Reviewer: N. Goldman .: Knowledge Base

Adventure Guide To The Cayman Islands- 2nd Edition by Paris Permenter and John Bigley
Travel writer and photographer, Paris Permenter and John Bigley, with their guidebook, Adventure Guide To The Cayman Islands- 2nd Edition, have given travelers a new way to appreciate the magnificent Cayman Islands. The authors are well known travel writers who have published over twenty-seven books, and have updated numerous guidebooks for publishers such as Fodor’s and Michelin. In addition, they have authored over 1500 newspaper and magazine articles. What is unique about this...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 4912

Algonquin Voices by Gaye I. Clemson
Canada’s Algonquin Park located about a 3-4 drive from Toronto was first created in 1893 as a wildlife sanctuary and to conserve the headwaters of the rivers that flow out of the park. Located on the edge of Canada’s “shield” or wilderness, it is Ontario’s oldest and largest park. From the time of its existence the Park’s astounding beauty has attracted many worldwide artists including Canada’s famous Group of Seven. This group comprised seven Canadian artists whose speciality was the...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 2804

Arizona Getaways For The Incurably Romantic by Pam Swartz
Arizona certainly qualifies as one of the most romantic states in the USA with so many places to explore, and unfortunately for many of us, so little time. Pam Swartz, author of Arizona Getaways For The Incurably Romantic,has written an extremely informative guide providing the reader with a very good exposure of forty-five of the most uniquely romantic lodgings located in various areas of the state. Through the eyes and ears of the author, readers have the opportunity to discover...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 2701

Bags Out at Seven by Robert Globerman
The Following review was contributed by: Molly Martin Bags Out at Seven is a fast paced series of 16 chapters recounting some of the adventures and misadventures experienced by Robert Globerman during his days as a 'travel leader.' Globerman was a teacher twice named Teacher of the Year in Ossining, New York. Following his winning a Fulbright Fellowship and Smith Mundt Grant to teach and train teachers in Israel Globerman found he enjoyed travel so much he founded 'Globetrottours, Inc,' a...
(No rating) 10-11-2004 Views: 2884

Blue Nile: Ethiopia’s River of Magic and Mystery by Virginia Morell
Many of us have never heard of the Blue Nile or as it is called in Arabic the Al Bahr al-Azraq. It is one of the two main tributaries of the Nile, the other being the White Nile that meets up with the Blue Nile in Khartoum, Sudan. The course of the Blue Nile accounts to more than 60% of the total Nile flow, and it mainly receives its volume from Lake T’ana located in the Ethiopian highlands, where it is known as the Abaai. This mysterious and sacred river is also filled with East African...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 3573

Caves: Exploring Hidden Realms by Michael Ray Taylor
The following review was contributed by Norm Goldman, Editor of BookpleasuresMany of us have probably been very fascinated with caves since we were small children. However, we probably never had the actual experience of exploring caves nor will we ever undertake such a voyage to many of our planet’s uncharted regions. Perhaps, the wisest and safest way to satisfy our curiosity pertaining to the study of caves, or as it is called, Speleology, is to seek out a good reference text. National...
(No rating) 10-11-2004 Views: 3863

Cheating Death:Amazing Surviving Stories From Alaska by Larry Kaniut
One of the most desirous destinations in the world for adventure and survival stories of all sizes and shapes is Alaska. Some of you readers may ask, why Alaska? As pointed out in the introduction to Larry Kaniut’s book entitled Cheating Death: Amazing Surviving Stories From Alaska “although other states encompass wilderness in which the citizens confront peril, no state can match danger on an Alaskan scale. Alaska is twice as big as Texas. Alaska’s coastline is a long as that of the rest...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 3703

DANGER! TRUE STORIES OF TROUBLE AND SURVIVAL by James O’Reilly: Larry Hebegger (Editors)
It was quite intriguing to learn that when the publisher of the book entitled DANGER! TRUE STORIES OF TROUBLE AND SURVIVAL attempted to mail me a copy of their book it was returned to them due to ""heightened security reasons."" Furthermore, the US Postal Services insisted that the book be delivered in person to the post office before they would even consider permitting it to be mailed to Canada! After reading the 28 episodes, each narrated by 28 different authors and edited by James...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 3341

Exploring Old Montreal by Alan Hustak
It is always a pleasure to be able to refer to a slim compact guidebook packed with information that easily fits into your back pocket or purse. Alan Hustak’s well researched entertaining and informative guide- book, Exploring Old Montreal, certainly qualifies as one such book. Hustak explores Old Montréal in providing his readers with 12 different interesting walking tours. These tours encompass City Hall and Points East, Place Jacques-Cartier, The Court House District, Champ-de-Mars,...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 3201

