Vacations Books

I'm on p. 199, reading this in Tel Aviv while keeping my ill sister-in-law company (I'm from California). I have lived every page, every lush detail, and now it's becoming so heartbreakingly sad. I'm in a foreign culture, reading about another very different foreign culture (Boston Brahmins), and reading this book helps me to understand BOTH better.

I enjoyed reading "The Big House" and have recomended it to several friends. Anyone in the Boston and Cape Cod area or enjoyed summer vacations on the cape would enjoy the book, I highly recommend. I purchased this book from a review, and because it is a true story about real people and an area I have visited. It covered facets of my life. It told how the family used the house and each generation was interested in the previous generations, from the relative that build the house to the present time. It is a good read.

Lots of padding in this book. Hard to read as it was only mildly interesting. It just scraped in for a 3 star rating.

This book was recommmended to me by someone who had read it, so i knew what to expect, a very well researched history of a family and the intertwined relationship of the family as it grew over the generations to the big house that was their common home away from home. The writing was excelllent which made it very easy to relate to the characters that we met and got to know. The stories of the individuals was realistic and punches were not pulled in several of the histories, which made me at times believe that I was reading fiction. When the time came to part with the old home, I was as devastated as George Colt (author) was, I felt so part of the story. A good read.

The Big House and The Hidden House are two summer homes on the Atkinson/Colt ancestral property at Buzzard's Bay on Cape Cod. Similarly, author George Colt Howe offers us two stories within one book: First, a magnificent tale of life at that big family summer retreat on Cape Cod and its evolvement over the last century. Second, a stupefying slog through five generations of Boston Brahmin lore. In a nutshell, great granddad was the nineteenth century patriarch who bankrolled the good life for four generations. Hitting tennis balls and winning sailing pennants preoccupied the lives of his progeny, no one else worked too hard. Fortunately, every other generation, an industrious grandson-in-law shows up to keep the home in the family.

The story of the house, and the author's emotional attachment to it, is colorful and endearing. Howe writes with painstaking love for special nooks and crannies of the Big House, of magical childhood memories, and the traditions he wishes he could afford to pass on to his own children. Readers with a longtime family residence, summer home or other special place held dear in their hearts will connect with this author. His descriptions of 'old Cape Cod' chronicle a bygone pre-fastfood era when the Cape was truly an isolated getaway.

You can't blame Howe for the dullness of reading about rich dead white guys who were his forebears. His editors failed him. Skim the genealogy, don't worry about who was who's granduncle or aunt. We could have had more specifics about the patriarch Ned Atkinson, and far less about his descendants. It's always the relatives who spoil a summer vacation.

Fudge a Mania by Judy Blume is a fiction book. I think that this book was really interesting because I didnt expect Fudge to like Sheila and try to marry Sheila. I think you should read this book because it is funny and its interesting. By Jamilex Dones

Fudge-A-Mania ,a fiction book by Judy Blume, is all about this five year old boy named Fudge. He plans to go to Maine and spend three whole weeks with the Tubmans. Peter is Fudge's brother. Fudge, his mother, father, Toosie, and Muriel all went to Maine because they are going on a family vacation.

This book is good because it's funny. I also like it because my favorite parts are when Sheila was trying to tie a ribbon around Turtle's neck but Turtle kept drooling. Also when Fudge ate to many raspberries and he got sick.

I think other people will like the book Fudge-A-Mania because it's silly and fun to read. La'Lonnie W.A

This story is called Fudge-a-Mania by Judy Blume. It is a fiction book. It's about a 5-year-old named Fudge wanting to get married to Sheila Tubman! Plus Fudge's big brother hates her. I also think it's a funny book like when Sheila calls Fudge "Fudgie-poo." I think you'll like it because it's a comedy. -Jade Juliano

Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner is a realistic story about a kid named Little Willy and his Grandfather who live on a potato farm. One day Grandfather gets sick because he didn't pay his rent. So Little Willy, who's ten years old, takes care of Grandfather and his farm.

StoneFox is a good book because it tells an excellent story that will make you cry. I recommend Stone Fox
because you will want to read it over and over again. -Mondy Cameau

Do you like funny books? Then this is a book for you. There is a lot of events going on like will Fudge get married? Read to find out. For readers who like funny books.

