Editorial Review

It's a traveler's life list, a guide, an inspiration, a memory book. Open it to check out where you've been, and where you should go next. What to see and what to do and what to show the kids. Where to eat and where to stay. And how to change your life.

Covering the U.S.A. and Canada like never before, here are 1,000 spectacular, compelling, essential, offbeat, utterly unforgettable places. Pristine beaches and national parks, world-class museums and the Corn Palace, mountain resorts, salmon-rich rivers, scenic byways, Chez Panisse and the country's best taco, lush gardens and Holden Arboretum, mountain biking on the Maah Daah Hey trail, historic mansions, vineyards, hot springs, the Talladega Superspeedway, classic ballparks, and more. Includes more than 150 places of special interest to families, and, for every entry, the nuts and bolts of how and when to visit. ... Read more

Reviews

1000 Places to Eat Before You Die, October 8, 2007
Let me get my chief complaints out of the way first: this author loves to eat. It sometimes seems that every other entry is a restaurant or local culinary hot-spot, from "Cheese Country" to "Big Pig Jig." These are not destinations, they're cuisines. Subtract those, and you probably have a book better titled 900 Places to See Before You Die. (Assuming all the eating doesn't kill you at number 600.)

Another minor quibble: some of the "places" are actually events, like Burning Man and the Indianapolis 500. I'll overlook it...

She also likes to go in style, and apparently hasn't met a spa she didn't like. Subtract all the ultra-ritzy exclusive hotel/spas, sculpture gardens, resorts, dude ranches and expensive art galleries, which are likely either of out reach financially or simply not of interest to a large base of the potential audience, and you're down to 500 Places to See.

So, then, if you can get it for half price, you've got a bargain.

Now, onto the good things. There are many, despite my protestations above. First is the very idea of the book. It's fun and interesting to see such a list compiled; invariably something important gets left out, but what is created by the greater-than-the-sum-of-its-parts compilation is a true sense of America as a destination in its own right, worth of as much attention as any other in the world.

Also, I was made aware of many places I wouldn't have found otherwise, like the Yoder Popcorn Shoppe in Topeka, Indiana. There are many hidden treasures in these pages.

Finally, despite being top-heavy with attractions for the chic looky-loo set as mentioned above, the book is saved from being completely out of touch by its inclusion of attractions that appeal to a broad section of people (as would befit a book about America). Burning Man Festival is here, as is the State Fair of Texas, the Civil Rights Trail, and others.

My strong recommendation is that a second book be created called "1000 Places to Dine Before You Die," (though the publisher may not want to have the words "dine" and "die" so close together), and all the restaurant entries removed from this and placed there. Then the gap filled with what got left out of this book and should have been in in the first place.

Updating my Travel To-Do List Right Now, June 28, 2007
I asked for (and received) this book for my birthday. I am so glad I did!
I have traveled a lot in the US and am working on seeing the rest of the world, but wanted to know what I was missing here in the US. I anxiously flipped through the book and made a note next to each place I had visited.
I was amazed and impressed to find locations just a few miles from my home that I had never seen. I'll be visiting soon.
I am sure I will think of a couple of places that (I think) should have been included. Overall, though, this book is very comprehensive. It is fun and easy to read.
Nice touches inside include web links, phone numbers, etc. for each of the places. I also like the way the book is indexed in the back: active travel and adventure, culinary experiences, glorious nature, great golf, scenic drives, take the kids, etc. This makes it easy to search for a particular type of site, even if you don't know exactly what part of the country you want to see.

An inspiring read for travellers of all ilk!, May 29, 2007
I loved Patricia Schultz's 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, and gave away copies to friends who loved travelling. This second follow-up, 1,000 Places to See in the USA and Canada Before You Die is another winner. Though Canada is not as comprehensively covered as the USA, the book serves its purpose - to entertain and inspire, even armchair travellers like me. There are enough nuggets of information in here, and a treasure trove of ideas that can keep most aspiring/keen travellers happy, content, and entertained.

Cool book!, July 18, 2007
This is a fun book. The reader can build vacations around it. The work is based on the philosophy that (page x):

". . .travel has always been based on removing myself from what is comfortable and safe, on seeking out experiences that broaden my horizons and enrich me in ways superficial and profound."

The author also notes that she (page xiii) ". . .discovered time and again the country that is my home."

I'm from Illinois originally, so I immediately looked at the sites in the Prairie State. Many of these make a great deal of sense. Of course, one can always ask questions like: If Nauvoo, why not Bishop Hill? Still, good selections from my home state.

I lived in New York for quite awhile. I love the inclusion of the Anchor Bar (home of "Buffalo chicken wings"). I enjoyed the weekend jazz music and the wings. This is where Buffalo chicken wings began. The inevitable question: Why not the Genesee River Gorge? Once more, no criticism of the author's choices--just that there are a lot of possibilities that don't show up in the book.

Now, I live in Pennsylvania. And while I can understand the places included in this book, I also wonder why the exquisite Capitol Building of the Commonwealth in Harrisburg is not listed.

However, that is part of the charm of such books. Engaging in a dialogue with the authors' choices.

All in all, a very nice work and a good read.

Not Enough Stuff, July 23, 2007
I know there are so many places to see in the US and Canada, but this book really didn't do many places justice.

Just to name a couple....according to the book there is nothing to see in Florida north of Tampa. Have you never been to Pensacola? Seen McGuire's Restaurant, the Vietnam Memorial, The Air Museum. How about Flora-bama on the Florida-Alabama line. How about southern Illinois, have you ever been to Garden of the Gods? Shawnee National Forest, stayed at the lockmaster quarters on the Mississippi in Glocanda?

I realize, there are a thousand places to see in each state, but how many people can afford a trip to Charlie Trotter's in Chicago?

Just my opinion....

No Rick Steves, July 8, 2008
1,000 places to go before I die? More like 1,000 spas and resorts and resturants. Big deal - the more money you spend, the bigger the wall you create between yourself and the local culture. Who wants to know about exotic resorts and five star restaurants? Don't tell me about the big ticket items! Tell me about quirky offbeat places with personality and charm, things I cant get anywhere else. Tell me about Hole in the Rock, UT. Tell me about The Last Stoplight on I-90. Tell me about a PLACE, not about how to spend money at generic locations.

Worthless.

Huge disappointment with western canada and California., August 3, 2007
I got this book hoping for new inspirations on places to take my family. While some of the eastern and midwestern states were quite a bit more comprehensive with interesting locations, the two places which I was interested in California and Western Canada were a big disappointment. Most of the California locations were vaguely defined and would have been known to anyone who had never been there. The western Canada sites were fabulously expensive and only accessible to the privileged few who can spend between 300 and 1000 a night on exotic hotels and expensive restaurants. This tendency to list only the generic and the ridiculously expensive in some locations makes this book useless to me.

Got a fat wallet and a bad case of wanderlust? This book is for you, October 27, 2007
This is not the type of book you actually READ, but rather something you glance through lazily when dreaming up future travel plans, or when wondering what to do in your own state when you have an open weekend and nothing to do with it. The back-of-the-book index is very helpful in this case. Comprehensive in its scope, it's a good starting point for someone with a fat wallet and a serious case of wanderlust. Like all travel books--(except Abrams' ART OF THE STATE books, which are fabulous!)--this book is a skeletal guide requiring the traveler to flesh it out by his or her personal experience. Use it as a starting point, verify the information on the web, and go to the places yourself to color in the lines with your unique perspective.

Other reviewers complained that some of the recommendations were expensive. (It could be because the writer is from New York City, so she may be accustomed high costs.) What I do with expensive suggestions is go to the restaurant recommended and ask passersby where I can find something similar for less. It's a great way to meet local people who are usually glad to tell you about the better value around the corner.


Like most travel guides, it can't bear the weight of being the be-all end-all, but it's a good place to start. The reason I gave it only 3 stars is because the writing is a bit stifling (or maybe the small type makes it seem stifling) and the page layouts are dull. Otherwise a nice reference tool.

Some Good Selections But Still Too Concentrated On Luxury Travel, July 9, 2008
I was pretty harsh on Schultz's previous international edition of this book. So I am going to be a little nicer here and admit that the book is fun to read through and does let readers know about some great places to visit that they might otherwise have never heard of.

But the fact remains that Patricia Schultz is who she is, a snobby writer for Conde Nast Traveler magazine who has an intense obsession with fancy hotels, restaurants, spas and resorts that are out of the price range of most travellers. I also agree with the previous reviewer that the more you enclose yourself within the gated confines of luxury the less of an authentic travel experience you are likely to have.

I was especially upset by Schultz's international edition because it reinforced the notion, that too many Americans already have, that global travel is only possible for wealthy jetsetters. Instead the truth is that travel on a budget is available to everyone. And, in fact, many backpackers manage to spend a year or more travelling around places like Latin American and Southeast Asia for less then the costs of paying rent and bills at home. Of course, the declining U.S. dollar is making this harder to do now, but that's a whole other story.

I see Schultz's fascination with the lifestyles of the wealthy and fabulous to be slighty less problematic in this book because Americans and Canadians are generally more aware of domestic buget travel options as compared to travelling abroad. Still I think if Schultz focused a little less attention on the Hamptons and Palm Beach, on $700 hotels and $300 restaurants, then she might have been able to write a book that is more useful to the ordinary traveller.

Just got the book but love it, June 26, 2007
We just got this book yesterday, but already I am planning our road trips for the next few months with this book's assistance. Excellent descriptions of places and events.

For example, we went to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta last year (2006) and the book's description of the Fiesta and surrounding area in New Mexico was outstanding and accurate.

In my opinion, if the author does this good of a job conveying information about something we are familiar with, then I will trust her about the other places she describes in her book.

The book is organized well with a nice index and use of pictures and maps. Text-heavy (which I like) and easy to read. We are excited about using it to add to our vacation trip experiences. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

Big guide, but is focused on RV camping, September 11, 2010
Just so you understand my review, I don't think RV camping is camping. It's moving a house around. This guide is really for RV'ers, not for someone like me who wants to camp far away from RV'ers and the noise. I camp using my motorcycle.

Now, setting aside my bias, let me say one thing. WOW. This is a thorough, complete, huge guide. The dead tree version is hard to use (old school though) because there is just so much information. And I find how they organize the states odd. It took a while to figure out where California was located in the guide. Even me, who likes camping away from things, needs to find a more modern campground for showering, washing clothes, connecting to the internet. And this guide is good for that.

But the best thing is the CD which appears to be the whole book on one disk. Now this thing itself should get 10 stars. It's easy to search. It fits in a small area.

So, if you're into car or RV camping, this guide is perfect. If you want to find that secluded primitive campground in the Rockies, this isn't so useful. A solid 5 stars for the finding clean, modern, state of the art campgrounds. A solid 3 stars for those who search for the quiet place.

