Editorial Review

A sensuous valentine to author Ferenc Máté's adopted homeland, Read more

Reviews (43)

Thoughts from Judith Petres Balogh
What a delightful arm-chair journeyThe Hills of Tuscany is!Máté's descriptions involve all senses and beyond that they make the readeryearnfor something simple, ancient and cozy, -- to be close to earth and to our fellowmen, and to rediscover the joy of unpretentious things.His enjoyment of life is so obvious thathis book would be a pleasure regardless where he settled, be it the Arctic Circle or the rainforest of Costa Rica.

A TUSCANY BOTH SERENE AND SEDUCTIVE
Reading "The Hills of Tuscany", Ferenc Mate's exuberant, joyful ode to his adopted country, makes one eager to join that expatriate band. After occupying a series of dwellings a "houseboat, sailboat, mountain cabin, that garage in Laguna Beach, the attic in Paris, the cubbyhole in New York, and a whatsit in the Bahamas," the Hungarian-born Mate and his artist wife, Candace, deemed it time for a permanent home.
best of the best
I've read many many new and old books about Tuscany and other parts of Italy and this is my very favorite.A sweet romance is told along with giving the reader a somewhat secretive map of the region. If you take the time to figure out the north south east and west directions imbedded in the story, you may be able to find several little known and delightful places in and around Montepulciano and even all the way over to the Tuscan coast.I liked this SO much more than Under the Tuscan Sun and in person, I liked Montepulciano so much more than Cortona too! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1945-    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Europe - Italy    6. General    7. Homes and haunts    8. Italy    9. Matâe, Ferenc,    10. Social life and customs    11. Travelers    12. Tuscany    13. Tuscany (Italy)    14. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (77)

Lily Burana hits the mark...
...with her book, Strip City.
Bernard Chapin "Ora Et Labora!" is a complete moron.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.Lily Burana provides an insightful and identifiable journey into the world of exotic dancing.Not surprisingly, I have been an exotic dancer for the past four years.Yes, I made large amounts of money.However, I also maintained a 4.0 GPA during my entire college career.No, I am not being conceited or narcissistic.Nor am I denying the fact that both drugs and prostitution can easily be found in strip clubs.However, Mr. Chapin's unexperienced view of the exotic dancing world is "unintentionally hilarious."First of all, while stripping may not be a "normal" job, it is a job nonetheless, and a very difficult one.Yes, we choose to do it.But no, we do not all "gallivant upon the stage" for attention.Exotic dancing can be very profitable, but not all the time.Like most people who work in any service industry, our income fluctuates.We are not always pulling in the equivalent of an average working person's two-week salary.Mr. Chapin appears to be the type of person who possesses a condescending attitude toward strippers.His review also seems pretty damn narcissitc as well.Seriously, Mr. Chapin, all the big words and seemingly intelligent insight does not hinder the fact that you are a jackass.

Could have been more entertaining!
I liked this book, and I did read it cover to cover in record time but as far as being entertaining for a book on the life of a stripper it could have been much improved. Trust me, most strippers have a lot more stories to tell than what can be found here. Still, I do reccomend it as a nice, entertaining, easy read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Burana, Lily    6. Entertainers    7. Literary    8. Personal Memoirs    9. Stripteasers    10. Travelers    11. United States    12. Women    13. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (15)

Flying the Alaska Wild
Superbly written. A good advert for Alaska, climate, scenery and wildlife. The flying is particularly exciting with honest and at times hilarious experiences. Being British I would love to visit Alaska and fly with this guy, perhaps some of Mort's skills may rub off! Go on Mort give me shout?

Flying the Alaska Wild: The Adventures and Misadventures of an Alaska Bush Pilot
Really quite amazing, I can't imagine myself making some of these flights.I like my instruments and I find it hard to believe that Bush Pilots fly by the seat of their pants through blizzards and white-outs. Obviously they do. If you fly this is a book that you will have difficulty putting down.

