Crossing the Wire

Book Description

When falling crop prices threaten his family with starvation, fifteen-year-old Victor Flores heads north in an attempt to "cross the wire" from Mexico into the United States so he can find work and send money home. But with no coyote money to pay the smugglers who sneak illegal workers across the border, Victor must struggle to survive as he jumps trains, stows away on trucks, and hikes grueling miles through the Arizona desert.

Victor's journey is fraught with danger, freezing cold, scorching heat, hunger, and dead ends. It's a gauntlet run by millions attempting to cross the border. Through Victor's often desperate struggle, Will Hobbs brings to life one of the great human dramas of our time.

Customer Reviews:

Good book for adults to read as well as teens.......2007-09-25

This was a great story and one adults should read also. Comparing it with adult books I normally read, I would give it 4 1/2 stars.

A very realistic book (coming from me).......2006-09-27

I have family members that have expierienced this adventure of "crossing the wire". It is not only hard but its also sad, sad because not only are you suffering but you see other people suffer and that ther can get really tough. This book goes in detaial what one person, Victore Flores had to do to cross. Now if whatever happend to him in the story affects you in any way, just think about all the people that are crossing just to see how it is like here, or even to get money for their family. I think they deserve a little simpathy. Overall this book is a great book to read, you'll get addicted i guarantee it.

Loved it.......2006-06-01

As an author, I was freaking out about how timely this book was, given all the talk of illegal immigration, etc. Then I read it, and was even more impressed. This is a terrific book, far more interesting than a lot of news stories I've read on the topic, from a master of the genre. I fear it won't get the attention it deserves, solely because it's a YA book.

A Good Read And You Might Learn Something.......2006-05-17

Once again Will Hobbs has put together a boy's story that leads the reader not only on an adventure but also gives insight into ways of life in which most of us are unfimiliar. Overwhelmed in the knowledge that his mother and little brother will soon end up living on the streets the young lad of Crossing Jordan decides that he must sneak across the American border where there is hope he can make enough money to send home. The adventure is the telling of all the efforts, and failures, the boy must go through to accomplish such a feat.

Mr Hobbs presents a compelling drama that will help young readers understand why so many young Mexican men and boys are willing the risk everything for a better life. Without being preachy he helps the reader understand how some American policies actually force many Mexican farmers into poverty. He presents the risks these people must take. He exposes the corruption of those who offer these poor people a way across the border. Then, when one might expect American border guards to be presented as evil, Mr Hobbs gives us characters who are understanding, yet do a job that they are hired to perform.

Please read this book. Or if you have teenage children, or younger even, have them read it. Not for the sake of taking sides on the immigration issue. But to understand it. To see that there are two sides that need to be seen. CROSSING THE WIRE is one of those books that you read, put it away and figure you'll probably not open it again. BUT, after time it begins to grow on you. You want to read it again.

Average customer rating:

Warm and different
Cellist's encyclopedia
Cello players and classical music enthusiasts will relish this affectionate survey.

The Adventures of a Cello
Carlos Prieto
Manufacturer: University of Texas Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

History & Criticism | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Mexico | Americas | History | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0292713223

Book Description

"Music as a great adventure of mind and body: this is what Carlos Prieto gives us in this spirited book."

—Carlos Fuentes

"Like Rostropovich, Carlos Prieto is a true champion of the cello. A creative artist, scholar, and storyteller, Carlos has been a prolific contributor to the flow of music throughout the western hemisphere, premiering compositions of some of the greatest contemporary composers and helping to nurture and develop an entire generation of Latin America's most talented musicians. I am privileged to know him as a colleague and honored to call him my friend."

—Yo-Yo Ma

In 1720, Antonio Stradivari crafted an exquisite work of art—a cello known as the Piatti. Over the next three centuries of its life, the Piatti cello left its birthplace of Cremona, Italy, and resided in Spain, Ireland, England, Italy, Germany, and the United States. The Piatti filled sacred spaces, such as the Santa Cueva de Cádiz, with its incomparable voice. It also spent time in more profane places, including New York City bars, where it served as a guarantee for unpaid liquor tabs. The Piatti narrowly escaped Nazi Germany in 1935 and was once even left lying in the street all night. In 1978, the Piatti became the musical soul mate of world-renowned cellist Carlos Prieto, with whom it has given concerts around the world.

