Reviews (43)

A Brilliant Addition To A Great Story
I can recall being 13 years old at summer camp in 1977 when I read the incredible non fiction book "Alive" by Piers Paul Read. It was a story that haunted me and stayed in my memory for many years. As I came of age, I wondered what had become of the two "expeditionaries", Nando Parrado and Roberto Cannessa, who traipsed their way for 10 days out of the wreckage of the fuselage of the wrecked Uruguayan Fairchild and through the Andes to freedom and rescue. It was then, a great thrill, to have Nando and Vince Rause write this awe-inspiring followup 30 years later. The factual chronology that Read used were incredible, but this firsthand account takes the story to a different, more personal level. His daily struggle to survive, both physically and spiritually, are nothing short of extraordinary. To paraphrase Nando, the opposite of death IS LOVE. This is a book that makes one believe it and seek to live it.

This book has the power to change your life!
First let me say I read about a book a week and this is the best book I have ever read.If your not hooked by page 42 or so I dont know what book could hold your attention.This story, this incredible story of the will to survive and the process the human mind goes through in the face of unimaginable pain, suffering and starvation should be manditory reading for everyone.

Even the casual reader will be glued til the end
After reading an excerpt of the book in a outdoors magazine, I knew I had to buy and read this entire book. I am not a frequent reader, and I feared that I would end up buying this and not finishing it as I so often do. But I knew just a few pages into the book that I would finish it. I had too many questions that I knew would be answered if I finished it. The only real certain part(having never seen the movie 'Alive!') was that Nando would make it out, since he wrote the book. But past that, I had no idea who would and wouldnt survive and the series of events about to unfold.
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Subjects:  1. Aircraft accidents    2. Andes Region    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography And Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Cannibalism    8. Personal Memoirs    9. Survival after airplane accidents, shipwrecks, etc    10. Travelers    11. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (34)

A beautiful book that is NOT for tourists only.
I was excited to read this book after the first reviews were published; it has exceeded even my wildest expectations. The author combines personal experience, graphic arts, poetry, prose and philosophy to describe at last 'why' we travel and 'what' we can expect to gain from travel instead of the 'how' and 'where' to travel. I have already enjoyed past trips more for having compared my experiences and impressions to M. de Botton's musings; I know that I will enjoy future trips more for the same reasons.
This book changed my life
The insight and perspective offered in "The Art of Travel" changed the way I looked at the world.There is something atmospheric and beautiful about the writing here, as opposed to "Proust.." and others.I highly recommend this book.

The Way of Travel
De Botton explores ways to set one's mind to traveling and ends with a view to adopt that mind set to everyday life itself. He uses various famous artists, philosophers, scientists, and critics to assist him with this. At worst De Botton has charm and is cute, at best he encourages one to expand their vision and develop greater insight and interest of the world and in the history of ideas in general. The more familiar I was with who De Botton was talking about the more superficial if not flawed he seemed, the less I knew the more knowledgible he seemed. Not his best but his books always lead me on to more interesting works. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Essays & Travelogues    2. Travel    3. Travel - General    4. Voyages And Travels    5. Travel / Adventure   

Reviews (34)

perfect coffee table book
I own the beautiful hardback copy of this book.I have had it over a year but I never get tired of flipping through it.It is informative and the photos are amazing.My fiancee and I flip through it and dream of our next adventure.

A close-up view of the world
Every country in the world is listed in this book alphabetically from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.Each country has a double-page spread with colour photos and a brief description of the country, with advice on the best time to visit, what to eat, drink, listen to etc, and a list of 'essential experiences'.Also what to read if you want to know more about the country.There is no favouratism, every country has the same amount of space regardless of size.
Wonderful reference
This book, in fact, is a very like a kind of reference book of geography rather than a travel book but you can use it to give you a rough idea of the countries you want to visit before you are really going to plan your trip.
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Subjects:  1. Guidebooks    2. Pictorial works    3. Pictorials    4. Special Interest - Adventure    5. Travel    6. Travel - General    7. Places & peoples: general interest   

