Road Books

I have listened/watched/read Fr. Groschel and everything he does is absolutly amazing. A friend of mine previewed this book at the local church and loved it, so I got this as a gift. Fr. Groschel is simple, practical, yet profoundly spiritual. This is a good book to use during Eucharist Adoration.

Often when one prays it is easy to get distracted, despite good intentions. The author does a good job of helping the reader to understand the real meaning of different kinds and levels of prayer, and thereby really listen to God. He also rightly warns of possible pitfalls in trying to pray (for example, reading our own meaning into the words of a prayer). I highly recommend this book.

Often times we have the tendency to forget that prayer is a dialogue instead of a monologue. Many times we come to prayer asking God to get rid of this problem or to help with this other situation, etc. However, what about God? What does He want from us? Where does He want us to go or do? We will never find the answers to these questions if we do not do what the title of the book says.

To put it simply, prayer is like the conversation that one has with a dear friend on the phone. You talk, they listen; they talk, you listen. The same should be our relationship with out God. This book is geared toward orienting our spiritual life not toward venting, asking or pleading. But, toward listening, patience and acting. Groeschel presents a very simple and human approach to prayer that, in the end, is fruitful.

This book is a must for anyone young and old in their faith. It is never too late to return to the basics of spirituality, especially if we listen at prayer.

In one superficial sense, the reader could be put off by "Listening at prayer". It is only 88 pages of large print and could be read easily in one sitting. That would be missing the point. After all how many pages do the "Beatitudes" take? Yes, the book can be read quickly but that would be a gross disservice to the author and the reader. Benedict Groeschel has a way of making the mystical and ethereal very practical and utilitarian, and the book is not only worthy of slow digestion but also a special place on many a bookshelf where it can be read, and then read again.

First Groeschel makes suggestions on how to actively listen to God, our conscience and our life. Then he goes on with helpful suggestions to integrate "the message" first in our prayer life and then our life as a whole.

For those of us still a little hard of listening he then explores listening to God in the Word and in Liturgies with useful recommendations on how to get more out of our private reading and religious services. For those struggling to get more out of scripture or worship services Groeschel's many suggestions should be helpful to almost all.

In the last several pages Groeschel explores contemplative prayer and living in the Presence of God so prayer is less conversational then relational. While Groeschel draws from the Catholic Tradition his suggestions and universal approach should help anyone with an interior life, or those looking for one, find resonance. "Listening to God" is a small modern classic that transcends sectarian lines.

I wonder whom the book is targeted for? Is it a primmer or an advanced work? It is difficult to say, it is easy and breezy to read, and yet full of simple desert wisdom put so deceptively simple that one could underestimate the book.

This little book is perfect for the glove compartment of a SMART forTwo, which I currently have on order. The book traces the SMART car line from its beginnings to the current day (DEC 2007/JAN2008) and so is a good source for those interested in the car. I bought two copies, one for the car and one for my desk, and I will likely buy a scale-model of the car for my desk also.....I'm HOOKED

Naming a car "smart" is a bold move invoking the question "What's so smart about it?"

My reply is "What's so chevy about your car?" The brand name smart started as a short form of "Swatch Mercedes Art." The inherent word meaning was a bonus.

Like the brand, the book title is all lower-case letters. the little book of smart is compact, at 5 1/2" square with 128 pages and over 100 photos. The book is packed with pictures provided by smart and smart car enthusiast Paul Guinness. Most of the copy is picture description, making this a quick, light read. Were it not for the small size, I would describe this as a coffee table book. I carry mine in my smart and show it to people when they ask about the car. It fits nicely in the dashboard storage tray.

Jackson's book covers the model history of this unusual vehicle. While the smart was only introduced to the United States in 2008, the brand has been available around the world since 1998 and in Canada since 2004. The brand now offers only the fortwo coupe and cabrio, previously known as the city coupe. Other models have come and gone, including the roadster, roadster coupe, forfour and the crossblade.

