet's absorbing work of literary autobiography traverses the boundaries of genre with stunning ingenuity and imagination. This work is in some ways similar to Capote's use of the so-called "non-fiction novel," in that it recalls apparently true events through the lens of fiction. This is the reflection of a petty thief, and vagabond. Genet is a young man wandering Europe and immersing himself in a world of crime and depravity. He fuses his homosexuality with nefarious hooliganism to play off of our civilization's utter contempt for effeminate males. Genet blurs the boundary of morality with Nietzschean fury as he revels in his self projected "evil." Perhaps what is most astonishing about 'The Thief's Journal' is the way in which Jean Genet comments on his own commentary with startling frankness and lucidity. In many ways this work established many of the literary mechanics of what is now referred to as "post-modern," though Genet achieves the same level of complexity without sacrificing clarity or beauty in the process.

Genet was, without a doubt, one of the master prose stylists of the twentieth century. This "autofiction" memoir, based on the events of his life, follows the author/character Genet on his vagabond trip through 1930's Europe. While all of Genet's narratives are interesting, most do not follow a chronological sequence or have standard narration. This one does, and as such, I think it is the best introduction to his work.

In this "journal," Genet does more than detail the events of his everyday life--he describes the process by which he becomes a poet. In singing the praises of all that society rejects, Genet creates beauty from the abject, and puts all events and experiences on equal ground as inspirations and subjects of art. One of the great meditations on the creative process, and one of the great works of the 20th c.

Both during and after my reading of Jean Genet's semi-autobiographical memoir of life as a criminal (later turned writer), I have been attempting to place its protagonist (aptly named "Jean") onto a psychoanalyst's couch. Here is a fascinating and often times sleezy character who has captured my imagination in a way that most central figures of a novel never have. Jean describes himself as having a very lonely boyhood; when he was not living in foster homes, he was out stealing from people, spending time in juvenile reformatories and prisons. Most of his friends have been individuals that he met while in jail or as collaborators in his crimes. These individuals were often pimps, drug dealers, thieves, and other such low lives.

I believe that the key to Jean's nature, a natural extention of his feelings of utter aloneness, is his desire for the love and approval by the most brutal and in his eyes, most masculine, of these malefactors. His robbing of unsuspecting, more well to do older "queers," as he calls them, who hire him for sex, gains Jean the respect and admiration of some of his friends. Interestingly, Jean is also a homosexual (probably self-hating). Although many of these men become his friends, only a few actually return his love. In Jean's unconventional society betrayal of those you most love is a common principle, and Jean desires to do just that.

_The Thief's Journal_ also has its moments of pathos, especially notable in the episode where Jean and a number of his acquaintances are homeless, in utter squalor, and middle-class tourists visiting their terrain comment on their "charm."

This book is not for every taste, but it is a very enthralling look at a world many of us may read about, but never see close up.

Genet's final novel is perhaps his most personal written document. All his desires are finely crafted here and his book is , as usual, crammed with idols and mystification. What prevents me from calling this his greatest novel is the influence of Sartre. By this point, as Genet's biographrer Edmund White has pointed out, Genet was conciously incorporating the use of Sartre's theories in his work (as Sartre at that time was Genet's friend - and sort of replacement for Jean Cocteau). The novel lacks the inovation of 'Our Lady' - but at the same time it has many more direct personal references to Genet himself.

What makes Genet, for me, one of the greatest writers of the 20th century is the way he embraces fate. He is always so clear in his novels about what is going to happen and the significance of what is going to happen. Thus, his writing always sounds so inevitable and profound - and his characters are like shrines of worship - he creates mythology. This is what makes Genet so refreshing to me - and he is, in my opinion, an equal to authors like Proust, Joyce, and Kafka - a gem of self-concious literature.

The Thiefs Journal is a good place to start with Genet. It is very clear and detailed and he pours the same great poetic prose into it - that he gave books like 'Our Lady' and 'Querelle'.