Reviews (69)

Hike on!
As a somewhat outdoor type (ski regularly, backcountry camp about once a year) I found this to be a pretty fascinating look at survival that comes at it from many different perspectives.It is not a survival guide per se.It is not an in-depth account of the survival stories that it tells (most of these stories can be found more detailed in more exhaustive accounts like "Touching The Void".)What this book is (as the cover indicates) is a look at that profound question of why some survive and others don't and what drives us to risk our lives for thrills.Like the systems he describes, even this question has many factors.There is no one way to survive, or one factor that makes somebody a survivor.All too often, the greatest "survivor", doesn't.And realizing and accepting that fact seems to be a big part in giving the best effort to beat the odds.
Compelling journalistic account about the moxie of survivor-adventurers
Elements of "Deep Survival" were quite memorable, especially the story of the ill-fated sailing venture where one incredible woman managed to survive unbelievably difficult circumstances.The work did remind me "The Perfect Storm" at that point.However, I agree with another review that the lengthy summary of Joe Simpson's ordeal on the West Face of Suila Grande WAS lackluster in comparison with the actual narrative in "Touching the Void.As a long-time climber, I found Gonzales' account of the tragedy on Mt. Hood realistic and compelling. Those of us who have survived mountain accidents can certainly identify with the stories related by the survivors of the fall down the ice field and with Gonzales' handling of that horrible event.My hands started sweating as I recalled some of my more harrowing adventures in the Cascades and Sierra Nevada.He's clearly a journalist/adventurer a la Jon Krakauer, not a scientist, so anyone reading the book should read the technical passages about neuroscience, etc. in that context.

Enjoy but beware of the wilderness.
Wilderness is so-called because it instills an element of fear and awe to those who live by the predictable rhythms of urban and suburban life (of course, there is also such a thing as urban wilderness; same rules as spelled out in this book may also apply).Wilderness is there to appreciate by those who should also be cognizant of its risks and any unforeseen circumstances.
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Subjects:  1. Essays    2. Outdoor Skills    3. Special Interest - Adventure    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Social, group or collective psychology   

Editorial Review

Concise and yet packed with detail, Read more

Reviews (121)

The void of the mind...
Some of us are adrenalin junkies. We need to feel the rush, the tension and the accomplishment that comes with scaling 21,000-foot mountains, such as the Siula Grande. Then there are people like me, who would rather read of other's accounts of such incredible experiences. And Joe Simpson reaches your psyche in ways few other writers could. Part of it is just the knowledge and fearful horror of what he went through -- realizing that not only did he make it through the experience, but that he was able to articulate such inexpressible fears and feelings in such a vivid, moving way. Of course one can never truly understand what Joe Simpson experienced, but when one reads his words and begin to let your mind wonder into the "void", isn't the book as close as anyone would want to get? This vicarious adventurer says yes, yes, God yes.

Good survival story
This book is worth reading & Joe Simpson is without a doubt a great writer. I do recommend this book if you like survival / adventure stories.
Climb, Joe, Climb!!!
True Story of overcoming the mind and the mountain.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Case studies    4. General    5. Great Britain    6. Huayhuash, Cordillera    7. Mountaineering    8. Mountaineers    9. Peru    10. Search and rescue operations    11. Simpson, Joe    12. Special Interest - Adventure    13. Sports    14. Sports & Recreation    15. Sports - General    16. Yates, Simon    17. Sports & Recreation / Mountaineering   

Reviews (18)

RV Trip Review
I really enjoyed the second half of the book more, when the trip actually got started.However, for non-experienced RVers the first part of the book would be very helpful.