Boring
This was a complete bore. Definetly not a page turner. I could barely make it through this book. Don't waste your money on this poorly written book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1931-    2. Alaska    3. Aviation - General    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Bush flying    6. Bush pilots    7. Essays & Travelogues    8. Mason, Mort D.,    9. Personal Memoirs    10. Transportation    11. Travelers    12. United States - Pacific - Alaska    13. Aviation skills / piloting    14. Biography: general    15. Transportation / Aviation / General   

Reviews (2)

Not for the average reader
This is a book you cannot read like a novel; even as a diary, it is hard to understand, because entries are short and there are many unintelligible initials and half-words. It is a book for scholars, not for the average reader.

Very highly recommended reading for women's studies
Gertrude Bell was an English woman who lived an extraordinary life of adventure. She rode with bandits, braved desert shamals, was captured by Bedouins, and sojourned in a harem. The counselor to kings and prime ministers, her illustrious colleagues included Lloyd George and Winston Churchill. Very highly recommended reading for women's studies, and 20th century studies reading lists and library collections, Gertrude Bell: The Arabian Diaries, 1913-1914 is wonderfully illustrated with her photography and exemplifies her elegant, vibrant prose, as well as documenting her on of the 20th Century's most daring, resourceful, independent, and larger-than-life characters. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1868-1926    2. Bell, Gertrude Lowthian,    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Description And Travel    5. Earth Sciences - Geography    6. Essays & Travelogues    7. History: World    8. Middle East - General    9. Saudi Arabia    10. Science    11. Social life and customs    12. Travel    13. Travelers    14. ASIA    15. Biography: general    16. Colonization & independence    17. Middle East    18. Travel writing    19. Women's studies    20. c 1900 - c 1914   

Reviews (5)

Modern slavery, boy soldiers and African Diaspora
This is a fascinating account of how orphaned Sudanese displaced in struggles with northern miltias, found new lives in the US. The volume is particularly useful because it shows the connection between wars of religion and region, the slaving expeditions conducted by janjaweed Islamic militias, and the politics of recruiting for rebel liberation movements in the south. Short on arms, money, soldiers and international sympathy, the southern Sudanese seek international attention to the problems of post-colonial boundaries and rights. They have learned to use the politics of refugee camps to leverage attention and forces. The fortitude of these survivors is amazing, no matter how complicated the story of their displacement turns out to be.

Full review of Bixler's book
The Lost Boys of Sudan: An American Story of the Refugee Experience, by Mark Bixler.The University of Georgia Press, 2005.Pp. 261.
Interesting Reading
Learned a lot about the area of Sudan and trials that a refugee faces cominginto the US when not working with a host family. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    3. Men's Studies - General    4. Middle East - Egypt    5. Social Science    6. Sociology    7. Travelers    8. Modern fiction    9. USA   

Reviews (20)

A bittersweet summer on the Isle of Patmos
You laugh and then you cry when you read this bittersweet memoir.The Summer of my Greek Taverna is a funny, poignant saga of a naive American, whose Greek friend, Theologos, offers him a "summer partnership" in The Beautiful Helen Taverna, located on the small Aegean Island of Patmos. Although his wife and Greek friends caution him to be aware of "Greeks bearing gifts," Stone jumps at the offer. His life is never the same, arriving home at night, at three or four in the morning, completely spent, with no time for sex or even a cuddle, and up at dawn to start another day at the restaurant, only to have his partner swindle him of the profits.
breath of fresh air
Reading these little expat memoirs used to be a pleasure, but now there are so many self-congratulatory accounts that they've long since begun to pall. Greek Taverna is a welcome exception. Stone manages to convey the essence of Greek island life, geography, and ambience without attempting to convince the reader that life in those parts is idyllic and carefree. Indeed, Tom and his family encounter as many problems and stumbling blocks as they might have in NYC, as well as enjoying the beauty and simplicity (all is relative). Reading his experiences is as refreshing as a dip in the Aegean. Bravo to Tom Stone for his honesty, sense of humor, and willingness to remain in Greece despite the bursting of the bubble of his dream.
Stone's book on Greece is right on target in every way
As a Greek-American who was born, and lives in the US, but also lived in Greece for 12 years, I am always very interested in reading the experiences of expatriates, especially those from the US.I took some time to read through the other reviews here, especially focusing on the ones with negative things to say.I must say this, because I like to keep my reviews brief:Tom Stone did not produce the perfect book here, nor do I think we should expect that from him---what he did do was absolutely capture both the Greek mentality and spirit, the beauty of the land and its culture, and the very difficult divide in which foreigners who live in Greece full-time find themselves.I highly recommend this book not just for Greek diaspora who want to wax nostalgic of the mother country, but for ANY American heading over for a visit, if not a longer stay.I recently recommended this book to two proteges of mine who were headed to Greece for a short stay, and a semester abroad respectively, and both told me upon their returns that it was a priceless learning tool which enhanced their visits, as well as a very enjoyable read.I cant think of any higher recommendation than that of didacticism and real world, in-country experience. Well done, Mr Stone! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Business    5. Description And Travel    6. General    7. Personal Memoirs    8. Travelers    9. Biography & Autobiography / General    10. Biography: general    11. Greek islands    12. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (5)

