1. ISBN13: 9780446696937
2. Condition: NEW
3. Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Customer Review :

Not for everyone but I liked it

My travel experience is not as extreme as Gilman's. I traveled with a group of people in Western Europe for 8 months in the mid-70s, when I was fresh out of college. One of my travel companions was "difficult." It was a life-changing experience and I will always be grateful that I did it.

I totally identify with the sense of trepidation and isolation of being in a new place, needing to depend on others to get what you need, with the additional stress of a communication barrier. Making it through is such a triumph. The memories last forever, and they change you on such a gut level.

I read a lot of memoirs, and usually my major criterion is the voice of the author, i.e., would I like this person if I met him/her. Obviously some of the other reviewers were turned off by Susan Jane Gilman. Maybe because I identified with some of the underlying emotions and experiences, it basically neutralized my feelings about the people on this book. Susan did seem a little whiny in the early days of the trip, but ultimately this book ended up being more about plot for me. Mostly it is about finding a way to get through a horrible experience - and she did, and she ultimately triumphed over what happened, with help from others, and to me this is a great book.

The writing is fine. In this situation I think it is more important to tell the story and not get wrapped up in how well-written it is. (Of course, if it were poorly written, then the quality of the writing would be a major issue.)

One thing I always find about traveling is that, whenever a situation seems desperate, something or someone comes to your rescue. Luckily for Susan and Claire, they did have their saviors. I loved-loved-loved the ending, which I did NOT see coming, and I just want to say to Susan Jane Gilman, good for you.

Rating :

Couldn't Put it Down

Like I have said before, I have been on a huge memoir kick lately. This book appealed to me because it takes place in China and there's traveling as well. I have become a HUGE fan of the Travel channel lately so I've been reading a lot of books that have to do with travel as it's something I can't do right now except in books. This book really captured my attention and I could not put it down while I was reading.

There were times of the book when I wanted to scream at both Claire and Susan. I know this book takes place in the 80s when not much was known about mental illness as it we do now. Therefore I could understand why Susan thought Claire was just being annoying at first. However, when things started getting worse, instead of thinking about getting help, Susan still thought that Claire was just acting up and acting like a spoiled brat. I guess I really shouldn't be annoyed with Claire because it's obvious that she went through a mental breakdown. I honestly think that she should have never even left for the trip in the first place. It was obvious that her whole life she had been pampered and sheltered and never exposed to the real world before. Going to China and seeing what life was really like was a complete shock and she just couldn't handle it. I was tad disappointed that we don't know what happens to Claire at the end of the story. I can accept the explanation given but all the same it's still a letdown. Also of note, the author says in the beginning of the book that she had changed and hidden the identity of Claire so much, she was almost unrecognizable.

As I said, the book takes place in the 80s before even Tienanmen Square or the Beijing Olympics. A lot has changed in China since then so I think it would be interesting to see Gilman take another trip back to the country and discuss the differences. The book doesn't make China seem like a backwater dangerous country because you have to remember that the country is being seen by two college students who are young and vulnerable. If you are expecting a travelogue type book, you're not going to find it in this book. It's a memoir and not a travel guide. Don't expect to read about sweeping adventures across China or tight focus on Susan's travels. It's more about her experiences in the country, both the physical and psychological adventures than it is a tour guide.

Personally I think this book would make a wonderful movie. Gilman does a really good job at making her story come alive and I really felt like I was there with her and feeling her emotions. This book was a page turner and I never once got bored while reading. Gilman hints that if she feels the urge, she would write a book about the rest of the travels she took while on that trip. I really hope she does because it would definitely be a book I would love to read. The book was a joy to read and I had a lot of fun traveling along with Susan. If you have wanted to discover China or a looking for a really good memoir, this book is perfect for you. HIGHLY recommended.



Rating :

A Journey You Won't Forget!

Back before the internet, cellphones, and 24 hour CNN made the world a much smaller place, two young women embarked on a grand world tour starting with post-Mao China. Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven by Susan Jane Gilman is the author's memorable tale of an unforgettable adventure.

In 1986, when Gilman and her friend "Claire Van Houten" toured the People's Republic of China little was known of the region in the western world. With little to sustain them apart from enthusiasm, the pair embark on a journey of a lifetime. As Gilman declares, "deciding to travel the world together didn't strike either of us as unreasonable. We were at that age when we still believed that genius arrived in blots of lightening and shrieks of `Eureka!" We still believed in love at first sight, not just with people, but with ideas - that in a single instant, you could just know."

