I spent much of this summer in the city of Cuzco, Peru, which is the capital of the depart. that is discussed at length. The book can be dense at times, but the rituals discussed are fascinating. I had the privilege to be tought by Zoila's husband during my trip and she would come to class and discuss the dances that we were going to see at the various festivals we visited. Highly recommended.

I bought this book before going to Peru for a visit. I worried it would be a dull academic treatise but instead found it to be profound but fun and lively. The author clearly knows the subject well and transmits her enthusiasm and knowledge. I particularly enjoyed the sections on gender. If you are intrigued by religion in Latin American, or like world music and dance, you'll enjoy this book. The cd is a treat.

Writer/Director Kevin Smith shows he really understands the major and even minor players in the DCU. He gets the characterisation right for every character he writes in this incredible 10-issue epic. Before reading the book I was hoping that Smith would stay away from the supernatural when reserecting Green Arrow, but I take it back now that I have actually read the book. He presents a very interesting way of bringing Oliver Queen back from the dead. He throws twists in there to throw you off track and then just when you think you know what is going on, he changes the story's direction. There are some really funny moments in the book, particularly when Batman, The Demon and the JLA appear. He pays hommage to many characters and creators from the past including Alan Moore's legendary Swamp Thing run.
Without giving anything away, I was impressed with Smith's and the DC editorial board's decision not to make Green Arrow a nicer, more innocent character, thereby ignoring Mike Grell's contributions. It seemed for a moment that they were heading in that direction but by the end it became obvious that they weren't which is good.
I was a little bit disappointed with the ending which I thought was too convenient and bland, but overall, its an excellent start to what will hopefully be an excellent ongoing series.

I am a young comic fan who diddn't know a thing about The Green Arrow. My Pop was a major comic fan who stopped years ago. When I started and he found our that Oliver Queen (a.k.a. The Green Arrow, for those who don't know)had been resurected, He quickly started reading the Green Arrow once again. That trade paper back was lying around the house on a day I had nothin else to do and I decided to read it. Little did I know that was what I was doing the rest of the day. I couldn't keep myself from reading it. I quickly became a Green Arrow fan and read his monthly title every time it comes out. Kevin Smith has never ceased to Amaze me with his comic book writing talent. This is probably one of the best Stories I have ever read. I have now read the book 4 times going on 5. This is a must have, even if you HATE comic books. And for those Novel readers that read those big fat books like stuff from Stephen King or those best sellers, You would love this. The best comic ever.

First up let say I've been a Marvel Universe guy most of my disturbingly long comic book life. I've dropped into the DCU enough to keep tabs on the major characters and the big events (Zero Hour, Death (ha) of Superman) but I've never been a strict follower of DC contiuity. Certainly I knew only the basics about the Green Arrow - he was Robin Hood, he hung out with Hal Jordan's Green Lantern. Oh, and apparaently he died.

But on the strength of Kevin Smith's name I gave this a go. And man was it worth it. In the intro Smith mentions he copped some flak about using too much DC continuity, making it too hard for the casual reader. Well, I am that casual reader and I had no problem with the story at all. Sure things were referred to, and I probably didn't get every single reference but it certainly didn't detract from the enjoyment. This is a great story, well told.

Oliver Queen is a great character, no-nonsense, cynical and fun, and the cameos from the other DC big hitters who thought he was dead are great. Yes, it's wordy but the words are great. The humour is strong and the drama is emotional. It's more adult than a lot of super hero comics and darker in it's themes. Probably not for younger readers.

Not every issue has action but I hardly cared, so strong was the story. I wasn't entirely sure about the artwork by Ande Parks and Phil Hester at first (I like a more realistic style of penciling generally) but I ended up loving it. Minor cavil: How about publishing the covers as full pages instead of four to a page in a cover gallery? Especially covers this good.

The best compliment I can give this collection is that I'm not only going right out to chase more of this new Green Arrow, but I'm also hunting down the classic Arrow of the past as well. If are an Arrow-head past or present, or just like terrifically entertaining super hero tales well told then don't miss this.

