5 comments about Leroy Grannis: Surf Photography of the 1960s and 1970s.

1. This is one of the few coffee table books that can give you a rush of adrenalin just by flipping the page.
   
   Leroy Grannis may not have been the sole architect of the late twentieth century surfing culture phenomenon, but he certainly was among the dozen or so people that projected the image of surfing beyond the enthusiasts to almost every nook and cranny of our globe. Kids in Omaha bought surfing-styled duds, listened to surfing music, and went to some really hideous Hollywood surfing movies. Grannis, and the publications that used his photography, took surfing away the beach and showed the landlocked how much fun they were missing.
   
   Whether you lived the lifestyle, emulated the lifestyle, or just want to know how cultural trends can capture the imagination, this is a great book.
   The Shut Mouth Society
   The Shopkeeper



2. This was a gift for my husband. He LOVED IT! It had great pictures of surfing throughout the years. It was neat to take a look back in time. I am going to purchase another book for my brother, who is also an avid surfer.



3. In my opinion, this book is one of THE BEST surf books ever. The visuals are clean and classic and takes one back to the golden age of surfing. The writing is short but informative. LeRoy Grannis put his stamp in this world and is a legend among all surf photographers. I am a big fan of Mr. Grannis and of surfing as well.
   Buy the book, put it on your coffee table, have some friends over and discuss.



4. This was purchased as a gift - specifically requested by the recepient - and so I have never seen it - but they said they loved it - very beautiful pictures that brought back lots of memories for them....



5. "Granny"s magnificent book is a must for any surfer's library. The art of Leroy Grannis' photographs is not only his beautiful composition and exposure, but also his portrayal of the ambiance, exuberance, and joy of the surfing world of the 1960's and 1970's. He has incitefully memorialized the icons of the period.

5 comments about The New Artist's Manual: The Complete Guide to Painting and Drawing Materials and Techniques.

1. This is a great book for beginning artists. It takes you through all the steps of painting using very logical and well thought out methods.



2. This book is excellent if you want to learn everything about painitng. It does not really cover drawing technique, be forewarned. This is his best book, do not buy "art class" or the "artist's color manual" if you chose to buy this book. Basically, he's complied both books into one.
   
   This book really does cover all materials:
   -paper and it's practical uses in concerns to specific mediums
   -brushes and their practical uses in concerns to mediums
   -Mediums: oil, gouche, egg tempra, watercolor, acrylic, chroma, pastels, charcol, conte crayon, ink (both traditional and modern), etc...
   -Mixing media [not to be confused w/color mediums]: linseed oil, turpentine, acrylic mediums (matte, gel, etc.), watercolor mediums, etc...
   
   It does have the same sections in "Art Class" like "where do I start?" etc. It takes you through starting from still life up to portraiture and beyond in this book. It has an additional area of subject matter which is about imagined subject matter.
   
   Overall, it's an excellent reference book, contains good advice on how to go about starting a new medium, and allows for creativity in using mediums by explaining how they work, advantages & disadvantages, starter pallet colors, and permanance.
   
   I would have given it 5 stars if it hadn't claimed to be a drawing technique book...you need a foundation in drawing before attempting this book.



3. This book covers just about everything, but is more informative on mediums other than oil painting. But it does give helpful tips that I had used previously, without realizing it was a standard technique used by fellow artists, but now I see why I've used them! For somebody that wants to do everything from the ground up, including making their own oil paint, then this is the book to own! Provides more instructional guidance than most other books I've seen/bought. Better artist's examples and more professional results with more advanced instructions than most other publications.



4. If you're an artist seeking the basics of how to set up a studio and use professional methods in a range of media, THE NEW ARTIST'S MANUAL: THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO PAINTING AND DRAWING MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES is for you. There are so many new materials on the market today that there's an ever-present need for a comprehensive coverage of them: THE NEW ARTIST'S MANUAL provides such depth in surveying paper and paint choices, pros and cons of controlling output under different conditions, experimenting with materials and textures, and much more. An outstanding guide aspiring artists will want to look it - and it's packed with color examples on every page.



5. This is truly a useful and helpful book in explaining not just techniques, but materials: their pros, cons, and inherent challenges in use. But the binding should be much better. Chronicle Books has a history of putting out decent books with cheap and/or non-durable binding, which does not hold up well with repeated use. The spine cracks easily and then you have to be careful from then on to make certain that sections don't become loose. This is not good for a book designed for repeated reference and study. I would have given the book five stars, but for this serious flaw that Chronicle Books has.