Scholarly history at its best
An absorbing and beautifully written biography by possibly the leading expert on Equiano today.Caretta's revelation that Equiano may have been born in South Carolina rather than Africa only serves to make him an even more intriguing figure for those who are familiar with his autobiography.This is scholarly history at its best.

Repentant previous reviewer.
This is indeed an excellent, full and fascinating biography with much new information about Equiano.I regret having given it only a single star previously because of what I see as its one error of judgment, in questioning Equiano's claim to an African birth and childhood.I do think that the authenticity of Equiano's autobiography is what makes it and his life of interest to a general public.It would be a pity for readers to pass up such a vital 18th century classic on the assumption that it's fraudulent.

A new and important contribution to identity politics
Carretta's latest book is a scholarly examination of the autobiography of Olaudah Equiano, aka Gustavas Vassa.This book has generated some controversy in its claim that Equiano may not have been born in Africa.Carretta's detractors, however, completely miss the point of this book, which places Equiano squarely in the same vein as other important Enlightenment writers like Benjamin Franklin.This book does not detract from the importance and usefulness of Equiano's autobiography.Rather, by providing thoughtful analysis of Equiano's narrative; it helps to illuminate how the he saw himself in a time and place where identity (and nationality) were instable.What is important is that Equiano saw himself as African, whether or not he was actually born in Africa.This distinction is important to getting the most out of this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    4. Great Britain    5. Historical - General    6. Literary    7. People of Color    8. Slaves    9. Social Science    10. Sociology    11. Travelers    12. United States    13. United States - Colonial Period    14. Biography: general    15. Slavery & emancipation    16. USA   

Reviews (7)

One foot in Laos, one wild imagination elsewhere
The idea that this woman has somehow 'discovered' Laos in 1997 - some 22 years after its fall, is simply ludicrous.By the way, Laos has been open to those who care to enter it with an open heart and mind for some time. Worth the read despite its weaknesses
Once I was able to get beyond Dervla Murphy's annoying bashing of the United States and the capitalist system, and her romanticizing of the noble savage, her travelogue provided, in the least, a good bench-mark of how rapidly Laos is changing. At best, her book was thought-provoking in that it made me question the benefits of development, and made me appreciate the resiliance of a nation that not too long ago was ravaged by war and continues to suffer from its effects. In addition, the book had rare moments of insite that conveyed the unique Laotian culture. Very disappointing
I just returned from a three week trip in Laos. Before I left I was given her book as something to read while gone.Read more

Subjects:  1. 1931-    2. Asia - General    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Description    5. Description and travel    6. General    7. Laos    8. Murphy, Dervla,    9. Travel    10. Travelers    11. Women    12. Travel / General   

Reviews (7)