In this delightful book, Mr. Prieto recounts the adventurous life of his beloved "Cello Prieto," tracing its history through each of its previous owners from Stradivari in 1720 to himself. He then describes his noteworthy experiences of playing the Piatti cello, with which he has premiered some eighty compositions. In this part of their mutual story, Prieto gives a concise summary of his own remarkable career and his relationships with many illustrious personalities, including Igor Stravinsky, Dmitry Shostakovich, Pablo Casals, Mstislav Rostropovich, Yo-Yo Ma, and Gabriel García Márquez.

To make the story of his cello complete, Mr. Prieto also provides a brief history of violin making and a succinct review of cello music from Stradivari to the present. He highlights the work of composers from Latin America, Spain, and Portugal, for whose music he has long been an advocate and principal performer. Thus, The Adventures of a Cello offers not only the first biography of a musical instrument but also an inviting overview of cello music and its preeminent composers and performers.

Customer Reviews:

Warm and different.......2007-09-19

I loved this book and you don't have to be a cello enthusiast to enjoy reading it. Some parts are a bit slow but the good stuff makes up for it. Prieto has a personable writing style and obvious emotional attachment to his cello that is infectious. He structures the story well - his path to cello stardom is unusual and offers life lessons to people of all ages. He draws the reader in early with the tension behind "How did HE end up with a Strad cello???" The book is kind of a smorgasbord of music trivia/ commentary, including and engaging (if informal) overview of the great composers from the past to the present (much better than the historical overview in The Cambridge Companion to the Cello). Lastly, he is also of an age where his own life story is begins to offer a window into an era gone by. Sr. Prieto will be on your "dream dinner party" list after you read this. Buy the book and pass it on...!

Cellist's encyclopedia.......2007-04-20

Prieto's fascinating account of his famous cello's life is just the base upon which he gives a wealth of information about cellos, cellists, the cello literature, performances, and the world of the classical musician. Cellists and anyone appreciating cello music will find many portions they can use or be amused by.

Cello players and classical music enthusiasts will relish this affectionate survey........2006-11-05

In 1720 the elderly violin maker Stradivari made a masterpiece: it was known as the 'Red Stradivari', but it wasn't a violin - it was a cello. Under its new name, the Piatti, it left Italy on a tour, to eventually become the author's key to success. Here is the history of Piatti, from its creation through its different owners. Cello players and classical music enthusiasts will relish this affectionate survey.

Average customer rating:

Another Good Yarn from Nunn
Tijuana Straits
It's books like this....
He'sDoneItAgain
surfing as metaphor

Tijuana Straits: A Novel
Kem Nunn
Manufacturer: Scribner
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Action & Adventure | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Suspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Mystery & Thriller Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0743279824

Book Description

From National Book Award-nominated Kem Nunn comes an exquisitely written tale of loss and redemption along California's untamed borderland, confirming his reputation as a master of suspense and a novelist of the first rank.

When Fahey, once a great surfer, now a reclusive ex-con, meets Magdalena, she is running from a pack of wild dogs along the ragged wasteland where California and Mexico meet the Pacific Ocean -- a spot once known to the men who rode its giant waves as the Tijuana Straits. Magdalena has barely survived an attack on her life and Fahey, against his every instinct, takes her in.

An environmental activist, Magdalena is engaged in the struggle for the rights of the thousands of peasants streaming from Mexico's impoverished heartland to work in the maquilladoras -- the foreign-owned factories that line her country's border, polluting its air and fouling its rivers. She is passionate about her work, and perhaps has taken too many risks with her own safety.