But that CD is just perfect, which I will carry when I need to find one of those modern campgrounds.

Woodall's is Woodall's, March 3, 2010
A great resource for trip planning, and on the road quick finds. We pick up a new Woodall's every 2-3 years, we bought this one because of the GPS address feature.

Woodall's North American Campground Directory with CD, 2010,, September 9, 2010
This directory is poorly organized. It didn't list all of the campgrounds in a area. It is sometimes impossible to find the town shown on the map in the directory itself. Since the directory is alphabetical, but looking for a campground is geographical, we found ourselves flipping between the map and among numerous pages within a state. It was even worse in areas bordering 2 states. We noticed many Forest Service campgrounds were missing.

Very poor, October 31, 2010
My wife and I find all the Woodall products geared to produce advertising revenue as opposed to serve the customer. Many many small or state campgrounds aren't listed merely because they wouldn't or couldn't afford the fees. Very poorly organized making it virtually impossible to find any campgrounds near where you are. Also, unlike previous directories, there are no charts or tables that provide an easy reference regarding ammenities.

We literally ended up throwing the book away in sheer frustration...

Woodall's North American Campground Directory with CD, 2010, May 26, 2010
An essential for RV'ers, campers and outdoors people. Contains all the information needed for a successful overnight trip in the outdoors. Received promptly and in stated condition.

LOVED THE CD, July 10, 2010
REALLY ENJOYED USING THE CD THAT CAME WITH THE BOOK. THE BOOK IS VERY THICK, BUT VERY INFORMATIVE. WE TOOK OUR LAPTOP ON VACATION WITH US AND IT WAS MUCH QUICKER TO POP THE CD IN AND SEARCH FOR A CAMPGROUND THAN IT WAS TO FLIP THROUGH THE BOOK. VERY IMFORMATIVE.

Disappointing, November 18, 2010
I purchased this directory to help find campgrounds while on the road when we didn't have internet access. I was disappointed to find that it listed so few campgrounds. It lists just a fraction of campgrounds that are available for any particular area. Very incomplete and not worth the purchase price.

Indispensible for RVers, November 10, 2010
When we first bought our RV 3 years ago, the dealer told us we needed Woodall's directory to help us plan trips. I rushed out to a book store and plunked down $30 for one, and it has been very helpful. On multi-state trips this year, we found much of the information in our edition was obsolete, so my husband remarked that we needed to check for a more recent edition. Imagine my delight to find a 2010 edition on Amazon for less than half the price I had paid for the old one. Although the book I purchased was listed as "used", it appeared brand-new, and we look forward to using it for a cross-country trip next year.

Woodall's North American Campground Directory with CD, 2010, June 10, 2010
Amazon sent us a previously purchased copy. The CD envelope had been ripped open, but it was still there. Very disappointing that the book was not in "new" condition. I had expected this rather large book to have all campgrounds in it. It does not. The states are not aligned correctly, with Wisconsin at the back of the book and no where near Minnesota, Illinois,or Iowa. What is handy to use are the state maps showing the campgrounds that have paid to be in this book. I would not recommend purchasing this book. Instead, go to your local library and get an older copy if they do not have the new one. The rest you can get off of the internet for free. ... Read more

Editorial Review

GPS companion atlas for North America offering unique tiled format designed for the way you drive.Michelin?s deluxe atlas complements GPS navigation systems and online driving directions with mapping arranged geographically instead of state-by-state.A bonus locator index includes more than 2,000 national, state and provincial parks with GPS and map page coordinates, making it a snap to plan a trip to enjoy nature?s beauty.Over 1,000 travel center locations are pinpointed, giving travelers peace of mind during their journey.The atlas?s unique tiled format makes it simple to follow a route with a flip of the page, and its spiral binding offers lay-flat convenience.? Covers USA, Canada and Mexico. Scale 1/625,000 ? 1/9,018,000. ... Read more

Reviews

Wonderful Road Atlas: Nice Balance Between Size and Detail, August 23, 2010
When recently examining road atlases for the United States, I was surprised at the weak offerings I found from map brands I assumed would be good. I was very happy to find the "Michelin Road Atlas 2011". Here's my point-by-point assessment:

Good:
- Covers Mexico and populous portions of Canada, as well as the United States
- Land area is divided into a simple grid, which is indexed in an easy-to-read national map in the front of the atlas
- Map edges are labeled with the next map in that direction
- Some areas, notably in the very urban northeastern United States have a special set of extra maps, giving needed detail of those areas
- City-specific maps are provided for a large number of large- and medium-sized cities
- Boundaries of city maps and "extra" maps are drawn on the regular grid maps
- Binding allows the atlas to lay flat

Could have been better:
- The special extra maps mentioned above probably should have been provided for some parts of California
- Sometimes individual roads are not marked as often as I like, making it tricky to follow them across a map
- The text is a bit small

Overall, I find that this atlas strikes a good balance between size and detail.

A Superd Road Atlas, November 30, 2010
I was shopping for a new Road Atlas to carry in my truck. I wanted one that was durable and would hold up to lots of use and some abuse. I really needed plastic coated pages that would repel most water or any coffee spills. At first I did not think anyone made such an Atlas until I located this atlas made by Michelin. This thing is great. Just what I wanted. Easy to read, colors are bright and is very detailed. If you need a very well made and durable Road Atlas, buy this one. You'll be happy with what you spent your money on!

On the road, December 16, 2010
I have used Michelin road maps/atlases for years and they just keep getting better.
This is spiral bound, so you can turn it to the page you want and keep it there. There is an easy to decipher key to the map pages; look where you want to see the roads and it will give you a page number in the square - turn to that page and the edges will lead you on to the correct pages from there as you are looking or traveling. There are squares around cities with a page number where you can then turn to a more detailed map of an urban area. These maps are well detailed, even for back roads and cities. The pages are smooth, easy to handle, but sturdy enough that they do not tear easily.
There is also an index of the states and major cities, and instructions on how to use the book, if you need them. A US map with interstates and 4 pages of scenic drive descriptions are incorporated. Also included is a city to city distance chart, parks with GPS coordinates, tourism and border crossing information and 3 blank lined pages for notes.
All in all it's the only map atlas I recommend or need, unless you need a very detailed local map.

Confusing, November 19, 2010
Sorry guys, I found this thing confusing as heck... just went to Walmart and bought a nice easy to read altas... waist of money ... Read more

Editorial Review

The Ride Atlas second-edition 336-page book features 29 new and exciting rides and a 16-page ride log to record your journeys, memories and people you've met along the way. The Ride Atlas is sturdy, with a redesigned water-resistant cover, magnetic closure and more durable pages.The Ride Atlas is broken down into two types of rides. First, there are 25 featured rides with in-depth inset maps highlighting the route, including historic sites, long-term road construction and locations of Harley-Davidson dealerships as well as a detailed description of the ride. For example, riders traveling in the West can read about the Utah run, considered "a Harley rider's dream." It winds past the 3,000- foot sandstone cliffs of Zion National Park, which in itself has several landmark mountains. Canadian riders can experience the thrilling roller coaster ride known as the Cape Breton Loop in Nova Scotia.This atlas also includes four legendary and adventurous rides. First, motorcyclists can (safely) brave the tight turns of the Tail of the Dragon as it whips between Deals Gap, North Carolina, and Tabcat Bridge, Tennessee. Riders out in Nevada can challenge themselves on the 256-mile stretch called the "Loneliest Road in America" (now that's just sad).From detailed rides offering tips on the best season to experience the trip to gasoline availability, mileage/driving times for each route, camping info and side trip adventures along the way, the Ride Atlas is loaded with information motorcyclists need to know before they hit the road.It is also a great reference manual, with a quick glance chart of basic motorcycle laws for each state and Canada and an extensive mileage directory. ... Read more

Reviews

extremely great and convenient map, March 1, 2008
this map has it all...very detailed road content found in the large rand maps with a tough, closeable magnetic binder that fits nicely in any saddlebag. it has good suggestions for scenic rides and some state laws for anywhere you can ride a motorcycle. i dont ride a harley and dont necessarily care for them either, but this is one 'harley' item i had to have. the only negative thing i can think of is that due to its size, many states are split onto seperate pages. it is a necessary evil, however they tried to mitigate it by creating a 'overlap' of the map area on each consecutive page so you can quickly refind your spot/road.

Informative, June 1, 2008
This is great atlas, I would recomend it to anyone who travels on a mototcycle or drives a car. The ride atlas is very detailed it shows the best routes that a motorcyclist like myself would need to take to see the best part of the U.S. Another great feature is it's water proof don't have to worry about it coming apart in the rain, it's very well made and should last for years if you ride a motorcycle and been looking for an atlas to take with you then this is it, it's fits in saddle bags as well.

Dave Tate

Harley Davidson has Done it Again!, July 14, 2008
This is a must to any who are touring on their HDs. Maps are presented for every state in the union. Local HD Dealers are noted on the maps along with phone numbers and addresses. Sample rides are included along with highlighted maps. If you ride a Harley - this is it.

Great for having on your bike!, March 23, 2008
This is a great tool for carrying on your bike. Full of info. you can use anywhere in North America. Very detailed and helpful.

not enough differences, February 8, 2008
While some of the changes are nice the info inside is pretty much just like the first one. The material upgrades were nice though.

Purchased as present, January 6, 2008
I purchased this for my father for Christmas. I didn't have the opportunity to look through it, but I haven't heard any complaints (yet). ... Read more

Editorial Review

"For the better part of a week, nearly every man, woman, and child in Gander and the surrounding smaller towns stopped what they were doing so they could help. They placed their lives on hold for a group of strangers and asked for nothing in return. They affirmed the basic goodness of man at a time when it was easy to doubt such humanity still existed."

When thirty-eight jetliners bound for the United States were forced to land in Gander, Newfoundland, on September 11, 2001, due to the closing of United States airspace, the citizens of this small community were called upon to come to the aid of more than six thousand displaced travelers.

Roxanne and Clarke Loper were excited to be on their way home from a lengthy and exhausting trip to Kazakhstan, where they had adopted a daughter, when their plane suddenly changed course and they found themselves in Newfoundland. Hannah and Dennis O'Rourke, who had been on vacation in Ireland, were forced to receive updates by telephone on the search for their son Kevin, who was among the firefighters missing at the World Trade Center. George Vitale, a New York state trooper and head of the governor's security detail in New York City who was returning from a trip to Dublin, struggled to locate his sister Patty, who worked in the Twin Towers. A family of Russian immigrants, on their way to the Seattle area to begin a new life, dealt with the uncertainty of conditions in their future home.