Unfortunately, the pair's sense of adventure is tested by physical and emotional adversity. And the dream turns into a nightmare. Still the pair soldier on. And at the end of the tunnel, Gilman confesses "I would not be living my life the way I am today if it wasn't for her. Claire Van Houten unleashed something in me; she set me off on a path far beyond anything I ever imagined for myself or believed I was capable of doing. In this way, back in China in 1986, she saved my life, too."

Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven ranks as one of the best books I have read this year! I literally could not put it down and had to keep reading until the conclusion. I enjoyed this book on several levels: the relationship between Gilman and Van Houten; the pair's interactions with their fellow backpackers and the local Chinese (including communist operatives); and the depictions of a newly post-Mao China.

Page after riveting page, Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven is a story that will make you laugh and cry and sorry when the journey is over!



Publisher: Grand Central Publishing; 1 edition (February 8, 2010), 320 pages.
Advance Review Copy Provided Courtesy of the Publisher.

Rating :

"unputdownable"

On the cover (of the trade paperback edition) is a quote from O Magazine calling Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven "unputdownable." That's absolutely true. I stayed up far too late reading this book because I had to know what happened with Gilman's traveling partner, Claire. I knew I wouldn't be able to go to sleep anyway since the question would be bugging me. One of my favorite parts is when they decide to escape even though Claire's passport has been taken. Gilman's descriptions of the race to the airplane and then the process of getting a temporary passport are great.

Rating :

Great story-telling

Great story-telling and an amazing book. Hope to read more of Ms. Susan Gilman's writing.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. ISBN13: 9780756645748
2. Condition: NEW
3. Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Editorial Review :

Packed with the same reliable information and breathtaking color photography as our DK Eyewitness Travel Guides, DK Eyewitness Travel Top 10 Guides are fully illustrated, pocket-sized travel guides, with handy pull-out maps marking all the major sights.

Customer Review :

A smart way to approach the sights of your destination.

The PLUS: 5 Stars!
The guide takes a pyramidal approach to the sights of your destination. So you slowly can work yourself through the areas that really interest you by easily skipping things you would not want to see or visit at all.
It also makes it easy to find the things that are important to you because the descriptions are small enough and pictures further make it easy to attract your interest or pass things by.

The MINUS: 4 Stars!
The good about the Maps is that they are there at all and also that there is an index of some streets.
The contained foldout maps though helpful when there is nothing else at all are not my favorite because they are quite small and are more an overview to identify the area where something is to be found on a better more detailed map. The same maps as the foldouts are also on a separate map that is detachable. This is a good idea but they are way to small and hard to read especially in dim light and in an awkward format to be really useful. - When available, I rather get a local map from the tourist office and transfer my destinations to it.

SUMMARY: 5 Stars!
This guide is an extremely useful sightseeing guide and small enough to be carried with you all the time for quick reference. It also allows you to choose the amount of detail you want to follow for the town: top 10 Highlights - top 10 to each highlight - top ten to some general categories like museums, bars, hotels, restaurants, shopping, and also some specific categories just for this destination like top 10 views or most thrilling festivals.
Insider tips or as they call the sections: "Street smart" round up this little guide. The maps are OK but could be improved. The deficiency of the maps though should not detract from the overall usefulness of this guide for your destination. This is true for a first time visitor with limited or all kinds of time and also for the return visitor, who wants to to repeat some destinations in more detail or avoid the same old top ten but venture out into new territory.


Rating :

1. ISBN13: 9781741792256
2. Condition: NEW
3. Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Editorial Review :

Discover Hong Kong & Macau

Spot your hotel room from the twinkling heights of the Peak
Hang out in a maze-like walled village, where prostitution and gambling once thrived
Escape from the skyscrapers to the trees as you hike the region's mountain, coast and jungle trails
Savor the finest Portuguese egg-custard tarts in Macau

In This Guide:

Insider tips and perspectives through interviews with locals, from a film director to a restauranteur
New coverage of nearby Guangzhou
The only guide with Chinese characters in map keys - navigation is easy!

Customer Review :

a useful guidebook for a bustling city

I have visited both Hong Kong and Macau over the years and always turn back to this guide for a reliable reference, particularly for the maps and transport info, as their are many transport options here. There are some mistakes--some significant--as other reviewers have pointed out, but 99% of the content is useful and accurate, with insightful background information and great restaurant, sights, and outings recommendations.

All guidebooks are a snapshot in time--this book is no exception. Hong Kong and Macau are fast-paced and therefore always changing (part of the allure...), so the accommodation and eating sections are bound to change.

The pullout map has a few errors, but can generally be relied upon for getting around central HK when you want to leave the book in your hotel. Hopefully next edition's map will be better. A previous reviewer noted troubles finding the Peak Tram. The Admiralty map is downright incorrect--use the map of Central HK map instead. About the tourist bus: trust me, it's quicker and more enjoyable to walk.