Great reading!
As someone not that familiar with the merchant marine I was surprised at the number of truly interesting facts I discovered during this great read. A must for lovers of the high seas.
Union Mariners
I found this book entertaining at first, with Sea-stories that I could relate to. But as the book moved on I noticed the stories repeating themselves, and as with any good drinking session, it burned out.
An Amazing Tale to Tell
A word to all those who contemplate running away to sea. At last there is a really good book that will let you know just what you are getting into. Rawlins captures the essence of his past decade in the merchant marine, and sheds much light on the lives of the merchant seamen cast of characters that sail aboard the merchant fleets and all that that entails. We are talking about some really strange adventures here, on land and at sea. For Rawlins is an intelligent keen-eyed observer who learned early on to keep his wits about him at all times, especially as those around him were losing theirs, sometimes wondering about just what he had gotten himself into after signing on aboard different ships. It is an amazing tale to tell as Rawlins tries to set the record straight about the merchant marine and the mysterious world of merchant shipping. He has a way with words that catches the irony of it all and does so with good style. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Historical - General    5. Personal Memoirs    6. Ships & Shipbuilding - History    7. Travelers    8. Maritime / nautical trades    9. USA   

Reviews (3)

How low can you go?Solo
My father and I have the same last name, we are both pilots and we have both read SOLO by Clyde Edgerton.That's were we parted company.My dad liked it.I did not.
An Insight into the Dream of Flight
This book is probably the best written book I have read this year. It is an example of a book written by someone who knows their subject matter well. Edgerton has a way of making you feel as though you are a fly on the wall of the cockpit.
Interesting book, not only for flight enthusiasts

Read more

Subjects:  1. Aerial operations, American    2. Air pilots    3. Air pilots, Military    4. Aviation - General    5. Biography    6. Biography & Autobiography    7. Biography / Autobiography    8. Biography/Autobiography    9. General    10. Historical - General    11. Personal Memoirs    12. Travelers    13. United States    14. Vietnam War, 1961-1975    15. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Reviews (5)

A Wonderful Story
I "lived" the experience with Paul Paolicelli as I read this book. Always wanting to not just visit, but to live in the land of my ancestors, to experience the culture, the people, just to experience the life. A Must-Read
This is a marvelous tale of personal discovery that includes the reader and helps illuminate the many mysteries for all of us bearing the Italian American heritage. Mr. Paolicelli's research and care for his subjects is evident from the first page. Those wanting more specific information are given a strong push to go find it out for themselves, rather than complain that the author didn't do it for them. Paul's "dance" with Luigi is an elaborate and remarkable waltz through Italian history and family mystery. Read this book. The music will linger...

Great Idea But Incomplete and Inaccurate
I was very much looking forward to reading a book about my fathers DePasquale side of the family in Abruzzo, Italy. However, much to my dismay, Mr. Poalicelli seemed to skim over or dismiss the rich history of the DePasquale'sand the town of Gamberale where our ancestors came from.For example, although politically connected to the South in the past, the town Gamberale, in the provence of Chieti in Abruzzo is in the Central region of Italy, not the South. This town was not just inhabited by the Lombards or Longobards (a Germanic tribe) as they where also refered to, but also it is believed the town was inhabited by the Franks and French normans after the tenth century.Also, many of the surnames Mr. Paolcelli's mentions on the DePasquale side of his family are incorrectly spelled.Although I give Mr. Paolocelli credit for taking the time to want to write about his family, I wished he had contacted and interviewed many more family members on the DePasqaule side of the family to get a more accuate and historical perspectiveas to who and where the DePasquales came from both historically and geographically. If, so he would had a more insightful and meaningful book for both family members an general readers. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1945-    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Civilization    6. Europe - Italy    7. General    8. Italy    9. National characteristics, Italian    10. Paolicelli, Paul    11. Travel    12. Travelers   

Reviews (1)

Delicious writing!
Nicholas Howe reflects on a half-dozen places, viewing each with acutity and insight.His describes the slow decline of Buffalo with a caring usually reserved for one's parents.He sees through the rebuilding of Berlin's central district -- where the wall once stood are now massive commercial projects -- and he recognizes the same scars that now disturb rust belt cities in America.Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. College teachers    4. English teachers    5. Essays    6. Homes and haunts    7. Howe, Nicholas    8. Literary Criticism    9. Medievalists    10. Personal Memoirs    11. Travelers    12. United States    13. American Language and Literature    14. Literary Criticism & Collections / American    15. Literary studies: general    16. Places & peoples: general interest    17. Travel writing   

Reviews (13)

To the Point
Don't waste your time reading this review ... man or woman, find and devour it as I did.