A Fun and Useful Book; All that it Lives Up To
I'm in the early stages of planning a major road trip, and Phil and Carol's book is exactly what I was looking for to help my husband and I cover our bases and ensure a smooth transition to life on the road for a while.
We're on the road and loving 'living the dream'
Can two adults really share a small RV for thousands of miles and not drive each crazy?
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Subjects:  1. General    2. Reference - Tips    3. Special Interest - General    4. Travel    5. Travel - General    6. Travel / Adventure    7. Travel / United States / General    8. Travel Guides - U.S.    9. Automobile travel    10. Recreational vehicles    11. Special Interest - Adventure    12. United States - General   

Reviews (142)

Uplifting and timeless
"What would I have done, in their place?" That's the question any reader of this terrifying true story must ask, and the answer may not come easily.
A nice gift: A book
This book makes a nice gift for a person who heard about the event described in the book and is interested in learning more details.

Charlotte Bronte Seattle,WA
This book's controversial topic of cannibalism made it stand out from other books. Although some parts of the book dragged on, the book was overall a page turner. This book is about a clan of men and women: rugby players, their friends and family, and a few other passengers, that crash in the Andes. In the end, only sixteen men survive and to survive they have to eat the bodies of their dead friends. I like how this book describes the main characters' personalities in an accurate and honest way. In this book the characters are not portrayed as angels or demons but instead, humans. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1972    2. Accidents    3. Adventurers & Explorers    4. Aeronautics    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Cannibalism    8. Film & Video - General    9. Specific Groups - General    10. Survival (after airplane accidents, shipwrecks, etc.)    11. Travel / Adventure    12. True stories of endurance & survival   

Reviews (46)

Maui - the adventure guide
I definitely recommend this guide for anyone visiting for the first time, especially for those who want to do as much as they can and don't have very long to do it. They've produced an honest, informative book which greatly enhanced our experience.If you're looking for a planning guide, buy this one first.The "Best Of" callouts on pages 17 through 20 were so handy; start there first.

owning the series
They fit our comfort zone and after two trips to Maui we still haven't exhausted all the hiking possibilities.The fact that they're heavy on sports and leave out the hype is what makes them click for us.They haven't left out family outings and provide a complete rundown of where it's safe to swim and snorkel.For beach days, we still find Maui our #1 choice and for stand alone guidebooks, the Maui Trailblazer fills the bill.
the good life
We've found a good guidebook is worth its weight in gold and the Maui Trailblazer by the Sprouts got a thorough testing as we explored the island -- sublime listing after listing.Mandatory for preplanning.We reserved our Haleakala primitive cabin weeks ahead.For getting around in the jungleworld and waterworld, it bulges with all the good stuff. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Hiking    2. Sports & Recreation / Hiking    3. Travel    4. Travel - United States    5. Travel Guides - U.S.    6. United States - Pacific - Hawaii    7. United States - West - Pacific (General)    8. Water Sports    9. Maui    10. Maui (Hawaii)    11. Outdoor recreation    12. Sports & Recreation    13. Surfing   

Editorial Review

Melding superb research and the extraordinary expedition photography of Frank Hurley, Read more

Reviews (147)

An essential book
This is such a good book, because of the way it is written, and also because of the incredible adventure it describes.It is the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton's 1914 expedition to Antarctica.Shackleton had been to the Antarctic twice before.The first time he accompanied Robert Falcon Scott in 1901 in an attempt to reach the as yet unclaimed South Pole and claim it for Great Britain.They were unsuccessful and came very close to losing their lives.The significant problems that went with traveling in the Antarctic were that no one lived there (and so no one was there to help if you got into trouble), nothing lived in the interior (no plants or animals to feed on), and the climatic conditions were horrific (snow, ice, wind speeds of up to 200 miles an hour and temperatures as low as -100 degrees Fahrenheit).Scott proved to be a very difficult man to travel with -arrogant, abusive and not particularly competent, which is not what you are looking for in the leader of such an expedition.The next time he journeyed south, in 1908, Shackleton, as the leader, chose his own men, and made his own mistakes, such as taking a team of ponies that were supposed to pull the sledges.The ponies were very ill-suited to such an environment and were eventually shot and eaten.This expedition was also a failure, but Shackleton had again learned a lot from the experience.By the end of 1912 the South Pole had been conquered by the Norwegian Amundson, and Shackleton's rival, Scott, had perished with all of his men only eleven miles from a supply depot that would have saved their lives.Now the only significant prize left to be achieved in the Antarctic was the traversing of the continent from one side to the other.Thus Shackleton's 1914 expedition was called the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition.
Real adventure
It's a book that takes you to an incredible adventure. Photogrpahs make it even more exciting !

