Reviews (8)

Old Reliable
In 1981 I took the first edition of this book on a traditional north/south thru hike of the JMT and found it generally accurate and, most importantly, reassuring about the day(s) ahead.In preparation for a 25th anniversary reprise (this time south to north) I got the latest addition.About the only real difference is that the format is a little larger and the small inset maps are a little easier to read.
Mediocre Guidebook
A disclaimer: I have not used this book to hike the JMT.
WORST GUIDEBOOK EVER WRITTEN-DANGEROUS!
DO NOT EVEN LOOK AT THIS VILE,PESTILENT BOOK!IT WILL GET YOU LOST IN THE WILDERNESS!The author may be a very fine fellow, and is probably a better backpacker than I am, but he can NOT tell anyone how to get from point A to point B.I wasted days getting lost from this awful book, as he yakked endlessly about flora, fauna, and geology.Meanwhile, you the sucker stand there at unmarked trail intersections getting no help.Do NOT follow the author's dangerous contention that you don't need maps if you buy this book-its maps don't show you the OTHER trails, and get you lost. The Tuolomne and Devil's Postpile sections just may constitute the worst writing of all time. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Backpacking    2. California    3. Guidebooks    4. Hiking    5. John Muir Trail    6. Reference    7. Travel    8. Travel - United States    9. United States - Pacific - California    10. United States - West - Pacific (General)    11. Travel & holiday guides    12. Walking, hiking, trekking   

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Environmental Conservation & Protection - General    3. General    4. Nature    5. Nature/Ecology    6. Travelers    7. Nature / General   

Subjects:  1. Africa    2. Africa, Eastern    3. Africa, Southern    4. Guidebooks    5. Southern Africa    6. Special Interest - Adventure    7. Travel    8. Travel - Foreign    9. Republic of South Africa    10. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (2)

Robert Young Pelton
I've read everything he has out.Loved it!It's current (as books go), funny, serious and a great read!

A must of the armchair traveller....
Not exactly LP, but it tells stories of two places that beenRead more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. People of Color    3. Special Interest - Adventure    4. Travel    5. Travelers    6. Australasia, Oceania & Other Land Areas    7. Chechnya    8. Papua New Guinea    9. Russia    10. Sierra Leone    11. Travel / Adventure    12. Travel writing    13. Warfare & Defence   

Reviews (1)

Treasures of Copper Canyon
Since I made the train journey up to Copper Canyon, I bought this book and felt like I re-lived the trip, and then another I wished I had made.This is a wonderful, moving, often poetic, memoir of an American's year-long sojourn in a Tarahumara (he uses the traditional name, Raramuri) Indian village.The writing, however, never falls into any anthropological notes.Biggers moves back and forth from his own experiences in his adopted village, where he chops wood with the local lumberjacks and plants corn and weathers the worst drought in the region's history, and the often hilarious adventures of famous travelers who have made their own foray into the canyons.The book's range is fantastic: characters like French poet Artaud, black West Point cadet Henry Flipper, a young George S. Patton, and a Russian sailor--to name only a few--pepper the stories like characters from a great drama.Jeff Biggers, who is the author of a book on Appalachia, is that chatty companion you wished you had along for the journey, someone who knows world literature and history as well as he knows the intimate details of the local canyons and people, and someone who loves to mix the two.Biggers writes about the ups and downs of tourism in Mexico's famed Copper Canyon by spinning a tale of a modern-day tragicomedy based on the Greek Antigone; he discusses the plight of logging by recalling a poem by Scottish bard Robert Burns and the Scottish debacle at Darien.
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Subjects:  1. Ethnic Studies - Native American Studies    2. Folklore    3. History    4. History - General History    5. Latin America - Mexico    6. Mexico    7. Social life and customs    8. Special Interest - Adventure    9. Tarahumara Indians    10. Travel    11. Travel / Mexico    12. Travel writing   

Subjects:  1. Environmental Science    2. Environmental Studies    3. General    4. Parks & Campgrounds    5. Photo Essays    6. Photography    7. Subjects & Themes - Plants & Animals    8. United States - General    9. Travel / Parks & Campgrounds   

Reviews (12)

Excellent guide to many hikes
Be aware that Digonnet omits a few common destinations in this book.But it's by far the best guide to the huge number of hikes that he does include.Rely on this book for the majority of your destinations, but get another guide to fill in the gaps.Also keep in mind that areas described as "easy scrambles" for someone with a technical climbing background like Digonnet may be more difficult for flat-ground hikers.