The people of Gander were asked to aid and care for these distraught travelers, as well as for thousands more, and their response was truly extraordinary. Oz Fudge, the town constable, searched all over Gander for a flight-crew member so that he could give her a hug as a favor to her sister, a fellow law enforcement officer who managed to reach him by phone. Eithne Smith, an elementary-school teacher, helped the passengers staying at her school put together letters to family members all over the world, which she then faxed. Bonnie Harris, Vi Tucker, and Linda Humby, members of a local animal protection agency, crawled into the jets' cargo holds to feed and care for all of the animals on the flights. Hundreds of people put their names on a list to take passengers into their homes and give them a chance to get cleaned up and relax.

The Day the World Came to Town is a positively heartwarming account of the citizens of Gander and its surrounding communities and the unexpected guests who were welcomed with exemplary kindness.

Reviews

Makes me want to be a 'Newfie', September 17, 2002
It's hard to believe that anything written about the events of September 11, 2001, could be described as `wonderful' but Miami Herald columnist Jim DeFede has penned a book that is all that and more.

`The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland' describes what happened when more than 250 aircraft, prohibited from entering U.S. airspace due to the terrorist attacks, were diverted to Canadian airports. Of those, 38 planes bearing 6,595 passengers landed in Gander, Newfoundland, a town with a population of barely 10,000. What happened next goes a very long way to restore the faith in humanity that was shaken by the terrorists. Without exception, the residents of Gander (They call themselves `Newfies') opened their doors to welcome the unexpected refugees and poured out such warmth and compassion that one passenger later remarked, "I was on a flight from London to New York and landed in Heaven."

Schools were closed to provide space for shelters. Residents took the sheets and blankets off their own beds to deliver to the passengers and stayed up all night to feed and welcome then when they finally were able to get off the planes. Locals approached `plane people' in the street and invited them into their homes to shower. Pharmacists made thousands of calls worldwide to verify prescriptions and then filled them for free. Shop owners gave away their stock to those in need and, when they ran out, bought more from the competition and gave that away as well. The events described in this book will make you either proud to be a Canadian or regretful that you aren't.

DeFede skillfully blends the tragic and the comic. One moment Gander's residents are compassionately providing around-the-clock care and companionship to the mother of a missing New York firefighter. Meanwhile, other locals are making honorary Newfoundlanders out of several passengers by means of an age-old ceremony involving kissing a codfish and drinking the local liquor whose name, Screech, is apparently an apt description of its flavor.

There's even a little karma thrown in. When the principal of the Lewisporte Middle School allows a passenger to use their computer center to `run a small business' she doesn't discover until later that the passenger's name was Gordon Conway and the `small business' that he was running out of her school was the Rockefeller Foundation. Needless to say, her generosity resulted in a new computer center for her students.

After the end of their involuntary visit to Gander, many of the passengers have since returned to Gander to visit and express their appreciation to those who were so kind and generous to them. I, too, plan to visit Gander someday, if for no other reason than to see what kind of people it takes to shine such a bright light on one of the darkest days in our history.

I'd also like to find out what Screech tastes like.

Humanity's finest hour ---- kosher kitchen included!, December 6, 2003
It took me a while to get around to reading this book, because, by the time it came out, I was over-saturated with 9/11 materials. But this is a very different type of story from those about Ground Zero. When the United States shut down its airspace and diverted all those planes elsewhere, 38 of them ended up in Gander, Newfoundland, a fishing town of about 10,000. The reason was simple: Gander, in spite of its small population today, has an enormous airport. During World War II, American military planes refueled at Gander before heading across the ocean to Europe. Until the invention of the jet engine, Gander was the "biggest gas station in the world," and many planes still stop there to refuel.

Physically, Gander Airport could accommodate all those big planes landing, but what about the passengers? That's the real story of Gander -- how the people opened their hearts and homes to total strangers and mobilized every resource they had to comfort and care for the thousands of travelers who suddenly found themselves stranded. It was humanity's finest hour.

This book abounds with human interest stories, such as: the fire engine racing to the next town with sirens blaring, to bring back toys for the "plane children"; the animal protection volunteers who crawled into the bellies of the grounded planes to rescue and care for the passengers' pets; the American family returning from Kazakhstan with a newly-adopted daughter; the big party for the four kids with birthdays that week... and many, many more.

I was especially pleased to read about Rabbi Sudak, the Orthodox Jew (Lubovitcher Hasid, actually) stranded in Gander, who set up a small kosher kitchen and ministered to other stranded Jews, as well as curious locals and a "secret Jew" who lived in the area and "came out" to the rabbi. I was aware of this story because I had read about it in a Jewish newspaper but, in all the TV coverage of Gander, I never heard the rabbi mentioned once. In fact, there was a total lack of coverage of Jewish chaplains anywhere during the mainstream 9/11 coverage. This annoyed me to no end, because I KNEW that rabbis and lay Jewish workers were ministering during the 9/11 efforts, the same as their Christian counterparts. So it was very heartening to see this story included among the many tales of courage and caring.

On the technical end, the book is well-written. The author, Jim Defede, is an excellent storyteller. In the course of writing the book, he interviewed over 180 people. From these, he chose a few representative stories to follow through the entire six days of the crisis. At the same time, he paints the bigger picture very well, so that we can see how the whole town of Gander -- as well as several other towns in the area -- were part of it. He also weaves in cultural and historical background about the area, such as the history of the airport mentioned above. (Which, by the way, answered my own questions about why all those planes were sent to a tiny town. I remember wondering about that at the time.) All in all, this is an excellent book -- one that I could not put down once I started reading.

Gives you something to feel good about, October 6, 2002
Living just 5 miles from Ground Zero I haven't felt the urge to read any of the many books chronicling the events of that horrible day. On a strong recomendation from a friend I picked up THE DAY THE WORLD CAME TO TOWN. Yes this story will bring tears to your eyes but they will quickly be replaced by sheer awe at a community that, without a moment's hesitation, opened its heart and its doors to complete strangers.

If this story was written as ficton one would accuse the author of an overactive imagination. The people of Gander and it's neighboring communities jumped at the chance to render hospitality and comfort to the "plane people", as they referred to them. This story takes the reader through the full range of human emotions from tears to laughter. Yes, laughter. I want to go to GAnder myself and just hug everyone I see.

If you read one September 11th book, make it this one. It provides a lesson we all could learn about being a good neighbor.

A different story about 9/11, October 5, 2002
This book uncovers a more or less unknown story of the events of 9/11.
For me personally this story is very true. I was one of the passengers that had to divert to Gander, and as soon as the book arrived, I've read the book within one day. I just could not stop. Never before was I so emotionally touched by a book. Maybe because this book is about "us", who landed in Gander. I don't know. I have learned things from the book, which most of the passengers did not know before. It is just amazing how everything got organized by the citizens of Gander and surrounding communities with the support of the Salvation Army.
Jim DeFede picks a few passengers who were aboard different airliners and re-tells their story. I do have my own story (as probably every passenger who was stranded in Gander), and it is interesting to see how other people lived through the week after 9/11 in Newfoundland.

If you want to know about a different story of 9/11, read this book, and you will be amazed how people were helping complete strangers that were caught in the tragic events.

The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland, September 6, 2002
I work across the street from "GROUND ZERO" and like a moth to a flame have been attracted to every book and documentary chronicling 9/11. It has been a very sad literary experience as you can well imagine. When I picked up this book I expected much the same. I was so wrong. This book gave me and will give you the much needed boost when remembering that awful day. I was immediately captured by such humanity that I believed as a Native New Yorker no longer existed. The people of Gander NewFoundland are a true rare breed. They didn't just sympathize with the plight of the American people during this crisis they became self proclaimed Americans. These NewFoundlanders gave the world an incredible example to follow. The book is so well written that I finished the book feeling as if I knew each and everyone personally. I read this book on the verge of such a horrible anniversary that I'm oddly hoping for a follow up to this story on each anniversary. The stories of each person stranded in Gander will undoubtedly strike a chord with all of us. Enjoy it I did!!

Full of Grace, October 11, 2002
Man, there are a lot of September 11th books out there. I've avoided most of them, but this was placed in my hands as a "must read." And I'm very glad I read it.

When the hijacked planes hit the World Trade Center, US Airspace was closed. Several thousand transatlantic airline passengers found themselves diverted to Canada. This is a story of some of the 6,000 that found themselves in Gander, Newfoundland.

You wouldn't think a story about what is on the surface a 4 day unscheduled layover would be so compelling. But the response of this tiny town with a large airport (a former airbase) is incredibly moving.

Jim DeFede does an incredible job of getting out of the way and letting the story speak for itself. He interviewed a large sample of the people who were stranded, as well as the people who opened their homes and set up shelters. A good portion of the books covers the incredible logisticics involved, but it never loses the human element.

The generosity of the people of Gander is something to behold. The stories of astounding generosity come one after another: The pharmacist who worked 30 hours straight to fill perscriptions from all over the world at no cost to the passengers, the vet who set up a shelter for animals in transit, and the countless people who raided their own linen closets so the passengers would have sheets and towels (none of the passengers had access to their luggage).

I would recommend this book to anyone who's lost faith in humanity since 09/11/01.

{Special note to Canada: Thank you!}

A fresh new twist to the catastrophic events of 9/11, September 5, 2002
A light during a time of darkness. When a small town opened its doors and its heart to the passengers stranded when the United States closed its airspace. During a time of utter uncertainty, the residents of Gander, Newfoundland were giving tours, cooking, providing warm showers...in essence, the people of Gander were treating complete strangers as family. Friendships were made and the makings of a great story were formed. Jim Defede did an excellent job capturing the soul of Gander in this book and as a passenger that was stranded...I can say that in a time of extreme uncertainty...Gander rose up and made us all proud to be Canada's neighbor. Read this book. We could all learn a valuable lesson from it. During a time of "good vs. evil", Gander fought the silent fight and made 'good' the victor.

A love Story for all Nations, July 3, 2004
Teachers take note! This is a must read for all future leaders. Jim DeFede tells the reality of people coming together to be "in the moment" during a very difficult moment.
Clergy, this is a must read for religious studies!This is a how to book for adults -- how to turn evil into good, how to step across politics, religion, take down the borders that separate us and take charge, how to work for peace.
Parents, a family read! Young and old, children, women, men and animals, every one is counted and made to be accountable for making life go on!
A fine gift book --Heart warming sincerity at its best!

A New Twist, September 12, 2002
What an amazing new twist to the horrific events of 9/11. While the U.S. was engrossed in the devastation of the attacks, thousands of passengers were left stranded in Canada. What was to become of the passengers? My family were among the passengers stranded in this small town and the hospitality and love that poured out of their homes was beyond description. Canada made me so proud and I will be eternally grateful for them taking us, the strangers, and making us friends. The U.S. could learn a few things from you guys!