What an Adventure, and Pictures,Too.
I don't know why I keep reading these sagas of sufferring and adventure about polar expeditions,but I do.Of course, Shackleton's Anarctic expedition is one of the best of the bunch.
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Subjects:  1. (1914-1917)    2. 1874-1922    3. Discovery And Exploration (General)    4. Earth Sciences - Geography    5. Endurance (Ship)    6. Expeditions & Discoveries    7. History    8. History - General History    9. History: World    10. Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition    11. Polar Regions    12. Shackleton, Ernest Henry,    13. Sir,    14. Special Interest - Adventure    15. Travel    16. Biography: general    17. Geographical discovery & exploration    18. Ireland    19. Journeys    20. Shackleton, Ernest Henry    21. Travel / Adventure   

Reviews (1)

FACTUAL ERROR
As the author of "The Complete Guide to Easter Island" (Easter Island Foundation, 2004), I read with much interest the chapter on Easter Island in the 2006 edition of "Chile & Easter Island" by Charlotte Beech, et al. There is one important factual error that readers show know about: The account of the Peruvian slave raids on Easter Island as it appears on page 428 makes reference to an out-dated and erroneous account of Easter Islanders being forced to work the guano deposits on Peru's Chincha Islands. Due to confused personal accounts reported incorrectly by early ethnologists and historians, this story appeared in some of the first Easter Island literature and has been repeated ad nauseam by more contemporary writers who haven't done their homework -- so it's no surprise that it might end up being source material for the authors of "Chile & Easter Island" who may have had little or no way of knowing the inaccuracies involved. But, as Easter Island researcher and author Grant McCall discovered after doing extensive historical and genealogical research on the islanders (including a visit to the Chincha Islands), there is no evidence to support allegations that Easter Islanders were taken to the Chincha Islands. There is evidence that Easter Islanders were taken to coastal plantations in Peru where they were sold as indentured servants, however. One key fact that has been uncovered in investigating this misinformation is that the guano mines were not actually operating at the time of the 1862 slave raids (they were temporarily closed due to Spanish raids), so it's clear that Easter Islanders couldn't even have been on the Chincha Islands. This may all seem like a small matter but, when it comes to Easter Island (where there has been no shortage of nonsense written and far fewer mysteries than most people would like to believe), the more accurate we can get, the better!
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Subjects:  1. South America    2. Special Interest - Adventure    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Travel Guides    6. Chile    7. Easter Island    8. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (4)

Excellent guide for the casual off-roader
I've been using this book for close to a couple years now.While I don't consider myself a novice to off-roading, I definitely don't fall into the rock-crawling group, preferring to use my 4x4 to simply get me to new and out-of-the-way places when time permits.Thus far it has proven to be an excellent resource for quick weekend off-roading getaways and for reading up on new trails to explore.In fact, I've enjoyed this book so much I wound up buying two others as gifts for family and friends.The photos and overviews of each trail definitely help give a good feel for what to expect.If you're a techno-geek like me, being able to plot a computer-generated map using the detailed GPS coordinates will prove highly invaluable (though I have discovered a few critical--though easily identifiable and correctable--errors in the coordinates), and with a handheld GPS I don't need to worry about the often-unusual orientation of the printed maps.For those of us who love exploring, this book will make a fantastic resource.