As Magdalena attempts to reconstruct the events that delivered her, battered and confused, into Fahey's strange yet oddly seductive world, she examines every lead, never guessing the truth about the man who has marked her for death. Armando Santoya, beset by personal tragedy, an aberration born of the very conditions Magdalena has dedicated her life to fight against, is leading a trio of killers on a drug-fueled mission to end her life -- and that of Fahey, her new protector, confidant, and friend -- in a final duel on the beaches of the Tijuana Straits.

Customer Reviews:

Another Good Yarn from Nunn.......2007-03-14

I enjoyed Dogs of Winter and sent out for another one. Tijuana Straits did not let me down. Recommended book for those road trips.

Tijuana Straits.......2007-01-04

Not as good as tapping the source but another great surfing novel from Kem Nunn.

It's books like this...........2006-05-15

It's books like this that make you wish you never learned to read. The lack of an exciting plot was matched by the pathetic character development.

He'sDoneItAgain.......2006-04-15

Yep, Kem Nunn has produced yet another winner. I've just finished this one, and I loved it again. He is a writer who can give his characters depth, and give his story-line meaning. A thoroughly good read once again. I'll be hunting the pages of Amazon.com for his next title.

surfing as metaphor.......2006-01-06

Surfers and their natural act are misunderstood. I know, I've been one most of my life. Kem Nunn understands this and effectively weaves the mystery and allure of riding waves into his fine novels.
At a time when most people have moved on to other things, surfers search for the next swell(sometimes at great personal sacrifice: e.g. character, Fahey). Redemption is found when someone (Magdalena, in this case) or something is encountered that is worth fighting for. Surfing becomes the perfect metaphor for life: years of struggling and searching infrequently rewarded by slipping moments of bliss.

Average customer rating:

Nice read
Amazing
Absolutely one of the greatest books!
Overly boring
A good read, not Morrell's best work.

Assumed Identity
David R. Morrell
Manufacturer: Grand Central Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Spy Stories & Tales of Intrigue | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Mystery & Thriller Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0446516694

Book Description

Filled with nonstop suspense and stunning psychological insight, this is the story of Brendon Buchanan, undercover intelligence operative and master of over two hundred false identities: a man forced to assume the most elusive and treacherous identity of all--his own. Tracking the most devastating conspiracy he has ever encountered, trapped by his love of two enigmatic, beautiful women, he will race through a sinister labyrinth of intrigue to a shattering rendezvous with fate . . . in a novel that not only offers a brilliant, action-packed plot and fascinating characters, but asks daring, provocative questions about our own identities as well.

Download Description

Customer Reviews:

Nice read.......2005-11-02

This book above all books delivers. The best description of this profound novel is how fast-paced it is. Excellent story-telling from beginning to end. This ranks in the tops. I have never read a novel that has been this continually climatic. Read it and see for yourself.

Amazing.......2005-08-26

OK, people- here I go again about Morrell.

There is just no such thing as a "not so good" Morrell book. Some are better than others, that is the case with all authors. But they all deserve 5 stars. if you look at some of the other books I read, I read various types of books. I also like to read books from the same author, one right after the other. All of Morrells books get 5 stars. i wouldn't do that with Laura Lippman, Sidney Sheldon, Dean koontz or Marian Keyes.

Also, recently I emailed DM and you know what? He EMAILED me back- how cool is that? I can't wait for his next book to come out...counting the days.

Absolutely one of the greatest books!.......2005-08-10

Assumed Identity is the best book I've ever read. Unbelievable action, exotic locations, great diverse characters, and an ingenious plot. David Morrell is sheer entertainment for any reader. His fantastic storytelling plays out like your watching an action movie. There's a fearsome villain that makes for a great showdown at the end of the book. A pure page-turner and a top-notch novel from Morrell.

Overly boring.......2005-07-22

First the book'll hook you up thinking that you'll read about some ruins in Yucatan. Then the main story changes to show us that the best US's spy just made mistake by mistake and they let him being a spy even if everybody knows all of his names. The book is too repetitive about how Buchanan changes his name and someone finds out his new name, made one mistake and one error until he blundered almost everything, but he is the only one to save his own situation. Meanwhile the book leaves you to nothing really interesting. Sincerely is a waste of time and trees.

