Reviews (23)

sorry the book ended
This book is written in many short snippets of daily and weekly life in Cuba rather than long chapters.I enjoyed it immensely; this style kept me wondering what was going to happen next with the parade of characters introduced - from household help to visiting friends to political and diplomatic appointees.It also highlighted the beauty of the island while presenting a sad gloom of the reality most of the people live day to day. It made me sad to see the family leave at the end without knowing more of the fate of all the people the author brings to life so intimately for us to care about.

Bleech!
Truly is what it says it is: An American housewife whines about not getting fresh whatever daily from the servants. She could visit the south side of Chicago and whine, sans servants. Her Martha Stewart sensibilities are out of place in a poor country struggling with social issues, quite successfully, I would add, despite North America's stupid blockade.
More than any other book, 'Diaries' puts you in Havana
I read 'Cuba Diaries' by "Isadora Tattlin" (pen name) a month ago and was compelled to write about it today as I look at various stories circulating on the Web about Fidel's broken kneecap (filed under the humorous title 'The Fall of Castro').I loved Tattlin's book and so has everyone else who I've recommended it to.Others may criticize it as being the boring diary of a housewife with not much to say, but I think that misses the point.More than any other book I've read about Cuba, 'Diaries' seems to put you squarely in Havana by showing you the challenges of every day life.Granted, Tattlin and family are not every day Cubans - she's quite frank about her life of (comparative) privilege...but she does give you a true sense of how all Cubans must survive on guile and wit.
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Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Caribbean & West Indies    3. Cuba    4. Description and travel    5. Economic conditions    6. General    7. Social conditions    8. Tattlin, Isadora    9. Travel    10. Travelers    11. Women    12. Travel / General   

Reviews (7)

Dijon du Jour
With her usual wit and style, MFK Fisher brings the food and atmosphere of Dijon alive.It is a fun book, perfect as an introduction to a way of life that is both foreign and dated.The delights of the table set by an eccentric landlady and shared with a variety of characters from the building, are extravegant.Fisher also draws a picture of the town's restaurants, markets, and life.
Enjoyable, tantalizing
This is an enjoyable, tantalizing book, with some dull spots in the earlier chapters.It is an account of Fisher's 3 years in Dijon, where she movedin 1929 so that her new husband could pursue a doctorate.She was 20 years old, bright, pretty, charming, in love,and most of all, enthusiastic.The reader gets caught up in all this, so as to overlook the book's serious drawback.Fisher can write very nicely, but you learn much more about her landladies than her husband.Fisher says of her sister Norah, "she TOO speaks always with reserve" (caps mine).The book is written as if you are already acquainted with Fisher, as no doubt many readers are, but for the rest I would recommend, before starting the book, that they look up M.F.K. Fisher in Google and thereby get to the site about Fisher sponsored by Les Dames d'Escoffier International.

Excellent Memoir and Writing, but not her best
`Long Ago in France' by premier American food writer M.F.K. Fisher was one of her last autobiographical memoirs of life in France. She may not have invented the `American in Europe' memoir exemplified by Peter Mayle's `My Year in Provence' and Frances Mayes `Under the Tuscan Sun', but she certainly helped define the genre with this work as well as `Map of Another Town', `A Considerable Town', and parts of many of her other autobiographical works such as `The Gastronomical Me'.
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Subjects:  1. (Mary Frances Kennedy),    2. 1908-    3. 1908-1992    4. Biography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Customs & Traditions    7. Dijon (France)    8. Fisher, M. F. K    9. Fisher, M. F. K.    10. Food writers    11. Literary    12. Social Science    13. Social life and customs    14. Sociology    15. Travelers    16. United States    17. Women    18. Gardening / Japanese Gardens    19. Modern fiction   

Editorial Review

In any time, Alexandra David-Neel would have been considered an extraordinary woman, but in the Victorian era, she was truly exceptional. Born in 1868, David-Neel eschewed the dances, dinners, and formal marriages common to women of her era and social standing in order to indulge her fierce independence and insatiable intellectual curiosity. Her interest in comparative religions dated back to early childhood; even as a student in a Catholic convent school, she kept statues of both Christ and the Buddha in her room. She made her first trip to Asia in 1891, then supported herself as a light-opera singer and journalist before marrying a seemingly conventional man, Philip Neel. Fortunately for both Alexandra David-Neel and for posterity, Philip was less stodgy than his position as a well-off engineer might imply; though he did not accompany her, he supported his wife's explorations and even acted as her literary agent when she began to write about the places she visited. Alexandra and Philip remained the closest of friends until his death in 1941.Read more