Hiking Death Valley: A Guide to Its Natural Wonders & Mining Past
This is a really good comprehensive guide that doesn't give away too many secrets. All the standard destinations are well covered, plus many out in the sticks, but it leaves plenty for you to discover on your own. Will definitely stay in my library, get loaned to friends, get destroyed or lost...all signs of a worthwhile guide.

A beyond exceptional hiking guide
I have been visiting Death Valley for 35 years, and I have been there more times than I can remember.This includes many back-country and dirt road trips thoughout the region.I love the place.I have also been an avid hiker, backpacker, mountain climber and general wilderness enthuthiast for 40 years.
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Subjects:  1. Hiking    2. Natural Resources    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Walking    6. Guidebooks    7. Death Valley (Calif. and Nev.)   

Reviews (1)

Excellent... Your one-stop guide to biking Hawaii.
This book really helped me on all my rides in Hawaii. Best of all, the book had sections on all 6 visitable main islands. The maps and trail descriptions were always right on... don't ride in the islands withoutthis! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cycling - Mountain Biking    2. Mountaineering    3. Travel    4. Travel - United States    5. United States - Pacific - Hawaii    6. United States - West - Pacific (General)    7. All terrain cycling    8. Guidebooks    9. Hawaii   

Reviews (12)

Safari Essential
This guide book was a gift to me as I prepared for my first safari.I debated whether to bring it because of the extreme weight limit on luggage. However, it was as essential as my camera and binoculars.
Excellent buy
I purchased this book. I was so impressed with this book that I told the other people going to Africa with us about it. A number of them have purchased this book, also. It has everything in it to make to record your safari. It is packed with information. It includes pages for addresses, checklists for packing, itineraries, animal identification, and of course, plenty of pages for journalling.

pretty much useless - didn't even take it with me to Africa.
If you're going to have a journal, you'll probably want one that isn't part of a silly book.As far as info goes, it's pretty useless.Don't waste your time or money.I recommend the Audubon Society Guide to African Wildlife.It's amazing and very helpful. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Africa    2. General    3. Museums, Tours, Points of Interest    4. Special Interest - Adventure    5. Travel    6. Travel - Foreign    7. Blank Books/Journals    8. Journals   

Editorial Review

What would possess a gifted young man recently graduated from college to literally walk away from his life?Noted outdoor writer and mountaineer Jon Krakauer tackles that question in his reporting on Chris McCandless, whose emaciated body was found in an abandoned bus in the Alaskan wilderness in 1992. Read more

Reviews (886)

Only read if you can relate to the protagonist
I recently read Under the Banner of Heaven and loved Krakauer's writing, so I picked up Into the Wild.Krakauer didn't disappoint.His writing was honest, personal and to the point.He doesn't mince words, and while his bias is obvious, he presents evidence that reveals many sides of Chris McCandless.
But why?
This is defiantly not my typical read, but once I started I found it compelling, hard to put down, but that does not mean I did not have some problems with it.It seemed like the author tried too hard to make McCandless a sympathetic figure, almost a hero in an odd way.Everything Chris does though leads to his own destruction, he has no one to blame but himself.I don't have much experience in the wilderness so maybe I am just ignorant, but it sure seemed like he could have saved himself.Going off into the woods to die does not seem heroic to me.That being said , the author has done his research and is talented writer.He convinced me not to head off into the Alaskan wilderness alone!Speaking of tales of the wilderness I highly recommend "Across the High Lonesome!"