IMHO, this book bests Stretching, 20th edition, by Anderson. for the info it provides regarding the circumstances of stretching, info which doesn't appear in Stretching. Also, unlike Anderson's book, the authors aren't trying to sell you equipment. The bibliography and index indicate that this book is a professional work. GUYS, do not be put off by the fact that all of the drawings are of a woman. It is worth the price.

This book is really good for someone who is new to putting stretching into thier routine. The book is about 200 pages. The first 30 pages talks all about stretching, the benefits, the different kinds of stretching etc. This part of the book is excellent and I would buy it just for that because it had a lot of good information. (I exercise a lot but didn't know too much about stretching). I like the way this section is written, its talks scientifically but explains everything in layman's terms so the average person can understand. The next 45 pages are the actual stretches. I think they're okay. I would have been happier if they showed more variations. They seemed kind of simplistic. However, the benefit of this is they all looked very safe, which is important. Minimum stress on the knees for example. Good for people starting out or are injured or older. I was looking for something a little more challenging and more variety. Anyway, a very few of the stretches didn't have illustrations which I thought was strange- did they forget? Overall, there are stretches for every part of the body. The last 100 pages is devoted to specialty stretches, different stretch routines for ALL different kinds of sports, as detailed as windsurfing, stretches using special equipment like a pole or ball, recommended stretches for morning and evening and that kind of thing.

Not only is this book a great reference (they show you how to do over 100 stretches, then group them by sport for easy reference) it is also entertaining and easy to read. I recommend it highly, even for someone who knows how to stretch. With so many stretches shown, I'm sure there's something new in there for everyone.

I was very dissapointed by this book. When I bought it I was expecting the book to teach me how to implement shamanic teachings, how to heal, how to dream, how to direct our dreams, how we can change our dream, but instead I read pages and pages of discriptive text. Talks only about Mr. Perkin's travels. It doesn't even give in-depth examples of how people were healed.

John Perkins' book, THE WORLD IS AS YOU DREAM IT is one of those rare books that tells a riveting story at the same time as it provides deep insights into what makes us who we are and the world what it is. I was so riveted to this book that I couldn't put it down for a second until I finished reading it.

The big idea in THE WORLD IS AS YOU DREAM IT is outlined by shamans in Ecuador who describe to Perkins the difference between living one's fantasies and living one's dream -- and how this difference has enormous personal and global repercussions. Healing involves changing one's dream; replacing a dream of illness with one of health. As one shaman tells Perkins, "I don't heal. I simply help them change their dream."

Perkins has been bringing people to learn from native shamans for many years -- living true to a desire he had since childhood to see indigenous peoples teach westerners their ways, and in so doing, change the course of history. Shamans have a strong need to change things, and Perkins does a fabulous job of describing some of his experiences visiting native shamans in Ecuador who demonstrate their healing and psychonavigation skills. A doctor who was part of Perkins' group was certain she died after ingesting ayahuasca (also known as "vine of the soul", or "vine of death") -- and she was also certain that a Shuar shaman brought her back to a healthy body by sucking the toxins from her and vomiting them nearby.

What impresses me most about THE WORLD IS AS YOU DREAM IT is the way Perkins illuminates the big picture of what humans are doing on Earth at the same time as he shares moving personal accounts of people who come to the Amazon and Andes to receive healings and gain vision in their lives. We are all interconnected, and dreaming this dream together... and we change this world by changing our perceptions. Dream change is an essential skill that everyone concerned with the future of humans on Earth has a vested interest in, and that we all can learn.

If you are ready to journey to a place where "what we dream, happens", this is the book for you!

I dreamed a new world as a result of this book by John Perkins, as well as "Shapeshifting" by him. I have become a new person -- happier and much more fulfilled. I can't wait to read his new book "Spirit of the Shuar" which has been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. His true stories are magnificent teachers!

A book review

It is safe to say that although there are many travel opportunities available today, the majority of people on this planet will seldom stray far from their home roots. Some may take a trip here or there but in the main, few casual travelers (of the several billion earth occupants) will go very far away.