A book to relate to
Breaking Limit was an awsome book to read. She describes her trip where you can feel your there. Having family that have gone to Alaska and being adopted myself, I was able to relate to what she was feeling on her trip. I myself ride a bike and Karen's bike from what my husband says would be a hard trip that long and that far.Karen gives an amazing travel journal with the roads she chose and gives someone the ideas of what to expect on a bike trip.My husband enjoyed the book aswell.Any bike rider would enjoy it and relate to it. Ladie riders it will give you the confidence and encouragement that us gals can travel and do it.

A Story for Everyone
This book is about life on and off a motorcycle - a book for everyone.
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Subjects:  1. 1969-    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Canada    6. Ground Transportation    7. Larsen, Karen,    8. Motorcycles - General    9. Motorcycling    10. Personal Memoirs    11. Travel    12. Travel - General    13. Travelers    14. United States    15. Voyages And Travels    16. Women    17. Women motorcyclists    18. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (54)

I laughed, I cried (well, almost)!
I'm going through the process of applying with the Peace Corps.I loved the candid nature of this book, and I found that it said a lot about friendship as well as the Peace Corps.This book is a quick read, and hard to put down. I appreciated having a window into one person's PC experience. And, I enjoyed identifying with the close friendship shared by these two women.

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful
A great book.I loved reading the letters between the two friends and their different styles of writing.I hope their friendship will always endure.I look foward to reading more by both.I've already read Candy and Me by Hilary. I hope to hear more from K8.

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful
A great book.I loved reading the letters between the two friends and their different styles of writing.I hope their friendship will always endure.I look foward to reading more by both.I've already read Candy and Me by Hilary. I hope to hear more from K8. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Africa - East - Kenya    2. Africa - General    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Correspondence    6. Description And Travel    7. History    8. Liftin, Hilary    9. New York (N.Y.)    10. Ramisi (Kenya)    11. Social History    12. Social life and customs    13. Travelers    14. Women    15. Africa    16. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs    17. Montgomery, Kate    18. Travel writing    19. Reading Group Guide   

Editorial Review

What could be more romantic than living in an ancient fortress, dining in its rooftop garden, and sleeping under the stars? English artists and intellectuals like the author's parents (painter Aubrey Waterfield and journalist Lina Duff Gordon) have traditionally adored the Italian countryside, and their daughter's enchanting memoir describes the happy haven they found near the Tuscan town of Aulla. Kinta was only 5 in 1916 when she made her first trip by pony trap up the steep road to their hilltop abode, and neither exile to English boarding school nor the Second World War could keep her away for long. Famous friends like Bernard Berenson and D.H. Lawrence make cameo appearances, but the real stars are the earthy, dignified Tuscan peasants who worked for her family. Through them, the author immersed herself in the timeless rhythms of rural existence. The text's highlights include a vivid account of Read more

Reviews (12)

Tuscany, between the world wars
This book really takes you to Tuscany, as it was for British ex-patriates between World War I and World War II. Everything is here - the people, the landscape, the food. Highly recommended!

