Pacific Books

We ordered all the guides to Alaska, and this is just TOPS. We planned our own drive through, and then contacted a Alaska Tour & Travel and they booked the hotels, car, etc.
Paul Whitfield has done a great job of putting together the information, and just so personable. He covers all seasons, mentions stays, stops not covered in the general books by [....], Fodor's, etc.
FIVE STAR!

I used the "Rough Guide" on a recent visit to Southeastern Alaska. I found the recommendations regarding hotels and restaurants in Juneau, Ketchikan, and other cities to be accurate, useful, and up to date. The guide is well-illustrated and mapped and provides brief detail on places of interest and things to do.

One of the best features of the "Rough Guide" are the abundant sidebars which offer the reader interesting tidbits of history, folklore, and Alaskan people. Also very good is the annotated reading list at the end of the book which recommends a large number of additional books to read. You will find just about everything you need to know in this guide to plan your trip and to learn what you should about Alaska. My only criticism is that it may be a bit skimpy on information for the fisherman and hunter -- both major attractions in Alaska.

Smallchief

This book is a good rough guide for anyone interested in visiting Alaska. While it does not get enough into many specifics notable attractions, it does often include sufficient references and resources to find what you want. While the author and editors may not agree, it does not adequately cover the topic of fishing opportunity in Alaska. It could include better references for those opportunities. The author has a decidedly European take on travel. For example, critiques of eating and drinking are given in comparison to the more liberal views on alcohol consumption typical of European norms. A good range of necessary topics is covered to allow a first-timer to plan his trip.

The Rough Guide To Alaska is the most complete and superbly organized of the travel guides to the northernmost American state. Along with comprehensive information on the vast Alaskan wilderness, there are reports on events and sights of Alaska's major cities and tourist destinations, as well as reliable recommendations for dining, lodging, and travel. Enhanced with more than 60 maps and full color photography, The Rough Guide To Alaska is the perfect trip planning resource.

This is the ultimate account of a corporate whistleblower whose life was torn to shreds as a consequence. Not only did the European Commission successfully prosecute HLR as a result of Adams' information, but they stood by as both his and his family's lives were systematically destroyed. I read this book seven years ago and I still grit my teeth at any thought of Roche, the EC, and especially those god awful Swiss.

You MUST read this book. The more people who know the story, the better. Pharmaceutical cartels aren't as sexy as Big Tobacco, but Stanley Adams' ordeal blows even the dramatised Hollywood account of Big Tobacco's "Insider" completely out of the water.

This book has left a mark on my life and despite reading it over ten years ago I can still remember the tale in some detail. I recommend it to anyone who wishes to understand the true power of the multinnational

A most distrurbing tale of what happened to an executive of a Swiss pharmaceutical company after he had left the organisation.

Doing what he felt was right for the good of consumers and the EC, he passed cartel and shady dealing information to the European Parliament.

His subsequent arrest, the 'suicide' of his wife, and his ensuing struggle for freedom will bring a genuine tear to the eye of even the hardest reader.

I have tried to contact Stanley Adams and John Prescott (who assisted him in his plight) but to no avail.

All in all a gripping read - at times you will not beleive it is NON-fiction.

I read the book more than three years ago. Even though I have forgotten most of the details of Mr Adams's story, I am deeply impressed by this man's courage and ability of not showing even the slightest sign of grudge agaisnt those who have played him out. This shows that he is a very forgiving and loving guy. I admire him for the way in which he reacted to the whole incident. It's a very touching story, undeniably. May he live in peace and happiness forever.

This is a meticulously researched book that reflects the author's deep commitment to the ocean environment. At the same time Dr. Vanstrum describes his adventures while surfing and diving all over the world. It's a fun, serious book.

Relying on interviews and communications with some of the foremost authorities on coral reefs (Dr. Richard Grigg) and ocean fisheries, Dr. Vanstrum makes a compelling case for the establishment of meaningful marine reserves in this country.

It is a shame that costs prevented the publication of Dr. Vanstrum's marvelous photographs in color. I have seen the originals in color and they are breathtaking. Even the black and whites reflect the skill and commitment of a superb photographer. For a sample of his photography in color I would recommend a visit to his Web site: www.Vanstrum.net.

This book is really well researched and presented in a very entertaining way. The author has a vast wealth of experience and understanding about the intricate balances of the ocean. If you've ever wanted to know, "what's down there?" or "what's so great about the oceans?" this is the book for you. I've been interested in the ocean and its life, and this book satisfies my curiosity.