All of this is to say that though we may not go ourselves, we can travel to far away places by motion pictures, video and, of course by reading books by those who have gone to the places that, for many people, will never be on their travel agenda.

Karin Muller does this as she traveled "Along The Inca Road," which is the name of her book, published in 2000 by the National Geographic Society of Washington, D.C. It is her journal of traveling this historic road of some 3,100 miles which runs along the coast line and nearby mountains of western South America.

There were adventures at nearly every juncture as Muller encountered people and cultures reflecting the days of the Inca. Though those days are long gone, the Inca live on through many of the customs and lives of those peoples who today inhabit the villages and cities along this road. In a vivid way the book is a mix of the past & the present. That is, in order to understand the lives of today's people along this road, it became necessary to appreciate their roots. How did it happen that they exist as they do? What are the many tales they repeat and repeat, as parts of their cultures?

The nearly 300 pages of Muller's work is a word by word trip, to say the least. It brings into closer focus lands, people and history that most of us have long ago forgotten, having met the facts in elementary school, if at all.

It is an easy and pleasant read.

Dan Schobert

Muller is a wonderful travel writer with the ability to make even the mundane come alive. Her way with words ("The main square was full of Saturday-night drunks all walking like wobbly bowling pins") keeps you reading on to find out where she will land next, and among whom. From helicopter crashes to street festivals, Karin Muller follows this ancient road, and allows serendipity to play its hand. She encounters not only the absurd and strange (having your head beaten with a guinea pig to find out your disease or ailment), but the beautiful and sublime ("people who reached out to help a stranger through a day of violence and despair").

Her travels follow the famed Inca Road. This ancient highway reached from Equador down to Chile, and played a critical role in homogenizing the Inca Civilization. I have been to South America over a dozen times in the past six years and her highly entertaining stories ring true.

There is a significant weakness to this book - the lack of maps. I find it a bit baffling, that National Geographic, curator of some of the world best maps, failed to include any quality maps of a journey that snakes down and around South America. Rather, National Geographic gives you one decrepit and confusing black and white map of South America. BUT! They do include 26 excellent color photographs. Go figure.

In 'Along the Inca Road', Karin Muller gives you more than just a great read, she furnishes you with provocative and informative insights into both the history of the Inca and their culture. This is a wonderful book and will be enjoyed by all who appreciate the Inca culture, South America and great travel writing. You should read this book. 4 1/2 Stars Recommended

Compelling, entertaining, historical... this book is a real page-turner.

Muller's keenly-observed journey skillfully interweaves past and present, giving the reader a glimpse of what life must have been like in the golden heyday of the Inca empire as she walks along stones and walkways trodden by warriors and peasants for hundreds of years. She writes with compassion and genuine understanding of those she meets along the way - peopling her book with characters who come to life and leap off the page. Along the Inca Road transports the reader into a world most of us will never see - probably for the best, since the road is long and arduous. I'm glad I didn't have to do it - but I'm even more glad that she did!

28 years of teaching French, French culture, French history; 32 trips to France for business and pleasure; dear friends in Metz, Rueil-Malmaison, and Rennes; acquaintances in Toulouse and I STILL learned lots from Polly Pratt's delightful little book "French or Foe". Highly recommend to anyone travelling to France, especially for the first time, either for tourism or for business. Very important to read, re-read, then commit to memory the sections on everyday protocol. Polly's advice is right on the money. The French aren't just like Americans, but simply speak another language. There are some chasms between our values, based upon history-driven life experiences, and it is well to have an appreciation for those differences before leaving the USA. A lire! Amusez-vous, et bon voyage!

I read the book prior to a trip to France to visit a dear friend and his parents who live near Grenoble. I'm not sure he or his family fit the descriptions in the book, but many of the chapters helped considerably in my encounters with other people. Incidentally, unlike the author's experience, all of my French friends were able to identify the smiling photo of Mitterrand immediately!