The author touches on the smart clubs, focusing on the UK club [...] but misses the largest smart club in North America [...]. Jackson also discusses fun smarts like the forfun2 monster truck as well as prototypes such as the crosstown and formore. He touches on safety, focusing on the Tridion safety cell and active systems such as stability control. As well, he celebrates the fact that like the old VW beetle, the smart is a pallet for artists and enthusiasts who want to create a statement.

For Americans not familiar with smart, the book is a fun introduction. The book is available direct from Veloce, but North American buyers will probably prefer Amazon or some other US-based online book store.

This book is a good read, for one who already knows about the cleverly designed smart cars or wants to learn some of the interesting story of the line's first decade. Loads of clear, interesting images and well written text, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

the little book of smart
by Paul Jackson

Upon a first glance, it would be easy to assume that the little book of smart by Paul Jackson is just a photo album, since the dimensions of the book is a square measuring 5.5 inches and a rather large picture of a smart fortwo cabriolet spans most of the glossy front cover. All thoughts of this just being another picture album are immediately forgotten the moment the reader cracks this glossy cardboard cover to reveal the 128 pages of very detailed and accurate data that accompanies the superb colored pictures that adorn virtually every page. The fact that the pages of the book are also a glossy paper similar to the finest new car brochures found at car dealerships just makes this book's photographs look all that much more impressive. Because the publishing company chose to incorporate a folded over cardboard flaps on both the front and back cover of the book, the book seems much more substantial than most paperbacks when being handled and held. This additional thickness and stiffness almost gives the reader the sense of looking at a thin covered hardback book, which serves to enhance the feeling of `quality' that this small book exudes.

The book's diminutive size is a very apt match for the tiniest car being sold in America. Paul Jackson's narrative is concise, informed, and best of all, extremely accurate. One of the pet peeves of most smart fortwo owners is that so many reporters and writers try to do a fair job of representing the vehicle and its decade long history but often attribute so many incorrect facts to their story that owners feel they "just don't get it". Mr. Jackson definitely "gets it" when it comes to writing about this little car and having the most correct and up to date information.

Each time I look at my little book of smart and re-read its pages, I come away impressed by a different facet of knowledge that it contains. Not only does the book pay tribute to the vehicles that have been produced in the past but also includes those that have recently been discontinued. Even those discontinued models are represented by the same level of excellent photos as the newest and latest models showing them from different angles and the different configurations in which they were available.

There are times I think the book's best feature has to be the magnificent and relatively large pictures that grace almost every single page. Then at other times, I am astounded by the details and how many things are included that only the real followers of smart's history may even be aware of, such as spy photos that preceded the latest 2008 models, or the tiny toys in the shape of smart cars that are available. Mr. Jackson also includes detailed pictures of the different engines that have been installed in smarts over the years. In short, there seems to be something for everyone who's interested in the smart car family or history.

I have purposely placed this book in several different locations in and around my home just to see how many people will pick it up and peruse it. It has been on my coffee table in the living room, the side door pocket inside my smart passion cabrio and even placed near the toilet in the bathroom as `library' material. One thing is for certain, people are drawn to this little book just like they are drawn to take a closer look at the little car. Anybody that's seeking to purchase a book about the smart car that is up to date, comprehensive, and a pure joy to behold should purchase this one. It's a giant of a book even though it's tiny.

I loved this book. It was a page turner and made me think. Great for someone who is interested in Earth Changes. And besides that, you can buy it used here for just cents. If you love Mary Summer Rain books, you'll love this one.

This future orientated novel is the first I have read that describes in detail how society would reconstruct itself after severe earth changes. I have found it very helpful in my preparations for the possible effects of the Y2K computer problem.

I read this book by "accident". And now I rank it as one of the most important books one can read if one is thinking about Earth Changes/Y2K/Millenium disasters. Requiring an open mind, this fictional tale (or prediction?) nevertheless grounds itself in scientific fact: that the earth's magnetic polarity has flip-flopped in the past, and will probably do so again. What will the results be? And how should we prepare? It's a riveting, instructive, and beautiful tale. Highly recommended.