Practicing astrologer Eileen Grimes presents Titanic Astrology: The Grand Design Of A Famous Shipwreck, a compilation of data from over 1000 astrological charts that reveals an "astrological signature" found in 83% of the birth charts of the ship's passengers and crew. Tracing biographies of the ship's builders, passengers, and crew, and revealing how heaven-predicted connections played out on earth, Titanic Astrology is a remarkably well put-together exploration of the metaphysical purpose and meaning of the Titanic's demise, and what the legacy of the great shipwreck has to tell us about our own star signs and destinies.

Eileen Grimes' Titanic Astrology is a stellar achievement that will hopefully herald a new era in astrological scholarship. She crafts the rare text that reveals a riveting tale of discovery and tragedy through the lens of in depth research. This story is as personal as it is personable, as easily accessible to those without astrological training as to those with substantial background in the field. Grimes constructs her narrative from a vast array of historical documentation and astrological charts for these events and the many individuals connected to the Titanic, either past or present. With passion and dedication, she discloses her highly credible theory of astrological markers as indicators for this historical disaster and for why it still remains so vivid in the imaginations of people today. Grimes has set a new standard of quality for investigative astrology and, in so doing, provided a blueprint for those who would follow on their own journeys of astrological excavation.

In spite of the in-depth research, the mountains of data, the skillful interpretations, and the masterful turn-of-words of all that information, the most surprising thing about this book, to me, is that it made me "feel" to the point that I cried, a lot. This is a book with a metaphysical quality...similar to turning water into wine. In this case, however, a rock is turned into a sponge.

The fact that I have none of the Titanic degrees in my own chart, 19-25 degrees of the cardinal signs, probably offers a clue to my surprise. Although I have enjoyed a couple of the Titanic movies, I have never been particularly drawn to the ship, its history, its people, or their fate. Admittedly, I purchased and read this book only because its author, Eileen Grimes, has been a good online friend of mine for the last seven years or so. I got far more than I expected! She has made me feel proud, once again, that I became an astrologer so many years ago.

In a very intriguing way, Eileen has perhaps given us "The Keys To the Kingdom" where investigative astrology is concerned. She has opened the doors to new and exciting methods of stretching the scope of astrology. As much as I became emotionally 'caught up' in the story as she has told it, I am just as intellectually excited about the doors she has opened for us astrologers. In my opinion, no self-respecting astrologer should miss reading this book.

For non-astrologers, I can only suggest that, in this book, you may finally discover the connection we all have with the Heavens above us.

Eileen has proved, not only the astrological connections between Heaven and happenings on Earth; she has transformed a terrible disaster into a victory that will be with us when the Titanic itself is nothing but dust.

Thank you for such a wonderful book, Eileen. I am extremely proud of you and your talents which you have so masterfully shared with us.

Randall Collins - ZodiYak@proastrologer.net
Former Publisher of AstroMind Magazine

If I had no knowledge of Astrology--and had just picked this book up on a whim (which could happen as the Cover Art is Exquisite) I would thank the universe for steering me to it, and then buy more to give as gifts.
Ms. Grimes presents her research (over five years) of the disaster like the writer of a fine detective novel. You the reader have the advantage of knowing what is to come...she explains the why and how. With the added bonus of learning the meaning of A Grand Design.
It is a masterful work and an exciting read. Astrology has found another Star.

Eileen Grimes' Titanic Astrology is a stellar achievement that will hopefully herald a new era in astrological scholarship. She crafts the rare text that reveals a riveting tale of discovery and tragedy through the lens of in depth research. This story is as personal as it is personable, as easily accessible to those without astrological training as to those with substantial background in the field. Grimes constructs her narrative from a vast array of historical documentation and astrological charts for these events and the many individuals connected to the Titanic, either past or present. With passion and dedication, she discloses her highly credible theory of astrological markers as indicators for this historical disaster and for why it still remains so vivid in the imaginations of people today. Grimes has set a new standard of quality for investigative astrology and, in so doing, provided a blueprint for those who would follow on their own journeys of astrological excavation.

After reading one of the reviews on this site about cost and outdated calendars, I was a little hesitant in purchasing this travel planner. But I went ahead and bought it anyways, and I'm sure glad I did! I found this planner to be extremely useful to me and intend on using another for my next trip! I also found the price to be very fair and contained current calendars for this year and the next.

