Travel Books

I too, read this series when I was younger and although 15+ years have passed, they remain my favorite series of books. I have been eagerly awaiting the re-release of these books and will purchase them again, as an adult, for a quick, fun read.

I definitely recommend them for someone who's introducing their teenager to reading. I hope they get sucked into the story as much as I did.

I first read these books as a 7-year-old second grader. I still have the entire series lying around somewhere. Reading them as a child, I was absolutely enchanted. I re-read them as an adult, and they are still captivating.
These stories are absolutely excellent for young readers, particularly young girls, who want a great role model. Sheila is courageous, strong, and innovative; I love her creative mind. (Wait until you see how she fends off the first perceived enemies in the "other world"!)
Whether you're a parent looking for something to read to/with a child, or an adult fantasy lover, you will enjoy these tales. You can probably find the original six novels for sale used, too. (I was always hoping they would come out with more :)

I absolutely love these books. I only found the firt two at a clearence book store in the mall, and I truly fell in love with the books. Granted, they are more for young preteens than teenagers, but those of you who love a great fantasy story, this is a series for you. They should really put these books back into print, it would really be worth it if they would. So many people would love them, and I really hope publishers make them available again soon. I only have the first three, but have been going through pains to get the rest, seeing as how they are all so expensive these days. Keep looking though, it would really be worth your while if you could bye the books.

It's about time that they got around to print Secret of the Unicorn queen again. I love these books. They are the perfect adventure fantasy books for young adults. A little romance, some fighting and good triumphs over evil like any good tale. While they were printed over 10 years ago, they have never gone out of fad. Now all we have to do is wait till the other books come out in print too.

I read the 'Secret of the Unicorn Queen' many years ago when they were first released, I adored them then and I'm glad to see that things that I loved then are still present now.

The series follows a young teenage girl name Sheila who has a pretty normal life, the only thing out of the ordinary is her relationship with Dr. Rite an eccentric scientist.

When a accident happens involving his affectionate cat and a untested invention Sheila finds herself in the world of Arren, where unicorns are real, magic exists. She meets a group of women determined to free the land from a tyrant. Sheila joins them and can't help but get caught up in the fight.

While the book doesn't break any barriers and doesn't bring anything new to the genre it's still a solidly written story with likable characters, and engaging plot and even a few laughs.

Though intended for younger readers I think this series has appeal for older ones as well and not just as nostalgia.

Christine West writes the ubiquitous guide on how to train your wait staff or be the best darn wait-person around. Humourous, witty and chock full of tips, your tips will increase and you will be the employee of the month or manager withing weeks. (Seriously). Even if you are NOT in the trade, you will learn if your wait-person deserves a tip or not (as I did) ... or learn if you need to complain or not.
I have seen Christine in action and she is the best waitress on the planet and the ultimate resource for writing this book ... her columns for the "W Network" and in syndication on being single (via the London Free Press) show her great and witty talent and promise more amazing work is due to come. This book is just the beginning of an illustrious career --- not to miss if you are working ANYWHERE in the hospitality industry: from the kitchen right up to being a trainer/supervisor or teacher at the college or university level.

Christine West writes the ubiquitous guide on how to train your wait staff or be the best darn wait-person around. Humourous, witty and chock full of tips, your tips will increase and you will be the employee of the month or manager withing weeks. (Seriously). Even if you are NOT in the trade, you will learn if your wait-person deserves a tip or not (as I did) ... or learn if you need to complain or not.
I have seen Christine in action and she is the best waitress on the planet and the ultimate resource for writing this book ... her columns for the "W Network" and in syndication on being single (via the London Free Press) show her great and witty talent and promise more amazing work is due to come. This book is just the beginning of an illustrious career --- not to miss if you are working ANYWHERE in the hospitality industry: from the kitchen right up to being a trainer/supervisor or teacher at the college or university level.

I've always thought of myself as a great hostess to my guests. But now I know I will be.
This book is not just for restaurant people. It's an invaluable tool for anyone who ever entertains guests.

