Vacations Books

I think Mackinac Island: Hisotric Frontier, Vacation Resort, Timeless Wonderland is the best all around book about Mackinac Island that is on the market today. It has detailed information about the Islands history and geological evolution that is still very readable. This book covers the many vacation and resorty aspects of the Island also. If you are looking for a readable text book with all the general information about Mackinac Island you could every want, this is the book for you!

I read an older edition of this book from the library (1988, I believe). It's very informative and entertaining to read, and even covers some landmarks on the island which are no longer existent--something I have not come across in other Mackinac Island guides just yet. The authors even made use of "flashbacks" to try to transport the reader into past eras--a soldier in Fort Mackinac, Victorian visitors to the island, a yacht race, etc. (Though these did get a little silly at times.)

However, the entire text was filled with numerous horrible typos, spelling errors, and grammatical errors which should have been learned about in grade school and eradicated in a simple line edit. As informative as the text was, I quickly lost a lot of respect for the authors seeing as they didn't comprehend simple English. It was a library book and I itched to use a red pen throughout the entire thing. Does nobody use copy editors anymore?

I sincerely hope that in subsequent editions of the book, including this one, the authors checked out a grammar manual and fixed their errors so that the book would read more professionally, as any published document should. This would have been a great book, deserving of four stars, if not for such simple yet repetitive and irritating problems.

I have been on a few cruises, but not on a wide variety of ships. I was looking for ideas and advice. This book provided it, up to a point. A key idea is that the attitude you bring on board with you will have more of an impact on how happy you are with the cruise than will anything else.

I would have liked to have seen more in the way of comparisons of experiences in different staterooms both on a particular class of ships and across ships. I would like to have seen more about excursions, particularly about making smart choices (e.g., safety) when not on the ship.

The book should be updated periodically. I have used the author's website, but have not found it particularly helpful for the cruise lines in which I am currently interested.

I don't know if there are comparable books available. If not, then I would recommend the book for a person who does not have a lot of cruise experience.

I should have read this before my last cruise, it's very resourceful. If you're looking for a dream vacation also check out, "World Ventures, Marc Accetta".

Another winner from James Stevenson!

Set at the turn of the 19 th century, this story is a visual delight with a light-hearted message for kids and adults alike. Little mouse Hubert and his rather straight-laced parents vacation at a seaside resort (a beautifully pictured Victorian). Hubert discovers that he's the only kid there, and that the other animal guests are not very interested in him.

Then, Hubert has the good fortune (and the curiosity) to meet Alf, the hotel groundskeeper. He shows Hubert that "there's plenty to do around here...but you have to keep your eyes peeled." Together they enjoys some unexpected joys of nature, and Hubert takes a thrilling ride in Alf's homemade glider.

My five-year-old and I enjoyed this very much. The pictures of late 19th century houses and trains are richly detailed, from the candelabras to the stenciled ceilings.

Stevenson effectively conveys how joy can be found in seemingly boring places. It takes some curiosity,and sometimes some adult guidance to discover that joy. A fun book for kids and adults: Highly recommended!

This is the book that grows on you, as a parent. My older child received it as a gift when she was around 4. I didn't see much to it, but my daughter asked to read it over and over again. By the hundredth reading I came to see that to a four year old Hubert's entertainments, while rather ordinary activities, are quite engrossing. The message that friends come in all ages and where you least expect them is quite reassuring. When my second child became addicted to the book I realized it was a real winner. Both my kids like to read it night after night -- both around the age of four. Hubert's activities are interesting to them, and the beach hotel setting is just a little bit exotic. I suppose fuddy-duddy parent characters are to be expected. Maybe to the kids they don't look any more fuddy-duddy than their own! The illustrations are wonderful, and kids like the cartoon aspect of the text.

This book focuses specifically on point and shoot cameras and going on vacation. Within those parameters though the author does an excellent job of providing some hints and tricks and techniques that will make you a better photographer. It is clear and easy to read, there are photographs included that will help explain the point the author is trying to make, there are bulleted lists that provide a list of dos and don'ts when photographing something. It is divided into types of shots you might take while on vacation- people, scenery etc.

It is well worth the money and well worth hanging onto and revisiting this book every so often.

Most photographic books devote only 1-2 pages to point & shoot cameras. At least one book fully dedicated to the worldwide most sold and used kind of camera. After reading this book I knew better how to make the best out of my little p&s camera during my holydays and travels, but also I felt like I haven't been told something important. In my opinion what lacks this book to score ten is a deeper technical explaination (better if made with pictures showing the photographer in action or charts showing the position of the photographer compared to subject and light sources). In most cases, showing a good picture is not enough to let unexperienced people understand how's been taken. I would also have appreciated a more detailed guide on how to buy a point & shoot camera.

very disapointed with seller, item said "in stock" when I purchased it, yet it took weeks to ship and wasn't here in time for Christmas (ordered December 11) - will not buy from again

Hidden Treasures Vacation Fun is a black-and-white, softcover picture-find activity book. Over 1300 hidden objects scattered among 56 pages make for great car trip, vacation, or rainy-day fun. The pictures themselves feature humans and anthropomorphic animals traveling, sightseeing, and enjoying themselves, and are perfect for budding young artists to color in.