5 comments about The Full Body Project: Photographs by Leonard Nimoy.

1. This book was a birthday present for my husband. He loved it!!! It shows how beautiful ALL women are. Leonard Nemoy has captured the beauty of the every day woman.



2. Nemoy knows that skinny models promote an unhealthy, dangerous lifestyle. But heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes are just as unhealthy. It's nice that these women are confident and happy, but are they healthy? Before losing 20lbs (the old fashioned way)I had knee problems, acid reflux, high cholesterol, etc. Now at a size 10/12 I am much healthier. Hey Mr. Nemoy, there are plenty of averaged/healthy sized women that would make gorgeous models. We don't have to be a size 2 to be beautiful, but we also don't have to be a size 22 just to go against the status quo.



3. Amazing, wonderful, gorgeous. This book is so powerful- it can change how you view the "perfect body". Thank you Leonard Nimoy- what a gift to those of us with real woman's bodies!



4. Mr. Nimoy's treatment of his subjects was respectful and human. Something the rest of the country should try to emulate. I particulary liked the pictures he did that were inspired by Matisse, Raphael, and Herb Ritt. These show that art does not have to be thin to be beautiful.



5. I'm sad to report that I "felt" nothing from this book. I am in no way a prude...nudity doesnt shock or offend me at all , so I was looking forward to having a real 'artful', heartfelt experience in reading this book, and studying the photos. Nimoy's sensibilities have always appealed to me. HOWEVER...by the time I turned the last page, all I came away with was; " Okay. That was a big coffee table book full of glossy black and white photos of large ( mainly tattooed) women". It didn't strike me as profound. Maybe my expectations are too high in general..I don't know, but in the past I HAVE seen photos, sculptures, and drawings of full figured nudes that took my breath away. This one didn't. Sorry Leonard!

5 comments about Hells Angels Motorcycle Club.

1. This book is not what you think! Great photo's, great stories, but come on, not a SINGLE photo or info on the original and FAR better known US based Hells Angels. The entire book cover to cover is ONLY UK BASED ANGELS!. No disrespect to them and if you are from the UK, the book is great. But to those in the US who want to see pictures of the legends and hear about the dozens of stories of the original Angels, this book is a major letdown. NOTHING on the cover of the book nor in the book description mention the fact the book is 100% UK based Hells Angels. That, in my opinion was done on purpose because they know the book will not sell anywhere near as well. I assure you, when the vast majority of people WORLDWIDE hear the name "Hells Angels", they are thinking of the original California and the Legendary New York City chapters and the dozens of stories that go with them, NOT London, Wolverhampton, etc (Again, no disrespect). Great photo's, great text, but overall dissapointed.



2. If you want to look at pictures of bikers, and their families, many just like olan mills portrait style, then buy this book. Not much narrative. Forward by Sonny.



3. A very interresting book, or I better say whitness of who aree these persons (ie all different), and what's their kind of life as Hells Angels, as the author took his time to know some of them, and be known by them.
   
   The photographs are stunning and very important to help the reader understanding what this club is and is not.
   
   Buy it, put it on a wishlist, but find a way to have it ! It's not the kind of book you read only once: You'll be back in it from times to time...
   
   Laurent



4. Since I own the hardcover of this book, I knew what to expect. I was not disappointed like some others were. I really really liked the new photos that are in this version of the book. I love the images and the insight into the bigger world of the HAMC, that it is a worldwide organization and that, like anything imported from anywhere, there is a local spin put on it by each culture. Here in the states we think everything is about us. American Idol is not an American show, we've just put our spin on it. I think the publishers (an English company) wanted to get the book to cross the pond by making the title so broad. They should have called it, "Riding With The Hells Angels in Wankerland" or something like that. Any other ideas? It's still a great visual glimpse into a world I missed out on growing up.



5. Photographer Andrew Shaylor was given unique access to the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club and sought to provide an excellent representation of the group: available in paper for the first time is a set of images captured at their important events, worldwide. The Hells Angels Club is a huge part of California culture in addition to being worldwide, so this color-photo-packed representation is a top pick for any California general-interest lending library strong in California alternative culture.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch

5 comments about Santa Barbara Style.