Flatbush Odyssey A Journey Through the Heart of Brooklyn by Allen Abel
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to return to your childhood neighbourhood after an absence of more than twenty-five years? Allen Abel, journalist and foreign correspondent, takes us on a journey to Brooklyn, New York, where he grew up during the 50s and 60s and where he returned to live with his chain-smoking mother in 1993 for a few months. During a period of ten weeks, the author, accompanied from time to time by his sister, nicknamed, “Little Debbie,” endeavours to find...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 2531

Food: A Taste Of The Road by Richard Sterling (Editor)
One of the fears of the personal essayist is the possibility of having the readers mutter, “Who cares about your opinions or travels.” Richard Sterling, editor of Food: A Taste Of The Road was certainly ambitious when he put together no less than 49 short essays concerning the inter-relation of food and travel. Sterling in his choice of essays endeavours to avoid this pitfall and to a great extent succeeds. Food is often the common denominator that promotes contact between peoples and...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 3575

FOUR WHEELS DRIVE by DAN SPENCER
Can you imagine yourself driving across the USA in 1903 in a single cylinder 12 -horse power automobile through the deserts of Nevada and Utah, the muddy plains of the Midwest and over the Rocky Mountains? You encounter rivers that you have to traverse. It is the dawn of the automobile era. There are very few roads, and those that do exist are for the most part horrendous! Detailed road maps are unheard of and you pretty much are on your own in figuring out how to arrive at your destination....
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 2470

Insight Guide Arizona & The Grand Canyon (1ST Edition) by John Gatusso, Editor
The following review was contributed by: NORM GOLDMAN EDITOR OF BOOKPLEASURES When you combine the première publishers of visual travel guides, Insight Guides, together with the creativity and talents of Discovery Channel, the results can be extraordinary. This is particularly in evidence when you read the 1st edition of Insight Guides Arizona & The Grand Canyon. This guide scores very high points for its comprehensiveness providing an invaluable aid for the armchair as well as the...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 4531

Insight Guides Florida by Emily Hatchwell (Project Editor):Brian Bell (Editorial Director)
The following review was contributed by: NORM GOLDMAN EDITOR OF BOOKPLEASURES There are a vast number of guide- books devoted to Florida. Some are very helpful others you might as well save your money, as the information contained is nothing more than what you would usually receive from the travel department for the State of Florida. However, it is not very often when you come across a travel guide- book that recognizes that it is not only sufficient to list and describe lodging,...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 4620

Insight Guides New England (8th Edition) by Susan Gordon, Editor
The following review was contributed by"" NORM GOLDMAN As a travel writer focusing on the New England States, I am always on the look out for informative and well-written guides concerning these interesting states. A well- researched book can provide an excellent window into a particular geographical area’s history, culture, attractions, and its people. Not surprisingly, Insight Guides New England guidebook effectively synthesizes an understanding of the culture, history,...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 4534

Long Island Alive by Francine Silverman
Francine Silverman,where were you when I needed you? When I was a teenager growing up in Montreal in the 1950s I would look forward to my summers visiting my sister in Long Island, New York. It is too bad I did not have at the time a copy of Francine Silverman’s comprehensive travel guide, Long Island Alive. All I ever knew about Long Island were its beaches. Anyone reading this wonderful guidebook will have to agree that Long Island is not only about beaches- it has a distinct...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 3512

Meditations In My Favorite Places In Southern Africa by Gail Evans
The Following review was contributed by: Molly Martin Meditations In My Favorite Places In Southern Africa begins in the Okavango Delta where the reader is introduced to both the first meditation, a chakra and the color it is associated with as well as a glimpse into the awakening animals of the area. From that starting point Evans continues our journey to Kruger National Park, The Kagroo District, Amatola Mountains, the Eastern Coastlines, Witwatersberg and the Sentinenel in the Drakensberg...
(No rating) 10-11-2004 Views: 4269

Meditations In My Favourite Places in Southern Africa: A Travelogue For Inner And Outer Journeys by Gail Evans
Some books are meant to be a one time read and then either discarded or placed on a shelf to gather dust. Others, however, fall into the category of being a faithful companion and friend to be called upon when you need something soothing to help you relax and appreciate Nature’s soothing attributes. Gail Evans’ Meditations In My Favourite Places in Southern Africa: A Travelogue For Inner And Outer Journeys falls into the second category and perhaps can be compared to a good wine that you...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 3118

Montreal The Unknown City by Kristian Gravenor & John David Gravenor
Over the past several years there have been a multitude of guidebooks concerning Montréal. However, there are very few that would not only interest the tourist but also the native Montréaler. Kristan Gravenor and John David Gravenor have published a book entitled Montreal The Unknown City that they have described as making you feel that you have been in the city since “they sold tomatoes in paper bags where skyscrapers now stand.” Little unknown intimate gems are exposed that even I, as a...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 3245