Reviews (9)

The Pilgrim was a Lady
In 1923 at the age of 55, Alexandra David-Neel put on the robes of a Buddhist monk and walked across Tibet for four months on a pilgrimmage to the holy city of Lhasa. No European woman had ever entered the holy city before, and the road promised many dangers, from wild animals to blizzards to bandits. Her descriptions bear witness to a spunky evolved soul whose scholarly knowledge of Buddhism served her well in her adopted role as an itinerant monk. Her writing is elegant, punctuated by an unselfconscious humor and relentless perspicacity. Truly an adventure trek of many wonders.

An unusual journey to say the least
When I was reading the reviews of this book, I was struck by the one of the reviews.It was very negative, and the reviewer missed the beauty of this book entirely.I was glad that I had already read it.I read the reviews because I was curious to see if others had enjoyed the book as much as I did.I was buying it again as a present for a friend.The author was a very unusual person, and this book is very much worth the read.Shewrote about customs and values honestly as she saw them.She was not a dispassionate viewer, but I also felt that she was not judgemental or superior.When customs of two peoples are as different as some of Tibet and France are, they will shock a person and that person will remark.However, I felt that she loved and respected the people she wrote about, and she did a remarkable job in recounting what she saw.She gave her readers the pleasure of a most unusual journey with her and her young companion through a country that was worth writing about.

Massively Overrated
I did not see what the big deal was, and would not recommend it. Her language and the way she treated people is offensive, Eurocentric, condescending and narrow-minded -- typical of many travel books of this period. For those trying to learn about Tibet, there is not enough here to satisfy. This is your classic I-am-to-be-admired-because-I-left-the-comforts-of-civilization-applaud-me themed books.She is not a traveller but a trophy collector. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1868-1969    2. Asia - Central    3. Asia - General    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. China    6. David-Neel, Alexandra,    7. Description And Travel    8. Lhasa    9. Lhasa (China)    10. Religion    11. Travel    12. Travelers    13. Women    14. Women's Studies - General    15. Religion / Buddhism / Tibetan   

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

Reviews (15)

The beauty of Art and fun of travel all in one...
Here I am trapped in a dull grey/brown Northeast winter when I picked up this book and went on a great trip!As an artist I really loved Mr. Morgan's passion for Matisse, for art in general and I loved his sketches!As a traveler who never gets to travel enough I loved the journey he took me on through France.As a matter of fact I'm so inspired that I'm heading to France this June and I'm going to take another long look at Matisse!So if you love art...this is a terrific book, if you love travel...this is a terrific book.If you love both then you're a terrific person who will really enjoy this book!

A great adventure of self-discovery
I'm an American living in France for over 5 years now and I am an amateur painter.And I really like Matisse.So I was really excited when I found this book.I really like the author's humor, he turns what could be boring descriptions of their trip into very funny tales.The book is a mix of a peek into their lives, their adventure in France, the characters they meet, and oh yes, Matisse.I learned a lot in this book.I thoroughly enjoyed the author's sketches and his website.
A Thoughtful Meditation on Travel, Art and Life
The author, a writer and artist, is fascinated by the work of Matisse. He and his wife, also a writer, sell their house, leave their desk jobs and go off to France to follow in the footsteps of Matisse. The author chronicles their travels to the places that inspired Matisse - Paris, Collioure in the Pyrenees, Corsica, Belle-Ile off the coast of Britany and the South ofFrance.
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Subjects:  1. 1869-1954    2. 1944-    3. Artists    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. Essays & Travelogues    9. Europe - France    10. France    11. General    12. Matisse, Henri,    13. Morgan, James,    14. Travel    15. Travelers    16. Travel / General   

Reviews (33)

When in Iran, "expect to suffer from excessive hospitality"
Amazon's "Better Together" recommender worked well here:I read "Searching for Hassan" after reading Firoozeh Dumas' charming memoir "Funny in Farsi."Terence Ward's "Hassan" is a compelling read, especially the chapter "Appointment in Tudeshk" which thrillingly recounts the Ward family's reunion with the Ghasemi family after 29 years apart.I'll sheepishly tell you that I skimmed some of Mr. Ward's erudite sidebars about certain long-ago aspects of Persian history and focused on his more recent accountings of the days of the Shah, the transition to theocratic rule and life since the revolution.But the recounting of the trip itself is pure magic, as are Mr. Ward's remembrances of Hassan and Fatimeh Ghasemi.You can clearly see why these two inspired such devotion from the Ward family.
Appreciation Works Wonders
The best feature of this story is the author's sense of appreciation. Returning to the land of his childhood after 30 years, Ward is filled with appreciation for all places, characters and canundrums he meets. Where suspicion commonly reigns between Americans and Iranians, Ward's infectious appreciation opens door after door -- to enjoyment, insight and friendship.