1. you just can't go wrong with these series of books, I have them all and they are outstanding



2. As an interior designer, several of my colleagues mentioned that this was the most requested style from their newer clients. I thought there would be more current interiors, referring to a new style. It was more of a historical chronicle of design in Santa Barbara, for exteriors and interiors. It is a nice book, but not exactly what I expected.



3. Im building a santa barbara style house and I was disappointed. Not a lot of details. Sure some pics of some SB mansions but not enough photos or details to actually do anything with this book. I guess if you are into SB history it might be OK, otherwise save yourself the $. You will be done browsing it in about 10 minutes and never use it again.



4. This is an amazing photo essay about the Spanish Architecture of Santa Barbara. I own several books like this and this is my favorite.Casa California: Spanish-Style Houses From Santa Barbara to San Clemente



5. Such a beautiful book, recommended by our architect and builder for obtaining ideas on building a real Spanish Colonial or Revival house. The landscape designs were fantastic as well. Another reader wanted to see "beach shacks" and was disappointed by this book. I lived in Santa Barbara for 6 years and I can tell you have never traveled there. No beach shacks in Santa Barbara. Try along the eastern seaboard coastline.

5 comments about The Filmmaker's Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide for the Digital Age.

1. The Filmmaker's Handbook is exquisitely detailed in it's delivery of filmmaking knowledge and know-how. It cover's everything from film to video and from the film industry to the television industry, delivering updated information that will prepare even the most amateur videographer for the professional industry. However, it would be a good idea to start with some basics before tackling this book because it IS quite detailed and technical in it's delivery. Overall though, it is an excellent resource! Bravo!!!



2. I bought this book few months back in order to study the film making process. The book has details for practically everything and best for beginners as well as professionals. however since the version dates 5 years old so I'd suggest anybody interested in learning the aspects to consider this book as a base and then also subscribe to a magazine as you'll have a know how of latest stuff happening in the movie making technology. something like movie maker magazine. anyway the book still deserve 5 stars for its content.



3. This is a required text book, and is used in many colleges. It is a great book and it is so good to read that studying is not a chore



4. great book if you plan on going into the film industry. i would recommend this book.



5. This is one of the best technical book about the craft of Film & Video I've ever read.
   Buy it!!
   
   If you are serious about filmmaking, this is a must read.

5 comments about The Compleat Squash: A Passionate Grower's Guide to Pumpkins, Squashes, and Gourds.

1. The Compleat Squash: A Passionate Grower's Guide to Pumpkins, Squashes, and Gourds What a great book. Good information about the squash family and recipes that are to die for. She will introduce you to a new world of a great vegetable. This book will become a family heirloom.



2. At this time, this is the most comprehensive volume on the Cucurbita genus. A good personal narrative, coupled with sublime photography. My only quibbles are that none of the images show cut open fruit, to give a view of the flesh and cavity. Secondly, that quite a number of internationally known cultivars are not mentioned. Nevertheless, an absolute "must have" for pumpkin and squash devotee.



3. This is a very visually attractive book, with superb photographs, but this is not just for the coffee table. For the devotee who grows pumpkins, all the information needed is there, down to conditions and seed sources for an amazing selection of varieties. For the cook, there are some unusual recipes, but also the eating quality of each type of pumpkin. Essential,this. Some are delicious, others vile. Lots of historical and other info & stories too. Pumpkins are my passion. I grew them, I eat them and now I paint them. It was great to get this book and know there are other squash nutters out there.



4. This book is beautiful to look at, has a great deal of interesting history, useful gardening information, and some good recipes. Also it is inspirational, makes you want to source the rarer seeds and get out there with the spade. I don't know how much of this information is readily available in America, but here in Britain, where growing squash still mostly means butternut or Jack o' Lantern, the book is a revelation.
   
   Highly recommended



5. Beautiful photos. Well-researched. Passionate, but balanced assessments. Writing comes from intimate and in-depth experience. I would have liked even more technical information on growing habits, morphology, and horticultural groups, but it is a wonderful book as it stands. Highly recommended

5 comments about Life: The Platinum Anniversary Collection: 70 Years of Extraordinary Photography.

1. I always like the Life Magazine photo books. Their ability to capture some significant milestones is amazing. This book is a great gift for the difficult to buy for!



2. My family and I have had such a great time looking through this book. It sparks conversation, laughs and "ahas". Great buy. Great coffee table book. It catches everyones eye.



3. I am very pleased with this purchase. The pictures bring back many memories from years past. I feel the men I plan to give them to this Christmas will find them very thought provoking and enjoyable.