"Living is Forever" is a truly inspiring piece of work, that left me wondering about today's societal structures and their chance for survival. It's a story about a group of individuals who have the courage to accept that the present exploitation of the Earth and its resources will eventually cause it to find a new equilibrium which can sustain future life. The cleansing process is a fascinating one; one of courage, love, sacrifice and ultimately the victory of true Human Spirit. I only wish that many more thousands would read this book...

This is the best travel book about the London that I found. It has all necessary information that I was looking for without the tones of text and pictures. It gives you so good ideas about what you can or should see in one day that I decided just to follow the book. :)

Took 3 guides to London for our 2005 trip. This guide has the best pictures of the 3. Most of the information is very good. The walking tours are the best! It even tells you when to stop and eat.hmmmmm

The guide doesn't really cover all aspects if you are new to the culture and city. No real tips on staying out of trouble and the detailed city map is combersome. That aside, the book is well put together with wire spirals, the cover is a hard paper for good construction.

Before traveling to London, we purchased many travel books, but AAA's London guide was the only one we took with us. The book is filled with beautiful color photos, great descriptions, planned itineraries, and a fantastic detailed map. We are planning on traveling to Rome this summer and AAA's Rome guide is the only travel book we will be purchasing before we go.

My wife and I used this travel guide extensively while in London. It served as our bible, tour guide, and street map. It is laid out in a very clearly and the sprial binder makes it very easy to flip to any page. It is filled with clear, color pictures and maps. The guide is broken down into various regions throughout London, with each section highlighting Must See Attractions, and then At Your Leisure sites that are also in the area. It also has a very nice reference on how to see a region in one day. An Underground map is on the inside back cover, and a regional map of London on the front inside cover. Other nice features are sections called 'Finding Your Feet' - which provides great information for when you first arrive in London (either by plane, train, boat, etc..) and a 'Practicalities' seciton that talks about currency, clothes sizes,etc.

What really made this book stand out compared to other London travel guides was it included detailed street maps of these regions. Those proved invaluable for us once we started walking around the area. The book is compact, and fit inside my coat pocket comfortably.

Perfect for Map Lovers or just for Navigating your way around the many small streets, mews and byways of London. Easy to use and as complete a street guide as you will find.

...it must be good! When I spent some time in London, I got this book based on the recommendations of several Londoners. It truly took me everywhere. And, it's in bookstore and cornershops around London too. That's a testament to it's use and reliability. I'm going again soon and intend on purchasing the newest version!

London A-Z, (pronounced "A to Zed" in the UK), is the essential guide to navigating the complex maze of streets that makes up London. This atlas contains every street, alley, passageway and cul-de-sac in the city, and you can't do without it if you live in, or intend to seriously explore the city.

The true testament to the quality of the atlas: It's the one thing you'll find in every delivery van, taxi cab and potential house-finder's car.

If you do not want to get lost in London - buy one of these!! -they are invaluable to finding tube stations, Post Offices, Train Stations and for even just trying to figure out where you have ended up! I lived in London for 3 years and I still use one, every street is included so that wherever you end up you can quickly and easliy find your way. It also lists all the Post Codes, because some addresses in London may be just listed as SW7 - and to find out WHERE that is you can just look at the front map refeence or in the back index. Every street and tube station is listed in the index..and there is a handy Underground Tube Map on the back - ALL you need in London! Much easier to use than a map.

I purchased this for dad, who at 89 , gets so excited when he hears that "Main Streets and Back Roads" is the next show on Chronicle. As a New Englander, I find it offers a fresh look at known, and unknown treasures in my own back yard, and often, an amusing look at us Yankees.
You'll find quaint dining, day trips, and breath taking views.
This book would also be a good start to your first trip to New England. 7:30pm on WCVB / Boston is an institution here. If you're in town, tune in after your busy day.

I have been a fan of the show "Chronicle" for almost 15 years. Throughout those years, "Chronicle" has never let me down. It continues to be a wonderful inside look at different places all over New England. And now, there's a book! "Main Streets and Back Roads" showcases some of the stories with pictures and descriptions. Although nothing is as dear to my heart as "Chronicle," the book is a pretty good second. Anyone interested in quirky characters and unusual stories should pick this one up and try the show itself, channel 5 (New England) at 7:30 weeknights.