Wonderful book
Kinta Beevor, author of only this book, comes from a family of writers, including her son, the reknown author, Antony Beevor. It must be a genetic feature that families produce wonderful writers. Charming story of one woman's love for all things Italian
The only book Kinta Beevor ever wrote, it was perhaps the only book she could have written. Her obvious love for her magical childhood in Tuscany (esp the years before she was shipped off to England for school) shines forth from every paragraph as she recounts her life as one of the benignly-neglected children of a pair of English aristocrats who owned a 15th century castle, the Fortezza della Brunella, as well as a villa above Florence.Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Childhood Memoir    3. Europe - Italy    4. General    5. Travel    6. Travelers    7. Travel / Europe / Italy   

Reviews (8)

Twenty-two of Muir's best scootcher's!
Lee Stetson, an actor who regularly has played Muir in Yosemite, compiled these 22 tales in this very readable, short book which I obtained in Tuolumne meadows visitor center in Yosemite National Forest. The Wild Muir has been on my Amazon wish list for a long time, so glad I bought my copy in the heart of Muir Territory, where one cannot escape some mention of his name in the many trails and areas he regularly trekked through. What a nice backyard, I constantly repeated to myself while hiking several days at Tuolumne! Every twist and turn of the trails revealed a new, pristine vista that the best panoramic camera could not capture. I felt like I needed a 360 degree camera to capture the beauty of this place, but I don't think anybody makes those these days! Muir expressed these same feelings when he writes: "Pursuing my lonely way down the valley, I turned again and again to gaze on the glorious picture, throwing up my arms to inclose it as in a frame. After long ages of growth in the darkness beneath the glaciers, through sunshine and storms, it seemed now to be ready and waiting for the elected artist, like yellow wheat for the reaper; and I could not help wishing that I were that artist. I had to be content, however, to take it into my soul."
The Wild Muir
This book is a total bore. The flowery description is beautiful for the first three sentences, but then it becomes a tranparent cover-up for a book with no plot! Even I could write a more interesting book, and I failed high school english! Muir was a great person, but he sould have stayed where he was better aquianted: the woods! Anyone who enjoys this book obviously has never seen a tree before. A whole book dedicated to them is ironic and lame.

Muir is crazy!
This book tells of several adventures that John Muir had in his life.It confirms that the guy was a bit of a lunatic, but it makes for enjoyable reading.Some of the stories are better than others, but at least they are short and easy to read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1838-1914    2. 18th And 19th Century Description And Travel    3. Biography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Essays & Travelogues    6. Fiction    7. Muir, John,    8. Naturalists    9. Regional Subjects - West    10. Travelers    11. United States    12. Muir, John   

Reviews (4)

I could taste the wine and cheese
I have been to france many times and Michelle's story brought it all back to me. Her descriptions of the trials and tribulations made me wonder if I could ever be as brave as they were to take all this on.It was fabulous as her words helped me to remember the beauty of the landscape and the thoughts of the food and wine made my stomach growl. What a great story and a very easy and fun read.

Better than A Year in Provence or Under the Tuscan Sun
With exceptional skill the author narrates a life transition from the world of enterprise software to being an established entity providing personalized travel experiences centered on a classic barge located in historic and epicurean Burgundy.
Sign Me Up For A Cruise!
Baby Boomer Alert!Here is one boomer that you can be proud of!Changed her life, changed her world and wrote about it!Loved the narrative and the clever descriptions and detailing made me feel right there with her and "Imagine". If you are bored with your life, read this book!It is inspiring and educational.....just might make you do something extraordinary too.Bravo, Michelle! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe - General    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Europe    5. TRAVEL & HOLIDAY    6. Travel / Europe / General    7. Travelers    8. Biography & Autobiography    9. Essays & Travelogues    10. Europe - Western    11. Barges    12. Boating    13. France    14. Dutch   

Reviews (1)

For anyone truly curious about what it feels like to fly
Collaboratively edited and with introductions by Drake Hokanson and Carol Kratz, America From The Air: An Aviator's Story is the memoir of Wolfgang Langewiesche, a German-born test pilot, writer, and editor famous for his series of classic books that describe his adopted home of America from the sky. America From The Air collects selections from his classic accounts, "I'll Take The High Road" and "A Flier's World", first published in 1939 and 1951 respectively. Both give a talented perception of the physical sensation of flying, seeing small farms, deserted seashores, busy railway lines, and the general awe