One of the nicest stories you'll ever read, February 3, 2005
I am a first order Canaphile (a person fascinated with anything Canadian) so naturally I devoured this book. I learned a lot about Newfoundland (and how it's actually quite separate from the rest of the maple leaf.) But most importantly, I learned about how a whole province can come together and lend a hand without being asked. It's the story of how people from all walks of life that ended up in the same place during a tragic time, and the people that took care of them. Stories that may seem unreal to some people, like that of George, who just offered a ride to the nearest tavern (and later opened his home) to a group of Texans who were just walking down the road. Countless people opening their homes for a shower or just a few minutes peace. About the mother that invited a US National Security Advisor to her child's birthday party. It also talks about how other passengers dealt with their stranding. Like the chairman of Hugo Boss, the mayor of Frankfort, adoptive parents returning from abroad, and a very colorful prodigal Newfie. Some cried, all ate, and plenty drank enough to "embalm a herd of moose" as the author states. My favorite part of the book in fact was about the Screech-In ceremony which sounds like as much fun as you can have legally.

The author does an excellent job blending all these elements together, and really capturing the feel of a historic moment in time. You can sure bet I'm going to Newfoundland someday. ... Read more

Editorial Review

During John Muir's extraordinary life as a conservationist, he traveled through most of the American wilderness alone and on foot, without a gun or a sleeping bag. In 1903, while on a three-day camping trip with President Theodore Roosevelt, he convinced the president of the importance of a national conservation program, and he is given major credit for saving the Grand Canyon and Arizona's Petrified Forest. Muir's writing, based on journals he kept throughout his life, gives our generation a picture of an America still wild and unsettled only one hundred years ago. Edwin Way Teale has collected here the best of Muir's writing, selected from all of his major works, including MY FIRST SUMMER IN THE SIERRA and TRAVELS IN ALASKA. THE WILDERNESS WORLD OF JOHN MUIR provides "reading that is often magnificent, thrilling, exciting, breathtaking, and awe-inspiring" (Kirkus Reviews). ... Read more

Reviews

Very Best Starting Point to Learn About John Muir, November 24, 2007
I am often asked for a recommendation of what among Muir's writings, or writings about him, one should first read. After spending more than 30 years appreciating both his writings and most of the books about Muir that have been published during that time, and after ten years editing the John Muir Exhibit online, I can only turn to the same book that originally enthalled me with John Muir: The Wilderness World of John Muir, edited by Edwin Way Teale.

This book was edited by someone who was himself an able naturalist and nature-writer, and therefore someone who could understand Muir in a way that most academics, whether professors of literature or historians, cannot. Edwin Way Teale (1899-1980), has been ranked as a nature writer with been ranked with Henry David Thoreau, John Burroughs, as well as John Muir himself. His honors include being elected as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, receiving the John Burroughs Award in 1943, and the Pulitzer Prize in 1966. He was the author of 32 books. Teale's sympathy for Muir's message is shown in the book's Dedication page, which is "Dedicated to The Sierra Club, The Wilderness Society, The National Parks Association, and all those who are fighting the good fight to preserve what John Muir sought to save."

This book serves as both an anthology of the very best of Muir's writings, and also a biography, compellingly provided by Teale.

The biographical value of this work is often under-stated, even by the publisher. The book is typically viewed as an anthology, and indeed it is, primarily; but it also contains a wealth of biographical information, far more than the typical anthology.

Teale commences his book on John Muir with an authoritative 10-page Introduction, that not merely identifies the key events in Muir's life, but provides an assessment and perspective of how Muir stacks up with other nature writers. He provides facts you won't find elsewhere: "While visiting friends, Muir sometimes would talk four hours at breakfast." Teale, writing in 1954, was able to talk with several people who knew Muir personally. He noted that everyone he talked to had a different view of which phase of natural history held first importance in Muir's mind. Some thought it was trees; another thought it was geology, another plants. Teale points out the fourth view, probably the nearest right of all: "... the whole interrelationships of life, the complete rounded picture of the mountain world. Today, Muir probably would be called an ecologist." Teale 's assessment of Muir as an "ecologist" pre-dates the "ecology movement" of the 1970s by at least 15 years. Teale admirably tells of the scope of the places, glaciers, plants, and animals named after him, and Muir's contributions to science and conservation. Although public appreciation for Muir has grown dramatically since Teale's book was first published in 1954, The Wilderness World of John Muir still provides the best introduction to Muir's life and writings.

Following the admirable Introduction, each of the 51 excerpts from Muir's writings commences with a preface by Teale, of up to a page in length, presenting in chronological order the story of Muir's life, and putting each of Muir's writings into context.

Although serving as a biography, the Wilderness World is, in fact, primarily a superb anthology. Rather than simply re-printing the full text of such of Muir's works as The Story of My Boyhood and Youth, A Thousand-Mile Walk to the Gulf, My First Summer in the Sierra, Travels in Alaska, Our National Parks , and the Journals, Teale provides short snippets from the best of Muir's writings, arranged into seven broad categories:

I. Memories of Youth - reprints Muir's writings about his boyhood in Scotland, life on the Wisconsin Farm, seeing immense flocks Passenger Pigeons, nearly dying of choke-damp while digging a well, his inventions, and his enrollment at the University of Wisconsin.

II. University of The Wilderness - Excerpts from A Thousand Mile Walk, including people by the way, camping among the tombs of Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia, and Muir's visit to Cuba and New York.

III. The Range of Light - Muir's adventures in the Sierra, including his first glimpse from Pacheco Pass and crossing the bee pastures of the Central Valley, his first visits to the High Sierra, climbing on the brink of Yosemite Falls above the Valley, tributes to wildlife including bears and grasshoppers, and his telepathic experience sensing the presence of his former University Professor Butler in the Valley.

IV. The Valley - Muir's glorious tributes to Yosemite Valley's waterfalls, the water ouzel, the earthquake, and Ralph Waldo Emerson's visit.

V. Forests of the West - Including Muir's adventure high atop a Douglas fir during a wind-storm, and writings about Silver Pine, the Douglas Squirrel, Sequoia, Nevada Nut Pines, and Muir's clarion call to protect the forests, "Any Fool Can Destroy a Tree."

VI. Glacier Pioneer - Muir's discovery of the Sierra glaciers, his climb of Mount Ritter, his perilous night on Mount Shasta, and his travels in Alaska, including his discovery of Glacier Bay and his adventure with Stickeen.

VII. The Philosophy of John Muir - excerpts from many scattered sources focusing on Muir's views on mankind's relationship to Nature. For many, this is the favorite part of the book, the part one returns to again and again for inspiration.

Despite this, the book does have some failings. The book belies the importance of Muir's family and friends, which becomes so evident upon reading his extensive correspondence. Nor does the book do more than barely mention some important places in Muir's life, such as his global travels to such places as the glacial mountains of Europe, the forests of Siberia, the Himalayas and forests of India, Australian and New Zealand forests, and, the fulfillment of his life-long dream, his last trip to see the forests of South America and Africa. The book emphasizes Muir's appreciative writings about Nature, and only briefly mentions the conservation battles which consumed so much of his life, including his long campaign to protect Hetch Hetchy. To obtain a whole picture of Muir, the reader will need to also read another work about Muir's conservation campaigns, such as Roderick Nash's chapter on "John Muir: Publicizer" in Wilderness and the American Mind, Stephen Fox's John Muir and His Legacy: The American Conservation Movement, or John Muir and the Sierra Club: The Battle for Yosemite by Holway R. Jones.

Since the book was originally published in 1954, it is not informed by some of the more recent research resulting from Muir's unpublished journals and correspondence, published in the John Muir Papers in 1980. Given the popularity of this book, fifty years after its first publication, the publishers should consider a second edition, again using a nature writer rather than a literary critic or historian to update the book.

Overall, in this book Muir comes alive, as someone who can can at once write inspiringly and poetically about trees, storms, mountains, glaciers, and forests, but yet also show the attention to detail of an analytical scientist. Muir is revealed as adventurer, a lover of nature, a person who can still excite the imagination of readers. As Teale concludes, "Rich in time, rich in enjoyment, rich in appreciation, rich in enthusiasm, rich in understanding, rich in expression, rich in friends, rich in knowledge, John muir lived a full and rounded life, a life unique in many ways, admirable in many ways, valuable in many ways.... In his writings and in his conservation achievements, Muir seems especially present in a world that is better because he lived here."

August, 2004

An excellent place to start, December 23, 1997
Whether you are interested in John Muir specifically or just want to read about an interesting life, this book is an excellent place to start.

John Muir had an incredible and important life, and it is told here succinctly in his own words, excerpted to emphasize the profound. It is a glimpse into a lifestyle 99.9% of us will never know, yet it is truly important to our times. His love of nature, adventure and exploration is a reminder of why we need to experience more than our 9 to 5 workdays and why we need to apply ourselves to the protection of the Earth.

Muir was a gentle but strong man, a genius with simple needs, solitary yet influential. This book is a terrific way to look into his life and his time and to gain some inspiration into our lives and our times.

A Wind Storm in the Forest,, October 29, 2008
excerpted from Muir's The Mountains of California, is one chapter I've read many times. He climbs to the top of a Doug Fir so that he can experience a 100' tree swaying 30� back and forth "rocking and swirling in wild ecstasy" I take this book backpacking (there's no ultralight version yet...) in the Sierra most times and there's always something to read that fits the setting. EWT's intro is very sweet as are the

Editorial Review

"Snow Sense" is the best-selling, easiest to read, mostinformative avalanche safety book available. Intended for skiers,snowmachiners, snowboarders, climbers and others who work and play inavalanche country, "Snow Sense" is written to help backcountrytravelers learn to recognize, evaluate, and avoid snow avalanchehazards.

Avalanche accidents do not happen by accident; they happen forparticular reasons. "Snow Sense" addresses the critical terrain,snowpack, and weather variables that make it possible for a slope toavalanche along with the human factors that allow most accidents tohappen. If you don't want to become an avalanche victim, read thisbook. ... Read more

Reviews

Review in Backpacker Magazine, May 1995, March 10, 1999
"Here's a book you should have. I know, I know, everybody says that but this is different. This book lays out what avalanches are and how they happen, and it will save your life. Now notice I didn't say this is a book you should have on your bookshelf. This one should be in the top pocket of your pack. Simply put,"Snow Sense" is a pocket guide to safe snow travel, whether you're hiking, backpacking, skiing, snowshoeing, or mountaineering in high risk areas.

Avalanches don't simply explode out of nowhere. The ones that kill people are usually started by the victims. This book will teach you that such catastrophes are avoidable. You can learn to recognize and evaluate avalanche hazards. You can learn to "read" the snowpack, "read" the mountains, and save your skin. "Snow Sense" is a hands-on, explicit, clear-thinking, hard-hitting field guide that teaches you how. By studying the book's "bulls-eye" clues to snowpack stability, hardness tests, shear block tests, weather analysis, simple physics, and hazard checklists, you'll come away with all you need to know about avalanches and how to avoid being caught by one.