Moon Handbooks Alberta: Including Banff, Jasper, and the Canadian Rockies by Andrew Hempstead
The following review was contributed by: NORM GOLDMAN EDITOR OF BOOKPLEASURES Recently, as I was searching the Internet for travel guidebooks that uniquely deal with Alberta, Canada, I was surprised to discover that my choices were very limited. However, I did notice a travel-guide book now in its fifth edition, published by Avalon Travel, authored by Andrew Hempstead, entitled Moon Handbooks Alberta: Including Banff, Jasper, and the Canadian Rockies. Hempstead is very well versed in...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 3168

Ocean Cruising & Cruise Ships 2004 by Douglas Ward
The following review was contributed by: NORM GOLDMAN EDITOR OF BOOKPLEASURES If you have ever taken a cruise you know how frustrating it can be just deciding which cruise to take? There are probably hundreds of books on the topic, not to mention the endless number of newspaper, magazine and Internet articles. Now along comes a guide that probably could be called the bible of ocean cruising information, as its level of detail and rigorous research is unbelievable! The Berlitz Ocean...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 3604

On the Trail Of Marco Polo by Brady Fotheringham
One of the many advantages derived from reading a well-researched travel adventure book is the knowledge one gains pertaining to the people and places visited by the author. Brady Fotheringham’s fascinating cycling tour, as recounted in his book On the Trail Of Marco Polo, certainly is not disappointing when it comes to providing the reader with an excellent foundation in understanding the geography, economics, political and social conditions that characterize four nations, two desserts and...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 2254

Peoples Of The World by National Geographic Staff
Have you ever wondered about the innumerable people representing diverse cultures that populate the world? What constitutes a people? What are the elements necessary to coalesce in order to produce an ethnic group? Where do they live? What languages do they speak? How did they originate? What are their customs? Look no further, National Geographic’s coffee-table reference book, Peoples Of The World, provides us with transportation to 150 countries around the world where we meet some...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 3182

Pie Town Woman by Joan Myers
At first when I read the title of the book, Pie Town Woman, authored by Joan Myers, I could not imagine a town being called Pie Town! However, the town actually exists and is located in New Mexico. Its population is about 55 persons, certainly not a metropolis! You may ask how the town derived its name? Apparently around 1922 a fellow by the name of Clyde Norman came to New Mexico in order to homestead. As he could not find a desirable property he decided to open a mining operation on a...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 2452

Red Zone by Alan McTeer
After reading first time novelist Alan McTeer’s thriller Red Zone, you will scratch your head and wonder what part of the story is true and what part was embellished? According to the back cover of the book, it is a novel based on events that actually happened to the author. The tale focuses on Canadian pilot, Alan Richards, who agrees to deliver a small plane to Colombia, collect a delivery fee and return to Miami on a regular airliner. However, as we all are probably aware, when...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 3490

The Art Of Travel by Alain De Botton
In today’s travel literature market it is not often that we have an opportunity to read a book that is devoid of telling us where and how to go, but rather the philosophical aspects of travel. Alain de Botton’s collection of charming reflections entitled The Art Of Travel opens up a window to a variety of hidden thoughts that we often ponder but seem to ignore. How often is the anticipation of a voyage more gratifying than its actual fulfillment, when we can muse, as does the author, when...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 2898

The Catskills Alive! 2nd Edition by Francine Silverman
When we hear the name “Catskills” we automatically associate it with the “Borsht Belt.” As Francine Silverman author of, The Catskills Alive: 2nd edition, explains, “that’s because for most of the 20th century the Sullivan County hotels served only kosher food and spawned careers of countless Jewish comedians, actors and singers.” However, as the author points out, this is not only what the Catskills was about, and today, notwithstanding the demise of many of these well known hotels,...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 3963

The Golden Altar by Michael M. Merry
If you are fascinated with the exploits of pirates, buccaneers or privateers, first time novelist, Michael J. Merry’s fictional novel, The Golden Altar, which is partially based on historical events, will immediately seduce you as soon as you completed reading the first chapter. In 1671 an infamous English pirate, or as some called him a privateer, Henry Morgan, accomplished one of his most daring feats, when he attacked, looted and pillaged Panama. However, unfortunately for Morgan, he was...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 2677