Antonio
3rd grade

Killer guide covering a couple dozen cities around the globe. It's 3 for 3 on designing great vacations for me. I'm a cut and dry guy in a hurry, so the Hedonist was perfect for me. The rules are different overseas. The book guides you to the best pay for play locations to meet the local girls. Saves you a ton of time and money, and gives you more time to enjoy the rest of the trip, which is also covered in the book. All the guy stuff you want to know. Since these are tropical cities, that means great oceanlined golf courses, sportfishing for marlins, casinos, all the stuff you want at your fingertips. Buy it, there's definitely a few cities in there you will want to see.

This book is 4 years old and way out of date. Many of the brothels and pick-up joints the author mentions do not exist anymore. Also, the author describes every establishment as full of beautiful women. They are NOT. You must know where to go. He makes obvious errors which makes me wonder if he visited all the cities he writes about (i.e. in the Rio De Janeiro chapter, he says the Christ Statute is on top of Sugarloaf, in reality it is on Corcovado). For a better book on Rio De Janeiro, get "Lusty Traveler" by Wiley Cooper found on Amazon. ISBN 978-0-615-20752-0

Bought on referral after searching Amazon forever for a singles vacation guide.

Great bachelor's travel guide. Take Conde Naste, Lonely Planet, and add women, sports, and testosterone and you've got the Hedonist. 20 party cities around the world, mostly tropic locations, each chosen for meeting local women or pay for play girls(club advice, directions, etc). Also advice for fishing, golf, casinos, hotels, etc.

Complete travel advice on each city; customs, visas, sports companies to use, taxis, hotels, and the underground clubs to visit. For daytime activity, you'll find all the tourist stuff as well. Short, sweet and to the point. I've taken two trips and the info was spot on, plus this book is witty and interesting; a hoot to read. This is the only book of it's kind. Highly recommended.

Though the book is a little dated, based on the author assessment of Rio de Janeiro, a place I frequent. I realize the author knew what he was talking about and not third party hear say, I would be inclined to go to some locales in his book that I never ventured to before, just on the strength of that book look for a good time with no one to show me around or hold my hand unlike when I when to Rio & Bahia Brazil for the first time. The most important thing for a single guy on vacation is someone to show him where the action at. Knowledge is power and access especially in a foreign country compounded with not speaking the language.

The Rain.

Wake up guys. Getting plastered and watching flabby drunk chicks flashing and screaming "WooHOOO" is a total waste of time and money. Lake Havasu, Daytona Beach; it's embarrassing looking back on the whole nonsense.

For the best bachelor vacations available around the world, The Hedonist is the answer. Killer places around the world with sexy girls looking to hook up; you will hook up...and with women like you've never seen before.

Tells you exactly what to expect, where to go, eliminates wasting time on vacation. Where the girls and clubs are, great fishing and golf if you have the time. What local stuff to see or avoid, etc.

All for ten bucks; are you kidding me? It's worth $100.

Take a few trips; the experiences will last a lifetime.
Blows away the US.

Buy it.

Mattie Stepanek was a very remarkable young man - wise beyond his years. I have all the books he wrote and I still enjoy reading them. The World lost a beautiful soul when Mattie left us.

I recently completed my new copy of Journey Through Heartsongs, by Mattie Stepanek. This book deserves a close and relaxed reading due to its healing message and Mattie's incredible insights. Mattie, was born with dysautonomic mitochondrial myopathy, a disease which led to his death in June of 2004. However, I am firmly convinced that Mattie was born with more: this book (and his other books) show clearly a precocious mind which borders on genius.

His insights, and his honesty about life, pain, lonliness, death, global issues, joy, war, true happiness, and daily challenges often defy description. Former President Jimmy Carter was not joking when he said (in his funeral eulogy for Mattie) that Mattie was the most amazing person whom he had ever met.

What this book conveys is clear understanding of what life is REALLY about, and Mattie has the taste to say it with grace, with wonder, gratitude, as well as a gentle spirit. But, you also see a boy who is also perplexed at times, fearful, sad, and even frustrated. But, in the final analysis, Mattie has faith in God and this faith is not mere "religious talk."