After a taxing investigation (no pun intended) CPA and part-time investigator Charlie Parker decides to take a vacation to Kauai. She takes a scenic helicopter ride with Drake Langston, but gets more than she bargains for when they come across a dead body in a remote place. Drake's fellow pilot, Mack, is in the wrong place at the wrong time and he is accused of the murder. Drake asks Charlie to help with the investigation, since local law enforcement officers seem reluctant to look for any further suspects. Charlie obliges and, as a result, her relationship with Drake begins to blossom. She pursues the investigation with fervor (how many people would be willing to interrupt their Hawaiian vacation for a side-trip to California?) and eventually finds herself confronted by the killer. Except for a few awkward moments, this is a well-written mystery which has enough red herrings to make it interesting and it keeps the reader guessing until the very end.

Probably beside the point but she mentions Ron having three children in this book. Paul has the wonderfully obnoxious Annie and Joe in "Deadly Gamble" (the worse a character is the better Shelton draws him). I started with "Partnerships Can Kill" and I don't remember Ron's children in that. Only one dog, with a walk-on part. Great scenery and Hawaii travelogue and helicopter lore. Long speeches by the murderer...are a little unconvincing.

This is an enjoyable walk down memory land for anyone acquainted with rural America in the 1920s...or anyone who yearns for a simpler world. Catherine draws loving and respectful pictures about a time that is so very different from our current stressful situation. A gentle book ...rather like a cup of hot cocoa and a friend when you're feeling lonesome.

This book is a fine, easy read. Catherine's ability to describe an era so that I can recall vividly the feel of it is outstanding. This is the type of book that tells it like it was, and could be an eye-opener for those born into the post-WWII era.

This book does not have a plot as such, but rather describes in vivid, real terms what it was like to live in the early days of the automobile: lacking indoor plumbing, cooking your own meals alongside the road when traveling, etc.

This was a pretty good book. I liked how that was all based around a seven day cruise in the Caribbean. The plot was about how Amos Binder and Dunc win a contest, and win a cruise. Next, they are watching the news and it says two thieves are onboard. Some screw up happened and the two boys have the thieve's luggage, and the thieves want it back. Overall I enjoyied this book. It was well written.

It's extremely cool when Amos and Dunc jump out their window risking their lives to get to the captain's ball. It was pretty cool.

This book should have been titled "Working At Play, A History of Vacations on The EAST COAST." It seems this writer either mistated the title or took the position of east coast writers of 100 years ago and neglected to mention that there are American states west of the Mississippi (there is one mention of Yellowstone Nat'l Park). I purchased this book in hopes of learning about vacationing across the U.S. and the great migration of vacationers to the warmer climates of the west coast.

In spite of missing half the country, Ms. Aron did assemble some interesting and well researched material on American vacations. It's a good read if you are primarily interested in the New England states.

As soon as I first spotted this book I knew I had to read it. I was not disappointed! The author covers approximately a 150 year period ending around 1940. She brings to the reader many fascinating aspects surrounding not only the types of vacations (e.g. religious retreats, resorts for the wealthy, camping, etc.), but perhaps more importantly, the psychological aspects of vacationing in America. Aron describes, in a reflection of the book's title, how the working class had to break the thought process that working was the only way of life; vacationing -- or "play" -- took a number of years to become an acceptable practice. I especially found interesting the role of religion in the acceptance, or non-acceptance, of vacationing. The book was very well researched and, in my opinion, is well worth the investment. "Working at Play" is a wonderful look at American society. There were many times as I was reading the book that I would just pause and reflect on the subject matter, thinking to myself "Now that's something that I would have never even thought about."

Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (1/07)

Theodore W. Scull's "100 Best Cruise Vacations" is a well-researched and well-organized book on cruising, which should prove valuable to anybody looking for an idea for their next cruise.

The first-time cruisers will undoubtedly find useful the detailed information on itinerary, the ship, passengers, officers, crew, dress codes, cabins, fare and contact info for the cruise line. One of the most useful pieces of information, in my opinion, is what exactly is or is not included in the fare price. This information could be particularly confusing for somebody leaving on their first cruise and the comprehensive info provided by Mr. Scull will help to avoid any unpleasant surprises. The information included in the itinerary section is pretty limited, but will provide necessary basics for somebody trying to decide whether the ports to be visited will be of interest to them.

The cruise veterans will definitely be able to use all of the above mentioned information, but more importantly, some of the cruises listed are on less well-known cruise lines or to not-so-usual destination. So those who have already cruised a lot just might discover a cruise or two that they have never thought of or even never heard of.

The book covers cruises on all seven continents as well as a handful of round-the-world experiences - the dream of most cruise addicts. Detailed descriptions of activities and amenities on each of the ships will definitely make the decision on which to choose considerably easier.

In view of the fact that this latest edition has been published in 2006, I found it slightly disappointing that several of the new itineraries on different cruise lines have not been included. Another useful addition would have been the deck plans or cabin plans for at least a couple of vessels.

Overall I found "100 Best Cruise Vacations" to be a useful resource for anybody trying to decide where to go next - or even for somebody who is still trying to decide whether cruising would be to their liking. Just be warned - most people get addicted after their first cruise - and if they chose the first one well, chances of getting addicted are probably close to 99%...