A good read, not Morrell's best work........2005-03-11

No one writes better than Morrell when it comes to the "fugitive" novel - one man hunted by many in a cross-country chase.

In this case, a military intelligence deep cover operative has been accidentally exposed and an operation goes sour. Soon, the operative is being blackmailed and chased by an attractive reporter and the unwanted attention causes the operative's handlers to "terminate" a number of people and the operative comes to believe that his own life is in danger as well. Throw in a damsel in distress (actually two) and a James Bond-esque villain and the chase is on!

Unfortunately, a great story is slightly marred by the protagonist's constant internal psychobabble about who he really is (he confuses himself with the various personas he's become over the years). An even bigger problem is the ultra-rich villain. He's a parody of the James Bond super villain. The climax of the book is hokey and almost laughable. Too bad that a 400+ page book is marred by 10 pages at the end. A worthwhile read but be prepared.

Off We Go to Mexico: An Adventure in the Sun (Travel the World) (Travel the World)

Average customer rating:

Off We Go to Mexico: An Adventure in the Sun (Travel the World) (Travel the World)
Laurie Krebs
Manufacturer: Barefoot Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Travel | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1905236409

Product Description

In this latest addition to the series, readers explore the richness of Mexican culture, visiting el mercado, and dancing to la música of the mariachis. This book also teaches over 40 simple Spanish words and phrases.

Average customer rating:

Happy kayaker
Same as 1987 Edition
Fun in the Baja sun!!
Don't go without it
Most useful guide to Baja of all.

The Baja Adventure Book
Walt Peterson
Manufacturer: Wilderness Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Mexico | Americas | History | Subjects | Books

North America | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books

Look Inside History Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Sports Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Travel Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0899972314

Book Description

A where-to, how-to guide to one of the most interesting places on earth, describing the full spectrum of adventure available in Baja California, Mexico. Scuba diving, hiking, backpacking, fishing, boating, bicycling, and windsurfing are just some of the exciting activities covered.

Customer Reviews:

Happy kayaker.......2007-01-04

Great book. Really gives a sense of the Baja experience and makes it easy to plan a vacation. Although some info goes out of date much, such as what type of fish to expect off of which island, stays spot on.

Same as 1987 Edition.......2005-04-02

The new edition of this book is basically the same as
the 1987 Edition. The pictures are outdated, even in
the original version. I was truly disappointed that
the author didn't bother to update his photo gallery,
and it's easy to see the boats and dive equipment in
the photos are ancient. The Appendix A and some of
the city and regional maps are the only updates noted.

Fun in the Baja sun!!.......2001-04-25

I recently traveled to baja for my first time last november,2000. I used this book and it was helpful. I hitch hiked for three weeks in baja sur, traveling most of the unbeaten paths. This book was helpful to get me to those places people seldom travel to. I was surprised by the fact that alot of things in the book, like the adventures mentioned, costed much more then expected. So be careful when traveling on a tight budget, the book makes these adventures seem cheap, this book should have some price guidelines for the places that allow tours and rental equipment. also call ahead if you plan to try any new adventures, like diving, or sea kayaking, some of these adventures require certifaction. so call ahead!! happy travels

Don't go without it.......2000-10-25

My wife and I traveled the peninsula for two months in a VW Bus with this as our sole reference book. This literally guided us to the best travel adventures ever. Walt didn't miss a thing from road signs, to camping spots, to customs, and to inside local knowledge. Don't miss the "way-off-the-beaten-path" trip to Gardener Cave. Buy it early, and read the whole thing just to get fired up for your trip.

Most useful guide to Baja of all........1999-05-06

There is no point in going to Baja without this book, if you want to explore beyond the walls of the resorts. You will have maps and mile-post by mile-post (actually, km-post) descriptions of every cranny of the peninsula and what you can do there -- scuba, petroglyphs, whatever. You'll think of the author Walt Petersen as another and very valuable traveling companion. No other guide compares in depth and ease of use.