This book showcases the mind of a young boy who has seen death upclose and can talk about it with honesty, while maintaining the joie de vivre (the joy of life). Among his first poems, were those lamenting the death of his brother, Jamie, who wrote those poems at age 3. This book is about the Joy of Life, and pain and close-to-death experiences are among the only things which can create such a rare and wondrous attitude. "Attitudes are contageous" as Mattie states, and this book is contageous. Change your life by reading about a boy who was magnificently changed by misfortune ... forever!

---Jesse
By the way, Mattie's surname ( Stepanek ) is pronounced :
Ste - PON - ek. He states his own name at the beginning of all of the audio versions of his HeartSong collections, as he is the reader for all of his audio books.

Leave the poetry writing to masters like A.E. Houseman.
Mattie might have been charming and charismatic, as many
children are at times, but he was not a poet in the literary
sense. If he had enjoyed robust health, his maudlin letter
writing would not have gained any great notice. His junior
high school English teacher might have taken note, and his
mother of course, but not the New York Times. Mass media is
always on the lookout for another "celebrity". Mattie was the
perfect "human interest" story. His "poetry" books seem to
be inspirational, but so are many Nike sportswear advertisements. Jimmy Carter is the consummate politician and
perhaps saw Mattie as wonderful political capital,a great photo
opportunity for a leader in the Democratic Party. JFK used his
own children in like fashion while living in the White House.
What has happened to literacy in America? Does anyone read
real poetry? Have we become a nation suffering from Hallmark cards sentimentality? Mattie's poetry is the stuff of Sunday
school drivel. Perhaps that is why former Pres. Carter liked his poetry. He's
a retired Sunday School teacher. Mr. Carter did little when the
Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in l979, which led to the deaths of over one million Afghan men, women, and children.
Ronald Reagan stood up to the evil empire, Carter, like a
Neville Chamberlain, tried to placate them. Mattie sounds too
much like Rod McKuen, the pop poet of the sixties.

Makes one feel humble...plan to pass it on to my nephews.

"Every day,
everyone in the world
should do at least
one thing nice for others.

Doing so can help each person
believe in himself or herself
more fully, and
give confidence that may
inspire each person

To do more and
more new and good things
for the self,
for others, and
for the world."

I bought this book right after having seen Mattie Stepanek in an American television show. Matty Stepanek, poet and peacemaker. Messenger of love and hope. Such a wonderful, truly-wise young boy.

"Do you know what
language God speaks?
God speaks Every-Language.
That's because God made
everyone and gave
everyone different languages.
(...) God's favorite language is
not grown-up's language,
but the Language of Children.
(...) Children know how to share,
and they never lose their Heartsongs."

His heartsongs are so moving and clear that anyone may understand them. I love Heartsongs. And especially these.

I found this book also a nice present to give to special friends, so I ordered several copies more. It is nice to share such a special gift.

"I have a song, deep in my heart,
And only I can hear it."
- Matty Stepanek

I couldn't recommend this book enough. It has thorough explanations, backstories and hidden gems for anything and everything in Walt Disney World. My only gripe would be an adjustment to the "wait times" portion of each attraction. Nearly all of the attractions show just a minimum (early morning) and maximum (peak afternoon) wait time, giving large ranges that aren't very helpful. I don't have the newest version (I have the 2007 version), but the range for "it's a small world" was 5-60 minutes. I feel that average wait times would be far more useful in this area.

I am so impressed with this colorful, helpful guidebook! I got it for my family so we could plan a trip to Disney World, and we all love it. All the hundreds of photos helped immensely to help us "get our bearings" before leaving for our vacation. The pictures helped the kids pick out their favorite rides for us to go on.

The Accommodations chapter helped us pick out where to stay during our trip. We didn't realize there were actual animals at Animal Kingdom Lodge! We stayed there, and had a ball.

The writing is so smart and funny! I actually laughed out loud when I read the Hall of Presidents article, about when the Abe Lincoln character kept malfunctioning and hitting itself in the head. It was also fun to read about The Simpson's parody of the attraction. There is interesting and unusual information throughout the book, more than any other guidebook I've ever seen.