An extraordinary work of art
This book was given to me by my daughter as a present last Norouz.I wanted to read it when I had enough time and could concentrate on the details of this journey to Iran.My husband and I decided to go on a short vacation last week and I took the book with me.I read it once and started to read it again. I have been away from Iran for the past 20 years and miss it so very much. This book made me cry and made me laugh.I followed the family's steps in Isfahan, Shiraz and Yazd. I could touch the land, smell the flowers at the Hafizieh and taste Hassan's rice with saffron.Immigration to Canada has taught me a painful lesson. I found out that not many people knew who Iranians are, what their language is, are they Arabs?I volunteered for many different organizations hoping to be recognized as an Iranian human being. It did not take me very far, so I joined the Iranian Canadian Cultural Assiciation and worked very hard to introduce Iran and the Iranian culture over the last 5 years. It has been amazing, now everyone knows about the Chaharshanbe souri celebration on the last Tuesday of the Persian year and 10,000 people attended our festival in the park this year.Norouz is celebrated every year with many dignitaries in attendance; and we arrange different lectures by scholars from around the world.I am grateful that Terence Ward has written this book, and introduced our culture in detail with his heart. Coming from someone like him will make a world of difference for us, making the hard work we have to undertake to introduce our culture so much easier.We thank Terence for this extraordinary work of art and his passionate portrait of my homeland! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Iran    3. Middle East - Iran    4. Personal Memoirs    5. Social life and customs    6. Travel    7. Travelers    8. Ward, Terence    9. Biography & Autobiography / General    10. Journeys   

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)

A literate book about motorcycling and a rider's outlook on books
Though the publisher's blurb makes the inevitable comparison to Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, this book has none of the dour and depressing self introspection of Pirsig's work.Author Ted Bishop is an enthusiastic, if somewhat inexperienced, rider.I say inexperienced as no one in their right mind would ride a Ducati Monster from Edmonton, Canada to Austin, Texas and back.However, this is what makes him a real motorcyclist.He gets the whole riding experience and compares it with the wonders of wandering through various library archives.While this might sound a bit boring, it is not.His description of holding Virginia Woolf's suicide note in his hand is
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Canada    5. Description and travel    6. Literary    7. Motorcycle touring    8. Personal Memoirs    9. Travelers    10. United States    11. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs    12. North America    13. Travel writing   

Reviews (19)

Unique look at a specific area and history of the Lone Star State
I was very impressed with this book. Graves does so much in this enjoyable volume. As he takes a canoe trip down the Brazos near where he grew up, he shares the history of the land--both recent and not-so-recent. Through him, we learn the reality of life for the average settler on the edge of the frontier. He also seems to be detailing a life that in his time was declining and in our age is nearly completely gone. His writing is difficult to describe and unlike anything I have ever read. It flows smoothly with a combination of regional speech and erudition. As you read you feel like you are in the canoe with an incomparable guide to this region of our state. A great book that deserves to be read much more widely than it is.
Goodbye to a River--Hello to the Past
As a native Texan, I grew up with the stories of the wild frontier and I'm sure that Graves did too.But he takes those stories and, with beautiful prose, shows the really hardscrabble life that folks overcame on the edge of the frontier.Not the stories of Texas Rangers, but of ordinary pioneers who made a life for themselves despite drought, snowstorms and other natural disasters.But the book is also a wonderful "painting" of a part of Texas that is rich in history and natural beauty.A must-read for anyone who wants to know what Texas was like before the arrival of air conditioning and the discovery of oil.

