One for the Road: Moon Spain Handbook

by Kelly Amabile on

One flip through the first few pages of the Moon Spain Handbook and I’m itching to get back there. The intro to this new book begins with a colorful overview of a country bursting with life — the Plaza Mayor, Costa Brava, La Rioja, Galicia. A smart color-coded map marks Spain’s regions in a rainbow, an appropriate way to introduce the diversity that exists throughout this Iberian gem.

The guide starts with a short summary of each region, followed by a few suggested itineraries. It then gets meaty, beginning with the very heart of Spain. After dissecting nightlife, shopping, accommodations, sports, cultural offerings and food (of course!) for Madrid, the guide moves on to do the same for Castilla-La Mancha, Cataluna (including an expanded chapter on Barcelona), Aragon, Valencia, Andalucia, the Islas Baleares and other regions. The 900-page handbook wraps up with a section of county background information – logistics, cultural tidbits, history and popular festivals. It’s comprehensive, but still lightweight enough to accompany you on a visit to any or all of these areas.

Moon’s Spain handbook is one of three European guides that were released recently — a first for the popular guidebook series. Ireland and London were also published this spring.

One for the Road: The Naked Tourist

by Kelly Amabile on

I read Lawrence Osborne’s The Naked Tourist last year when it was released. I noticed that it’s now out in paperback — just in time for you to throw in the summer beach bag! And since we have not mentioned it yet here at Gadling…no better time than now: Subtitled, In Search of Adventure And Beauty in the Age of the Airport Mall, the book is a fascinating read, although dry at certain points. (Or maybe those were the parts that were just a tad bit over my head? It’s a smart read.)

During his six-month journey from Dubai to India, followed by visits to Bangkok, Bali and Papua New Guinea, Osbourne shares his personal insights about “the psychological underpinnings of the tourist trade.” He focuses on the why of travel — why the heck do we do it? He wanders while pondering “whereverness”. There is much to contemplate from his travel observations. If you’re in the mood for this kind of deep thought summer reading, than be sure to get your hands on a new softbound copy.

One for the Road: Hoshino’s Alaska

by Kelly Amabile on

Neil shared an awesome Alaskan journey with us this month, and a good friend of mine also just returned from a visit to the northern-most state. So with Alaska on the brain today, I bring you Hoshino’s Alaska, a collection of 150 photos that celebrate the life and work of wilderness photographer Michio Hoshino.

Japanese-born Hoshino traveled to Alaska in 1972 for what was to be only a two-week trip. He remained for three months, then returned to live there in 1978, where he lived as a naturalist and photographer driven by a deep commitment to and curiosity about the region. Killed by a bear while traveling in Russia in 1996, he is still widely regarded as the preeminent photographer of the Alaskan wilderness for his breathtakingly beautiful photographs. This recently published book serves as a fitting tribute to his legacy.

One for the Road: Roman Polanski – The Cinema of a Cultural Traveler

by Kelly Amabile on

A new book looks at the filmography of Roman Polanski in advance of what will surely be his biggest project yet. The controversial film director will soon begin work on a movie adaptation of the best-selling Robert Harris novel Pompeii. This new book about Polanski takes a close look at all previous films he directed: Roman Polanski: The Cinema of a Cultural Traveller examines the settings, genres and themes of his films, including Two Men and a Wardrobe, Cul de Sac, Rosemary’s Baby, The Pianist and Oliver Twist.

From the publisher, I.B. Tauris: Ewa Mazierska looks into the function of music, of religion, power, patriarchy and racism in the films, as well as Polanski’s literary adaptations and his use and subversion of film genres. Herself a Polish émigré, she uncovers Polanski’s Polish roots and the extent of their influence on the cinema of this mercurial film maker, at large in the world.

Mazierska is co-author of From Moscow to Madrid: European Cities and Postmodern Cinema and Crossing New Europe: The European Road Movie.

One for the Road: Dr. BBQ’s Big Time Barbecue Road Trip

by Kelly Amabile on

Need some help planning your big July 4th barbecue? Never fear — Dr. BBQ is here! Ray Lampe’s latest book serves up a selection of regional specialties from around the USA: Dr. BBQ’s Big-Time Barbecue Road Trip is a collection of mouth-watering recipes gathered from his travels around the country. The grilling guru offers up the usual cooking tips and tricks, along with featured recipes like Kentucky Barbecued Mutton and Kansas City Style Brisket.

Dr. BBQ gives hungry readers the real deal on where to find barbecue to meet every craving. (We know you’re just dying to try those Smoked Cornish Hens!) See how easy it is? Hit the road with the Doc’s new book and get grilling. If you want to see the grill master live in action, you’ll have to wait till after the 4th though — he’ll be doing cooking demos in California, Illinois and Tennessee later this summer.