Read it once. Read it again. Take it into the field and practice the skills it teaches. Every time I hear of another avalanche-caused death in the Rockies, I wish the victim had read this book. The survivors must read it.

From Backcountry Magazine #19, 1999, March 15, 1999
Used by avalanche professionals as a base for avalanche education classes. Small size but HUGE on concise information for learning to recognize, evaluate, and avoid potential avalanche hazards.

A "big little book", January 30, 2000
As a longtime Alaskan, I feel fortunate to have had both Doug and Jill in many courses. The book Snow sense is now the required reading material for all Nat'l Ski Patrol avalanche courses, and rightly so. I read it at the begining of every season. True avalanche professionals. If you ever have the chance, come to Alaska and take one of their courses.

Review in Powder Magazine, March 1999, March 10, 1999
"Jill Fredston and Doug Fesler are the best avalanche instructors in North America, period. No other teachers have more credibility or put as much effort into the curriculum, presentation, and teaching methods...Their book "Snow Sense" is by far the best material available on staying alive in avalanche country."

Review from Outside Mag.,The Outside Canon:A Few Great Books, March 11, 1999
"Avalanches are not acts of God. This valuable book details how to read terrain, snowpack, and weather variables to determine the possiblities of avalanche and how to save yourself in case of one. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Fodor’s Complete Guide to the National Parks of the West
PLAN YOUR PERFECT TRIP
Full-color guide • Make your trip to the national parks unforgettable with TK maps, illustrated features, and TK color photos.
Customize your trip with simple planning tools • Convenient overview of each park and its highlights •Top experiences and attractions • Practical advice for getting around • Field-tested itineraries • Easy-to-read color park maps
Explore Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and beyond • Discerning Fodor’s Choice picks for hotels, restaurants, sights, and more • “Word of Mouth� tips from fellow Fodor’s travelers • Illustrated features on historic lodges in the national parks, hydrothermal features, and rafting down the Colorado River • Best hiking, educational offerings, and nearby attractions
Opinions from destination experts • Fodor’s writers reveal their favorite local haunts • Frequently updated to provide the latest information ... Read more

Reviews

Nice place to start planning your trip, but not a "complete" guide, June 24, 2010

Decent, but without an obvious niche, June 14, 2010

An Indispensable Resource for the Traveler, Armchair or Otherwise, June 14, 2010

Fodor's Guide Is Unsurpassable!, June 13, 2010

Editorial Review

Reviews

A Different Sort of Travel Guide: Fascinating Park Trivia, May 18, 2007
This latest Uncle John publication proclaims on its back cover "It's time to hit the Trail!" Hit the history books is more like it. This wonderful little volume is full of fascinating trivia about the national parks and monuments found in the US and Canada. Each chapter is brief enough to be read during a single trip to the throne room of your house, and for the most part the prose is enjoyable enough to keep you coming back. Favorite stories for me were "The Great Pig War" in which the US and England nearly managed to go to war over a dead pig (San Juan Island National Historic Park) and the Mojave National Preserve's "lonely phonebooth."

For the most part the history and folklore seemed accurate enough, though the authors did slip a little when they wrote that Ansel Adams had saved King's Canyon with pictures of its Giant Sequoia Grove. There is no such grove in King's Canyon proper. General Grant Grove is now administered as a part of King's Canyon National Park, but it has been protected since 1890. In any event, King's Canyon was preserved because it so closely resembled Yosemite. On the other hand, virtually every other element of the book is accurate. Indeed, this is one of the few sources I have ever read that correctly notes Hot Springs Arkansas is the oldest National Park, dating back to 1835, long before the Yosemite Grant or the creation of Yellowstone National Park.

So, by all means get this rather unusual travel guide. It probably won't help much with actual trip planning, but it is nice for whiling away the time between trips: especially that portion of the time when you are otherwise preoccupied.

Lighthearted but not always enlightening, January 14, 2009
If this book stimulates your interest in various National Parks, an interest that you haven't had before, great.

But Americans who have already enjoyed vacations to a number of our National Parks will recognize a number of minor errors in this book. Again, they're minor, but they're numerous enough to make the reader note that this is not a book written by someone who has a strong special interest in America's National Parks.

I'm not saying a bathroom book needs to be more in-depth, just that it can stand to be more accurate.

Great book, May 14, 2008
As an avid BRI reader, I was really looking forward to this book. It has lived up to all my expectations. If anyone is interested in national parks in the US and Canada, this is "must" reading.

Great Book, April 1, 2008
I am very pleased with how soon this book was received. The book is very interesting and informative regarding National Parks. It is a hard book to put down once you start reading.

Uncle John is still producing, May 6, 2007
Interesting tid bits about National Parks. Suggest you read this before visiting the parks. You might decide to change your routings, in some cases.

More of a serious facts rather than fun, December 12, 2008
The book was good and tells you good information. But it is not typical of a bathroom reader than is more fun facts. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

OH CANADA..., May 11, 2010
Just another good one eh, from The Bathroom Reader's Institute of Ashland, Oregon. All the fun stories and historical information about Canada are here concerning the Mounties, hockey, beer, winter sports, and the Canadian celebrities like Jim Carrey, Avril Lavigne, Celine, Michael Cera, Shania Twain, Mike Myers, Pamela Anderson, Kiefer Sutherland, Alanis Morissette and others. The readers will also find great recipes called Flipper Pie, Jellied Moose Nose, Blood Pudding, Smothered Muskrat, Savory Seal Hearts, BBQ Bear, Roasted Polar Bear and a personal favorite, Seal Brain Fritters. The 456 page book, as always, turns out to be a page-turner and enjoyed by everyone in the family. My children have already used several items in the book about 'things of interest' in their high school classes. Take a trip to Canada from the comfort of your armchair/recliner and avoid the cold icebox winters and the springtime swarming mosquitoes. But then again, jump on a plane or you will miss firsthand the friendly, hospitable folks of Canada. A fun book - buy it!

If the national slogan of the U.S. is "In God We Trust" Canada's is "He Shoots,He Scores"., September 25, 2010

Uncle John has finally got around to doing a complete "Bathroom Reader on Canada;and it's an excellent portrayal of Canada and Canadians.There isn't anything significent that has been overlooked;except maybe there are a few things that are really insignificent that should have been left out.However;it is a nice respectable thickness and just had to be so,Eh!
With so much to compete with in America,it's hard to make one sit up and notice anything about Canada.No matter what one chooses,there is always something bigger,worse,better,etc,south of the border(down U.S.way,as opposed to down Mexico way").
The reason why Canadians are so much like Americans (By the way we are all living in North America but there is always the difference in what we call ourselves,Americans and Canadians;and that even applies to the original people who are called Native Americans in the U.S.and Indian Peoples in Canada.)The vast majority of people living in Canada,live within 100 miles of the border (we wlways refer to the U.S.when we talk of border,since Canada has no other land borders with other countries,and that is fine with us;because there is no way we could ever agree with having a border with anyone else.)Uncle John,on page 210 covers this well with this;
"What if the 49th parallel were Canada's border all the way across North America? The country would lose its two biggest cities(Montreal and Toronto),its capital (Ottawa),and the capital cities of all the provinces except Alberta,Manitoba.and Saskatchewan.Plus,72 percent of all current Canadians would suddenly be waving the red white ,and blue flags and asking ignorant questions about Canada."
There is lots of stuff here for everyone to read,and much of it unknown to Americans as well as Candians.These two names also point out a difference between the two countries,All Canadians are compfortable with being called Canucks;but one just doesn't refer to all Americans as Yankees,especially in the South.
I would like to point out two things Uncle John covered in the book.
On page 32,"Life On The Roman Line"is about "The Black Donnellys" and about Canada's most barbarous feud that went on for over 40 years,involved a whole town and still has memories that keep it from being talked about by inhabitants and descendents today.There is an excellent Website giving much more of the story,details and photographs.
Then on page 227,"The Halifax Explosion" which took place in 1917.It was the biggest man made explosion befor the Atomic Bomb was dropped on Hiroshima.Over 1600 people were killed,more than 1'600 homes were gone,and 12,000 were damaged and at least 6,000 people were left homeless;all in a bright flash and a mushroom cloud;the next day the city was hit with a huge blizzard.America,particularly people of Boston,provided massive relief and to this day,Halifax sends an annual Christmas tree to the City of Boston in gratitude".
Congratulations to Uncle John and Staff for another excellent "Bathroom Reader".









I ... Read more

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

The crown jewel of America's park system, Yosemite is a vast, beautiful wilderness. Experience it month by month with these awesome photographs. ... Read more

Editorial Review

So, you want to be Canadian? Who doesn't these days? Canucks are enjoying a major renaissance in attention, from their enlightened social policies to their wild and wooly pop culture. This playful, trivia-packed book is a long-overdue celebration of all things Canadian, from the mysteries of "eh?" to the difference between an Ogo Pogo and a Windingo to how to prepare moose stroganoff (mmm!). Featuring a dreamy list of Canadian hotties, a toe-tapping roundup of Canadian smash hit songs, a handy Canadian-American translator, and pointers on how to eat, dress, and apologize like a Canadian if you weren't lucky enough to be born a Canuck, So, You Want to Be Canadian demonstrates once and for all why Canada is so cool (formerly just cold). ... Read more

Reviews

Extremely Entertaining, October 26, 2004
I love this book. I just got it and have read it twice. It is a delightful romp that at times uncovers some rare tidbits (or is that Tim Bits?) of these underrated people. I particularly enjoyed the comparison between Anne Murray's song 'Snowbird' and the Snowbird aerobatic flying team. This work is a must-have for all Canadians, but I would recommend it for all nationalities. Mmmm....beaver tail.

Fun Cute Book About a Cute Fun People, March 28, 2005
The authors of So, You Want To Be Canadian (it should by all rights have an "eh" at the end of that sentence) have hit on all the essential topics in their humourous attempt to explain Canada to the rest of the world. Maybe it is not much more than beer, hockey, and beavers that make us so special but maybe that is more than enough if some combination of those three things make a people set up universal healthcare, be very polite to one another, and wear toques. After a long time in the United States, this book was a sweet little breath of cooling Arctic air and a chance to laugh at and with my homeland. A few mistakes pop up here and there but for such a slight book it provides a number of laughs and that is a good thing, eh.

What a book., November 2, 2004
I laughed, I cried, I changed my name to Wilfred Laurier.

A smart, dazzling corker of a book, and a much needed contribution to 49th parallel solidarity. Savor, in particular, the passages on music and hockey. At times I missed the sober skepticism of Sorensen's earlier writings, but I now know the expectation was misguided. This book is a long awaited gift to Sorensen's fans: best to just be thankful for it. On balance, a winning effort. Maple syrup anyone?