Average customer rating:

Good overview
The Best of Mexico's Copper Canyon
This books captures the people of the Copper Canyon.

Copper Canyon
Richard D. Fisher
Manufacturer: Sunracer Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Photo Essays | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Travel Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0961917067

Book Description

The #1 selling full color guidebook for those wishing to experience the heart and soul of the Copper Canyon and the Sierra Tarahumara. This is the first guidebook to deal exclusively with Copper Canyon, featuring all new photographs of the famous railroad trip through the Sierra Madre. Traditional Tarahumara festivals documented here have never been seen in any previous publication. The outstanding features of this guidebook include the unique and extensive coverage given to the Copper Canyon train trip, the Tarahumara championship runners, plus new materials on the Mystical Barrancas.

Customer Reviews:

Good overview.......2007-01-04

This is the only book I could find on the canyon. It gives you a good overview of what to expect before you leave home and is a handy reference for when you get back. There are some photos - many of places you will not see unless you have your own independent mode of transportation.

The Best of Mexico's Copper Canyon.......2001-07-20

Fabulous book--great color pictures! A must for every travel library. I am ordering a second book, so I can lend it out to friends!

This books captures the people of the Copper Canyon........1999-02-22

Whether you plan to take a trip to Mexico's Copper Canyon or not, this book is a wonderful journey into that region. It provides both a fascinating look at the Tarahumara Indians as well as travel tips for the adventurous traveler.

Padre Luis Verplancken, S.J., the co-author of the books, has lived in the Copper Canyon region for more than 20 years. He provides an intimate portrait of the Tarahumara, both in words and pictures. Through Padre Verplancken, we learn about the Tarahumara people, religion, and social structures.

Mr. Fisher has compiled additional information on some of the other interesting places in the region. No trip to the Copper Canyon is complete, for example, without a visit to Batopilas. Or take a trip on the the Chihuahua El Pacifico railroad.

Book Description

The mystery of Glen and Bessie Hyde is whitewater navigation's equivalent to Mallory and Irvine's disappearance on Everest in 1924. Just four years later in October 1928, the Hydes, a bright, attractive, and talented young couple built their own wooden sweep scow and launched on a honeymoon voyage down the Green and Colorado Rivers through Grand Canyon. Bessie was the first woman to ever attempt the river. Halfway through Grand Canyon they talked to the press, then disappeared into the gloomy November depths of the gorge. They were never seen again. Despite an extensive series of searches, no trace was found except, eerily, their boat: upright, intact, fully loaded, and snagged in calm water. Glen and Bessie had vanished without a trace. For the next seven decades their tale evolved from simple facts to convoluted folklore and myth. A woman appeared on a river trip in 1971 claiming to be Bessie, having murdered Glen and hiked out. In 1976 a skeleton was found at Grand Canyon with a bullet through the skull. Size, age and circumstance suggested it was the body of Glen Hyde. In 1985 a woman surfaced with a tale of her father, Glenn Hyde, who had disappeared in 1928, but reappeared seven years later with tales of having rafted rivers. He said he had attempted the Colorado through Grand Canyon but "it didn't work out." And he carried a scar on his back from a knife wound, delivered by a woman named Bessie. And in 1992, when Georgie Clark, the most famous of all river runners, died, her past was discovered to be pure fiction. She had been born Bessie, and her lingerie drawer held a marriage record for Glen and Bessie Hyde. And a pistol. Author and boatman Brad Dimock tackled this story with an obsession, tracking each clue, lead, and rumor, even going to the extreme of building a replica of the Hydes' archaic sweep scow for a harrowing journey through Grand Canyon with his own bride. The resulting book, a masterful interweaving of past and present, of pathos and humor, is a classic in outdoor adventure, mystery writing, literary nonfiction, and investigative journalism. With 304 profusely illustrated pages, this beautiful book is not only a joy to look at, but a true page turner.