I'm so excited about the new Chronicle book. Try it, it's a great way to learn more about main streets and back roads. Plus, it will be a great holiday gift.

"Main Streets and Back Roads" is a collection of stories of New England towns from the award-winning TV show Chronicle, which is on Monday thru Friday, Boston's channel 5, 7:30 PM. It summarizes each 'Main Street and Back Roads' show on Chronicle, complete with pictures of the towns. This is a great book for fans of the show Chronicle or people who like to learn about new places. I recommend this book to anyone, especially as a holiday gift in the approaching months. Try it!

Alan Solomon and Taryn Simpson, in The Mango Tree Café Loi Kroh Road, present the life of Larry. We both meet and say goodbye to Larry as an old man sitting in his cane chair on the veranda of his Chiangmai home peering into the past and future. What's in-between is an entertaining and sensitive story of a man's awakening to find and serve the truth.

Larry, a teenager, heeds the words of his father to leave the small New Zealand village so that his achievement will be greater than ". . . watching the grass grow and releasing the pressure from the udders of cows. . ." His travels take him to Thailand, "Land of a Thousand Smiles" and to the fertile beauty of the Mae Rim region where the solitude of the jungle stands in sharp contrast to the noise and bustle of Chiangmai's Loi Kroh Road. On this famous and hypnotic road, the powerful and the powerless come to wash bad luck away in drink, prostitution, and anonymity.

In one of its bars, Larry has a vision (not his first) that points him to partake of the road and feed it a different food, to experience a different kind of love, and to acknowledge and embrace his purposefulness.
I'm convinced that roads like this and their seedy, gritty dynamic exist around the world. What I especially liked about The Mango Tree Café Loi Kroh Road is that it places us in the pocket of Larry's shirt closest to his heart. We are standing with him in the press of his life, peering into and out of the café, seeing it for what it is, meeting its characters, smelling its smells, tasting its strange humor and barely disguised grief.

We move back and forth through time and reality to the accident scene, and eventually come to rest as the realization of who he is and why he is here presents itself. Through Larry we are reminded of how little we are really known and understood by others--and often ourselves--and how his seeking is hardly different from our own if we will but stare into its face. Enjoy The Mango Tree Café Loi Kroh Road.

If you want to see a terrific video trailer for Mango Tree Cafe, see the author's post on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQD0R5IXOhs

If you loved this book and want to hear an interview by the author, check out http://yvonneperry.blogspot.com/. Click on Taryn Simpson's name in the right side bar.


Yvonne Perry
RIGHT TO RECOVER: Winning the Political and Religious Wars Over Stem Cell Research in America

This is a great book written with pure raw emotion and feeling. It is made even more poignant because of the author's intimate knowledge of the area.

It is one of those books that you will always cherish and read many times over.

A.A.

I read this book in order to interview the authors and I am soooo glad I did. It is a fascinating read about a place I never knew existed...Loi Kroh Rd in the city of Chiang Mai in the country of Thailand... and it's inhabitants, including Larry. This is his story.

Larry was raised on a farm with a strict father and feels the need to run from being trapped on the farm. He believed he had a mission in life and is guided by a ghostly figure which appeared to him when he was a child. On his adventures, he sees loneliness in all the people around him. He falls out of love losing the only real love he ever had and, in reality, it is his own mortality and his own loneliness which he fears.

An excerpt:

"As Larry stood on that lonely road, his eyes drawn away to the distance, he soaked up the beautiful smoky-grey hills, rich with jungle growth, where fields of color raced up to the thick base of the trees to bow in reverence. Where the most prominent and interesting objects to interrupt the flatness were the old village houses and the odd buffalo lazily mingling with fields of rice stalks, soybeans and wild flowers. Never mind the stream of heat that rested heavily upon every living thing. The lush of the jungle craved the perspiration of humidity's breath."

As you can tell by the above paragraph, this book puts one directly in the feeling of the moment.

What's unusual about this book is that it was a collaboration by two authors who've never met and who've never even spoken by phone ~ one being in China and the other in America.