I'm very glad I decided to get this book! Enthusiastically recommended!

I love this book! Not only are the articles great fun to read, but the PHOTOS are gorgeous and full of color. This makes me want to go back to Disney on my next vacation.

I've bought other Disney World guidebooks before but this one is different. It's so full of info! And I can't overemphasize the beauty of the pages -- you have to look inside this one to see what I mean.

I keep reading it; it's so interesting! I love the histories of Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast, and the background to the Yeti next to the Expedition Everest attraction writing.

Bravo!

I am a true Disney fanatic. I have more than a dozen books that review the World, but this one has so many interesting details and yes, as it states, great pictures too. It is worth the cost and is very entertaining. It doesn't have the same information that you find in most of the other books out there, but new interesting info and a history of where most of the attractions and what inspired them came from. I highly recommend this guide to anyone who enjoys Disney!

Really, the only thing you need to know about this book is that includes tips on the best attractions in which to breast feed your child.
I thought it was some sort of bizarre cosmic joke.
It wasn't.
Apparently, the writers don't subscribe to the belief that if your child is young enough to require that sort of service, you'd all be better off not going to a theme park.
Also, in my opinion, the writers tend to be extremely whiney, and have a sense of entitlement the size of Texas. They might as well call this book "Tax Dodge". Reading about how the characters made breakfast unpleasant because the writer took a laptop to a character breakfast....It's like Alice in Wonderland meets the Travel Guide section, but without the possibility that it's all a dream.
You are far better off sticking to Birnbaum's. They may be corporate shills, but the phrase "breast feeding" has never crossed their copy.

I was impressed with this book because most rental managers don't even discuss insurance or know anything about it. Yet, this book devotes several pages on this topic. So, If you got a vacation rental, or thinking about it like me, your common garden variety homeowners policy won't do. You got to pay twice or more on the premium for a vacation home.

We have just started to rent our vacation property by owner after having it done by a management company. This book has been extremely helpful in making the transition.

For a person like me who is going to start in the Vacation Rental Business, this book was very helpful and informative. For someone who has experience in the business maybe will find it too elementary or too basic. For me it was a good start.

I own 5 rental properties, 2 are vacation rentals. I bought this book with pretty high expectations. Well, even though I've been doing this for 15 years, Christine still had some new advice to share. I thought her formula was great for some areas, but in Colorado Ski country it just doesn't work.

I love how she does give a couple different points of view pertaining to financing your vacation home.

I would also preferred more depth, that a chapter on properties outside the US, and buy multiple properties. But as some reviewers have stated, it is an excellent primer.

I do think that her book on booking rentals, The Vacation Rental Organizer is a very useful organizer for the money. I intend to purchase one each year.

I have to laugh at the previous two reviews, obviously written by the same person, an admitted student with a bone to pick with the author. Christine is the most well-known expert in the very small field of vacation rental consultants. She literally "wrote the book" to walk potential investors, vacationers, and home owners into successfully taking advantage of the blossoming vacation rental market.

This student disagrees with Christine's recommendations that owners not rent to those under 25 years old, then proceeds to show a perfect example of why owners shouldn't. He attempts to trash her reputation, rather than someone's rental property. I'm a rental owner and have the same rule, based on personal experience and the many experiences of friends and acquaintances. I imagine this student has stayed in 1 or 2 rentals and as a result is now an "expert"...much like the hotel commercials we all laugh at.

As the student says, some of the information in Christine's books is on the Internet, as is information from every book ever written. However, this new version of her "How to Rent Vacation Properties by Owner" contains everything anyone needs to know to look for, purchase, furnish, and rent a vacation home. Some of the information is common sense but much is 'insider information' from her many years as a seminar leader, training thousands of owners and being a 'by owner' property manager herself.

Take the previous reviews for what they are, feeble attempts to get even with someone that disagrees with him. If you want to learn about this industry and how to rent 'by owner' get this book and read it cover to cover and decide for yourself how valuable it really is.

used a bunch of these coupons already, it's a must have for a vegas vacation, probably saved over 100 bucks over the week using the 2 for 1 buffet coupons at places like The Silverton Casino (great place) The Sahara, New Orleans Casino, The Rio, Texas Station and several others. If you buy this book and use just 2 coupons it will have paid for itself in savings! Highly recommended.

