Caribbean Books

After having bought Adkins' "Appalachian Trail: A Visitor's Companion," I thought I would give his guide to walking the Caribbean a try. Thoroughly researched, the book directed me to some of the best walks and hikes I've ever had. Using it, my vacation became an exploration of isolated and uncrowded beaches, desert landscapes, wet rain forests and steaming volcanoes. As examples: on Dominica, I caught a glimpse of the endangered Sisserou parrot, on Saba I followed century-old step trails and in the British Virgin Islands walked completely around an island without seeing another person. If you are unsure of venturing out on your own, local guide companies are identified. For those who want less of an adventure or who only have a few hours (such as cruise ship passengers), Adkins has included walking tours of the historic port towns and botanical gardens. He even directs you to beaches where you and everyone else is permitted to enjoy the sun sans clothing. As far as I know, this is the only book dedicated exclusively to walking and hiking the islands.

Since Amazon didn't provide an editorial review, here's the description from the back of the book to help you decide if this story is for you: "In the bestselling tradition of James Michener and James Clavell -- a magnificent saga of slavery, piracy, and revolution ... Barbados, 1648. The lush and deadly Caribbean paradise, domain of rebels and freeholders, of brigands, bawds and buccaneers. Where the flames of revolution exploded a full 130 years before engulfing the American mainland. And where a dark, enslaved race secretly practiced the mysterious religious rites of a distant continent while daring to whisper the forbidden word ... "Freedom" The sweeping tale of Hugh Winston, lusty, swashbuckling captain of The Defiance, and the lovely, tempestuous firebrand Katherine Bedford; two lovers trapped in a bloody pitched battle against the overwhelming forces of British tyranny. A story of love and betrayal, of slavery, war, and piracy in the exotic land that gave birth to the fiery American ideal of "Liberty or Death"

Lots of historical rum information. Showcases several (but NOT nearly enough) of the Caribbean's fine rums. It has insightful details on particular distilleries and specific subjective evaluations on numerous well-known rums and their aged, pedigreed versions. A fun and useful, well-illustrated handbook for any rum lover or person moving-up to this special spirit!

Written by a scientist, in the language of a poet, with the illustrations of a professional photographer - remarkably, all the same man. Highly recommended story, history, and life of the caribou and the environment within which it survives.

I visited Aruba last year but had no idea such cultural and ethnic diversity exsited on the island!

The main reason I enjoyed the book was the wonderful photos. In fact more than half the book was filled with colorful images of the Carnival!

Maybe I'll go back next year... =)

Soltando Amarras Casting Off is a bilingual collection of Claribel Alegria's memorable poetry, presented in its original Spanish side-by-side with English translations by Margaret Sayers Peden. The verses flow with feeling and evoke emotion in their laments and quiet contemplation. Old Age: As my future/grows shorter/the past/when summoned/converted into now/traps me in its nets.

Considering I've had the good fortune of sitting in one of Prof. Leonard's classes I'm confidant to say that the details of this text are throughly researched and credible. This man cares mightily for the people of the U.S., Caribbean, Central & South America and understands the social, cultural, religious and revolutionary political influences that continue to transform the region. This book is a good investment in ones education about the Castro Revolution.

Este libro es un minucioso y detallado estudio que describe como el gobierno Cubano, en su afán de multiplicar el sistema comunista en Latinoamérica, entrenó militarmente en territorio Cubano a miles de individuos. Estos individuos posteriormente fueron reintegrados en sus respectivos países de orígenes, con el objetivo de crear grupos guerrilleros que desestabilizaron sus naciones. Expansionismo y desestabilización ha sido una política activa del régimen Cubano, Esta política expansionista creo focos guerrilleros y de clandestinidad urbana con tendencias socialistas y marxistas en países como la Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Guatemala, Perú, Republica Dominicana, Uruguay y Venezuela.

El autor describe como el constante apoyo financiero y logístico de estos focos guerrilleros, le costo millones de dólares al gobierno Cubano. Estos millones fueron extraídos de la ayuda soviética que la isla recibió por tanto tiempo, mientras el pueblo Cubano sufría calamidades económicas.

Mediante este libro también aprendemos cuales fueron las especialidades en las que estos grupos fueron entrenados, estas especialidades iban mas haya de la guerra de guerrillas y también incluían asaltos, secuestros, sistema de seguridad de cajas fuerte, explosivos etc. Por consecuencia estos estudiantes del terrorismo han adoptado en sus países el secuestro, el asesinato, robos de banco y el tráfico de droga como medidas justificadas para el logro de una causa mayor.

A pesar de haber causado la muerte a miles de latinoamericanos y bañado de sangre al hemisferio, La toma del poder mediante guerrillas armadas generalmente ha fracasado y estos grupos guerrilleros se han extinguido al no poseer el apoyo popular. Algunos de estos grupos como la FARC y el ELN todavía están activos usando el secuestro y el contrabando de droga como la principal fuente de sus ingresos, implantando el terror por medio de la violencia en Colombia.

Recomiendo este libro por la profunda investigación hecha por el autor y por su consistencia en citar sus fuentes a través de cada pagina. Lo cual se convierte en un arma efectiva para dejar sin argumento a todo aquel que por malicia o por ignorancia trate de cuestionar esta triste etapa de nuestra historia latinoamericana.

What a great book to read. Tells all the dive spots on Grand Cayman.
This is a must for divers to review prior to diving.

This is the absolutely best Cayman Island Dive Guide I have read and seen. It gives great details all of the best dive sites to visit. Has excellent detail on where to exactly go, water depths, plant and aquatic life in certain areas... An absolute must for the Cayman diving enthusiast.

This is the first White Star Guide book I have purchased. It is loaded with helpful information about planning your dive. There are numerous color pictures about the creatures and plants that you might expect to find in the Caymans.