4. This booked turned out to be a prized gift for a history buff friend of ours. Absolutely LOVED IT and wants to share it with his grandkids. Interesting reading, in a beautiful format.



5. I picked up this book and "The Great LIFE Photographers" off the shelf of an art bookstore last night. Great books, a lot of emotion, great photography. Although, I wouldn't recommend buying these two books together. A lot of the photos are repeated, so one should be enough.
   
   When I was going through this book, I was slightly annoyed by how "American" it is. I'm sure the Americans did a lot of great things. But about half a dozen of photos of baseball games/players?
   
   Between those two books, I recommend "The Great LIFE Photographers" as it is smaller, more compact, and puts less emphasis on the US.

5 comments about Rick Sammon's Complete Guide to Digital Photography 2.0: Taking, Making, Editing, Storing, Printing, and Sharing Better Digital Images Featuring Adobe Photoshop Elements.

1. I'm about halfway through the book and so far it is just as enlightening as his book on nature Photography!



2. I found this book to be fantastic and would give it more stars if I could. The interesting things about books is that they have different impacts on people, and I can't guarantee that this book will work for you. So, I want to explain what I like and why so you can make a good decision for your own needs. First, the production, layout, concept, and execution of the book are all outstanding. The book is printed on glossy paper (and takes a highlighter very well), and the font is thin but very attractive and readable. This book for me was a perfect textbook for composition, exposure, white balance, and other technical aspects on the shooting side.
   
   It is also as good a text on working in the digital darkroom using Photoshop Elements, which makes it a rare resource. It does not cover all the Elements tools and would not be the only Elements book in your library, but that is not his purpose. The Elements issues apply the most important tools and his advice on which to use under different circumstances.
   
   You could call it an applied shooting and Elements book. Rick Sammons provides a large set of photos, with before and after shots to illustrate his points, whether about shooting or the use of Elements in the digital darkroom. I found that I was aware of a lot of his tips and suggestions, which helped reinforce what I already know. And there were many new ideas and observations that will help me improve my photography on an end-to-end basis, from planning and equipment through printing.
   
   He has divided the book into several parts to cover his themes. There are 98 short lessons that are designed almost exclusively so that you can read without needing to refer to either your camera or Elements. Once you have absorbed the lessons, you can use the book as a reference while you shoot or work in your digital darkroom. In many cases, Rick combines several important points in a lesson focusing (no pun intended) on before and after shots. For the shooting aspects, he is brave and open enough to show some of his shots that are clunkers, or at least not his best work, explaining why they fall short of good photos. He will then show the same shot or scene using the correct techniques for the reader to compare.
   
   He always gives information about the shutter speed, focal length, ISO, and other information to help readers understand his point and how to improve their work. He also is genuine enough to point out that pros are not perfect. He also points out that he and virtually every pro he knows use autofocus for the most part and that they even use program modes under certain circumstances. He makes it plain when to use the auto features and when to move toward taking more control of the camera. I tend to write reviews of the books I really like, so my average ratings are high, but this book was fun to read (he has a good sense of humor but is more controlled than Scott Kelby). If you are looking for a comprehensive text for DSLRs and Photoshop Elements, this is fantastic. I hope it works as well for you as it has for me.



3. Rick Sammon's Complete Guide to Digital Photography
   
   
   reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher, Olathe, KS: (dreric1kansas@aol.com)
   
   Authors: Rick Sammon
   website: www.ricksammon.com
   Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; Pap/Cdr edition (October 2003)
   Released: 2006
   Pages: 512 pages
   $ 40 USA
   50 Canada
   
   ISBN-10: 0393325512
   ISBN-13: 978-0393325515
   Strengths: Very easy to read for all levels of photographers. Superb photography and examples to illustrate examples how brilliant photos were made along with comparison and contrasting view, ideas and perspectives which give the user much to think about in terms of photography in general. Utilizes Adobe Photoshop Elements but regular Adobe Photoshop can used as well.
   Weaknesses: None found.
   