A D O R A B L E...&...F A C T U A L ......B U T....., October 20, 2008
This delightful little book, SO YOU WANT TO BE A CANADIAN', by Kerry Coburn &Rob Sorenson, contains many interesting facts about Canada. It is written with a light touch, and obvious warmth, sincerity, and a great deal of humour. (Notice I, an American born in Brooklyn, NY, use the extra "U" in humour, as I do in all words which give the writer a choice. One reason for this is that my mom was born in Canada, and my dad spent his first nine years there. (Talk about feeling 'sympatico' with Mr. Spock of 'Star Trek'! My mom even attended "Baron Byng" high schook....which [...] reports as having been attended by many famous people...including William Shattner!) Montreal, Quebec! Yayyy! I've visited relatives there all my life, and now not only have relatives in Montreal, but in Ottowa and Vancouver, BC, too! So, obviously, I feel very warmly towards Canada....and do wish to move there if and when I can!

Obviously, I am quite interested in what this book...and others like it..have to say!

In one of the early pages of the book, (right after the "Excerpt" given on Amazon, in fact), there is a page entitled, "The Plot to Keep Canada Small", wherein two maps of North America are shown. The one on top shows Canada shrunk to about one-third it's size, reminding me of Queen Victoria wearing her tiny crown! This purports to be Canada as shown on US issued classroom maps -- but I (who graduated from the New York City school system), at least have never seen it depicted so! Underneath this is a more realistic map, showing Canada as I, (and I hazard to guess most others), have seen it -- fully one-third LARGER in area than the US, (I suspect Canada is even larger in area than this.) HOWEVER, ONE PROBLEM THAT HAS BOTHERED ME FOR YEARS IS NOT DISCUSSED HERE, EVEN IN JEST. And that is, most people will say things like: "She was born in Sacramento, California, and he was born in Canada." WHERE in Canada, is rarely, if ever discussed! As Canada IS a LARGER country than the US in area, surely statements like, "He was born in Canada", are nebulous, at best. Canada has cities, towns, villages....and Provinces! Surely a more distinctive notation of where someone was born, or is visiting, or is living in, should be in general parlance? This issue is not directly discussed in this book....but the title of the page, "The Plot To Keep Canada Small," does encompass it, (this surely is part of this plot!), and brings it to my mind....

This book will NOT tell you how to immigrate to Canada....but it will tell you about many cultural icons of Canada, of Canadian sports, holidays, history, (of both the 'pop' and general varieties), slang, famous people -- including Canadian-born "hotties", both male and female), national holidays, inventions, legends (urban and otherwise), national and provincial symbols, (it's fascinating to me, a native New Yorker, that the BEAVER is both the national animal of Canada, and the state animal of New York!), national foods, drinks, famous movies and TVshows set in, and filmed or taped in, Canada, etc. The illustrations by S. BRITT are equally as delightful as the text, and draw the reader into the spirit of this book so well! In sum, it a fact-filled, fun-filled, 95 page love letter to Canada... and a very, very enjoyable book to read, and re-read!

The reason I only give it four stars is this: I have always been one to go against ALL stereotypes, and this book -- lovingly and carefully written as it is -- steps dangerously close to picturing stereotyped Canadians. I am sure MOST people reading this book will realize that NOT ALL Canadians are alike -- that SOME don't even like hockey, or beer -- or indeed, any alchol at all, for religious or health reasons. And that many Canadians, (despite the OFFICIAL "fairness" idea), which still regards the British Monarch as monarch of Canada, as well), privately do not like the British Monachy at all? Beaver tail, and beaver stew may indeed be favourite foods of MANY Candians...but certainly not all. Vegetarians and people, (Jews and non-Jews alike), who choose to eat only Kosher meat, will definitely NOT partake of this national dish. Etc., etc. Just as all Americans, (or Norwegians, or Chinese, Mexicans, or Russians....or people of any other nationality!), are not all alike, Canadians, too, are all individuals! Maybe this is a thing so obvious, as not to be necessary to comment upon -- but when I see, on page 72, a picture of a happy, dressed-for-cold-weather outside Canadian, a bit smile on his face, with a case of Beer in each hand, and the caption, "Q: What do Canadians do when they're not drinking beer? A: They drink whisky!" underneath, I begin to lose the big smile on my face. Maybe some will think I'm being picky here, and perhaps spoiling the fun spirit of this book. This is not my intention -- but I do hate stereotypes....even good stereotypes. It's fascinating -- and horrifying -- for me to recount that, when my mother came to the USA in the 1940s, people asked her if all they had in Canada was ice and Inuit people, (called "Eskimos", then). Then -- IN THE 1970S OR 1980S -- I read a letter to the editor of "Seventeen", or "Mademoiselle" magazine, (forget which), wherein the writer, (a recent immig4ant from Canada to the USA), wondered why all her new classmates seemed to think that Canada was all ice, that there were mainly Inuit people livint there....and that her dad went 5o work by dog-sled! So -- while reading "So You Want To Become A Canadian" -- despite all the great stuff in this slim, happy little book, I still wish the authors had said something like..."RARELY will you find a Canadian who doesn't like hockey...or even the mona4chy -- but, being, mostly, proud individualists, many Canadians actually do not like one, or both of these things."

This book is also slightly out of date. The mention of the late Peter Jennings as "a reason, since 1965, for American women to turn on the news", brought a lump to my throat. Also, it is stated that the Queen's picture is on all currency. Oh, that it was now...! It used to be that the Queen was on all currency...but now, various historical Canadians have taken her place on most, if not all Canadian currency,,,,

That said, this slim little book is bound to put a smile on anyone's lips...whether they want to become a Canadian, already are a Canadian, or have absolutely no intention of ever becoming a Canadian. It's humourous, easily read, with charming illustrations, and much real knowledge, besides. There IS much that is different in Canada, from what's in the USA -- from my own relatives kidding me about the way I always say, "soda", to encompass all carbonated drinks, whereas they say "ginger ale", to encompass all carbonated drinks, to more serious issues, like the fact that Canadians ALL get a Medicare Card when they are born, whereas Americans only get one when they turn 65, or are handicapped. I'm sure there are other differences, serious and not-so-serious. It is the not-so-serious differences that are so happily discussed in 'SO YOU WANT TO BECOME A CANADIAN'. It's a "must" introduction to Canadian culture, and tells not only cultural facts, but "fun" history facts, as well. From the description, (and illustration), of the famous "Ookpic" toy, (an adorable stuffed toy, made of sealskin, which was put out of production by those who made it, to help the ennvironment), to "The Story of the Mounties", (condensed onto one page), to a four-page list of "Things Invented In Canada", (which reminded me somehow of Star Trek's Ensign Chekov, saying that EVERYTHING was 'invented by a little old lady in Moscow'....yet these facts all seem qui5e true...and why shouldn't the rest of the world know them?, to the various ways 'eh?' is used, (WHY no-one, including the authors of this book will write the word as it is pronounced....which is NOT 'eh?', but 'ay'?....is totally beyond me!), to the English, and French, lyrics to "O Canada!", this book has it all! Buy yourself a copy, and learn a lot..,and all the while, find yourself with a big smile on your face! CI : )

A CANADIAN, May 5, 2005
I have to say that I absolutely loved this book! Not only is it very funny, its also informative for Americans who know little/nothing about Canada and gives a humorous sterotypical view of Canada. I have to say that if you were canadian you might find this funnier than americans because you know all the stereotypes and understand things like Poutine (fries with cheese), toques(hats) and the word "eh". There is many cute little diagrams throughout the book, and would be a perfect gift for an american friend, or give a canadian living in united states a good laugh. Definately worth buying!

Fantastic! I loved this book., November 8, 2004
Go out and buy a copy, now! I'm getting everyone a copy for Christmas. It is a very witty and charming book. I especially liked learning about the mysteries of "eh". This book helped me understand why Canadians are so fascinated with hockey. The delightful illustrations add to the fun.

Worth checking out, November 5, 2004
A great mix of fun and facts. A great read for everyone but a must for all Canadians who think they know themselves...this book shows we have so much more to be proud of. A lot of great surprises.

Schmaltzy love letter to Canada, March 14, 2008
This book could have been a lot better than it was. I thought it was going to have at least a little bite to it, but instead, every page broadcasted the same (incredibly inoffensive) message: "I love Canada!!! YAY!!!"

I love Canada too, but there are a lot of silly (and stupid) things about the country as well. If this book had shown more of the silly things, this would have been a much better buy.

Good book but too short, January 17, 2007
I am really interested in exploring the option to live in Canada - that's why I purchased this book in the first place. The book references to life in Canada in a humourous manner and is practically intented to familiarize Americans with the Canadian facon de vivre.. It was a fast and fun read though I wished it had more information on everyday Canadian life basics and differences between cities like Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

As a northwest "native" this book is the best !, May 27, 2008
I have traveled extensively throughout the Pacific Northwest and much of the U.S. This year travel will be limited to the Pacific Northwest. As a "native" Washingtonian and lifelong camper I've been looking for a new guidebook that combines travel info with the latest on campgrounds. There are new parks and new travel ideas - enough to generate enthusiasm and travel plans! Each listing has large icon keys that make it easy to find suitable camping spots, ie 50 amps, big rigs, activities and more. The book covers Washington, Oregon and British Columbia with everything from weekend to multi-week trip planning possibilities. Thank you to the authors for a great guidebook.

Great book, July 25, 2008
We live near Tacoma and have a motorhome that doesn't fit in many of the state and federal campgrounds in the Northwest. This newest Church book is very good at helping to find the right places for our rig. In a month, using their advice, we found three wonderful RV campgrounds that we didn't know about. One is next to a first class trout river and another is at an entrance to Mt. Rainier National Park. Maybe the best part is that this book is helping us re-discover where we can go without using a lot of fuel! This is a great book for those that have never been to the Northwest as well as those that live there. Buy it! You'll like it!

timzrv, November 5, 2010
This is an excellent book, NO ads; just great info about all campgrounds.
I used the 'Alaskan Camping' book ,also by Mike & Terri Church, during my entire
camping trip to Alaska. I liked this book better than Milepost!! Milepost has
way too many ads.......its loaded with ads; not this book!
Highly recommended.

Pacific NW Camping Destinations, September 10, 2009
The delivery was a little slow with no tracking, but the item was in GREAT condition ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

For us, best of the bunch, August 23, 2007
Using Amazon and local bookstores, I checked out all the recent Canadian Rockies guidebooks I could find before choosing this one. It has good explanations of geology, flora, and fauna found in this area. We took many of the suggestions for lodging, food and things to do, and was not disappointed with any. I'm not a hiker - I walk - so I can't judge the suggested hikes, with the exception of one, rated "easy" near Banff. Not easy. For un-hikers who want to "hike" I recommend Graeme Pole's "Walks and Easy Hikes in the Canadian Rockies". It rated the Banff walk as "harder" (that is the toughest of his ratings).