Do NOT buy this book used. I did and when it arrived a good portion of the pages had been torn out. I sent it back and NEVER received my refund.
BUYER BEWARE!!!

LOTS OF FOOD COUPONS FOR VEGAS,,, PAYS FOR ITSELF WITH JUST ONE VISIT. LOTS OF 2 FOR 1 HOTEL NITES...

The American Casino Guide is well worth the money to use in Las Vegas. There are a few other out of state casino coupons but this is mainly for Las Vegas. Great buy one get one free buffet, shows and hotel offers. The only problem with this book is the binding. It's coming unglued in the middle, not a big deal though. A lot of info for new table gamers. Highly recommend this book!

This is the third year I have bought this book for the Las Vegas coupons. This year, we are bringing our 19-year-old son to a convention, and I noticed that even the buffet coupons require that each user be 21! I was disappointed, as I bought an extra book. Hope they don't enforce it. That being said, it is a valuable guide and pays for itself many times over.

Mattie was a very remarkable young man with an insight to life that very few people ever obtain. I would recommend this book for any young adult. It was an experience I will never forget. When Mattie died the world became a darker place - his beautiful thoughts will never be read again. Rest in peace Mattie.

"We need to stop.
Just stop.
Stop for a moment.
Before anybody
Says or does anything
That may hurt anyone else"

by Mattie

Mattie never labeled himself a poet - it was others who did that. He simply wanted to share some wisdom from his heart. Focus on this when reading the books and you'll find them beautiful and amazing.

Practice his messages in your life and you'll suddenly find you have no need or desire to debate his merits as a poet because that's his message underlying all: don't judge and label, just accept others for their beauty and difference. Just love one another.

Peace on Earth

Tam

They have not been able to inspire me.
Mattie has, deeply so.

Enough said.

I admire Mattie for having the strength and personality that he did. Seeing himself as a peacemaker make me respect him even more. He had a very hard life, and he tried to make the world better. However, in all honestly, some of the poems in this book look like something that would come out of my third grade writing portfolio. If he hadn't been disabled, and didn't have all of the publicity he had, he never would have made it as a poet. This is another example of how society isn't fair. I've been writing poems my whole life, and none of them will ever get noticed or praised, because I'm not, as you would say, 'special.' like Maddie was. R.I.P Maddie. I mean nothing offensive by what I just said, I'm just stating the cold hard facts about society and fame.

I believe Mattie was a great inspiration and a talented poet. At age 11, he sincerely new how to inspire and express his thoughts from the heart. He enjoyed sharing peace and giving the gift of hope. Anyone who enjoyed this book would also enjoy the newly release book of poems, entitled Unscrambled Eggs. It is about living your dream and finding purpose. I would recommend both book for poetry lovers and even those who don't read poetry much.

Madison Finn is sooooo bored! Her friends are off at summer camp and she is here, in Farhills, New York, all by her herself! When she makes a new friend, Fiona Walter, and a keypal, Big Wheels, her summer plans become better and better. A great new series that has begun, and many readers. I read this book two years ago and yet I still read Madison Finn books because they are awesome!!!!!!

Love it is the best book you can buy for your kids

This book was great. Madison is so bored. Her two best friends, Aimee and Egg, are of at camp. It is summer vacation. Madison is just about to start seventh grade...she is so nervous. Then a new girl moved to Madison's neighborhood. They become friends. Then Aimee comes back from summer camp and the three of them become best friends. I would say that if you are a Madison Finn lover then you should read this book. If you are not a Madison Finn lover you should read the book too.

This series by Laura Dower is a great series for girls ages 8-12. I used to be obsessive about these series!!! I own every single one up to "All That Glitters"...I'm now older and am not as enthusiastic about this series as I used to be, but from what I remember about them, they're great for kids under 13. Madison is a nervous, down-to-earth girl who loves computers. Her BFFs are Aimme, Fiona, and Egg. Get a great read and pick up some IM lingo on the way!