   Novice/Intermediate/Advanced
   
   Rating: 5/5
   
   I found an article by this author in a photography magazine. I was intrigued by his clarity of thought and ideas. After contacting him, I found out about his website and this great book. Now in the second edition, I decided to review his ideas related to digital photography. As an educator and photographer, I always have more to learn and this book has everything I want.
   Ricj Sammons is an award winning photographer. I thought it most interesting to read how and when he started with his photography and developing his skills. This information in this insightful book, introduces basic technical picture. At the same time, the tutorials and information, convey information about the art of photography while communicating advanced digital techniques. If you think that this book is only for advanced photographers, you are wrong.
   This second edition includes all the image editing tips while using the features for the popular Adobe Photoshop Elements application. Of course, users can use regular Adobe Photoshop for the lessons but knowing all these lessons can be applied with the lesser but still very capable Elements, is really good to know for all users but especially those who can't afford the full version of Adobe Photoshop.
   File format discussions now has information about Camera RAW files which is most helpful because more and more photographic enthusiasts are trying to use and work with RAW format. These hands-on instructions and insights by the author are especially welcome to all who are working their way to creating better photos by using RAW.
   Each "lesson" has one to two pages. Within the 526 pages, there are 170 new color images that have been added from the previous 1000 color photographs. These spectacular photo are great stimuli for visualizing what the author is " talking about. " In addition the author brilliantly compares photos and succinctly adds wisdom with each sentence. He points out the many ways and manner with which the photos are better with a different view, angle, idea or adaptive use of the camera. With the easy reading style, the reader can identify how the author has made the photo better. Then the user can adapt and utilize their own photographic in a similar situation or endeavors.
   This is a great book for novice to advanced users. It is for anyone who wants to upgrade their photographic techniques, no matter what level you are presently involved. The price is right and the book is filled with ideas and helpful views. The author not only handles the tutorials in a easy to read fashion but allows the reader to focus on the reasons for making the photos better. The author allows you to "think" and "peer inside his mind." In this way, the user "sees" how the photos were originally taken but also how the next "version" improved the photo to a higher level. In the same way that the author has taken his photographs to different levels, he is also " communicating to you how to come along for the ride." That way when you are in a similar situation or environment, these new found methods can be practiced.
   The author has completed a masterful visual and composed text that is stunning in many ways. The photos and the book are not only a "journey for reading, " they are a feast for your eyes, learning and making better photos for now and in the future. What more could you want for improving your photographic skills? The title says that it is a " complete guide." I can't fault him for that part of the title. I am still reading the book to learn more myself to complete more of my photographic education.



4. Pretty good. He's a little egocentric, though, alot of the text is just him talking about how he took his photographs. However, there's alot of handy information to be gleaned from listening to an experienced photographer gloat. ~_^



5. This book was fantastic from Page 1!
   (... All the way to page 161.)
   
   Then I'm afraid the author spends about 200 pages on topics clearly outside his expertise. He seems a good and enthusiastic photographer and while most of the photography sections were review, I found them engaging and full of useful reminders.
   
   But I couldn't stomach his spouting on the digital side.
   
   He seems clearly out of his element. Most of the information was at least somewhat wrong, and some was laugh-out-loud silly. (For example recommending using PDFs to e-mail images to friends instead of the pervasive JPEG standard.) His advice on choosing Mac versus Windows was balanced (good), but missed the salient points like tolerance for errors, desire to be more "mainstream", and what your friends have. Virtually all the technical content is extremely pin-point dated, as well, which makes the book useless in this area about 12-months later.
   
   His product mentions are the other offensive point.
   
   He omitted any mention of alternatives! I can understand the strong (if unmerited) weight placed on Photoshop Elements--after all, it's in the book's title. But to only mention one specific name-brand plug-in filter or some specific memory-card rescue software without ANY mention of the dozens or so other options is unforgivable. It's either lazy or a sell-out to sponsored product placement. (I expected him to say things like, "Your camera uses a device called 'Sandisk Extreme II' to store its pictures...") I would not be surprised if Adobe Marketing had first crack at editing this 450-page advertisement.
   
   I don't review things often. And it's usually when I find something so disappointing that I must warn people against it.
   
   Bottom line: (a) I would find the book worth the read, for the first 160 pages or so, if you can borrow it from a friend or library. But skip from page 161 to about 350 where he gets back into some useful (albeit lightweight) photography tips.
   
   Better yet, (b) get a separate good book on photography (there are hundreds), and get some *other* dedicated book on just digital workflow or Photoshop, or whatever.

4 comments about America's National Parks: The Spectacular Forces That Shaped Our Treasured Lands.