Excellent Guide to the Canadian Rockies..., January 29, 2008
2007's "Canadian Rockies" is the latest Moon handbook on the swath of wonderful parks that straddle the Canadian Rockies from Jasper through Banff to Waterton on the U.S. border. Packaged in a convenient size and packed with a variety of information, "Canadian Rockies is a superb guide for planning a vacation in a area full of opportunities.

The guide covers Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, and Waterton National Parks, along with the Kannaskis Country provincial parks just west of Calgary. Information is provided on a range of accomodations, restaurants, museums and tourist exhibits, and opportunities for recreation. The guide includes a nice selection of maps and photographs. Segments on local history provide context for each area. The guide includes information on access to the parks and cautionary warnings on interacting with the abundant wildlife.

Depending on the season, the Rockies offer hiking, camping, boating, biking, golf, or skiing at a variety of venues. For example, each park narrative includes a representative sample of day hikes and longer hikes. This reviewer and his family are frequent visitors to the Canadian Rockies and found unsurpassed opportunities for hikes to spectacular terrain accessable in few other places in North America.

This guide is very highly recommended to those planning a vacation in the Canadian Rockies.

Great General Guidebook for the Canadian Rockies, November 25, 2008
Before heading to the Canadian Rockies for the first time, I spent time reviewing and reading several guidebooks. This one is notable for its really broad overview of the Canadian Rocky area and covers a wide variety of topics such as restaurants, hikes, lodging, sites to see, etc. I used it a lot during the trip and it really made a positive difference in my experience (e.g., by being able to choose great restaurants in the evening, by choosing lesser-known but really cool sites to visit, etc.). It also provided good history of the area, and descriptions of the flora and fauna, all of which interests me when I travel to an area. I used much of the information later to create a photo album with much more interesting verbiage on the places and sites.

I am an avid hiker and backpacker, and therefore did not have the expectation that such a general guide would meet all of my needs in providing detailed and extensive information about trails. This book is not intended for such, and therefore should not be considered a fault. It is probably sufficient for most who enjoy an occasional hike. For those looking for detailed and more thorough hiking information, I highly recommend the hiking "Bible" of the area: "Canadian Rockies Trail Guide", by Brian Patton and Bart Robinson.

great guide to explore an amazing area, July 30, 2008
just spent 10 days in the canadian rockies and this guidebook made the trip great. it's an amazing area and information in this book is well organized and let's you plan your trip well. one thing we did find off was the grading system for hikes, some "easy" hikes were definitely not. outside of that this guidebook was very complete and accurate, from sights, to restaurants and lodging. one of the best travel books i've ever used.

Excellent book., July 15, 2009
This is an excellent book with tons of information. It made our vacation easy to plan.

Excellent Travel Guide, March 18, 2009
I just started reading this guide book, but so far I am very impress with the organization and content. I think it will be a big help in planning our trip to Canada this summer.

Great guide !, October 18, 2009
Loved this moon guide. Very good restaurant tips and general information. Might need an update though. ... Read more

Reviews

Hobson gives an excellent account of the way it really is., June 3, 1999
This book debunks the cowboy myth and shows the life of a rancher the way it really is. Well written, with tragedy and humor on every page, this book also shows the relationship between man and horse the way it should be. If I hadn't already been there, I'd go looking for a cowboy job now.

This is a book that has no comparison and no equal., October 31, 1999
Outstanding! This book was an absolute, heart pounding thrill to read. An epic illustration of the unstopable drive of the human heart and the unyeilding will of man to print his own name across the pages of time. Men and women of a class that survives now, only in the memories or our lost heritage. People with unconquerable spirit and no notion of the impossible. If comparison were possible, this book would be the Bendigo Shafter of non-fiction but even the endless imagination of the great Louis L'Amour could not stand against the unforgiving truth of a land not tamed by man. The writing is clear and descriptive, showing the obvious education and experience of it's author, a man who chose ranching by choice rather than out of necessity. As the pages turn, the reader gets a look into the lives of these mountain men and without effort, we learn to understand each and every character, almost to the point of friendship. Quite an accomplishment in a fast-paced 250 page book. The pride, drive, knowledge, and respect of these men for the world they lived in is unparelleled. Though I was forced to perform certain daily activities, my mind never left the book until I could complete it's last inspiring page and sit breathlesly paralized in awe and admiration of this newly created dream world. This is the greatest book that I have ever been given the pleasure to read and I don't hesitate to say that the next two books I read will be the conclusion to it's sequence.

Great Canadian History - Simple Elegant Writing, December 3, 1997
There was a time, that can be recalled by just a few who are still alive, when northern British Columbia Canada was much like the American West. This book describes the adventures involved in surviving and prospering in cattle country. When you are done with the book you will feel that you have learned enough to lead a winter cattle drive through unknown country. As Pan says in the book, "Nothin' to it, nothin at all.

Nothing To It!, December 11, 1999
Nothing to reading it, that is. This is one of the first nonfictions books I've read that I have ever liked. I got interested in it when I saw the TV show 'Nothing Too Good For A Cowboy' and had to read the books. This book made me laugh and almost made me cry. The characters are too funny and very heart-warming.

Grass Beyond the Mountains, January 30, 2006
Pan Phillips had the "Pan Phillips International Airport" at his fishing camp beyond Anahim Lake B.C. For several years, we flew into his little airport between 2 lakes. Pan told us some of the same stories that are in this book. Louis Soukup was one of the first pilots to the area. Louis would fly in, any equipment that Pan needed, on the pontoons of his airplane. This book gives the stories as though you were sitting at the feet of the men who were the first settlers in this area of British Colombia. It is really an adventure to read.

Read It!, December 17, 2001
We own the Legacy Ranch high in the mountains of Northeastern Utah. For years we have loved the beauty of the unspoiled wilderness. Nursing newborn elk calves, watching Canadian Lynx outside their lairs, and many other adventures have cast us in the mold of lovers of the wilderness. To read the adventures of true cowboys, who started with nothing else but their "grit" and ended up with lives spent plumbing the depths of fun and hard work was one of the top literary experiences of our lives. This book, far better than the sequels, will be part o four Christmas giving this year.

Great All American Reading, December 16, 2008
Great detail and wonderful reading pleasure. Can't wait to read the other two sequels about life in the Western North American Continent. Though situated in Canada, no story could be any more American than the true tales of Mr. Hobson.

A BOOK FOR A LIFETIME, March 4, 2007
Here I am ordering another copy of this book. I keep "loaning" them. I received my first copy in the mid-1950s as a horse/cowboy-loving teenager in Indiana. My USFS Ranger uncle sent it to me because he knew....!!! Knew it would be another huge nudge in getting me out to the Great Pacific Northwest other than just for visits. I made it in 1968 and my husband and I have visited the area depicted in the book countless times. I will soon turn 70 and have enjoyed reading this book every few years throughout my life. It is most compelling. The reviews of others are definitely right on. What more can I say other than, read it? ... Read more

Editorial Review

DK Eyewitness Travel's full-color guidebooks to hundreds of destinations around the world truly show you what others only tell you. They have become renowned for their visual excellence, which includes unparalleled photography, 3-D mapping, and specially commissioned cutaway illustrations.

DK Eyewitness Travel Guides are the only guides that work equally well for inspiration, as a planning tool, a practical resource while traveling, and a keepsake following any trip.

Each guide is packed with the up-to-date, reliable destination information every traveler needs, including extensive hotel and restaurant listings, themed itineraries, lush photography, and numerous maps. ... Read more

Reviews

This is a MUST read book!, June 28, 2004
Years ago, as a child, I traveled with my family to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. It was one of the best memories I have of my childhood. Flash forward to 30+ years later, I have since learned that my maternal grandfather was born and raised in Nova Scotia while doing my family tree; additionally, I have a distant cousin, whom I used to play with, now married and living in Nova Scotia. This summer I plan to visit Nova Scotia for the first time since my childhood. I bought this particular book over Fromer's and other similar travel book because this series of Eyewitness Travel Guides is THE BEST ever! It is very informative and up-to-date, something that other travel books lag on. Plus the stunningly beautiful photos in this book and detailed diagrams and maps of cultural and historical places really gives you a bird's eye view before you even get there! This book also provides information on the country of Canada as well as NS and PEI. I plan to use this book again and again for future travels to Canada. The best part of the book is the last section you should read first...the Survivor's Guide. It gives you practical information such as entry requirements, cash and currency, driving laws, emergency/medical information should you need it, and much more! DK Eyewitness writers constantly reviews and updates the information in this book! I highly recommend readers buy this book and pass it on to your family and friends! P.S. My NS cousin says this book is right on the money!

I LOVE it!, April 10, 2005
I just came back from a trip to Canada where I toured Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City and Niagara Falls. Before I depart for this trip, I spent a lot of time in bookstore and my friend and I finally settle down with a Insight tour book and this one. We plan on using Insight for Montreal and Quebec, then the rest with DK. As it turns out, my Insight is completely useless. Despite good story telling, it is totally useless when it comes touring around the place, not to mention mistakes everywhere in the book, even in map they messed up a major road. In the end, we used only DK for the entire trip.

In the end, we relied heavily on this book, and find it a great resourse. The colorful pictures gives us an idea of what to expect, and have a feeling of how the city is really like. Also, the descriptions are fairly well-placed, we need not go through the whole book to look for a particular tour site (like the Discovery one). Essential information are listed clearly, and it even contains visiting tour plans.

I just hope that DK can have a book for Quebec province on its own. It is such a beautiful place, I think it deserves a book to itself.

Another Excellent DK Guide, September 29, 2007
Consistent with all the DK Guides we have purchased, their Canada Guide is comprehensive, accurate, and current.

Great guide, August 13, 2007
The guide proved to be a very useful source for our trip to Eastern Canada.

Instead of travelling - almost like travelling, May 23, 2007
I have just recently received this book and went through it and of course liked it a lot. I was in Toronto,Montreal, Niagra Falls and it was so nice to go through those places through the book and also checking the other places where I had no chance to go. I like these Eyewitness travel guides how they are build , they give a nice overview on a country or city and of course the lovely photoes and drawings those help a lot.
This is my 32.nd book from this travel guide series and I was not disappointed by buying this one also. ... Read more

Editorial Review

• Completely updated every year, Frommer's Montréal & Québec City features gorgeous color photos of the sights and experiences that await you.
• Our author hits all the highlights, from Vieux-Montréal to Quebéc's fascinating Musée de la Civilisation. She's checked out all the best hotels and restaurants in person, and offers authoritative, candid reviews that will help you find the choices that suit your tastes and budget.
• You'll also get up-to-the-minute coverage of shopping and nightlife; detailed walking tours; accurate neighborhood maps; advice on planning a successful family vacation; and side trips to the Laurentians, Cantons-de-l'Est, Ile d'Orléans, Montmorency Falls, Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré, Parc Mont Ste-Anne, and Central & Upper Charlevoix.
• Frommer's Montréal & Québec City also includes a color fold-out map.