Everyone in the service industry should read Service With A Smile. It is a true must!
I keep a copy at work, and my wife has been using it to fine-tune her hostessing skill when it comes to entertaining guests at home.
Great writing! Lots of research! I'm impressed!

An easy read with a fountain of knowledge.
I'm already seeing an improvement in my tips.
This is a book that I'll refer back to often.

As a society, we are trained from our earliest years to approach our lives like mountain climbers. From the time we enter school we are supposedly being taught what to pack for life's journey. By our teens, we have often laid out a detailed map and a kit of tools to our life and we are keenly aware of where our life journey is meant to go and where the summit is. Soon after starting that journey, however, we discover that life has its own paths, surprises and unexpected summits and challenges waiting for us.

The author of Shifting Sands, Steve Donahue, builds on an experience from his youth, where he and a friend seized the moment and unexpectedly drove across the Sahara Desert. Steve uses this as a life metaphor for the long journey of crossing an ever-changing desert when we "expect" to be climbing a well-planned mountain. In this book, the author shares that one evening the group had carefully planned their next step in the journey - it was completely laid out, right down to where the hills and sands and markings were. When they awoke the next morning, there had been a sandstorm and everything was different.

This becomes one of the author's core revelations: Use a compass instead of a map. Rather than following someone else's instructions and roadmap to the summit, Donahue encourages his readers to use our own inner compass and intuitive guideposts to plot our path day by day. Life is ever changing, and no amount of maps and markers can really plot our course - and if we think about it, would we even really want that?

One of Donahue's most poignant chapters is, "When You're Stuck, Deflate." When we get stuck in life, we often tend to dig in our heels (or wheels) and just try harder - the old adage, "If at first you don't succeed," ringing in our ears. But in life, like in the desert, sometimes that only bogs us deeper down into the sand. Being hell-bent to follow the map and do something the way we plan, can literally stop us in our tracks. According to Shifting Sands, sometimes we must simply stop, let go, and shift with the changing scene around us. The question thus becomes: How do I let go of my ideas and my ego and move forward?

As an executive mentor, my role is to uncover why we allow ourselves to get stuck and what we do to shift and rethink our direction and our summits. We know through positive psychology that as human beings we are sometimes stopped by our own experiences and comfort level over and over. Our ego will use this as a benchmark to allow us to feel "accomplished." We are thus compelled to repeat only what we know. By using an inner compass, you can use your own "True North" to overtake that mental goalpost and begin to create a different journey and conquer summits higher than we might have ever dreamed to set.

As human beings, we like to assume we "know" how things will turn out and what steps we need to take to get there. We are gratefully reminded in Shifting Sands: A Guidebook for Crossing the Deserts of Change, that each life is an uncharted adventure to be joyously relished.

To your success! Dr. Success, Andrea Goeglein, Ph.D.
Expert on Positive Psychology and Executive Success Mentor
[...]

I came across this book during a very, very difficult time in my life. My wife of 17 years had left me and my children... everything I thought I had built my life to be had crumbled around me.

I read Steve's words and really related to his journey. I have climbed a lot of "mountains" in my life, career-wise and even real mountains including Mt. Rainier, so I could relate to his "mountain climbing" symbolism. But my life was definitely in a desert place, with no map, no compass (other than my own heart), no water, and no understanding of when I would get across that desert... or even if I would SURVIVE thr crossing.

Steve's words helped me. I found myself weeping at the end of the book when Steve shares how he felt his heart breaking... not breaking apart, but breaking OPEN. That was EXACTLY what I was feeling at the time, but I had no words to understand what was happening to me. Steve's book gave me those words, and enabled that heart-transformation to continue.

I recommend this book if you are willing to look past your "mountains" of career, family, image, and keeping up with the Joneses, and look into the desert journey that truly is life. The tools Steve gives you will keep you going, even when the view before your eyes doesn't look ANYTHING like the map in your hands.

Steve Donohue strikes a powerful chord in his book, "Shifting Sands: A Guidebook for Crossing the Deserts of Change" - the metaphor of a desert rather than an upward climb is far more logical and applicible to "everyman's" journey in life. I am not a reader of self-help books or even of much non-fiction, but do some in the course of my work, so in reading Steve's book, I was pleasantly surprised to find an enjoyable and refreshing read. His story, told with humor and pathos, is easy to relate to and very comforting and inspiring. I highly recommend this book to any and every one.