The Practical Nomad Guide To The Online Travel Marketplace by Edward Hasbrouck
If an award were to be given to one of the most complete and informative guides pertaining to the topic of the Internet and travel, Edward Hasbrouck’s book entitled The Practical Nomad Guide To The Online Travel Marketplace would probably merit nomination. This softbound guide is particularly useful to the novice who may have little experience in surfing the net when it comes to the subject matter of travel. The book is authored by Edward Hasbrock and published by Avalon Travel. Edward...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 3131

THE PRACTICAL NOMAD HOW TO TRAVEL AROUND THE WORLD by Edward Hasbrouck
You finally decided to take the plunge and travel around the world! How do you plan this awesome undertaking? Where do you start? Around-the-world experienced travel specialist and industry insider, Edward Hasbrouck, has published his second edition to his comprehensive guide The Practical Nomad How to Travel Around the World; a book that could easily be classified as the bible when it comes to planning around-the-world trips. As the author mentions in his chapter dealing with how to use...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 3414

The World's Cheapest Destinations by Tim Leffel
Is there such a place as a cheap travel destination? Writer and seasoned traveler, Tim Leffel has written about a wide range of topics, from sailing on the Nile to hanging out with holy men, while he roamed three times around the world. Apparently, he has sampled everything from Kentucky bourbon to Korean soju while making his way around the globe. Leffel’s slim guidebook, The World’s Cheapest Destinations, focuses on his belief that it is not how you go, but where. Traveling...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 2113

There’s No Toilet Paper On The Road Less Traveled by Doug Lansky
When we are bombarded daily with news of the terrible state of the stock market, the threat of terrorism and the possibility of loosing one’s job, there is nothing comparable to a good belly laugh. THERE’S NO TOILET PAPER ON THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED edited by Doug Lansky perhaps is just the antidote we need. To fill the prescription the editor has collected 28 travel essays composed by 20 different funny writers that when read together have a fine cumulative and varied effect. To set the...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 2672

Travel Unlimited: Uncommon Adventures For The Mature Traveler by Alison Gardner
Alison Gardner’s guide Travel Unlimited: Uncommon Adventures For The Mature Traveler is an extremely informative and welcome addition to the world of travel books for those of us who are called “mature travelers” or people who love to travel “in depth.” For that matter, it can even be a valuable aid to any kind of a traveler. This timely publication devoted to alternative tourism is assembled into four principal areas of interest: ecological, educational, cultural and volunteer service...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 2536

Travel With Others Without Wishing They'd Stayed Home by Nadine Nardi Davidson
Have you ever traveled with someone and thought to yourself if I had only known? You probably paid little attention to the different categories of personality traits that describe most travelers such as: enthusiast, adventurer, sportsman, relaxer, beach bum, comfort seeker, culturist, shopper and discoverer. Author Nadine Nardi Davidson has authored a very unique book entitled Travel With Others Without Wishing They’d Stayed Home that will help you identify the different types of...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 2770

Travels With My Lovers by Erica Miner
The following review was contributed by: NORM GOLDMAN, EDITOR OF BOOKPLEASURES There is something magical about vacation romances that seem to encourage you to let go and revitalize your energy and senses. Moreover, perhaps the conditions are ideal to create peak emotional moments as love. First time author Erica Miner’s novella, Travels With My Lovers, has effectively captured these moments with her titillating adventures of an American woman, who frees herself from the shackles of...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 2449

Venice in Context: The Independent Traveler’s Guide to Venice by Robert S. Wayne
How would you like to visit Venice with your own personal professional tour guide walking next to you and pointing out the magnificent art and history of this ancient city? Robert Wayne has authored, as part of his European series, a fascinating book entitled Venice in Context: The Independent Traveler’s Guide To Venice offering an entirely new concept in travel guidebooks. With the aid of a CD that is included with the book, the visitor to Venice can now listen to the voice of Dateline...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 2959

You Are Traveling With JohnnyJet.com by Erick Lebow: John E. DiScala
The following review was submitted by: NORM GOLDMAN, EDITOR OF BOOKPLEASURES With the thousands of Internet travel guidebooks to choose from it is very difficult to separate the good from the mediocre. You can literally devote days trying to figure out which guide will reveal the most useful information pertaining to the best air-fares, hotels, cars, lodging, student travel, medical resources, romantic vacations, unique lodging, National Parks, hideaways, things to do and see, shopping,...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 2612

You Can Travel Free by Robert Wm Kirk
Most of us like “freebies” especially when it comes to travel. However, how do you travel for free or for very little money? Robert Wm Kirk’s guidebook, You can Travel Free, is an extremely comprehensive and fact filled guidebook presenting useful strategies and methods that have been employed by those who roam far and frequently-without paying. The book is divided into seventeen chapters featuring tips, ideas, reference sources, experiences, and guidance. Within these chapters we are...
(No rating) 1-1-1970 Views: 3622