Having just returned from France two weeks ago, "French or Foe?" in hand, I'm happy to have found a forum to share my delight that I'd bought and read this book. Having lived in France, briefly, 20 years ago, I'm happy to say that with the help of this book and perhaps some increased tolerance on the part of the French, my experience was a wonderful one, and I can't wait to return. In particular, her suggested :"Excusez-moi de vous deranger, mais..." got me through several difficulties and turned them into productive and enjoyable encounters. In particular, when driving through a town in southern France, I had difficulty in finding the correct road out of town...I consistently returned to the same place and was getting quite embarrassed that my lack of progress was witnessed by a local woman sitting on her stoop, stoney-faced. When I used those magic words, she leaped to the side of my car with a huge smile on her face, told me what I needed to know, and made me feel as though I'd made not only my day, but hers! I used this phrase several other times, and along with many other tips and word of encouragement from Polly Platt, I made friends in France, cooked for them, and may even send my daughter to stay with some of them next summer. I recommend this book to everyone planning a visit to France.

This is so funny you may laugh yourself unconscious. You may want to check with your doctor first. Composed of several episodes from the Clerks comic book series, Kevin Smith authors some of the most laugh outloud comic adventures I've ever read. Reprising the characters from the Clerks movie and guest appearances from Smith favorites Jay & Silent Bob, Clerks: The Comic Books is a highly recommended good time.

Kevin Smith has done it again. After writing the film classic, Clerks, Kevin follows up with a comic book that has me wanting more. The artwork isn't the greatest, but the stories are. I can't wait until I read Jay and Silent Bob: Chasing Dogma.

For all of those people out there just like me, you cannot get enough Kev Smith material. This collection of comics spins off of the movie, Clerks. Randall does not dissappoint with crude behavior and his warped yet sensible logic. Find out what happened to Caitlin. How do you awaken a comotose female who had sex with a dead guy? Dante knows. Jay and Silent Bob naturally appear and even host the "Lost Episode" from the funeral in Clerks. Saying Kev Smith has milked this concept to death shows how little a VA fan someone is. Jay points out how the tubby one is cashing out, tongue in cheek of course. This book is not for the money it generates, it is for us die hard VA fans out there who cannot sit idley by and wait for the next flick.

The book, written by a small interdisciplinary team, has clearly benefitted from this cooperation. It provides an excellent overview of Inca astronomy as reported in Spanish documentary sources, which are put to the test by first-hand astronomical and archaeological observations. It also carefully examines some of the currently dominant yet more speculative approaches to the subject. Very much recommended. Fred Spier

An important synthesis of data on Inca astronomy, well-written and well researched by two experts in the field, an archaeologist/historian and an astronomer. Recommended for serious students of othe ancient Andes.

An important synthesis of data on Inca astronomy, well-written and well researched by two experts in the field, an archaeologist/historian and an astronomer. Recommended for serious students of othe ancient Andes

...is that the heroine is one-dimensional and irritating. Catherine thought that she was happy with her single life, but she begins to contemplate putting an end to her freedom when she loses her friends to marriage. Her boyfriend appears to be perfect -- handsome, successful, thoughtful -- which is why she cannot understand why his behavior has changed. Is her fiance Mr. Wrong, or is she really ready for marriage?

The dialogue is sharp and the characters are fun, but I couldn't swallow Catherine. There's something about the protagonist that troubles me...

Twenty-nine years old Catherine Lacey is Manhattan steel, perhaps a critically needed trait to successfully survive working as a fish dealer in the Fulton Fish Market. Catherine is a "dock brat" tough and strong as any of those males she drinks under the table, but is also in great shape. One would have to be to work with tons of fish.

However, Catherine feels that the time for matrimony is upon her as she watches her buds, the guys she has hung with for years, get married. So the independent Catherine persuades her junior lawyer boyfriend, Steve into proposing. As the wedding date comes closer, Catherine begins to have doubts about spending a lifetime with someone who mocks her blue-collar work ethic and has no fear of telling a man her needs in their relationship. Adding to her doubts is Johnny, a "special" friend when she was a teen, but he is married and deserted her once before. Will she wed the lawyer, have an affair with Johnny, or just relate with fish?