If you are standing at the top of a mountain looking down and wondering how and why you got there? Then this book is for you. Take a compass rather than a map. Seek a topography that fosters change, gives you a soft place to fall and a wide angle view of a never ending expanse The desert metaphor provides the perfect lessons for life in the 6 rules of desert travel outlined by Steve Donahue in this book.
If you have spent half your life reaching for the pinnacle of success and are standing on your mountain top wondering which way to go now, then you will appreciate Steve's wonderful story of his travels through the Sahara Desert. He has woven his true story of his trek across the desert into a guide to help you discover your direction and purpose. It's time to start enjoying the journey, stop at all the oases, travel alone together, step away from your campfire and call the border guard's bluff.

Steve Donohue strikes a powerful chord in his book, "Shifting Sands: A Guidebook for Crossing the Deserts of Change" - the metaphor of a desert rather than an upward climb is far more logical and applicible to "everyman's" journey in life. I am not a reader of self-help books or even of much non-fiction, but do some in the course of my work, so in reading Steve's book, I was pleasantly surprised to find an enjoyable and refreshing read. His story, told with humor and pathos, is easy to relate to and very comforting and inspiring. I highly recommend this book to any and every one.

I read this book over 25 years ago and it has haunted me. I periodically re-read it and find new hope in its pages every time. I have lent it to many friends over the years and my copy is sadly dog-eared. I know it is considered young adult/juvenile but it is timeless and ageless. It is a very precious book and I treasure it. It needs to be re-printed.

I found this book twenty years ago in a discount bin at a bookstore in Montreal, and every woman in my family and every woman I've lent this to, love this book. It is emotional, sad, but still so full of deep hope. It's a great short novel that cannot be critiqued intellectually. It's soul food.

Publishers take note - this book is both timely and timeless! Published again, in this era where so many seek spiritual guidance, it would be certain to find mass appeal.

I read this remarkable, image-rich book twenty-five years ago. It was a treasure that cried out to be shared, and so I did. Unfortunately the book journeyed away and never returned to me. I hope that it is still being passed from reader to reader inspiring others with its message of eternal interconnections and redemption. It haunts my mind to this day - so much that my quest to find another copy has never ceased.

I first read this book in junior high school, and it has stayed with me ever since. I think of it often and dig out my tattered paperback to re-read it and always pick up something new.

This is the story of Margaret Redmond, who dies of asthma at the age of seventeen in the year 1900. She finds herself in a strange "heaven" where she meets Paul, a member of a large Chinese family who lives in a great compound. Paul's grandmother, the matriarch of the clan, has predicted that Margaret will destroy the compound. Margaret does not understand this, or anything else at first. She begins to remember other lives, one as an Indian slave, Zawumatec; another as a sailor's wife named Elizabeth; and finally the life in ancient Sumer, where she was a doomed prince named Tirigan. Margaret must confront the lessons learned in these lives and the curse and hatred that have clung to her throughout the centuries before she can find peace and learn who "Paul" really is. A moving tale of reincarnation and the power love and hate have in shaping our destinies.

I read this book so long ago, I must have been in my teens. I picked it up because I needed a quick read. This story has stayed with me all these years. Each time someone asks me about a memorable book this is the one I think of instantly. Over the years I read and re read it, each time I found a new meaning in the story line. A new postive message for me to use in my life. I lent it to a friend who was going through a difficult time and it was then passed on again and again to other friends until I finally lost it. I would love to find it again, this time I would buy several copies so I could have one as well as lend them. I hope the publishers can be persuaded to do another printing soon.

I Love this writer. There is nothing dated about these absorbing tales from one of the English language's greatest adventure writers, regardless of Hollywood's love of his fictative works; and regardless of the time and venue in which men were men and heroes were conquerers of the elements.: M. Gann's achievement has been to see himself, daringly or humbly pick his way up the ladder of seamanship, and evoke,with humour and narrative storytelling, among the fleet of all us fellow lovers of the sea and ships, delightful fascination for the vessels of a now-passing era.