As Good as Walden
Not since I read "Walden" has a book so moved me. If you ever loved a river, or a piece of land, or ever felt at home in the presence of Nature, then you will delight in this book. But if you are a Texan, then heaven help you, this book is nothing less than magic.
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Subjects:  1. 1920-    2. American Essays    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Brazos River    7. Brazos River (Tex.)    8. Brazos River Valley (Tex.)    9. Canoes and canoeing    10. Description and travel    11. Essays & Travelogues    12. Graves, John,    13. Literary    14. Personal Memoirs    15. Texas    16. Travelers    17. Travel / Essays & Travelogues   

Reviews (13)

Writing is a job too
This book is hilarious! Andsomewhat tounge-in-cheek. Relax and enjoy it! (This should have been a 5-star review, alas I clicked on the wrong star and I'm not able to change it.) A couple of reviewers and an acquaintance of mine are quite bothered by the fact that in My Dam Life Condon is unemployed and that his poor wife has to make up for his "laziness" by "struggling to make ends meet." Sean Condon is an author! What good would he be in an office from 9-5 everyday? This isn't his first successful book and no doubt he's pulling in the dough just as well or better than his wife.

Amsterdamnation
Sean Condon gives us a precious gift; his own idleness.If he actually had something meaningful to do and an interesting life to write about, he'd be off doing it without so much as a see ya later.
My 'dam pathetic unemployed life
I found this book to be a complete waste of time; the only reason I even bothered to finish it was because I had some of these (seeded?) positive reviews lingering in my mind and I kept expecting it to get better.
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Subjects:  1. 1965-    2. Amsterdam (Netherlands)    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Condon, Sean,    7. Description and travel    8. Humor    9. Personal Memoirs    10. Social life and customs    11. Travelers    12. Netherlands    13. Travel writing   

Reviews (21)

Wonderful, honest narrative about life experiences
I was truly sad to finish this book.Jill is very honest about her adventures and about the frustrating and life changing times she has had in the wilderness.Even if the reader is not an outdoorsperson, he or she will enjoy the vivid descriptions of the arctic communities, the relationship between Jill and husband Doug, the struggles Jill faces in life including her mother's battle with cancer and much more.Thank you Jill for writing such a beautiful book.

Inspiring, Adventurous, Real
I just finished reading this book.I stopped part way through, because it was so good, I didn't want to finish it yet.Now, I'm going to name it as the book of the month when I host my book club next.This book is so fresh, so in-your-marrow real, so insightful, adventurous, and breathtakingly descriptive, it defies easy categorization.Ms. Fredston is a fantastic writer, and after hearing her words for the last 286 pages in my head, I sincerely would consider it a tremendous privilege and honor to meet her in person.She has sent me on a search for the woman in me who is so wise, so calm in the face of crisis, so adaptable, so loving, and so passionate about life and living it.I know I have emerged from this reading with a sincere desire to make my life what it is I desire, instead of waiting for "someday".I am thrilled to have her voice added to the voices of other women, so few, who lead us boldly into our dreams, fears, and wildest adventures.You must read this book, and if you have a daughter in high school or college, give her one as well.

A great read
When a non-fiction book reads like a fiction book, I know I'm in for a great treat.That is, I find myself looking for little breaks during the day when I natch a page or two to read this book, I know that I have a winner.This is also written by a women who has learned a little bit about life in her winter job as a avalanche expert in Alaska, and she brings this understanding to her passion of rowing in the polar regions.It is Jill's descriptions that are a delight to the mind because they are so well written.Although, I have never seen as ice berg or an ice field, I feel that I have some greater appreciation of the beauty and harm (yes,harm) that they are capable of doing in a split second.I remember the words of some great sage, that said that getting there is what travel is all about, versus vacation when you take a jet and lay in a lounger by the pool. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alaska    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Canoeists    5. Canoes and canoeing    6. Essays    7. Polar Regions    8. Sports - General    9. Travel    10. Travelers    11. United States    12. Women    13. Women canoeists   

Reviews (10)

a moving follow up in the "Eleni" series
As a half-Greek American, I was moved when reading "Eleni" and "A Time For Us," two books by Eleni Gage's Dad (Nicholas Gage) that detail the atrocities committed against her family during the Greek civil war, which was fought immediately post-World-War-2.Eleni's grandmother (also named Eleni) was ultimately murdered by the communists who were trying to take control over Greece during that war (thank God they did not win) -- she was executed for the crime of helping her children to escape war-torn Greece and ultimately to emigrate to America."North of Ithaka" is a timely follow-up to this family's story.
Discover a Grecian Villiage
Many times you need to read a book for the sole purpose of stepping outside your own life.Eleni Gage's tale of the year she spent rebuilding her ancestral home in Lia, Greece allows you to do just that.I have read plenty of travel narratives but there are very few that describe a place with such clarity that it feels like you are actually there.The author's father previously wrote about the village of Lia in his work about his mother's imprisonment and execution there.Eleni Gage chose to return to the scene of such tragedy to eliminate the ghosts of her past while rebuilding her grandmother's house for future generations.While moving to a different country to build a home or a new life are common concepts for travel memoirs, very few showcase the emotions that Eleni Gage allows to seep onto the page.