Once I started this book it was tough to put it down. Once down, I kept coming back to it. Expect to see The "Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Rd." as a movie in the not-too-distant future.

Revvell

Sorry, there IS information about the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) train system in this map. See review below.

This laminated guide is great for sightseeing use. It includes the Mag Mile, The Loop, and other visitor areas. and the CTA. However, it does not cover the whole city. Different landmarks and businesses are included which is great if you are not familiar with the city.

I have used this map for the last 6 years. I have purchased and passed on my map to friends and recently bought another copy. It's the best map of Chicago next to the CTA map. Not only is it useful, it makes a nice keepsake of the city.

This is a really unique and interesting map. The map is made of a plastic-type, flexible material, so it doesn't rip or wear easily. It is very sturdy! While it doesn't cover the entire city (just the downtown area and a small overview map of the Chicago area) it lists RESTAURANTS, HOTELS, and other attractions with brief comments on price, etc. It has a lot of useful information, and yet it is very clean and SO easy to read. We have used this map several times when staying in downtown Chicago and it is perfect for those times after a long day of sight-seeing or shopping when you want to know, "Where do we eat?" Also, for those of you who have small children or limited desire for walking long distances, you can easily count the blocks to the nearest McDonald's from your location. This map was perfect for trip planning on the fly and I highly recommend it! (By the way, this map does not have any public transporation information on it, but it does show where parking garages are located).

I have about a dozen of these maps and have used them to get a round NYC, Washington,D.C. and Barcelona, Spain. It's the ONLY map I would recommend as a frequent traveler. It has all the points of interest in a simple format. apart from my Garmin GPS, it's my best resource.

I used this map/guide throughout my stay in london. The listings of the shops, hotels, restaurants, etc makes this map very useful in finding your way to a particular place in the maze of london's streets. At $7 it is a steal for the information it provides. Since it doesnt cover the entire city you will still want to have a complete city map, I recommend 'Travel Guides: London City Map'

I have long been a huge fan of MapEasy maps, and the London map is no exception. Having previously used the Rome and Paris MapEasy maps, when it came time to explore London, I returned to MapEasy, and was not disappointed.

These maps are great because they include not only streets and other geographical references, but also information that you would actually want to use, like the location of restaurants, stores, and hotels. Some sights even have pithy remarks, which are often quite useful or funny (in an understated British sort of way, of course) like, for example, for the Radisson Edwardian Marlborough Hotel it concisely states "Good value. Comfortable rooms," while for Saint-Martin-in-The Fields it gives this peculiar description: "Lunchtime concerts; brass rubbing center, too."

The map comes with an excellent key to symbols, and a bonus map of the London Underground ("The Tube") among other useful features. This is a great map of London, and while it is not as detailed in some respects as traditional street maps, it is tailor made for tourists or those new to a city.

Highly recommended!

These are the BEST maps around!! I LOVE THEM. Have been using them for years, and they are like having my own tour guide in each city I visit. The basic map is great, but what is really COOL is all the information they list on the map, with the actual places noted. And now they also put in these little comments and notes about things, like the best spot for an outdoor meal and the best B&B in town. Really like that. Would not travel without one, now.

Love the animated street map. Will not cover all of San Diego, but will hightlight the popular sights.

I don't think I'd go to a new vacation city without the MapEasy Guidemap. I've used them in Seattle, San Fran and now San Diego. They've helped me find interesting places to visit, tasty food and even parking!

This easy to read and informative map shows all the cool spots in San Diego. Great for first time vistors or locals who want to know more about what America's Finest City has to offer. Makes a great gift! Illustrations make this a unique map.

This Mapeasy shows the tourist where things are in the tourist-visited areas. It is not intended to help you find your way if you are lost, though the major routes are there. It has a detail of Downtown La Jolla, downtown San Diego, and Balboa park, with a blow-by-blow of all the shops and restaurants on Prospect and some the streets that head inland. This is the clearest rendering of Balboa Park I have seen yet and I have several other current San Diego travel helps.

It is made of a plastic material that is more durable than paper.
It is worth the current $6.95 amazon price.