I read as many sea and sailing stories as I can get my hands on. This is one of the best. Read the other rave reviews here of this book--they pretty much say it all.

I would just emphasize that this is one of the few contemporary sailing books that has a lot about sailing square rigged boats.

Also an interesting twist is that Gann's Albatros is the boat that Sheldon lost in White Squall.

Ernest Gann has written a memoir of what happens when you hear the Sirens singing and follow them. I loved this book as the sea-going counterpart to his marvelous memoir of flight, Fate Is the Hunter; there's the same wrily witty, compassionate observations on the vicissitudes of the sea and those who sail upon it, particularly himself, the same amused humility in the face of the perversities and miracles of chance, whether they be a failing engine at the height of a tempest, intransigent bureaucrats of the Panama Canal, a balsa raft costing less than sixteen dollars which can leave a scientifically designed catamaran in its wake, or a wild voice singing in the Greek Islands. Whether recounting desperation in a great storm off the Oregon coast, or the nostalgic reminiscenses of his earlier sailing boats and shipmates, or the languid monotony of a long tropical ocean passage, or the nature and the workings of what he terms the 'Dock Committee' (which has membership worldwide), even the time he was masterfully conned by a crafty old sailor on the wharves of New York, Gann maintains a close and humorously affectionate eye on the sometimes clear, sometimes problematical, but always interesting relationships between the mundane acts of everyday and the greater universe which lurks behind every common act and thought.

Above all, there is in Sirens, as in all his books whether fic or nonfic, a love of the sea, of boats, of living fully in and of the world and of us frail, fallible and funny humans in it. In Fate Is the Hunter, it is the world of the air and those who fly; in Song of the Sirens, the sea. A wonderful read.

I've read several book by Ernie Gann and being a pilot I was in awe of Mr. Gann's story telling ability in "Fate is the Hunter" and thought this is surely the best autobiography ever written. Now having read "Song of Sirens" I have to re-evaluate this opinion. It makes you want to run out and buy a boat!

Ernest K. Gann is, quite simply, a great writer. In Song of the Sirens he writes about his adventures aboard the many ships he has owned. His writing skill takes the reader, even a landlubber like me, along with him to experience what it is like to ride out a storm 50 miles off the coast of Oregon in a fishing trawler or to sail across the Atlantic Ocean with an old, rusty, leaky training boat with a suspect engine. The book is slanted more for the boating afficionado. While he does explain some of the technical terms, a lot of them are obviously for someone who knows sailboats. There are no pictures, either. Pictures of the ships (not boats because, as he explains in the book, a boat is carried by a ship)would have been helpful. All in all, though, this book will greatly appeal to Ernest K. Gann fans, those who enjoy adventure stories, and those who enjoy sailing stories.

I became so engrossed in this book that I could hardly put it down. It's a fun read with characters you can easily become attached to.

Great book!! Can't wait for more books from this author. Once you start reading, you can't put it down....gotta know what happens next!!

Tigra by R. J. Leahy is a really entertaining yarn. The main character is Jeena Garza, a former POW, who crashes on a primitive planet of Ararat as she makes her escape. There she adopts a tigra cub, a carnivore native to her new planet and a beast which is far more intelligent than she could possibly have imagined.

Leahy's prose is easy to read, but the book is far more complex than many space operas, and his characters are engaging. The plot moves right along, too. My tastes in fiction are eclectic, but this tale has much to offer: military action, romantic relationships, mysticism, and a bit of anthropology. I highly recommend this story.

Jeena Garza is a young woman, a soldier, and an escaped prisoner of a galactic war; but is she in a better place? Among the almost familiar animal life on Ararat, Jeena finds a friend and companion. She builds a temporary home and waits--for what? Rescue or recapture?

Jeena's unaffected confidence and courage combine with the survival abilities learned, and her own natural instincts to make her someone to be dealt with, as the other "settlers" on the distant planet discover.