Reviews

Great Info on Montreal and Quebec, April 19, 2010
With the economy the way it is and airlines such a hassle my vacations have now become trips where driving is possible. I had never been to Montreal though I was aware of all its charm and offerings. I live in Boston and Montreal is a mere 6 1/2 hour drive away. I always do trip research on line and I found no one site that offered everything needed so I needed a good base with the most information and that turned out to be Frommers. Usually I use their site online but for this wanted everything in an easy to utilize book form. Thank goodness. What a treasure trove of info lies within these pages.

Frommers always does an excellent job on providing the history of the area the guide book is about and this book is no exception. All I can tell you is that it is a fully informative read and provides immensely useful info. They have always provided reliable, thorough hotel and restaurant reviews but this time I did need help on daily suggested itineraries and areas to visit. My favorite areas were Old Montreal and Downtown and they helped me to make the best of all areas. I ate at restaurants they suggested, stayed at a reviewed authentic small hotel with immense charm.

I always feel that no matter how updated a guide book is you should double verify info at the applicable web sites online before traveling. Frommers helped me see what I was interested in doing and seeing and I then went to the actual sites for any updates. Frommers gives you the most concise info on an area to help you plan a trip compared to other travel guides and I have tries them all. I always return to Frommers and they have never let me down.

Again they were essential in planning my trip and they made Montreal and Quebec that much better. Highly recommended. This book is a must but even with the best guide book check online for any changes to things like transit etc. Don't ever let a book lead you blindly but with Frommers you know they have done 90% of the work.

Better than nothing, but not the best guide book ever, June 1, 2009
Having recently used the Eyewitness series of guide books in Italy, this book isn't in the same league. The organization, accuracy, and presentation are all less than perfect (and being unfamiliar in general with Montreal I can't comment on the coverage). It has the de rigeur sights, restaurants, and maps, but some maps don't have enough detail, and in one case, the location of a famous bagel store was off by a couple of blocks.

In short, buy this guide if you are going and can't find something better, but expect a few hiccups.

Montreal & Quebec City, June 1, 2009
This book was extremely helpful for our recent visit to Canada. We ate at several of the recommended restaurants and used the walking tours in Old Montreal and Old Quebec. The maps were very helpful. I suggest marking out on the map sites you want to visit before you leave home. Some of the prices were out of date but the book was a very good guide to both cities. The subway system and pricing could be explained better. We bought more tickets than we needed. I checked several guide books before our trip and this was the best I found.

Pretty handy and accurate, January 26, 2010
Bonjour!

Used it for a weekend in Montreal. Description of sites for the most part were accurate. Some inconsistencies (sloppy editing) around the completion of renovations regarding Insectarium de Montr�al. Also,a couple of restaurants listed for Old Montreal were off in terms of their hours and one was no longer operating.

Some of the cost information needs to be updated, regarding transportation from Dorval into Montreal. For parties of two or more, would recommend a taxi (flat rate at the time of review) of $38 is more prudent than the other options (bus) and yet convenient. Also, for the US travelers, keep in mind the ticket vending machines for the underground system *may* not accept debit / credit cards issued by US banks, so have some change handy.

Overall, the purchase was worthwhile as it did provide some useful and handy tips. As all travel guides, details around logistics are best validated using web resources for various agencies.

Excellent guide, January 20, 2009
Frommer's guides are generally the best overall guides. They provide insider information and "off the beaten path" options. This one is no exception. Well organized, easy to read, with lots little sidebars with unusual information. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Glacier National Park: The First 100 Years is an exquisite new book celebrating the park's 100th anniversary.

Published in partnership with the Glacier Natural History Association and an official licensed product of the park's centennial, Glacier National Park: The First 100 Years features more than 200 exquisite landscape and historical photographs, as well as some of the finest artwork of the region and its people, including Charles M. Russell's sun-splashed paintings of Montana scenes, Winold Reiss's extraordinary portraits of the Blackfeet, Monte Dolack's vivid Glacier views, and Mel Ruder's Pulitzer Prize winning photographs.

C. W. Guthrie, author of four other books on Glacier National Park, details the astonishing changes the park has undergone since its designation in 1910. From the Great Northern Railway's Swiss-style chalets and lodges to the glorious Going-to-the-Sun Road, from the park's tragic first fatal grizzly attacks to its designation as an International Peace Park, Biosphere Reserve, and World Heritage Site, Glacier National Park has a story unlike any other.

AWARDS:
First Place, 2009 Benjamin Franklin Awards, history category.

First Place, 2009 APPL Media and Partnership Award, non-association book category.

Finalist, 2009 ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year Awards, regional category.


Visit FarcountryPress.com for more information. ... Read more

Reviews

A remarkably in-depth survey of the history of Glacier National Park from 1900 to 2000, December 8, 2008
Part American History chronicle, part photography compendium, The First 100 Years is a remarkably in-depth survey of the history of Glacier National Park from 1900 to 2000. Featuring more than 200 vintage black-and-white or stunning full color photographs, The First 100 Years also has detailed text chronicling the park's astonishing and colorful history. A chronology, bibliography, and index round out this captivating volume, highly recommended especially for public library collections due to its wealth of historical information balancing quality photographs on virtually every page.
... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

Useful, pleasant, and to the point, March 30, 2007
I found this book reasonably useful as a means of learning how the immigration process works for Canada. You could certainly research all this info on the Internet yourself, but it would be a bother. The author points out some common and potentially serious mistakes that applicants often make on their paperwork.

Also, she herself is an American immigrant to Canada, and speaks from experience and from the American perspective, which makes this book superior to another of its type, "Living and Working in Canada" which was written by a British citizen for an audience of non-North Americans.

Good entry-level book on moving to Canada, March 23, 2008
This book doesn't pull any punches - you are leaving the United States and moving to another country - an action not to be taken lightly at all. Whether entering our friendly neighbors to the north as just a permanent resident or going all the way and becoming a Canadian citizen (Note! You don't have to give up your US citizenship!)- it's a lot more complicated than just arriving, buying a house, and starting your new job that you've previously located and landed. Interesting sidebar segments on those who have gone before and what they did - or wished they had done - to make the move and transition easier and less stressful.

Yes you can "retire" to Canada - you just have to loan the government $400,000 (CD) interest free for 61 months and have total assets of greater than $800,000 (CD) when you enter and before the loan. No more just showing up with your retirement nest egg.

Covers All the Bases, November 9, 2006
This book won't tell you everything you need to know to move to Canada, but it will get you started and tell you where to go for more information. The names, addresses, phone numbers and websites in this book will save you many hours of research. Vignettes from people who have already made the move are interesting. A detailed section on health care, province by province, describes waiting periods, what's covered and how to sign up.

If you're moving to Canada, read this book!, July 31, 2007
This is the most thoroughly readable how-to book I have seen on moving to Canada. It is practical and authoritative and has helped my quest for emigration greatly. It's a good investment and the perfect 'starter' book for anyone with thoughts of becoming an ex-pat by moving north of the border.

Valuable information for potential immigrants, January 9, 2007
Great book, comprehensive and well-written. Tipped us off to a Customs regulation (it involves inventorying your entire household, including counting your socks!) that caused us to abort our plan to move to Canada. Wish we'd had this book earlier, we would have saved thousands of dollars in fees and two years of my life.

Well Done, September 29, 2006
Found this book very useful. Good practical info that helped me get settled here in the last month-- contact info for a variety of agencies: social insurance, health care, etc. that definitely helped me transition efficiently without hours spent pouring through web searches. A nice primer that's been a good resource.

Fabulous Advice, April 2, 2006
I have never read such a comprehensive and authoritative guide to emmigration. I would recommend it to any and all of my colleagues and friends who are considering such a move.

Good primer, November 29, 2009
Definitely a good primer on how to move to Canada. If you want more in depth information on Canada, consider "Politics in Canada: Culture, Institutions, Behaviour and Public Policy". It's a bit dated, but very comprehensive.

Close but no cigar, November 9, 2006
This is a good review of moving and living in Canada for folks who intend to work there or open a business. It offers no real information for retirees wanting to live or relocate there. Unfortunately, THAT was the information I was looking for.

Go North!! ...or just learn something..., June 17, 2008
Myths about Canada abound: it's a "fake country," it has a population of 20, people are allowed to marry moose, it's one big year-round hockey tournament, it doesn't really exist, everyone speaks a vulgar form of French, and they have free healthcare but you'll perish waiting in line for service. Canada gets taken for granted. As such, many south of "the other border" know little about the enormous country that sits on top of them. And so myths perpetuate like Yukon snow. But moving to Canada? That assumes one already acknowledges its existence and possesses at least a speck of knowledge about the land with the maple leaf flag. "How To Move To Canada" only assumes the former. Those with no, or very minute, familiarity with Canada will drown in the historical, cultural, and political knowledge contained in these thick 200 pages.

Though its subtitle, "A Primer for Americans," remains a bit of a misnomer (since Canadians are also Americans), this book nonetheless provides a great launching pad for those wanting to immigrate to the Great White North. Note that this book assumes readers want to permanently move to Canada, or at least obtain dual citizenship (only a recent possibility). But those who merely want to "try it out" via a temporary work permit will also benefit from the information within. Both groups will learn about the steps to long term settlement, the long process, and the potential legal roadblocks. Such questions as "when do I need an immigration attorney?" and "how long does citizenship take?" get addressed throughout. A handy "Immigration Time Line" outlines the steps from deciding to move, to permanent residency, and ultimately to Canadian citizenship. But again the underlying assumption is that the reader wants to immigrate, not just get a job. That's an important distinction the book doesn't address very clearly. People can move to and work in Canada without immigrating. Section Two does mention work permits, but briefly. It also contains another very short section on retiring to Canada. Those looking for detailed information on those subjects should look elsewhere.

Hopefully those considering moving to Canada have already done their homework about where and why they want to move. Regardless, "Moving to Canada" contains droves of information on Canadian history, healthcare, politics, climate, differences from province to province (and territory to territory), employment, crime, economy (including housing prices) and demographics. No previous knowledge required. The final section, which makes up more than half the book's bulk, outlines basic information for all ten provinces, three territories, and many major cities. A word of caution: this book was published in 2006, but much of its information dates to the most recently available data. Some dates to 2001. Laws and the economy obviously fluctuate, so readers should consider that while perusing this book's figures. Canada's immigration website, frequently mentioned in the book, remains a good up to date resource.

"How To Move To Canada" contains far more than immigration instructions. It encompasses a historical and cultural survey of North America's placid giant. Expect to learn things like "why do people in Quebec speak French?" "does Canada have a Queen?" "how did Canada become what it is today?" but especially "how do I move there permanently?" This book even serves as a great reference for those who don't ultimately immigrate. As such, "How To Move To Canada" remains a great and easy to read introduction for anyone. ... Read more