Vanstrum has written a book that balances scientific substance with the sheer delight of scuba diving. The 18 chapters of The Saltwater Wilderness are set mainly as trips to exotic places (like Fiji, Tonga, and Palau) and the author is masterful at conveying the human and humane character of the people and places he visits. But what makes this book different from many of its peers is that Vanstrum uses his knowledge of marine science to highlight the amazing things he sees beneath the waves in a way that makes them even more extraordinary.

For example, in chapter 8 the image of a seven foot barracuda floating over a brain coral (in Honduras) becomes a meditation on evolutionary history and in the process helps explain why THAT fish is stationed exactly over THAT coral. In one of my favorite chapters (13) I learned that for the millions of bacteria living in every liter of sea water, the ocean does not behave as a liquid, but more like viscous honey. Meaning? Where surfers see big waves crashing on underlying rocks, the microscopic bacteria riding those waves feel nothing of the kind--they live in a still place. It is this skillful contrasting of scales of both time and place that makes Vanstrum's book a very satisfying read.

This is a personal account of youthful excitement plus much mature information. Worthy of a scholar, a scientist and a surfer-diver.

Stunning photography captures this beautiful city perfectly. I live just north in Orange County and still flip through this book hoping to visit soon!

I found this book for sale through (...) It was a very valuable book to have while touring San Diego. Our visitors didn't miss a thing.

The most amazing thing about this beautiful book is its cost. It's a magnificent coffee-table size photo album of San Diego and environs and it sells for less than $$. Yes, it's a paperback but the price is still a bargain! The size and the quality of the color photographs bring San Diego to life, as does the charming text by Charlene Baldridge. This is a love letter to a city that is famous for its weather and zoo and underappreciated for its cultural attractions. Ms. Baldridge states in her introduction, "As those who live here [in San Diego] discovered long ago, one visit is not enough, and the second could last a lifetime." What follows is her guided tour of the city: it's Cultural History, Entertainment, Arts and Culture, Nearby Attractions and list of Resources that includes the attraction's name, address, phone number and website. This book is the perfect souvenir for anyone who lives in San Diego, visits San Diego, or dreams about a trip to San Diego.

Northland Publishing offers another visual gem of one of America's great locations...San Diego. A softbound, coffee table size book that is a feast for the eyes and soft on the pocketbook. Jammed packed with amazing photography, you often feel like you have stepped into the locations yourself. Auther, Charlene Baldridge has a genuine love for this city and willing shares all of the wonders this town has to offer. If you are looking to visit or have spent time in San Diego or are one of its citizens, this visual tribute is a must have.

This book really shows the heart of Santa Barbara through beautiful photography that really captures all aspects of such an amazing city-- we are using it for guests to sign at our Santa Barbara wedding :)

I have been a Santa Barbara resident for over twenty years and the book truly captures the beauty of our city. We recently purchased the book for family in Germany so they can share in the blessing we call our home.

Sven Klein - Santa Barbara, CA

The pictures are increadible. This truly captures the beauty of Santa Barbara. There are many shots from areas that most tourists will never see. This is a great book to suplement a travel book to help plan a trip.

It's a wonderful book for keepsake!
Great pictures that capture the beauty of Santa Barbara; the book also provides ideas for sightseeing. With the book, you don't have to worry that you don't take good pictures or you miss any thing. If you enjoyed sight seeing or taking photos, this that sure worth what you'd paid for it..

Folks, this is a fun guide that can aid native Seattleites and visitors alike. I've used it many times to get a good, reasonably (or dirt cheap) bite to eat in an often expensive town.
The cool thing is, you can look in the index for categories of food (say, Barbecue or Breakfast), restaurant names, or even better, neighborhoods. That makes it a fun "let's check out this neighborhood" guide also!
A worthy purchase. I've worn mine out!

I visit Seattle enough that I needed to know where I could get decent food at a decent price - this really fits the bill. Some of these places have nondescript exteriors, and so you would expect run-of-the-mill eats - but I tried four suggestions and found them all to be places with good food, fast food, and reasonably priced. Easily saved enough in two days to pay for the book.

This book is very comprehensive as far as cheap Seattle eats. I have yet to discover a restaurant in the book that is below average. Bon appetite!

My wife and I always kept the first edition of this wonderful restaurant guide in the car, and we are just as happy with this newer addition.