R. J. Leahy has succeeded in building an imaginative alternate world that I would like to visit. You will too, but I'm taking a weapon, Jeena Garaza and Jeena's new friend, Samson. This is one of those novels that will haunt you for years--maybe forever.

Review by Wanda C. Keesey

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (3/07)

When Captain Jeena Garza`s ship crashes, the Coalition forces take her captive. For sixteen months she is tortured, starved and raped repeatedly. Then a Union raid gave her the opportunity to escape in a smuggler's ship. The ship crash lands on the surface of Ararat, second planet in the Arcturus System.

Jenna kills a Tigra; a cat similar to Earth's tigers except the Tigra has no stripes and is a beautiful golden color. The Tigra's cub comes to Jeena's campsite after she kills its mother. She can't bring herself to kill it. She nurtures it, names it Samson and teaches it to talk. The animal shows much intelligence and even learns to read. As Samson matures the relationship goes from teacher/student to equals. She knew she should let him go "The months turned into more months, and still the cub showed no sign of wanting to leave."

Two groups from Earth colonized the planet - the Afridi and the Babylonians. The Afridi leaders are determined to kill all Tigra declaring them to be evil. They also intend to kill all other people on the planet. TheAfridi capture Jeena and place her in a prison. Just as they are preparing to kill Samson, she escapes and rescues him. The two head for the mountains and search for Mordecai, the leader of Pyros. The air is thin and Jeena becomes very ill. A race that believes Samson to be a god nurses her back to health and guides them to Mordecai.

Jeena must fight another war if she is to save an ancient people. Could Jeena and Samson be an answer to prophecy?

"Tigra" by R. J. Leahy is science fiction at it's finest. The plot is fascinating and has twists and turns that lead the reader on a roller coaster ride. The characters are well defined. Who wouldn't love Samson - big, sensitive, loving and intelligent? Jeena's personality has depth. She's strong and protective and yet badly scarred from her experiences. There is a message in this plot for each of us, a message of tolerance and acceptance. I highly recommend this book to fans of science fiction.

I first read this book years ago, and I loved it then. After finally rediscovering it and rereading it, it's every bit as good as I remember-- better, even, since I had expected the writing to be aimed at children, but found it to be strong and mature. Once or twice I did find it transparently preachy, but the excellent plot makes up for that. This is a story about a boy finding out that he is capable of more than he ever thought possible, and does it in such an interesting way that it really stands out from the crowd. I also loved the twist ending, and the fact that that twist is actually resolved, leaving the reader completely satisfied. This book is every bit as good now as it was when I was eleven.

I read this book about 10 years ago and still have it and remember how enjoyable it was. I chose a gift idea off of a Christmas tree to give to a needy child, and my tag said: child's book 11-12 yr old. My first thought was to share one of my favorite childhood books- so I came to this site in search of this out-of-print treasure. About 5 years ago I recommended it to my nextdoor neighbor- a highschool boy who did not like to read books, and he ended up really liking it just like I told him. ...and like one of the other reviewers said, giving away the content can ruin the book. Suprisingly even enjoyable for adults!

I loved this book a great deal! I got it from a school jamboree for free, and I didn't think that it would be all that wonderful, but I was drawn to it. When I read the first page, it was impossible to put it down. It took me only two days to read the whole thing. I would recommend (and have) this book to anyone who enjoys an adventure. I especially love it's twists and turns! Thank you Sherryl Jordan for such a wonderful tale!

I remember reading this book for a 8th grade book report and then mourning the fact that I couldn't keep it. It's such a beautifully written novel and despite the fact that it has been years since I read it and I have forgotten much the mood has been remembered well...that of simple pleasures and lost happiness...a time that is not so dark as it first seems. The ending for me was bittersweet and I remember crying and wishing there were a sequel!

When I choose to read this book I thought it was going to be boring, because the cover seemed so dull to me. Then has I started reading, I couldn't stop! The book was so touching and sad, which made me even more attched to it. Also I loved how the Sherryl Jordan used her words by being very discriptive.