fascinating memoir
In 2002, Manhattan magazine editor Eleni N. Gage decided to rebuild her paternal family's villa in the Greek village of Lia on the Albanian border.Her four aunts, residents of Massachuestess, were upset and angry as they feared their neice would be murdered by Albanians.In their minds that was the good outcome; the bad outcome would be the return of the curse of their late mom, Eleni's paternal grandmother, who, in 1948, was tortured and executed for enabling her children to escape the Greek civil war (see ELENI by Nicholas Gage).Still the obsessed Eleni believes she must do this to pay homage to her grandmother and to provide solace to those still impacted over five decades since her murder.With the help of the townsfolk and the hindrance of the bureaucracy, Eleni's odyssey begins.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Family    6. Gage, Eleni N    7. Greek American women    8. Greek Americans    9. Liâa (Greece)    10. Personal Memoirs    11. Travelers    12. Women   

Reviews (13)

Amazing Story of Survival!
You will not be able to put this book down!I learned so much about sailing from reading this book and the other reviews make it clear that even experienced sailors have as well.
Alone with The Voice
Tami lost her boyfriend and the rigging of the boat they were delivering from the South Pacific to San Diego, during a hurricane they tried to avoid.
Important Life (and Sailing) Lessons Revealed
What a wonderful book, by a courageous woman.As I read the book, I felt that I was there with her during her struggles and triumphs.And the ending is very positive and doesn't leave the reader hanging.She's overcome a great deal in life at a young age, and has gone on to become a very solid and interesting wife and mother, I suspect.Yes, the book describes a real tragedy, the kind of thing that a sailor prays to avoid.However, there are real lessons to be found, such as equipment and design flaws aboard her boat, as well as the 'human factors' which she discusses openly.I've made purchases and upgrades to my boat (I liveaboard and cruise fulltime) based on her book and her lecture at the Annapolis sailboat show. Just buy the book, and you won't be sorry! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1960-    2. Ashcraft, Tami Oldham,    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Pacific Ocean    7. Personal Memoirs    8. Shipwrecks    9. Survival after airplane accide    10. Survival after airplane accidents, shipwrecks, etc    11. Travelers    12. Women    13. Biography & Autobiography / Women   

Reviews (6)

Fantastic read...
The most striking thing about this book isn't the age of the author, or even his unique perspective, returning to Afghanistan after September 11, having been raised in California. The most striking thing about this book is that, by the time you have finished reading it, you will care very deeply about what has happened, and IS happening, in Afghanistan. At times very touching and sad, and at other times very funny, this is a very moving, emotionally-charged and honest book.

Present at the Creation!

Best recent book on what's going on in Afghanistan I've found
Comback to Afghanistan, by Hydar Akbar is unique
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Subjects:  1. 2001-    2. Afghanistan    3. Asia - Central    4. Asia - General    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. Description and travel    9. General    10. History    11. History - General History    12. Politics and government    13. Travelers    14. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Editorial Review

Richard Feynman, brilliant physicist and inspirational teacher, wasn't much for coats and ties. He lived a life that the adjective "bohemian" doesn't begin to cover, scripting percussion scores for avant-garde ballet troupes, musing over life's imponderables, and delighting and annoying his many friends with odd-duck questions--all the while teaching generations of students at CalTech.Read more

Reviews (28)

More than a book...
It was all just accidental. I stumbled upon this book through a documentary that I rented, called Ganghis Blues. I like all types of music and thought "A documentary about Blues music, cool..." After realizing what a fortune of life I had found in this movie, I was drawn to everything TUVA. SO, to the book I go. The book of course came before the documentary, and obviously was an influence in the boys who produced it. When was the last time a book did something for your soul? This one touches your soul, your heart and your longing to achieve a goal or live out a dream. Aaaah. I loved it.