This is a complete and compact travel journal, loaded with travel tips, space for recording absolutely everything, great packing lists for all kinds of trips. What I didn't like was the out-dated calendars (1999 and 2000) on the inside front and back covers--some help that is. I purchased four journals at once, all different, to use as gifts. This was the most expensive, and I probably would have returned it except that our trip is less than 2 weeks away!

This year, I used a personalized travel organizer to attend my grandmother's 100th birthday, and it has become a keepsake! I kept notes on family history that I never had before, recorded contact information for family members I'd lost touch with, and the cover photo of my family not only turned out better than the original picture, it completes the memories of a special event in my life."

I haven't kept a travel journal before and I found it very useful in helping to remember things. Each day was so full of activity that they tended to blur into one great trip, so the book helps to tie down certain events to specific days and locations. It will be especially helpful to me when I finally get around to writing my article on the trip. I have two overseas speaking engagements this year to give a slide presentations and talks on the visit to aquarium societies, so the book will also be useful in compiling notes for the talks.

Not only did it help us to not forget anything, it cued us to bring things we hadn't thought of! The chore of making plans and putting checklists together before a trip is not something I enjoy. This organizer does most of that for you; you just have to fill in the pertinent information. Besides, having the custom picture of my Grandfather's dairy farm on the front put a smile on my face and warmed my heart throughout the entire planning process! I also loved being able to capture our trip in the journal; what a great idea! I'm ordering another one for our Walt Disney World trip in the Fall! I can't wait to see it!

The Gazetteer is the only way to travel. These maps have been in the back of my truck for years and are exceptional. If you have never used a Gazetteer map, you have not been seeing all of the world you need to see. If I had to take 2 things on a road trip, I would take a car and a Gazetteer.

As already stated by the other reviewers, the DeLorme atlas & gazetteer is fantastic. I love the many points-of-interest features which other map products lack.

But if you're going to buy one, don't get this 2005 edition, go find the 2008 edition (such as on DeLorme's website). In addition to the road updates, the new one has GPS coordinates and more topographical info. I'm a little disappointed that Amazon doesn't have it available yet, when it's been out since early this year.

These DeLorme maps are great. I plan on visiting the state of Utah next spring and do some hiking while I am there and these look great. The details of the roads and all campsites are awesome. I plan to purchase more of these of other states. They even have details about fishing being available.

Quick delivery, good price, excellent travel guide for the state of Utah where you want to see terrain, not just highways.

Great maps as always from DeLorme.. I have 6 different states, great for fly fishing, fishing and hiking.. You can use the GPS cordinates to get to specific locations. A must have for the fisherman, hiker and camper.

It's thick and lucius and keeps rewarding me every time i sit down with it. Having grown up in California, I've heard bits and pieces about many of these places and it's great to learn more about them.

Coffee table books are usually visually beautiful (such as Southwestern landscapes, the National Parks, cuisines of the world, ancient civilizations) while shallow in terms of information. Not so with "Visionary State",a stunning book that is as visually delightful as it is educational.

Author Erik Davis is insightful about California's syncretistic, Gnostic spirituality. He shows how Goddess spirituality, Western Buddhism, yoga, and queer spirituality have deep roots in Californian soil-from the Self Realization Fellowship's temple in Encinitas (not far from where I used to live) to the labyrinth at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco (surprisingly, Davis doesn't mention St.Gregory of Nyssa,famous for its icon of dancing saints,and its dance-centered liturgy)

Davis shows the selective "openness" of Californian spirituality. He explores Zen, Tantra, and Wicca, while dismissing the growth of non-denominational and evangelical churches. It's no wonder he doesn't choose the beautiful white clapboard St. Stephen's Anglican Church in Oakville or the Institute for Creation Research in El Cajon (but he does show El Cajon's Unarius Academy,devoted to UFO and the Space Brothers)

It is pleasant to see places I've been--such as the sylvan sojourn of Harbin Hot Springs in Middletown, the Egyptian temples of the Isis Oasis in Geyserville,the Stanford Memorial Chapel in Palo Alto, the San Diego Mission,and the Self-Realization Fellowship Temple in Encinitas. It also inspired me to go to the spectacular City of Ten Thousand Buddhas in Ukiah-famous for being the largest Buddhist center in the US and its vegetarian restaurant.