I've also read one other book of Sherryl Jordan. That book I also judged by the cover. However it turned out to be good. Now if I ever pick up another book by Sherryl Jordan I'll be sure not to judge it by its cover again. Since I found her writting to be very well in both books.

In the City by the Bay and its surrounding other cities. Change and Restructure in the Work place is so common that Time Off from the corporate grind is expected and can be useful too. This book shows you how to make excellent use of your Time Off in between the next career adventure.

Please note: This book contains an error. When visiting the Koret Health & Recreation Center, the Red Pass ONLY allows you access before 2pm (Monday-Thursday) and anytime on Friday-Sunday. You can NOT attend a group exercise class if time restrictions apply.

I've been reading this book while commuting to work. Yes, I wrote work! I still have one, but I have uncertainties. So I thought "Hmm this can be a good how-to book just in case in a couple of weeks I get fired or laid off. Excellent! hehehe." The book is very helpful as it suggests where to eat and shop when your tiny little checking account is about depleted. Saying that, they mentioned as well how to obtain/maintain your finances. Humor and tidbits of SF made this book a best buy. There are some websites that are no longer up, but not to worry, just email the writers for updates. Whether you're working or not, who's in a tight budget or no budget at all, this is a great book! And.. you'll be surprise of how much you don't know of SF, I don't till this book.

Escaping unscathed from the dot-com fallout, Dean LaTourrette and Kristine Enea have taken a cue from Cary Grant's character in 1938's "Holiday" when he chose to take an extended period of adventurous unemployment despite pressure from his fiancée's family to accept a staid, unfulfilling job at a bank. Although they state that they have been "successfully unemployed since 2001", each has found the financial means to pursue their creative interests in order to build an ideal leisure lifestyle. Their most renowned outlet has been their "Time Off!" books, which I think are terrific, eminently readable resources for those wondering how to handle the abrupt reversal between time and money when between jobs.

I still have a ragged, used copy of the first edition which was called "The Unemployed Guide to San Francisco". The switch to "Leisure" seems quite intentional, especially since much of the text is directed to anyone in a high-stress situation. In fact, the first part of the book is devoted to the art of leisure, and it gives informative stepwise advice on managing the transition to unemployment. This section covers not only the psychological aspects, including nagging feelings of guilt and dismantling time schedules based on going to work, but also practical advice on dealing with dwindling financial resources. I particularly like how they clearly define the three phases of money management - Finance 101 for planning and budgeting, Finance 202 for paying off debt and keeping a cash reserve, and Finance 303 for getting cash in the immediate term.

By far the biggest part of the book, Part 2 is a cleverly organized guide to free or low-cost activities in San Francisco, including museums, festivals, volunteer organizations and a great matrix of the more famous coffeehouses. Granted some of the information is dated (e.g., the National Maritime Museum is closed until 2009), this was still immensely helpful to me when I was unemployed and trying to live comfortably in one of the world's most expensive cities. There is even a large section on travel and how you can reasonably journey to far-flung locales on a budget. It's inevitable that the book should end with how to manage the transition back to the job hunt and work, and the co-authors remain steadfast in ensuring you incorporate leisure even during this process. The revised book feels a bit heavier, but the graphics remain pleasing and the text relatively light-hearted. I think it's a great instructional resource for those trying to make the best of a most trying time.

Yesterday was my one year anniversary of not working. I picked up this book shortly afterwards and as a result, I have to say that this last year was the best year of my life. I have to highly recommend it for the unemployed of the SF Bay Area. Not only does it provide some interesting, low-cost things to do in the City, but also (and more importantly), it addresses the psychology of unemployment. It's easy to get in a funk when you're unemployed - this book will help you see it for a chance of an excellent adventure.

A wonderful tribute to the places where culture, custom, religion, craft and beauty reign. Places where the people understand and honor their paths in life and their connections to both the past and future. I find I return to Small Corners to enjoy anew the magnificently touching photographs, and simple and profond commentary....to find a moment of contemplative peace for myself, my thoughts, my heart...to rekindle memories of a few small corners and their inhabitants thatI have known.