Off-beat , wonderful video!
If you are a fan of Richard Feynman, the nuclear physicist that dreamed of going to Tuva, you will just love this video. If you know nothing of Mr. Feynman, you will still enjoy it. It tells the story of Paul Pena's visit to Tuva in a delightful way. You will like seeing the culture of these peaceful, music-loving people.

Great story, though it loses its steam
I would never had read this book had I not recently had the chance to see Huun Huur Tu, a throat-singing voice from Tuva. But now that I am fascinated by this little-known, remote area along the Russian-Mongolian border, I found this book very entertaining. It chronicles the enormous challege of trying to visit such a remote land in the days before Glasnost and a fascinating cast of characters at its heart.
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Subjects:  1. Adventurers & Explorers    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Feynman, Richard Phillips    6. Physicists    7. Russia (Federation)    8. Scientists    9. Travel    10. Travelers    11. Tuva    12. Tuva (Russia)    13. United States    14. Journeys    15. Science: General Issues   

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. General    5. Personal Memoirs    6. Travelers    7. Wildlife    8. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (58)

Well-told story of arrest and rescue in Afghanistan
Heather Mercer and Dayna Curry were Christian humanitarian aide workers in Kabul, Afghanistan, who had been arrested by the Taliban shortly before September 11th for proselytizing the Christian faith.Their 105-day detainment captured the attention of this nation as well as the attention of the world.This is the story of their arrest, imprisonment, and rescue (with assistance from freelance writer Stacy Mattingly).
Arrogant and selfish
Read this book and see Christian zealotry at its worst.Let's see, we have two amazingly naive girls who want to help the needy and change the world.Hey, that's good.Hummm, well, there just are not enough needy folks here in the US, so let's be world travelers!Yeah, that's the ticket!More, let's go where it is illegal to preach our religion! Yes, let's live dangerously! More still, let's endanger folks who are so poor they consider clean water a gift and let's preach our illegal stuff to them. These two nitwits are shameful, silly, and - make no mistake - dangerous.Their selfish acts endangered innocent people - poor, destitute people.Sadly, when one considers that they were treated as "heroes" upon their rescue (which endangered military personnel), we are in bad shape and things are getting worse.Thank God that we are not a theocracy ............... yet.
More Than Just A Thriller
This is a terrific book on several levels.First, just the love that these two women have for the people of Afghanastan and the picture they paint of life under the Taliban is interesting in and of itself.In places it reads like a thriller, especially when they are arrested and their daring rescue.Finally, just the incredible faith that these women exhibited under such trying circumstances is an inspiration to me.Not that they are perfect, and they are the first to admit they struggled at times in those dark hours in prison, even bickering among themselves at times.But in the end, their deep faith prevailed and a miracle occurred. I felt like I was with them before, during and after their imprisonment, and that is a tribute to the great writing of this book.And, by the way, much of the negatives reviews I've read here sound a lot more like anti-Christian bigotry then thoughtful criticisms.Ignore them, and buy this inspirational, wonderful book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Afghanistan    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Christian biography    5. Curry, Dayna    6. Mercer, Heather    7. Political Science    8. Political prisoners    9. Politics/International Relations    10. Reference    11. Religious    12. Travelers    13. Women    14. Current Events / General   

Reviews (11)

Excellent! -- A Must Read
The other reviewers say it all -- except for the guy who thought it was a novel! What makes this book memorable is the writing. Mercer is clearly an experienced professional writer and he knows how to bring Paris, Shakespeare and Company, and his own life and generation into clear and interesting focus (not an easy job). I would have picked a more descriptive title, but no matter. This book is essential reading for anyone with an interest in Paris, books and bookshops, and the restless bohemian life.
Couldn't put this down!
I read this book in one sitting, although it had the unfortunate title it was given in the UK, Books, Baguettes and Bedbugs.I thought that a rather frivolous name for a book in which the author revealed a lot of himself, both good and bad.I cared about all of the characters, most of all the author and as each page turned, was hoping for good outcomes for all.
I want to visit again
Mercer has captured life At Shakespeare & Co. warts and all in an amusing straight forward manner. It certainly makes we fans want to return there. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Authors, Canadian    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Booksellers and bookselling    8. Bookstores    9. Commerce    10. Europe - France    11. France    12. History    13. Paris    14. Personal Memoirs    15. Shakespeare and Company (Paris    16. Travelers