The key to this chic lit tale is that the heroine is not a fluffy frump, but instead is a strong delightful lead protagonist even with her anchored personality emphasized by hyperbole to accentuate a trait. Readers will appreciate her outlook and her ability to compete with the boys. Her fiancé suffers from penis envy and is obviously wrong for her; in turn he hurts the strong story line. Still Catherine's in your face attitude makes for a fresh tale supplemented by her caring parents, fellow fish peers, and an insightful look at their business.

Harriet Klausner

Catherine Lacey is one savvy, street-wise, competitive, feisty woman. She swims easily among the (male) sharks in her life, manages a wholesale fish business, dresses like a man, deals with restaurants, with advertising moguls, photographers, and models. In fact, she can do just about everything except give up control. She cannot let herself be vulnerable and she can't manage a long-term relationship. So what will she do as the biologic clock is ticking ahead and all her friends are getting married?

The "plot" as outlined by the other reviewers is somewhat beside the point. She settles all too quickly on Mr. Right, begins to have doubts, goes through a long and agonizing reappraisal, makes peace with her parents after years of family warfare, and-- well-- begins to grow up. Meanwhile she is drinking too much, staying up too late, spinning her wheels, and fighting to stay in control.

Author Hruby is a masterful writer who brings this complex character to life in a wonderful, deep way. By the end of the book I felt I had made a new friend--yes, a difficult friend,--but one with a deep inner beauty. It was a great opportunity. I recommend this book highly. Reviewed by Louis N. Gruber

This is really the only travelbook for Patagonia. So it's a real shame that it is inaccurate and incomplete. We found this out recently when we used it to prepare our trip to Torres Del Paine and Los Glaciares NP. Some examples: (1) to the South of TDP NP is Bernardo O'Higgins NP, with many glaciers and fjords. One can't really hike there, but kayaking etc are all possible. This park is never mentioned in the book. (2) Throughout our trip, the most abundant wildlife was a big caterpillar which we had to remove from ourselves on numerous occasions. The fauna/flora section does not mention these. We found out later that these can leave an acid burn mark. (3) Driving distance from Calafate to Chalten is 4.5 hrs, as opposed to the 2.5 or so you may expect, looking at the map. Never mentioned. (4) If one wants to do separate segments of the TDP circuit as overnight hikes (e.g. Vallee Frances), this book does not even tell you what the elevation gain is. (5) All (ALL) boat schedule information we found was wrong. We were told in the hotel that it has never changed.

It's unclear how much of this is due to the book being out of date, although most of the examples above do not change in time. My recommendation is to surf the web for the rudimentary information. You can't find all details on the web, but this book does not have them either. Tourism in this part of Chile/Argentina is so well developed that dealing with the unexpected is never really a problem.

We used this guidebook for 2+ months of backpacking
in Chile and I would strongly recommend it. The maps
can be used in lieu of topo maps (I would recommend
topos of course, but you can only get them in Santiago
and Buenos Aires) and the descriptions are remarkably
spot on. I've used dozens of backpacking guides (and
biking, climbing, ... guides) and there are invariably
inaccuracies or route descriptions that don't quite seem
to match. However, this book had fewer of such infelicities
than any guidebook I've used. Kudos to Lindemayer.

In addition, the "other treks" sections of the book
proved invaluable. After our first few weeks, we
realized we really wanted to get off the beaten track
and these little 1-3 paragraph route descriptions gave
us all we needed to track down information on beautiful,
rewarding, and untramelled hikes throughout Patagonia.
Lindemayer clearly has an explorer's impulse and a near
encyclopedic knowledge of the area.

Only caveat: if you're just going to Torres del Paine
and/or Los Glaciares you really don't need any guidebook;
the commonly available maps and steady streams of backpackers
on the trail will keep you well informed.

Better than any book writed in chile about trekking. Excelent maps and precise directions. Very well selected tracks. It's a shame that some foreing came to chile and wrote a book that's 10 times better than any local book. Good as a LonelyPlanet.