Jon's Quest
Jon tried to help us understand the unexpainable actions of a misguided youth.Only through Jon's vivid description of his own journey into the the Alaskan wilderness, did we come close to feeling Chris McCandless' intentions. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1968-1992    2. Adventure and adventurers    3. Alaska    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. Discovery And Exploration (General)    9. General    10. McCandless, Christopher Johnso    11. Outdoor Life    12. Regional Subjects - West    13. Special Interest - Adventure    14. Travelers    15. United States    16. United States - West - Pacific (General)    17. Wayfaring life    18. West (U.S.)    19. McCandless, Christopher Johnson    20. Modern fiction    21. Travel / Adventure   

Reviews (2)

Super fun book
Considering that there are like 20 million people living in the LA area, it's sad no one's really written a review of this gem of a book.I find that even though people may have lived here their whole lives, they really haven't seen much of the city.
READ REVIEW CAREFULLY
I was thumbing through this book in the bookstore and decided not to buy it.I live in the San Gabriel Valley and most of these hikes and day walks are situated on the west side of the city.Some popular areas in the east like monrovia canyon and the san gabriel river are left out.
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Subjects:  1. Hiking    2. Sports    3. Sports & Recreation    4. United States - West - Pacific (General)    5. Travel / United States / West / Pacific (AK, CA, HI, NV, OR, WA)   

Reviews (4)

good for day hikes
It's a great, very detailed book if you're local and want to experience all the great day hikes. The author does a wonderful job dividing them into categories - from couch potato to training to be a navy seal! However, none of them are longer than 1 nighters - he says you can split some of them up into two nights... but if you're out there to backpack for multiple nights, you're probably not interested in 6 mile days, right? I would suggest buying a good map of the park to go with this, if you're interested in multiple night outings in the Smokies. That way, you can plan a longer route, but use the book to reference details on the trails you'll be on.

Excellent Trail Guide!
Kevin Adams has written a succinct, yet thorough, guide book to the trails of the SMNP. Everything is here. Adams leaves out the platitudes and leaves in the practical. From advising on safety and comfort to equipment and nourishment, the author gives imminently usable information for these beautiful trails and makes them call the reader to the mountains. Great book!

A Smokies Essential
This book made our trip! Adams' trail descriptions and ratings were spot on. We came to rely on this guide when planning our daily outings.
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Subjects:  1. Hiking    2. Sports & Recreation    3. Travel    4. Travel - United States    5. United States - South - East South Central (General)    6. Travel / United States / South / East South Central (AL, MS, KY, TN)   

Reviews (1)

Been there, Used it
I used this book during my six weeks in Nepal spring 2004 (trekking in Lantang, Helambu and Annapurna regions), and was glad to have it.In fact, I have my copy sitting in front of me right now!It gives detailed information on many of the better-traveled treks, along with some that are more out of the way.Plenty of information, including topo maps, to help you plan your trip or your day.Before I bought it, I sat down with several other guidebooks in an actual bookstore (yes, they do still exist!), and really felt that this one was the winner.
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Subjects:  1. Asia - China    2. Asia - India    3. Hiking    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign    6. Walking    7. Himalayas    8. Nepal    9. Travel & holiday guides    10. Walking, hiking, trekking   

Reviews (1)

Excellent!
This is one of the best animes I've read in a long while!Haru is funny, Elie is hot, Musica is just....well, Musica!The odd thing is Amazon has only up to this one #6, when int he stores it's up to $12, and 13 will be out soon.Anyway, read this series, you'll love yourself for it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    2. Comics & Graphic Novels - Manga    3. Fantasy - General    4. Graphic Novels    5. Graphic Novels - Fantasy    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Special Interest - Adventure   

Subjects:  1. Design and construction    2. Directories    3. Golf - General    4. Golf courses    5. Guidebooks    6. Special Interest - Adventure    7. Special Interest - General    8. Sports    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Travel - General    11. Golf    12. Sports & Recreation / Golf    13. Sports; golf    14. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (2)

This book is fantastic!
Canyonlands is a wild and wonderful place to explore.I would have been lost without this book.I was able to decide ahead of time what areas of the park I wanted to spend the most time in by reading the detailed descriptions of jeep roads and trails.The beautiful color photographs helped me make decisions as well.I found the maps to be extremely helpful and the estimated travel times to be very accurate.David Day knows his stuff!