Customer Reviews:

Glen&Bessie Hyde .......2007-08-05

Just returned from 7 day trip down the Colorado River/Glen Canyon. One of the favorite stories was of these "honeynooners". the book is a wonderful adventure and worth a read, particularly if you have the joy of rafting that water. Enjoy!

Canyon Mystery.......2006-06-21

The story of Glen and Bessie Hyde is the greatest Grand Canyon mystery. They are the honeymoon couple that disappeared without a trace in 1928. Many myths and legends have evolved in the intervening years (including a segement of "Unsolved Mysteries"). Brad Dimmock is a Colorado River guide (and a very good writer) who duplicated the couples ill fated journey down the Colorado. He has interwoven the historical material with his own modern attempt using a sweepboat similiar to the one the Hyde's used. I read this while visiting the canyon again. It was great sitting on the patio at the Lodge on the North Rim reading this fascinating account. If you love a great mystery or you love Canyon lore, you'll love this book.

Just Get Past The Ugly Cover.......2004-07-11

I think, at first, the cover scared me away, but once I started reading I was involved. I must applaud Brad Dimock's writing skill. He has written a book with the timbre and cadence of a Jon Krakauer about an episode of which we know very little. While Glen Hyde's life was well documented by his family, very little is known about Bessie Hyde or how the Hyde's marriage was holding up under the pressure of their Colorado River float. Despite this dearth of information, Dimock has succeeded in bringing Glen and Bessie to life. We care about these two people, who disappeared over 75 years ago, and we follow the scanty thread of facts that Dimock has been able to gather, hanging on to each clue in the hope of learning their fate even though we know from the beginning that the Hyde's were never found.

Sunk Without a Sound can stand side-by-side with the best of Jon Krakauer and David Roberts.

Fantastic Mystery!.......2003-11-27

This book is one of those can't put it down books. It is well written and keeps you on the edge of your seat. You end up with all kinds of ideas on what happened to Glen and Bessie. It is full of actual photos from Glen and Bessie on this trip. If you like true life mysteries, get this book.

Fascinating adventure story.......2003-01-09

You know from the beginning that they don't make it. The book explores the mystery of who Glen and Bessie were and what happened to them on their honeymoon adventure through the Grand Canyon. HIGHLY recommended.

The Dive Sites of Cozumel, Cancun and the Mayan Riviera : Comprehensive Coverage of Diving and Snorkeling

Average customer rating:

Just what I was looking for.
good coffee table book on dive sites of the Yucatan
A Good Book Overall But Lacking For A True Adventurer
General travel guide and dive guide together

The Dive Sites of Cozumel, Cancun and the Mayan Riviera : Comprehensive Coverage of Diving and Snorkeling
Lawson Wood
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Mayan | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

General | Caribbean | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Australia & South Pacific | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books

Look Inside History Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Outdoors & Nature Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Sports Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Travel Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0844248584

Book Description

Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula and Cozumel offer some of the Caribbean's most exciting diving experiences including the new frontier of the sport: cenote (sinkhole) diving. Explore this vast world of underwater caves and passages--more than 100 miles of them--and learn about Chichorro Banks, an unspoiled area, charted for the first time in this guide.

Customer Reviews:

Just what I was looking for........2005-10-22

This is the 3rd dive travel book I have purchased writen by Lawson Wood. He covers all the information you will need to plan a dive trip to Cozumel, Cancun and the Mayan Riviera. Besides the 160 dive and snorkel sites there is a brief history of the area and lots of travel tips. If you are a diver you will like the dive site discriptions and underwater photography. This is one of the best books of its kind on diving in the Mayan Riviera area.