The first book in the Madison Finn series is about a girl named Madison Finn and her friend Aimee. Aimee is away at ballet camp for the summer, and Madison is bored. Madison goes online and meets a girl named viki ( a.k.a. Big Wheels) When a new girl moves in down the street will Madison not be only the lonley any more?

Find out in this book Only the Lonley. ( I reccomend this book for kids 8-11)

Written in the 1980's, the 3rd world political references are a bit dated but his experiences in these countries and witty, irreverent observations are still relevant and entertaining. A good, light read with some quotable quotes.

Ok, O'Rourke has this style of being intentionally very scholarly and distant to add to his entertainment value, but in my opinion the constant tongue-in-cheek-I'm-just-an-outside-observer-documenting-the-kookiness writing gets a little tedious after a while. Maybe it was fun in the 80's.

I have no problem with his humorous approach to serious issues if that's what you're thinking. Being a strange foreigner and all. I don't think it's offensive at all. But his stories read like all the crappy western travel anecdotes you've already heard combined. Like the ones Finnish dads are so excited about. Getting stuck in the Russian customs and bribing them with ballpoint pens. Problems with hygiene in all the poor countries. And France. And such. Not just funny anymore.

I know this book goes back to when Reagan was president and the commies were one-upping one another in Siberia, but "Holidays in Hell," now more than ever, is still a freaking hysterical book!

I remember reading it after I got hooked on O'Rourke in college. I had to put the book away for the weekend, because I'd be sitting in British Lit and remember something O'Rourke said, then I'd start snickering like an extra in Reefer Madness. Dangerous book to read and try to keep your mind on anything else.

P.J. O'Rourke is a humor god, as far as I'm concerned - and as for Borat, he obviously plagerized "Holidays in Hell" for his movie!

I've read everyone of PJ's books, this one is his signiture writing if there is such a thing. Its up on the night stand with Catcher in the Rye and a few others that I pick up and re-re-re read every year. Holidays in Hell is a bit dated now but still the best thing he's ever done. I wish PJ would do a 21st century version of this book. Unfortunatly it doesnt seem that he talks about his travels much anymore. Lately, some of his books are getting a bit heavy and intense to read and seem to have less of that usual built in fun. Thats OK. Thats where his heads at now I guess.. I think PJ may be turning into (or already is) a crotchity old man who likes to complain alot. He is, however, the best writer in satire journelisem there ever was. I'm always looking on the book shelves or Amazon for a new PJ.

PJ O'ROURKE WAS AN INTERNATIONAL editor for ROLLING STONE for years-- he's a dude from Ohio who has traveled the world especially as he says the 'hell holes' -- that's why it's called Holidays in Hell...he revisits some of the war zones he's been too -- Lebanon, Panama, Post-Marcos Philippines, El salvador and then throws in a whole slew of controversial trips -- to such amazing places as Seoul, Korea, Heritage USA, At sea with the America's Cup, Africa in the 'old days' a Mexico border patrol experience, the Holyland and even Epcot Center. You must read his stuff-- he may just be one of the best writers of our time. -- This guy has an amazing droll, dark comedy sense of humor or is it irony or sarcasm? His world goes behind the scenes where we would not want to go. He sees what we might not and talks about what we would never dare to -- at least without some brewskis in us. In the preface he talks about this being a takeoff of Mark Twain's Innocents Abroad-- and it is but it is also a cross between Chevy Chase National Lampoon Vacation and RV with Robin Williams and a bit of Updike (for the people) Steinbech for the locations/places vs spaces and the sarcasm of a Philip Roth -- and it appears to be non-fiction. Terrific read-took it on my vacation trip and it's easy to carry around and easy to read because each chapter is short -- 20-30 pages max and about one subject-- bit like a short story...yet it all flows together. No matter what happens to you -- restaurant closed, flat tire on car, plane delay, yearning for a fresh apple instead of peanuts-- it all looks like a day in the park compared to his hellish experiences. BUT THEY WILL make you laugh and think. The sad part is the headlines today read like they did 25 years ago-- so it helps us come full circle with some history on the hot spots like Lebanon and Israel and even Seoul. GREAT BOOK