Something new in Hiking Books
This is a Great book for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.By including a focus on the jeep roads of the Canyonlands area David Day has provided the hiker with information necessary for access to its fantastic hiking trails. The format is similar to his other hiking books. The maps and trail descriptions and commentary are not only helpful but very interesting.The photography is great.I particularly enjoyed the section of color photos I like his trail overview which includes a rating of his enjoyment of the trail.
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Subjects:  1. Sports & Recreation / Hiking    2. Travel / United States / West / Mountain (AZ, CO, ID, MT, NM, UT, WY)    3. Canyonlands National Park (Uta    4. Four-wheel driving    5. Guidebooks    6. Hiking    7. Outdoor recreation    8. Parks & Campgrounds    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Trails    11. Travel    12. United States - West - Mountain    13. Utah   

Reviews (15)

More than a flying book
The Cannibal Queen is actually a 1942 Stearman open cockpit biplane and the book of the same name by Stephen Coonts is his story of flying it around the 48 continental United States. It's a great flying book, which is not surprising as Coonts is an ex-Navy fighter jock and the author of four best sellers, including 'Flight of the Intruder.' What got me about the book, however, is a very small sub-plot, namely the author's relationship with his ex-wife and three kids. Right at the starthe has a vacation with the ex at DisneyWorld in Florida. Then later he has another get together with the ex in Washington state. Both events are painted as routine when in fact they're more surprising than anything that happens up in the air. disappointing
As a licensed private pilot I have often dreamed of doing just what the author did, i.e. rent a vintage airplane, take a whole summer off and fly around the entire United States. So, when I saw this book I bought it immediately and settled in for a vicarious thrill.
Update on Cannible Queen, the aircraft
Attended an airshow in Millville, New Jersey on May 11, 2003.Read more

Subjects:  1. 1946-    2. 1981-    3. Air travel    4. Aviation - General    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Coonts, Stephen,    8. Description and travel    9. Historical - General    10. Journeys    11. Murder - General    12. Special Interest - Adventure    13. True Crime / Espionage    14. United States    15. Transportation / Aviation / General    16. Transportation-Aviation - General    17. Travel-Special Interest - Adventure    18. True Crime / Murder   

Reviews (3)

The book is awesome.. but....
The book is awesome.. but.... the back cover is almost detaching fom the book.....

Great book
This is a great guide with specific details and great photos would reccomend to anyone.

Useful, but could be better
The first 'World Stormrider Guide' (Volume 1) to world surf spots was a little bit better than this one, primarily because both the pictures and quality of the surf breaks listed were consistently better.
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Subjects:  1. Special Interest - Adventure    2. Sports    3. Sports & Recreation    4. Water Sports    5. Surfing, windsurfing, water skiing   

Reviews (5)

A good reference guide
This book was highly-recommended, and it does not disappoint. It provides useful maps and directions for locating trailheads, and detailed descriptions for planning short day hikes or longer multi-day treks for experienced backpackers.
High on a mountain
Since I moved to Georgia 5 years ago, this book has been my most reliable hiking companion. The maps and directions are good, and the trail descriptions are detailed. A handy sidebar tells you the important stuff: what towns the trail is near, what features you'll encounter, the difficulty rating, the ranger district, and the length. Trail histories and Cherokee name translations add interest to the excitement of hiking in the lush Appalachians.
Homan hits a homer
Tim Homan defined hiking in north Georgia.His trail descriptions and mileage are accepted as the most accurate.The directions to the trailheads are right on the money.Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Georgia    3. Guidebooks    4. Hiking    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Trails    8. United States - South Atlantic - Georgia   

Subjects:  1. Aruba    2. Bonaire    3. Caribbean & West Indies    4. Guidebooks    5. Scuba & Snorkeling    6. Scuba diving    7. Skin diving    8. Travel    9. Travel - Foreign    10. Travel / Caribbean & West Indies