"Visionary State" is a look at the kaleidoscope of Californian spirituality. In these pages, you'll learn that Sam Brannan,founder of Calistoga,wanted California to be the capital of the Mormon Church (Brigham Young disagreed),and that the round barn in Santa Rosa was part of the Fountaingrove commune in the 19th century. You'll learn about Lonnie Frisbee, the co-founder of the Calvary Chapel movement whose name has been erased from official histories because he died from AIDS,as well as the Gnosticism of Philip K.Dick,the author of "Blade Runner." "Visionary State" not only looks great,but makes a great read too!

I bought for the photography but I read cover to cover with great interest. Fascinating historical detail. Beautiful photography.

The photography and commentary captures the awe of California's spiritual past. There has been plenty of coffee table books on Yosemite, Big Sur and the California coast but never has there been a book describing the vast inner landscape of Californian's themselves. This book is a fine addition to the Cali history enthusiast.

This is a fabulous book, like everything Erik Davis writes. The photography just takes it to a new level. This book will be a standard reference for us in future journeys on the North American west coast. We intend to visit all the sites, or as many as we can, documented in the book.

But it is much more than a travel book. Davis brings his masterful knowledge of American gnosticism and materializes it in his historical, rich narrative about the numerous temples, religions, and cults of California. I strongly recommend "Techgnosis" for a much deeper treatment of the same topic. Let's hope he keeps bringing his skill as a writer to craft more beautiful essays about the rich and fragmented American life, and the strange worlds emerging as the American imperial reign draws to a close.

Davis is probably the most talented of the current psychedelic authors, and has a talent at keeping an open and critical eye on both the dark and light aspects of emerging subcultures.

I love his wordcraft and eclectic reach. Every time I read one of his books, I come back with at least twenty new words and a few new concepts.

I loved this book but we must also consider that the promises of walking with God have specific unpopular truths. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12

For a review of this book we must also look to the category of "unpopular" promises. This promise guarantees persecution for serious believers in Jesus Christ. In a church world where many treasure comfort and popularity, this promise is not well-received.

This promise is given to those who want to live a life of godliness: "who desire to live godly." Godliness is the will of the Lord for His people. "But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness" (1 Timothy 6:11). Our Lord Himself declared that there is great blessing in having a passion for righteous living. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness" (Matthew 5:6a). The blessing is God's pledge to satisfy that heart which yearns for righteousness. "For they shall be filled" (Matthew 5:6b).

Yet, we have seen that fullness of righteousness is not all that is promised to those who want to walk in godliness. Persecution is also promised. "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." Notice the comprehensive, inescapable dimension of this promise. "All who desire to live godly...will suffer persecution." There are no exceptions. There are no exemptions.
All who sincerely desire to follow the Lord Jesus Christ will experience the consequences that He met, as He walked in righteousness. "Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you" (John 15:20). Jesus was not universally hailed for His righteous path. He was opposed, mocked, conspired against, and betrayed. We need not be startled when measures of similar persecutions befall us.

Of course, this promise of persecution is not given to discourage us from pressing on down the path of godliness. Rather, it is offered to prepare us for the difficulties that are guaranteed as we seek to grow in Christlikeness. The Lord even adds gracious encouragements to righteousness, so we will be strengthened to pursue His holy will in this matter. "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10). Persecutions can remind us that we are headed for heaven. Persecutions can bring us heavenly measures of sustaining grace along the way.

This book is a practical guide to living through suffering. The first chapter deals with looking at your situation to be clear on "who's fault is it?" Did you make choices that landed you here; was it someone else's fault; or was it nobody's fault -- just life as it happened. He doesn't bog you down in that -- he just wants you to look at how you got to this point so that you can use those lessons and move forward, even if it's still on that road you didn't want to travel. I find that there is a lot in common here with the Zen teachings that it's not the suffering that causes our problems, it's trying to avoid those sufferings.

I, too, am going through a separation now and while I was the one who packed up and left, this road certainly isn't the one I saw myself taking when I took wedding vows over 15 years ago. I can face that and move forward and this book has practical steps of how to get there.