Great Book
The best book for beginners.Gives ratings and some pictures for all the trails, so you know what to expect.Probably not a whole lot for more advanced off-roaders, but then they probably won't be reading this book anyway.I recommend this book for anybody with an SUV who wants to use it off-highway.The only downside of this book is the detail maps of the trails.For some reason, they couldn't agree on which way to point North(usually north is up in all other maps) so sometimes you have to turn the book sideways to the right or left to get your bearings.Also, not much detail on the maps themselves, so sometimes you really dont' know where you are in relation to the surrounding area.But they give plenty of detail in the driving directions, so you almost don't need the map.Best book I've ever bought, anyone who likes to adventure outdoors should buy this.You don't even need an SUV on the easier trails.

The quintessential So Cal book for dirt road exploring.
First thing that hits you is the heft of this book.It is large and heavy, but that just tantalizes you of what lies beyond the cover.It is full of so much information about southern California's backcountry you could spend hours and hours reading.But this book is to be used as a guide for exploring.And guide you it does. The maps, descriptions and details are excellent for each trail.The history section is great and my family and I even used this book to identify plants from its full color photos on our last outing. For anyone wanting to explore dirt trails in So Cal, from mild ones not really needing 4 wheel drive to more difficult ones, this book is for you. Rock crawlers need not apply, but for the other 99% of us with 4x SUV's this book is perfect! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Special Interest - Adventure    2. Travel    3. Travel - United States    4. United States - Pacific - California    5. United States - West - Pacific (General)   

Reviews (10)

6th edition 3.5 stars... time for update, guys
I'm a Lonely Planet addict who knew better than to blindly buy this edition (if you order one now -6th edition, as I did, you'll get 2003 info), but addicts usually are not known for using their heads.
You can take it with you
I've used LP before for trips.Once you get the book, you are invited to go on-line for up-dates.There you are directed to "The Thorn Tree" forum.I used it just about every day to keep well-informed and prepare for the trip.The guide is an easy ready and full of useful information.Prior uses were very accurate.

Solid Travel Reference
Many travelers depend on LONELY PLANET travel guides, and usually with good reason.I used this very practical travel guide during my summer (2005) visit to the affordable and thoroughly enchanting nation of Ecuador.This edition contains much valuable information on budget hotels, travel hostels, local customs and fauna.Just as importantly, there's the vital information on getting to and from cities, resort areas, train stations, bus stations, airports, city centers, etc.
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Subjects:  1. South America    2. Special Interest - Adventure    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Travel Guides    6. Ecuador    7. Galapagos Islands    8. Travel & holiday guides   

Editorial Review

The key to a sublime vacation is a good imagination. But let's face it, when you need a rest themost is not when your creativity is firing on all cylinders. That is when Read more

Reviews (2)

As if Straight From Your Dreams!
This book is amazing. It includes the most gorgeous photographs, information on every place, the price, and the length of each activity. The author experienced it all himself. He chose very good places you've only imagined. He also helps you plan a trip with the directory at the back. It's incredible.

You must experience this book
Fodor's Travel Publications commissioned photojournalist Peter Guttman to document some 28 different escapist experiences in North America, and the result is truly delightful. Guttman's photography is brilliant, his essays crisply capture the essence of each adventure, and the appendix lists the names of specific organizations that one can contact (and contract) to engage in each of the documented experiences.Read more

Subjects:  1. Guidebooks    2. North America    3. Outdoor recreation    4. Special Interest - Adventure    5. Travel    6. United States    7. Travel / United States / General   

Reviews (16)

Excellent instruction and easy to read
This book provides excellent instruction on land navigation.Even if you know nothing of how to use a compass or map when you begin reading, you'll have a good working knowledge by the time you're through with the book.It is well written, easy to understand and even includes a fold-out topographic map in the back (actually, about a third of a topographic map, but it gets the job done).The map allows you to work the exercises found in the book (which are quite helpful).The book was written some time ago and Hjellstrom does focus on the sport of orienteering, but as the entire point of that activity is navigation using a map and compass, I don't see this as a negative.As others have pointed-out he does not cover newer topics such as GPS or altimeters, but if you're buying it to learn to use a map and compass, that really isn't an issue either.This is a well written book that provides solid instruction and is certainly worth the purchase price.