Although I grew up in Seattle, we've lived about 45 minutes out of town for over 20 years, and it's hard to keep up with the restaruant scene when we return "home" sporadically. We're the kind of people who prefer to avoid fast food joints and chains, and being school teachers, we're always looking for a good deal. On top of that, we're always open for something off the beaten path. This guide has never failed to tip us off to a satisfying dining experience.

We recently attended a performance in West Seattle, and checked out "Cheap Eats" for some family-friendly restaurants in that area, since we had three kids along with us. We had it narrowed down to three possibilities, but the kids decided on a delightful Italian restaurant. Good food, good price, and great atmosphere for all of us.

Fortunately, many of our favorites from the first edtion survived in the new book. One of them is The Sunlight Cafe in the Roosevelt area, where we can always count on a tasteful vegetarian meal.

This guide has two helpful indexes in the back, one for the type of cuisine--whether it be Japanese, Thai, or Italian--and the other for listings by Seattle neighborhoods. The main body of the book has the restaurant reviews listed alphabetically. The reviews do a helpful job of describing the menu, what's good and what's not, the atmosphere, hours, whether or not credit cards and checks are accepted, and if live music is available.

If you're in Seattle, get this one and keep it in the car!

My father served in the 1st marine division in WWII in the Pacific but would never talk about it. So for me reading these recollections enabled me to hear what he experienced....incredible stuff.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to get a flavor of the real guys who fought and what they experienced.

Henry Berry's 'Semper Fi, Mac" is an oral history of the Marine Corps in the Pacific in World War II. Berry interviewed about 75 Marines who had fought in some of the toughest battles and places in the Pacific. There is a rough chronological order to the interviews but most of the stories start on or about Dec. 7, 1941. The stories most of the men tell start with either this date or shortly before, coupled with with some background material, their training, the trip to the Pacific, and then their personal experiences in combat. There is misery and death, heroism and tragedy, but overall a sense of comradeship comes from every story. Berry sprinkles his work with humorous tidbits of Marine history and stories about famous Marines, such as Chesty Puller, the only Marine to win five Navy Crosses. Also there are sections on Marine lingo and a brief historical synopsis of the Marines' Pacific battles. Berry himself was in the Marines near the end of the war and gives a proper perspective of all events and personalities. But this book is about the men who fought and died on such places as Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Guam, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Its their book, their story, their history, and it should never be forgotten.

I really liked it's snapshot format of battles all across the Pacific. I even found out that the Confederate flag was used by several Marine units instead of Ol Glory; as a Southerner that made me even happier.

This books title sums up the story inside. Every Marine's story in this book carries a similar thread. They were scared as hell in combat but never regretted joining the core. Mr. Berry, (a WWII Marine himself, which is probaly the reason they opened up so much to him) brings a personnal story from every Marine battle during the war. The confusion and deprivation of Guadalcanal, the bloodbath of Tarawa, the Japanese suicidal frenzy of Saipan, the slaughter of Peleliu and Iwo Jima up to the conclusion at Okinawa. It is all here: death, disease, and destruction; all first hand accounts told by tough Marines. It is amazing any of them survived, yet 75 of them share there memories here in short personnal histories. These men are remembered here for their supreme sacrifice so many years ago.

Dennis Powers is a great story teller! And "Sentinel of the Seas" is another great example! OK, I could be biased, Dennis is a dear friend of mine. But it also gives me insight into how he can weave such a good story. Dennis is one of those people you just like talking to and I think that comes out in his books. It is also how he gets people to tell him interesting things while he is doing the research. In "Sentinel of the Seas" he captures what it must be like to live in this remote lighthouse. A really fun read!

I loved this book! Dennis Powers's "Sentinel of the Seas..." is thoroughly captivating. Each chapter is filled with fascinating descriptions of the men---and there were heroic women too---who risked everything in order to secure the west coast. There are tales of immigrants who could only find work that no one else wanted, so those men took brutally hard jobs. Powers ties together the social, economic, and political scenes to portray life at a time when if a man was out of a job for whatever reason, he was simply out of luck.
Before the Oregon Territory was settled, a few hardy pioneers ventured west via wagon train, but that kind of travel was inefficient. It took months and it was full of hardships and hazards. There were no railroads or other methods of transporting goods to the developing west coast, so ships were essential to transport men and materials. And the stormy, rock-strewn Oregon coast caused too many ships to go down; that was expensive in terms of lost lives and lost fortunes as well. So the lighthouses were essential. But imagine building one amidst the raging, murderous sea with thunderous tides that could--and did--carry off men along with tons of desperatly needed goods.
This book is is a thriller.