The balance of personal stories with the Biblical background of the children of Israel seems just right. I can find myself in the stories and then see how my struggles are thousands of years old and common to humans.

GREAT BOOK -- would recommend it to anyone who finds themselves in a place they didn't want to be, can't get out of or want to walk through in a way that glorifies God.

I'm about halfway through this book and I'm enjoying Mark's perspective on life and how to handle potential hurdles.

I'm not quite finished reading the book, and I have already learned and enjoyed this book so much. It is an amazing find, for anyone, whether you're on a "hard road" or not. I would recommend it to anyone!

I read Walking with God on the road you never wanted to travel some months back and have kept it out because I refer to sections that I've highlighted when I need help with my impending divorce.

I found Mark's words and passages a source of healing and comfort. I hope that I can look back on my experience and email Mark with a success story someday. If you are currently dealing with a huge "why did this happen to me" situation this book is the one to read and re-read because of the many examples, biblical passages, and words of encouragement are well worth the book's price.

I'm not a science fan but I loved learning about the space program and the rockets. I read the book within a few hours. Nice job, authors.

I'm not a science fan but I loved learning about the space program and the rockets. I read the book within a few hours. Nice job, authors.

I really enjoyed learning about this private base where our rockets were developed. The writers made it so clear and easy to read. Neat!

I bet those two authors couldn't get on that base today. How lucky we are to have this book prior to terrorism. It gives a good feel on what goes on behind the scenes. The postcard photos are great.

I bet the authors wouldn't get clearance now to go to this government base...what with 9/11 and all the terrorism. That makes this book all the more valuable and treasured. Neat photos and fun info.

I missed the humor that was so evident in the first book in this series House Of Dark Shadows,but my interest never wavered in this second book despite it's noticeable absence.

There are plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments,and some very interesting twists to the story,plus the father's history with the house,was appreciated.

My only complaint is with that cliff-hanger of an ending,LOL!

As Mr. Liparulo's books marketed more for adults don't really interest me,with the excessive gore warned about for Comes A Horseman,for example,I am hoping that he will write many more YA series like this one.

Watcher in the Woods picks up the eerie, engrossing story begun in House of Dark Shadows, which saw the King family move from Pasadena to the small town of Pinedale when their father Edward accepts the position of principal at the high school, and into a house with a dark history. From the first page of this Christian-published young adult novel we are plunged once again into the high intensity, rapid fire setting of the first. Liparulo cuts to the chase, providing a bare minimum of exposition in the first chapters to remind readers of where the story left us at the end of book one.

This series is one that builds upon itself, adding question upon question, layer upon layer of mystery and uncertainly to the storyline, while revealing few answers. These titles do not stand-alone; each is an integral part of the story. Each book needs to be read in sequence in order to follow along.

David and Xander, the King brothers, throw themselves fool-hardily into the search for their missing mother. Frustrated by their father's lack of action they take matters into their own hands despite their father's cautious prohibitions and warnings. This rebellion against their father marks the initiating of the downward spiral of the King family into the darkness that becomes more palpable throughout this title.

The King family struggles to maintain a somewhat normal façade (with little success) when dealing with the townsfolk of Pinedale. Edward King starts his new job and the King siblings enter the school year in unfamiliar surroundings. Together the family embarks on a plan of deception, and outright lies to mask the disappearance of their mother. I was so dismayed to see this plan being carried out with little concern for the word of God. This is only book two of the series, but as the characters involved are professing Christians I hope to see God dealing with this blatant sin in their lives before the series comes to an end.

Watcher in the Woods is not as cohesive a tale as the first book. Liparulo includes a lengthy scene which appears unconnected from any other events in the series to date. This odd scene seems only to serve as a respite from the relentless action. I am surmising that he will further explain the meaning of this incident in future books and is only starting to weave this thread through the story.

New characters, mysteries and challenges arise but few are solved. The King family learns some rudimentary operations of the portals in their new home, but so much remains to be discovered. I feel that we are barely at the beginning of learning how and why the house and portals work, but this installment hints at a fuller explanation in the near future.