What can I add to the well deserved compliments and comments on Carol's beautiful, inspiring, thoughtfully crafted book? Perhaps I'll just repeat the comments of my work colleague, Allison Quattrocchi, another published author and photographer of the world, including Africa: "Thank you for sharing this. It's lovely."
I thank you, too, Carol, for your intelligent, loving reminder that we're all in this life together.

Photographer and author, Carol Scribner, reminds us what it means to be members of the human race. Using astounding professional photography skills and emotion-laden poetry, "To Life" reveals not only the expanse of Carol's heart of service but also the true beauty of our diverse world. This book should sit on every coffee table in the United States as a constant reminder of how fortunate we are and how great our ability is to help our brothers and sisters around the world; and it should be required reading for every student studying to be a teacher, manager, social worker . . . in short every profession requiring interaction with the diverse human race, which of course excludes no one! Kudos to Carol Scribner for having the vision and artistic expression to bring this message to life so artfully in "To Life in the Small Corners".

Ms. Scribner is that rare commodity, an intelligent traveler who shares her insights with the audience through photography and appropriate interpretative statements. She covers many countries unfamiliar to many travelers. Some of the countries Carol Scribner visited and recorded are Namibia, Burma, and Mali. On a par with and perhaps exceeding the photography of National Geographic, Ms. Scribner offers insights into ordinary lives that become extraordinary by virtue of her observations and analysis. Carol Haralson edited the narrative and produced the book's excellent graphic design. One should also be aware that all proceeds from this beautiful book are donated to the TurtleWill Foundation to aid in preservation of the cultures presented here. This book will grace any coffee table and also be an appropriate gift. I can hardly wait for Carol's next book!

Daily, the media bombards us with bleak and negative images of the "third world", countries most of us will never visit, peoples we have learned to fear. This book offers a corrective experience--the beauty, the joy, and strength of cultures we ought to know more about, cultures we need to know in their wholeness and not simply in their tragedies.
An important book, and for children, especially important.

I also read this book when was was 10 or 11 or so and loved it. I'm in my mid-20s now and I still think about it, how cool it would be to have a magic bookmark and travel inside of books. The less than great review listed on Amazon was likely not truly written with kids in mind.

I'm buying a copy used if I can!

The book I read was Travel Far Pay no Fare. The book was about this boy named Owen and his mother was Nan-Ellen Noonan. They live in Boston. But then Nan-Ellen got married to her brother in law and they had to move to Vermont to live with his soon to be step-father Jack and his soon to be step-cousin Parsley. Parsley liked to read a lot. Nan-Ellen thought she was adorable. The worst part was that Parsley had a lot of cats; And Nan-Ellen was allergic to them. One day Parsley told Owen that she had a bookmark that let her go inside books, and of coarse Owen doesn't believe her. Then one day he gets sucked into the book. Now he believes her. Once again something is wrong through Parsley's eyes and she wants to take things into her own hands. Things don't work out so she blames herself, so she said she was going to trap herself in a book. She didn't have the bookmark anymore though Owen did and you have to have it to get into and out of the books, and it also expires September the 1. So Owen has to go inside the book and try to save her.
The main character in this book is Owen. Owen is in fifth grade and he has his whole life planned for him until his Uncle Jack comes along. He is a great kid and he loves to play outside and he loves to watch TV.
The problem in this story was that Parsley traps herself into a book. Owen goes into save her because he realizes that he loves her and his Uncle Jack.
Because he realizes this, he knows that he has to go in the book and save her. In the end he does save her and they can't use the bookmark because it's already September 1So everything is back to normal and the way they should be.
This book was a great book and I would defiantly recommend this book to someone else because at the same time you feel like you are jumping into the book when you are reading it.

I read this book when I was eleven years old (ten years ago). I have thought about it a ton of times because I absolutely loved it. I became so close to Owen and even started to adore Parsley. I recently looked it up to purchase this book for a friends ten year old son and I am amazed that it is out of print...

A wonderful read aloud! Clever use of time travel with a bookmark. I wanted to order for my new library! I cannot believe it is out of print! Kids love it!

I loved the adventure in this book. The charachters were interesting, and I loved the cats!