1. You might expect a book on US National Parks to have an all-USA (including Alaska and Hawaii) orientation map along with local maps of each National Park--and it does. You would expect it to have beautiful pictures--and it does. You would expect it to discuss the flora and wildlife found in these parks--and it does. You might expect it to touch on the history of the locations going back to the days of the First Americans--and it does. You would probably expect to hear that Yellowstone National Park, founded in 1872, was the first US National Park, and that it contains most of the world's geysers--and the book certainly states this.
   
   Being a geologist, what I find relatively unique about this book is its emphasis throughout on basic geological processes. The cross-sections it gives of various geological processes and structures are quite educational, and they are very suitable for the geology classroom. (I wish that I had seen them when I first began to formally study geology!) The reader learns about the internal structure and dynamics of volcanoes, the types of folds and faults that form during mountain building, weathering and erosional structures such as hoodoos, and even such things as fumaroles and mudspots. There are also detailed visual aids on bays and reefs.



2. Fabulous book! The text is very interesting and educational, and it explains the scientific aspects of the National Parks and their land very well. The photos are gorgeous and made me want to visit every single park! :-) They really show some of the awesome beauty of God's handiwork. I highly recommend this book to all outdoor enthusiasts, lovers of nature and science and fellow armchair travelers. The book also contains helpful contact information for planning a visit to the parks. A great read and a great book to enjoy!



3. This book is a spectacular visual text to some of the American National Parks. The size of the photos, and their photographic quality, are just excellent. The photos are right up there with National Geographic-type quality. In addition, the accompaning text gives ecological insights to where and why this part of the United States was designated and saved as a National Park. The book gives short but insightful accompanying text for each of the Parks that are presented to the reader. The only problem is, unfortunately, the organization of the chapters, and a very skimpy table of contents, and the reader can get easily annoyed with these two problems. It is hard to understand why the publisher made such errors, as the problems are very obvious, and the whole book suffers as a result. It is a beautiful book covering many of the National Parks, with super photos and very good college level text, and if you can put up with the problems of a missing table of contents, this book is a great collection of art, ecology, and the National Parks of the USA. A 5-star for the photos and accompanying text, and a 3 for a useless table of contents. Sorry, but the publisher made major mistakes in putting this otherwise spectacular book together. But I will still give the book a 5-star anyway. The photos and text are just too good to give this book anything less than a 5-star.



4. Paul Schullery presents a book filled with powerful and beautiful images of fifty-six national parks that have been dedicated to the preservation and protection of irreplaceable treasures. This book shows why these parks are so worthy of protection.
   
   Not only are they places where indescribable beauty can be seen, they have also been formed by unique geological forces. From stunning mountain ranges to arid expanses of desert, these are the lands we view, wander in and learn from.
   
   America's National Parks is a celebration of the diversity of national parks throughout the United States. They are grouped according to the geological forces that helped to create them.
   
   Diagrammatic illustrations, important landmarks, travel routes, topographical maps and spectacular full-color photographs illustrate the sheer majestic beauty of nature.
   
   You will also find captivating information to encourage an awareness of the landforms, flora and fauna. Families will also find information to help enhance their vacations at the parks.
   
   Inside the front cover a map of America shows the location of each park I started to remember my trip to the Grand Canyon National Park and my husband's visit to Denali.
   
   Our Treasured Lands
   The Rolling Land - Volcanic and Geothermal Forces
   The Broken Crust - The Power of Mountain Building
   Water Designing Lands - Waves, Caves and Currents
   Ice Sculpting Stone - The Carving Power of Glaciers
   The Patient Power - Wind and Water Erosion
   Weather Shaping Life - Effects of Extreme Climates
   
   This book contains some of the most amazing photographs I've ever seen of America. From pictures of dripstone formations adorning New Mexico's Carlsbad Cavern in New Mexico to Lush Ecosystems shrouded in Fog in the National Park in Washington, these pictures help to vividly describe each park. I remember once having an argument with someone over the fact that there were rainforests near where I lived in Washington and no one would believe me. Well, here is proof!
   
   I was also especially interested in looking up the Painted Desert we visited once on a trip across America after college. At the time, I didn't actually realize I was in the Petrified Forest national Park in Arizona because technically, we were just driving right through and I wasn't paying attention.
   
   This book has helped to bring a new awareness to my own life and also encourages a desire for more exploration. Now I definitely want to see Mount McKinley in person.
   
   Voyageurs National Park looks like a fascinating place to paddle around lonely islands. However, they do say never to skimp on insect repellent. A third of the park is water.
   
   A memento of past visits or an inspiration for future exploration!
   
   ~The Rebecca Review