While the ending of the first novel left us hanging with the disappearance of the King's mother, it pales in comparison with the monstrous cliffhanger Liparulo works up to this time. Anyone who has taken a creative writing course can tell you that the climax ought to occur approximately 80 - 90% of the way through a story, leaving the author time to wrap up loose ends and come to a conclusion. You can't expect that sort of formulaic tale telling with this series.

A frenzy of action builds up to the climax, and Liparulo leaves us there with no conclusion. Three dramatic, time-sensitive events occur simultaneously at the end of the novel, bringing stress levels to a crescendo before cuting us off abruptly with the words "NOT THE END". Whew, what a ride. Dreamhouse Kings fans are looking longingly towards the January 2009 release of Gatekeepers, the third title in the series; harbouring the distant hope of a conclusion, an ending, someday.

Sometimes when you know, you know! Right? Like when I first read Robert Liparulo's "Comes a Horseman," I KNEW I'd found a new favorite. You know, forget the fact that he had "Germ" and "Deadfall," along with a couple Young Adult books on the way. I was pretty certain I'd found another author to put near the top of my list. I think he's that good! Ted Dekker endorsed the first 2 books of this series, "Dreamhouse Kings," and Liparulo is creeping right up to Dekker. That's because he's almost as good! That's saying a lot right there. So, how about it? Are you ready for adventure with the King family? And by the way, don't even think about setting a cruise control, the setting is all or nothing!!

If you met the Kings, Xander, David, Toria, along with the mom and dad, you realize that they have a lot going on. Especially with this new house. And in book #2, Mom is missing, and Xander will stop at nothing to find her. And David is just as committed. But somebody else is just as committed, and he's always lurking in the shadows. And right when they meet this stranger, Dad immediately doesn't like him. Adventure, madness and mayhem is the name of this game, but it's really no game to the Kings. But if it is a game, then they have to play along to the rest of the world to assure others that everything is just fine. Does that sound like an adventure you'd be interested in?

Robert Liparulo has caught the attention of many, and he's shocked a lot of people with great writing! Tess Gerritsen, Michael Palmer, James Rollins, Steve Berry, all those authors are bestsellers, and they ALL give Liparulo a seal of approval. I give him nothing but the best, because he IS one of the best today! That's no surprise to me. But the world better watch out, because Liparulo has a ball rolling. And that ball is just rolling faster and gaining amazing speed!! AWESOME!

Okay, this guy named Robert Liparulo decides he can write thrillers. He gives us some great page-turners, then thinks that qualifies him to write YA books, as well. I figure I'll give the series a try, and I speed through book one, "House of Dark Shadows."

Well, this pesky Liparulo fellow leaves me hanging, so I pick up book two right away--which I rarely do when reading through a series--and I race to the end of that one even quicker. Yeah, this writer's that good.

Starting where book one left off, "Watcher in the Woods" churns through more adventures, more conflicts (with police, Civil War soldiers, and WWII tanks), and troubles between the King family members. We also meet a mysterious stranger, who tends to spy on the Kings from the neighboring woods. The Kings have moved into an old home, but find themselves caught in a whirlpool of portals into history. They've lost something very important, and they must figure out how to get this precious thing back without losing their trust in each other.

Although I, just like the story's teenaged Xander, got impatient with the family's plodding approach toward their problem, I began to understand the father's reasoning. Maybe Liparulo just had me tied into too many knots to believe that anyone could approach something so emotional so logically. Either way, "Watcher in the Woods" sucked me along in a few short readings, and left me hanging once again in anticipation for book three, "Gatekeepers."

Phaw! And that Liparulo guy thought he could write YA books. I'll have to keep reading these things until I can prove him wrong.

This story picks up as if it's just the next chapter of "House of Dark Shadows." That's good, if you had "Watcher in the Woods" handy, because you're going to want to go from one to the next asap. That's also the drawback, when you finish "Watcher" you're even more so going to want the next installment - and it comes out in January 2009. Write faster, Bob! Just kidding, I'm sure he's doing everything he can to keep us going.

I have come to really enjoy this family - they bond and grow together throughout this book, and they way they pull together seems to be the antithesis of the disfunctional family we all read about.

The adventures in this book become more recognizable by period and character, and I really look forward to the next 2-3 books as I'm sure you will if you buy these books.