The guide is particularly useful for information on accessing the long hiking trails around HK. I have used this info extensively.

About Macau: It's a small place and this has most of it, with great coverage of the restaurants and sites. There are too many good restaurants in Macau for all to be included...more to discover for yourself!

Overall, I highly recommend this book.

Rating :

very helpful for first trip to hong kong and macau

My husband and I used this book for our first trip to hong kong and macau. As usual with Lonely Planet it gave a good overview of both cities but as with any guide book, use it as a reference, not a step by step manual. The maps, particularly the pull out Hong Kong map were quite useful though it needs to be updated to reflect the changes to the MTR system.
Hong Kong is a great city to wander around and this book details lots of different sites that you might otherwise miss. The walking tours of Macau were interesting, but the descriptions of the various sites along the way were a bit brief.

Rating :

The book is great, it's the pull out map that's off

I think the last review was very unfair towards the book, besides it's critique of the pull out map. I exclusively used the Lonely Planet Hong Kong City Guide on my recent trip to Hong Kong, and it was spot on every time I used it. From the time I used it to find free internet (the cafe it pointed me to was exactly where it promised and had free interent), to the step by step directions for getting to the famous Wishing Tree and 10,000 Buddah's Temple (two separate, hard-to-find locations), to the reviews and locations of restaurants I went to, to the places I slept, everything was 100% accurate. For some reason, who ever edited the pull out map did mess up a few times, many locations and streets on it are innacurate. But the maps inside the book are all accurate. Highly reccomended.

Rating :

1* for accuracy, 3* for walking tours. 4* for background reading, THUMBS DOWN.

I just went to Hong Kong and Macau for 5 days. The book (Feb 2008 edition, so brand new)had some good background reading and has a pull out map in the back which was nice, until we realized it was inaccurate.

Our basic itinerary was: Day 1: travel/explore kowloon (where we stayed). Day 2, Disneyland AM, Hong Kong peak tram PM. Day 3: Explore hong kong island (AM and early afternoon), Ferry to Macau (afternoon-PM). Day 4: walking tour of Macau, Day 5, Ferry to hong kong airport and fly home. As you can see, we didn't have a lot of time and needed to just hit the highlights.

In general, I thought the walking tours we did were pretty good, though in the future, I'd photocopy those sections. It was hard to walk and look at the book. We only made it halfway through the kowloon walk but it was nice.
After going to disneyland (that section is inaccurate in the book as well), we took the MTR to central and attempted to go to the Peak. There were a few signs on street corners but we followed the map. Seeing that the base of the tram was still halfway up the hill, we opted to take a taxi instead of following signs. We hopped in one, asked for the peak tram, pointed on the map, and the driver, not speaking english or recognizing the location, wouldn't take us. This happened again with the next driver. So we started walking up the hill. But we found a taxi along the way- and to our surprise he took us down the hill and about 6 blocks! OH YES, the #1 tourist attraction in HK is NOT in the right place on the lonely planet map. We also discovered that there's a tourist bus that will take you there from the star ferry. Would have been nice to know that. There seems to be room for improvement in this department- they tell you how to use all the forms of public transport, but not a lot on how to get from one to the other (the ferry terminal is not near the subway, for example)

Day 3- after exploring the city, we wanted to try one of the "highly recommended" restaurants in the book. Arriving at the location after a fair walk, it wasn't there. The security guard at the building informed us that it HAD been there, but there was another restaurant now. Our time wasted, we ended up eating in a mall at about 3pm.

I did enjoy the walking tour of Macau and for that reason I'm not giving it 1*. But even it had basic flaws. For example, it tells you to stop at the fort "before climbing the hill". Actually, as with most forts, it is at the TOP of the hill.

In terms of accomodations reviews in Macau, don't bother, the construction is evolving so fast, no book could keep up.

To sum up, we didn't have a lot of time and we lost a fair amount of it (and general satisfaction) because of this book. NOT RECOMMENDED. We kept wishing we had the Groovy Map to Hong Kong (love the Bangkok one- should have ordered one!).

Groov HONG KONG Map 'N' Guide

Rating :

1. ISBN13: 9780470381106
2. Condition: NEW
3. Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
4. Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Editorial Review :

America’s #1 bestselling travel series

Written by more than 175 outspoken travelers around the globe, Frommer’s Complete Guides help travelers experience places the way locals do.