Really enjoyed this book, Keeps you interested and the tale of building St. George Lighthouse is amazing. A harrowing tale of perseverance for ten years in all kinds of weather.
Also included is Lighthouse keepers at other lighthouses and a chaper on Women Lighhouse keepers. Mr Powers really does his homework when he writes his books and I have enjoyed working with him on three of his books at the Del Norte Conty Historical Society Museum in Crescent City California where three of his books have their roots.
Sandra Nuss
Researcher, Del Norte Co. Historical Society

Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (5/07)

"Sentinel of the Seas" reads like a novel. Dennis Powers has written another classic masterpiece which chronicles man battling the sea. As in his earlier works "Treasure Ship" and "The Raging Sea," Powers has thoroughly researched his work. He spent five years in preparation, searching archives, original journals, dairies, ship logs, Lighthouse Board Reports, and doing personal interviews of survivors, and their families. The lighthouse was built on St. George Reef which is one of the most hazardous reefs off the West Coast.

Powers recounts the history, engineering and construction of the lighthouse. He also explains the various lighting and sound warning devices used over the history of the lighthouse. Powers masterfully weaves into the record heroic stories of the men and women who designed, built, and maintained the St. George Reef Lighthouse from it's completion in 1892 until it's abandonment in 1975, and renewal in 2002.

"Sentinel of the Seas" heralds the career of Alexander Ballantyne, who supervised the project, as well as the careers of George Roux, and Fred Permenter the lighthouse keepers. Powers details the work of the "wickies," lighthouse life, the history and the development of other U. S. lighthouses. He shows a deep appreciation for the courage the lighthouse keepers demonstrated in the midst of crashing waves, tumultuous storms, and hurricane force winds which they faced on a recurring basis.

Turnover among the personal was significant. Powers explained it this way: "This station was one of the least sought-after assignments in the service. Potential wickies had already heard what duty would be like on Dragon Rocks. It had earned its reputation." I personally enjoyed the insight into the contrast between routine work and boredom of the assignment with hazardous way of life of the lighthouse keepers. Powers uses descriptive phrases that made me feel "the enveloping curtains of cold mists" or hear the "barks of the seals, cries of the seagulls, and the crashing surf."

This is great adventure reading, brilliantly written. I highly recommend "Sentinel of the Seas" to everyone who loves epic adventure stories of the adventure of the sea, shipwreck, and nautical history.

What is relegion? Why do we believe what we believe? These are important questions since all of us look for meaning within our existence. This book offers valuable insight into those issues. Not just a travel book.

This well written book takes you deep into the South Pacific like no other book I have read before. In many ways this book transcends the travel category and takes you into the relm of relegion and theology as well as anthropology and a little political science thrown in too just for good measure. I was very pleasantly surprised.

I also like the way this book helps to educate us on a part of the world that is so far off the beaten path, at the edge of our existence, that we ignore it. Huge mistake. Read this book, ponder the issues it brings up, and you will learn a lot.

As a correspondent I was in the Solomons for most of the key moments - and many of the darker moments of the civil war on Guadalcanal. Montgomery, whose original motivation was plainly to write some kind of family travel account, was deeply changed by what he saw and felt. As were we all. I never met him during the dramas, suggesting he kept away from the media events linked with it all. For this we all owe a very deep debt of thanks; he has bought a powerful light to parts of the story that needed to be illuminated. The horrors of Harold Keke and his gang, off set by the glories of the Melanesian Brothers. This is a major Pacific work; something to be celebrated and cherished.

We're all interested in God. (Even atheists make a theological statement when saying there is no god; and presumably, they've said so based on an informed consideration of some sort.) Montgomery takes us on an extra-ordinary quest in pursuit of God-knowledge. And he does so in the footsteps of his great grandfather, who was a missionary to the people of the south sea islands. He starts as a well-studied skeptic on a grand adventure. Along the way we encounter history and myth surrounding magic, cannibal stories, hallucination, faith, and genuine self-sacrifice. And we see our stalwart tour guide grow as a result of his quest. His appreciation for the power of myth expands to reveal the truth that it can convey. And his spirituality makes a significant transition from that of someone inquiring into the basis of religion -- to observing its significant influence on the human family, in practice.

There are occasional sentences written in a creole which might require a bit of a stretch for some readers -- but it really is English if you sound them out carefully. (Let your eye and ear work together to parse those words, out loud, if necessary.) The editors would have done well to include a glossary for those who are intimidated by foreign-looking words. But please don't let this discourage you from this very enjoyable book which tracks a coming of age from spiritual infancy into a dawning maturity.