This book is about two guys who decide to take a "cheap" vacation and swim the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. It's a good read and a lot of fun.

An enthralling, sometimes humorous read of the Canyon's rapids before Powell Dam was built.

This is the first person account of the only swimming trip that went the length of the Grand Canyon. In 1955 two young men , Bill Beers and John Daggett, enbarked on this one of a kind adventure. These guys to do not come across as thrill seekers but a couple of young men seeking high adventure. It is a fast, exciting read. It brings the Canyon and all it's glory to life.

This was a fun quick read that anybody who has been down the Grand Canyon or has an interest in must read for themselves. I hope to see additional photos and the TV production of this trip.

This account of a unique 1950's trip down the Grand Canyon is highly entertaining, especially because the whole thing seems like such a bad idea. Beers and his friend's equipment & preparation were laughable, and they had no escape plan or backup. But they plunge into the Colorado River (pre-Glen Canyon Dam, even), validate every stereotype about 50's American optimism/naivety, and somehow don't die. Beers' writing is not fancy, but the unaffected prose is well-matched to detailing the no-frills style of his incredible boatless river run.
I enjoyed this book a lot, and admired the author's courage at least as often as I laughed out loud at his actions.

In addition to reader reviews, here's what the media are saying:

"...funny, touching, insightful, The Wee Mad Road is well worth traveling, if only from the comfort of your favorite armchair."
Neill Kennedy Ray, editor, SCOTTISH LIFE magazine, Summer 2008

"If you're looking for a respite from politics and war, you can lose yourself in The Wee Mad Road...so idyllic it'll make you Highland green with envy."
Mary Ann Grossman, book reviewer, Saint Paul Sunday PIONEER PRESS, May 4, 2008

"The Wee Mad Road is kind of like Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence, with rotten weather and lots of whisky."
Bob Gilbert, columnist, VILLAGER, May 7, 2008

"...a two-year adventure of shearing sheep, learning folk songs and befriending locals. The whole romantic endeavor is captured in The Wee Mad Road."
Kerri Westenberg, travel editor, Minneapolis Sunday STAR TRIBUNE, June 22, 2008

"...gloriously whimsical...This is great fun!"
Hamish Coghill, book reviewer, SCOTTISH LIFE magazine, Autumn 2008

Plainly written but very true to the scottish people, countryside, and a wonderful view of what their life was making this dramatic change to living. Really enjoyed due to the insight into the scottish village life and way of interaction.

Fun read if you are into Scotland!...and I certainly am! So I'm really enjoying it. If you are looking for an instruction manual on how to move to a foreign land I don't believe this book will give you all the information that you need, but I don't think the writers intended that. It's just a short journal/story of their experience. I am finding it very entertaining. And Mrs. Maloney's sketches are such a bonus! I believe if you have a love for Scotland you will enjoy this book. And I believe if you are contemplating taking a big step in your life this couples story will be an inspiration to you to just go for it! (...and don't forget to journal your journey so that others can enjoy your experiences too!)

I read about this book in the St. Paul(MN)Pioneer Press

We have a Scottish daughter-in-law. We went to visit her parents on the Isle of Skye after she married our son. I fell in love with Scotland, especially the Highlands.

I ordered this book for my daughter-in-law for her birthday and she was delighted with it. She knew the location of Coicagh, had been there and knew how to pronounce it. I picked the book up at our library and am enjoying it immensely. Anyone born in Scotland or it was their birthplace, can't help but identify with these Highland Scots: Warm, generous, patient with Americans, especially. To me Scotland could be heaven and I would be satisfied.

Wow! I felt like I was there. I have been to Scotland before, but not quite that far northwest. Now I see what I missed. The Frieda chapter was priceless! It was nice to read both authors' comments. It gave a well rounded picture of the people and terrain of the area. I felt as though I were there. The writing is so vivid, that I felt the wind and cold rain. The life the authors had is quickly dying, and it was wonderful that they were able to take that time in their life, to live a somewhat slower pace, where you had time to "smell the flowers" and appreciate their neighbors. The pictures were excellent as well, and easily showed Scottish life and scenery.