Good Read
This is a must read for teens or adults wishing to learn how to read and use maps and compass.From hiking in the nations parks to your local wooded areas, learning what is in this book will make sure you are NEVER lost!

A good primer
If you want to get the basics in an easy to read format, this is for you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Compass    2. Handbooks, manuals, etc    3. Hiking    4. Maps    5. Orienteering    6. Outdoor Life    7. Outdoor Skills    8. Sports    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Walking    11. Crafts & Hobbies / General    12. Maps, charts & atlases    13. Walking, hiking, trekking   

Editorial Review

The first thing you should know about Fielding's Read more

Reviews (98)

The World's Most Dangerous Book
It took about five months, but I read all thousand pages of The World's Most Dangerous Places, known to its fans as DP. The book is a breezily written cyclopedia of what can go wrong and where as you travel the world.
Great
I recently finished reading the 5th Edition of DP, and was amazed.Pelton's travel tips offer a wealth of uncommon "common sense" and his tongue-in-cheek humour, rather than make light of the difficulties and suffering experienced by people in warzones, adds a strange touch of realism and illustrates the true absurdity of some situations.A must read for anybody traveling outside of the first world, or any of those folks who are afraid to leave the house in Canada or the United States.

Danger!Danger!Danger
If you are one of those poor guys who live by according to what you're told then this book is for you. Threat to national security, threat of sharks, threat of food, threat of turtles, threat of....
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Subjects:  1. Reference - General    2. Reference - Guides (General)    3. Special Interest - Adventure    4. Travel    5. Travel - General    6. Travel & holiday guides    7. Travel / Adventure   

Reviews (4)

motivation for a boomer to move
If I do one of these glorious hikes each year I'll be .....78???? when I get done...guess I better start with the hard ones. Definitely a motivator to get out and see this wonderful world we live in. All the info and great pics make it easy to do so.

bestof the best hikes
A great book to get you really motivated to go off and adventure.I gave it to my neighbor and have not seen it for a month.That says it all because they have been to lots of great places and they were mildly interested in it when I offered it to them.Worth every penny.

Great Book !
I will skip the debate about which hikes are the world's greatest, and greatly admire this book as a current, concise and nicely illustrated presentation.Potterfield lays it out as clearly as a trail guide and attractively as a travel agent.But most of all, these are all hikes he has made. Very professional and personal.
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Subjects:  1. General    2. Guidebooks    3. Hiking    4. Special Interest - Adventure    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Active outdoor pursuits    8. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (7)

Photographs of a Land Familiar and Strange
This is a beautiful set of photographs from the Middle East. It professes that these are the locations where many of the stories in the bible take place. This book is a companion to the TV PBS miniseries that visits the locations where the familiar stories take place.
This book is not for christians perse
I think this is an Ok book, but did not enjoy seeing Jesus being called a prophet. The picture quality was fair but that may have been the print quality. Altogether I regret having bought it.
Perhaps not historically accurate, but a moving experience
The fact that a few of the facts are not quite right doesn't detract from the power of this photographic journey.Thousands of years after the events of the Bible nobody really knows the exact locations of some of the most famouse sites mentioned.But it's certain that the real places in the Bible must have been very much like those experienced by the early Jews and Christians.It's exciting to see these places and imagine what it might have been like. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiquities & Archaeology    2. Archaeology    3. Bible - Commentaries - Old Testament    4. Bible.    5. Biblical Archaeology    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Essays    8. Feiler, Bruce S.    9. Geography    10. Middle East    11. O.T.    12. Pentateuch    13. Photo Essays    14. Photography    15. Photography Of Specific Subjects    16. Pictorial works    17. Religion    18. Religious    19. Special Interest - Adventure    20. Travel    21. Religion / Bible / General