• More annually updated guides than any other series
• 16-page color section and foldout map in all annual guides
• Outspoken opinions, exact prices, and suggested itineraries
• Dozens of detailed maps in an easy-to-read, two-color design

Customer Review :

Good book for first-time visitor

I just returned from a March 2008 week-long visit to Hong Kong. I used the 2007 Frommer's Hong Kong and found it worked out just fine. Good descriptions of sites, handy public transit tips (especially of how to purchase/use/return the essential Octopus card), reasonable reviews of hotels and restaurants, and decent Macau information. The book is easy (and enjoyable) to read; I feel it prepared me well for my first trip to Hong Kong. Combined with pamphlets and maps from the Hong Kong and Macau tourists boards I picked up at the airport and ferry terminal, I had all the information I needed for a great trip!

Rating :

A good introduction to Hong Kong

I just got back from Hong Kong and used Frommer's as my main guide for getting around. This version is a good start to understanding and orienting yourself to your travel to Hong Kong. I found it very informative for the basics but also did a lot of research on the internet prior to my trip to ensure the latest info on open times and available restaurants. Additionally, just getting a map from the hotel and info from the Hong Kong Tourism Board was equally helpful.

The book's walking tour and site seeing info is spot on especially since these things are easy to keep consistent! If you are more adventurous with your food and are looking for interesting restaurants, I would avoid the recommendations in the book since they are very touristy (we're all reading the same book). It's really easy to find many good places to eat in Hong Kong.

The Macau guide was out dated but mostly due to Macau's constant casino growth. This city was more difficult to navigate but again the guide was good for the basics of site seeing. Definitely do your research online for the latest info before venturing out.


Rating :

Macau is out of date

In October, 2008, the head of valet/taxi assignments at the enormous new Venetian in Macau did not know a recommended restaurant, the Cozinha Pinocchio, p. 277. We were put in a taxi and then showed the driver the address in Frommer's Guide. Alas, he dumped us in the middle of a neighborhood that was approximately 2 miles from the listed street address, Rua do Sol. The taxi driver obviously did not know the address either. After quite a walk, we finally located a very detailed map and the street as listed in the Guide. There was no restaurant at that address and no sign of there ever having been one. Frankly, the Rua resembled an alley.

After 30 more minutes of wandering, we finally happened upon the restaurant. Yes, it was completely shut down for remodeling and the new address and entrance are at a different address.

Frommer's simply did not check their information. As veteran travelers we were not distressed but we will never trust a Frommer's Guide again.

Rating :

Defending this guide and a call to be nice

One of the reviews below declares that the author of the Frommer's guide to Hong Kong should burn in a hell for guidebook writers. I don't find this funny. In fact, I find this to be a pretty mean thing to say, and I doubt the author of that review would say such a thing to Ms. Reiber in person. The author of that review should be ashamed of himself, and apologize here in a follow-up to his original review.

I am very familiar with the guidebook scene to Hong Kong, though I've never met Ms. Reiber, and I happen to think that her guide is one of the better ones out there. Her book has an honest and thoughtful tone; it also offers some of the more astute observations about Hong Kong to be found in the current crop of guidebooks. If there is a weakness to her guidebook, it is that it does not cover the more far-flung regions of Hong Kong--Tap Mun, Tai Mo Shan, and so on. But in a way this omission reflects well on Reiber and her book. Most guides to Hong Kong cover places like Tap Mun or Tung Lung Chau, but they provide such sketchy information that I doubt the author ever went there. Of course, authors never admit this. Reiber, on the other hand, has the integrity to only include in her guidebooks the places in Hong Kong that she has actually visited. In any case, Reiber's book covers all the locations that 99% of all visitors to Hong Kong go to. If you are that 1% of travelers who want to hike in the more remote areas of the New Territories or explore some of the more hard to get to islands, this is not the book for you. Otherwise, I can certainly recommend this guide.


Rating :

Very informative

It's a great book, but the fold-out map is useless. The map is basic and almost generic looking. Buy it for the book, not the map.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. ISBN13: 9789812583727
2. Condition: NEW
3. Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Editorial Review :

Hong Kong Insight FlexiMap features detailed regional, city, street and road maps clearly marked with all the sites and services of particular interest to travelers. Text and photographs offer a wealth of valuable tourist information including "10 sights you shouldn't miss", plus information on transportation, visas, currency, important telephone numbers, emergency services, and more.

Customer Review :

Hong Kong Fleximap

My husband took this with him last month to Hong Kong and found it most useful, especially for areas other than the center.

Rating :

Overview good; streetmap only so-so

The free streetmap provided by the Hong Kong tourist bureau is much, much better than the Insight version. The overview map of Hong Kong is very good and the site recommendations are fine. Lamination is a plus.

Rating :

Essential for my trip to Hong Kong

Very portable and very convenient, I did most of my sight-seeing with this as my only companion. Even though I bought and brought two guides (Frommers was the most helpful), when it was time to do wandering, I just grabbed this and went. It also has a very helpful map of the subway system which I found myself using frequently.

Rating :