good coffee table book on dive sites of the Yucatan.......2003-01-03

This book is very nicely arranged and designed. The writing is clear and concise and well thought out. The sections on the marine environments and diver safety were great. Not so great were directions getting to some of the dive locations. The author may have visited most of the dive sites on a dive boat and never attempted to reach the locations by car. We are snokelers and tried unsuccessfully to reach some of described locations on the Mexican Riviera. The map of the Mexican Riviera was not good. The scale was off by an order of magnitude. A few of the roads listed in the book on the map were not actually there. Some of the actual roads were not on the map. Most roads going from Highway 307 toward the shore are hotel private property. We repeatedly got turned around by uniformed personnel at hotel gates and had to give up reaching dive sites. It might be useful in future editions to tell how to get to a location by car. Giving GPS coordinates would be good too. This is a good book for planning a diving trip to the Yucatan area. But not so great once you get there.

A Good Book Overall But Lacking For A True Adventurer.......2001-02-01

This is a good book for someone visiting the Quintanna Roo Coast and Cozumel who is going to use commercial dive operators for most of their diving. For the true adventurer however it is not really adequate. Why? Well say you need to find a reef on your ocean kayak and you are without a dive guide. This book will not really help you find that reef because it does not go into exact reef location detail, it just says like 100 yards off beach X. Well those beaches in Cozumel are long white strips of sand and are prettty much indistinguishable from one another. Also, no information on where to camp on Cozumel and on the Quintanna Roo Coast. It does however have good reef descriptions, general travel info and helpfull advice for tourists.

General travel guide and dive guide together.......2000-01-30

The dive sites of COZUMEL AND THE YUCATAN, the comprehensive coverage of diving and snorkeling by Lawson Wood is a decent generalist travel guide covering the history, climate, maps, travel tips, basics of diving and snorkeling, brief rating of selected dive sites, nice photos and descriptions of underwater marine environment and animals, ..etc...Four regions are covered: Cancun, Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy, Cozumel, the Caribbean coast (Cenote dive sites described)in 176 pages. There is some basic travel info(places to eat, stay, and play) however, no reviews are provided to base a decision...lots of phone numbers though.

The book rates dive sites by the following factors: Location, Access, Dive Conditions, Min. Depth, Max. Depth, Average Visibility, Basic description of what you may see at the dive site. There are 55 dive sites rated for Cozumel, 14 for Cancun, 12 for Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres, and 72 along the Caribbean Coast. Each review is about 120 - 150 words.

Page 3 of this book acknowledges all the organizations used for the info in this book and the photograph equipment used for the underwater pictures...a good source of contacts.

Book Description

Camazotz and his band of vampires have left Paris, but they're one step ahead of Jack and his friends. The vampire god has managed to secure nearly all the pieces of a powerful amulet that will give him power beyond imagining. There's only one piece missing, and it's in Mexico - the seat of Camazotz's power.Now Jack, Ben, and Emily must follow the vampire god to the Yucatan peninsula. Their only hope is to find the missing piece before he does. But the jungle is a dangerous place. And fighting Camazotz on his home turf will prove to be their greatest challenge yet....

Customer Reviews:

Good Job Rooke!.......2006-05-16

This book is everything I hoped it would be. It is exciting, suspencful, and has a good ending, though rather predictable, and very short. Several new characters were introduced in the final installment of the Vampire Plagues, and the old ones stayed as good as they were before. This book is absolutely delightful, though a little on the babyish side, because it is not terribly sophisticated and like I said before, very predictable.

Vampire plagues.......2006-04-26

Probobly one of the best books I've ever read in my life!!!!!!!Even though it sounds childish a very great prediction of the downfall of the Mayan civilization!!!

Mexico, 1850 (The Vampire Plagues III).......2006-02-28

story line was ok, but all in all it was pretty good

LOVE THE SERIES.......2006-01-16

The third of the VAMPIRE PLAGUES triology... It is so adventurous and, I have to admit, suspenseful, with the background located back at the Mayan home, in Mexico. I love how the author relates the experiences to the ancient Mayan ways. I think this is so interesting, also the fact that (although I may sound childish) this theory of his is indeed a possibility of the fall of the Mayan civilization. Well, for all that agree with me, you'll find this book quite intriguing!!!

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books