~eric.

Having a missionary ancestor is a fine prompt for travel. Most early missionaries, to justify their existence and purpose, were dogged journal keepers. Montgomery's grandfather was no exception. Rev. H.H. Montgomery had not only kept extensive notes, but much of that collection and other thoughts were produced in a book, "The Light of Melanesia". Discovering that account led Vancouver-born Charles to light out to the Pacific to see the results of his grandfather's and other missionaries' endeavours. In keeping his own records, Charles has produced a 21st Century adventure yarn of captivating interest.

If there is a pivotal point in this book, it is the 1871 "murder" of Bishop John C. Patteson. The bishop seems to have died happy - martyrdom has an appeal to some religious folk. The century following may have justified his bizarre view, since his death has become a symbol to the local people. For one thing, they are able to brag that "we don't kill white folks any more". The author has some reason to doubt this claim as he travels through Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. He has trouble separating the various Christianities spread throughout the islands. A good many of them are still practising various forms of ancient witchcraft as part of their new religious activities.

Montgomery sets himself a quest to find Melanesian witchcraft in its pure form. This is easier told than accomplished, since today's missionaries, and many of their converts, hunt down the practitioners. Sometimes with violence. The islanders, however, have a long warrior tradition supporting their activities and working out winners and losers is challenging. Still, for him to unearth the ancient practices, he must trek deep into mountain hideaways, convince those claiming to hold special powers that he won't reveal them to Christian authorities, and come away unscathed. If the Melanesians don't do him in, the weather is always waiting for its own chance. "Getting there is half the fun" as the author haunts docks and ships seeking elusive transport. Ships run weekly, monthly, or when fuel money is produced. His persistence ought to be worth some kind of award.

His luck might be due to some recognition, as well. In the islands, the witchcraft Montgomery seeks is based on "mana". Mana is the life force and may be transferred from one human to another - by head hunting [cognitive scientists take note]. The more exalted the victim, the greater the mana. The missionaries, and the military forces they frequently called in to support them, sought to quell the practice. Their substitution was "Christian love", which often took a beating when the islanders objected to their land being taken or their wives and daughters raped. Montgomery laces the history of missionary work with his personal account seamlessly. Daily confronting the results of what the missionaries imposed [this book was originally titled: "The Last Heathen"] Montgomery's scepticism of their work can only be enhanced. Belief, however, is an immense force among humans. Montgomery realises he cannot dismiss it thoughtlessly. The result of his quest results in a fascinating essay on what "religion" has come to mean to the Pacific Islanders. It's far from what the missionaries intended - and intend - but it's demonstrably real. The book is a valuable social commentary, both about the Pacific islands and our own culture. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

To describe "Short Bike Rides in and around San Francisco" as a cycling book does it injustice. Sure, it succeeds in describing ways around and out of San Francisco, but does so much more. Even for someone who's never been on two wheels, the descriptions of the neighborhoods, their attractions and history, is worth the investment. I strongly recommend it, the best cycling guide book of its type I've read.

The one weakness is a lack of an index. You might read an excellent review, for example, of a burrito shop, but recalling on which ride that review occurred may turn into a serial search operation. Nevertheless, it still ranks as a 5-star on this rating scale. Virtually a must-read for all cyclists in SF.

San Francisco is a very "livable" city, especially without a car to worry or pay for. "Short Bike Rides..." suggests two dozen fun routes in and around the city that allow you to make the most of living here without a car. From the fastest way to get across town, to a wonderful rides in Marin and the East Bay I have ridden nearly all of these rides, and enjoyed them immensely. Not only are the directions and maps clear, but Kingman's comments are often very entertaining. There is also a handy supplement in the back listing public transportation contacts for taking your bike on BART, CalTrain etc.. Absolutely essential for any SF cyclist - commuter, weekend warrior, out of towner, tourist entertainer. And for less than $10 I have used this book 10x as much as any of the other rides books I have.

One note: I would assume Kingman is one hell of climber, since he does tend to downplay the physical effort required to climb the "hilly terrain" of some the rides.

This is my favorite bike rides book. It's an excellent read and lets you see the best of the city.

Not only is Henry Kingman's book a great way for visitors to explore San Francisco by bicycle, it is also a handy reference guide for local cyclists looking for new or better routes. Every S.F. cyclist should have a copy.