Utah Off the Beaten Path (5th ed.) by Michael Rutter, is one of those books that even Utahns who have lived here their entire lives will find a valuable source of information. Tired of heading to Lagoon, Temple Square, or the park? Look into what this book recommends and you'll see things that maybe you had no idea existed in the state of Utah.
I've often found that the best places to go to do things with the kids aren't ones everyone knows about or that are easy to find. It takes a little searching, some investigation, and even some wandering up and down streets until you find something really cool to do or see. Rutter has done a lot of this work for you and found some of those cool places. Most of what he introduces you to are the best places to go for an adventure. He also gives you some cool and quirky facts.
I have a few minor problems with the book, but nothing that should stand in your way of wanting to use it to find some great places to go in Utah.
The inherent problem with books like this, is that they are outdated. This edition was last printed in 2006, which already makes it a couple of years out of date. Having said that, most of the places listed in the book, are still around or in business, though prices, phone numbers and such MAY have changed since publication.
My other problem is that the photos in the book are in black and white. In this day and age when printing has advanced enough to make color nearly as inexpensive as black and white, why don't publishers give us a little more color. The pictures would be a lot more interesting if they were in color.
But, overall, great book.
This book is a must read. 4 1/2 stars out of 5.
Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Book Talk Tuesday for May 20, 2008
The Utah Guide, 3rd. ed., by Kent Powell, at nearly 500 pages is a hefty attempt to catalog Utah attractions, yearly events and festivals, trails, scenic settings, accommodations, and restaurants throughout the state.
The book mentions many of the places that the previous books I've reviewed in Book Talk Tuesdays have covered, but with some of the depth. The book is well organized by geographic regions (the author has broken Utah into six regions), and each region by area, and then by type of listing; places to see, events and festivals, restaurants, etc. Powell gives good, short descriptions of most places so that you get a fairly good idea of what there is to do or see at each location. There are three inset sections with color pictures from around the state, almost all of which are mentioned in the book. Powell also does a good job in keeping to things that are of interest to a wide variety of people rather than pointing out things that might have such a narrow interest that most readers would skip pages in order to find the good stuff.
As good as this book is, there are a few drawbacks. In trying to pack so much information into one book, the print is fairly small, which, for some of us can make the book difficult to read. The amount of material also seems to be a limiting factor in descriptions of places. It seems Powell wanted to get so much packed into the book that he couldn't always write as much information as he could (or should) have about many of the places.
My biggest complaint about the book, though, is its age. While still a valuable resource, it's in its 3rd edition and was last published in 2003, making it five years out of date. Most of the attractions and sights mentioned in the book are still there, but some are not. Phone numbers and website address also have a tendency to change over time, so all the information is not completely accurate. Also, the pricing guides that he uses to give you an idea of the general cost, are now out of date as well, sometimes significantly.
Overall, the book lists many great places to see and things to do in Utah, but it needs to be brought a bit more up to date.
Suggested Reading: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
The book mentions many of the places that the previous books I've reviewed in Book Talk Tuesdays have covered, but with some of the depth. The book is well organized by geographic regions (the author has broken Utah into six regions), and each region by area, and then by type of listing; places to see, events and festivals, restaurants, etc. Powell gives good, short descriptions of most places so that you get a fairly good idea of what there is to do or see at each location. There are three inset sections with color pictures from around the state, almost all of which are mentioned in the book. Powell also does a good job in keeping to things that are of interest to a wide variety of people rather than pointing out things that might have such a narrow interest that most readers would skip pages in order to find the good stuff.
As good as this book is, there are a few drawbacks. In trying to pack so much information into one book, the print is fairly small, which, for some of us can make the book difficult to read. The amount of material also seems to be a limiting factor in descriptions of places. It seems Powell wanted to get so much packed into the book that he couldn't always write as much information as he could (or should) have about many of the places.
My biggest complaint about the book, though, is its age. While still a valuable resource, it's in its 3rd edition and was last published in 2003, making it five years out of date. Most of the attractions and sights mentioned in the book are still there, but some are not. Phone numbers and website address also have a tendency to change over time, so all the information is not completely accurate. Also, the pricing guides that he uses to give you an idea of the general cost, are now out of date as well, sometimes significantly.
Overall, the book lists many great places to see and things to do in Utah, but it needs to be brought a bit more up to date.
Suggested Reading: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Book Talk Tuesday- May 13, 2008
Though not a guide book, Utah On My Mind is a great book for seeing some of the spectacular places around the state. This is more of a traditional coffee table book, full of color pictures by great photographers, including, Tom Till, Scott T. Smith, Jack Dykinga, and Howie Garber.
The photographs in the book cover the state from top to bottom and east to west. The rich, hot colors of the Colorado Plateau contrast with the cool greens and blues of the mountains and forests of northern Utah. The state's largest cities get some coverage as well as the smaller towns and rural settings. All four seasons are represented in a variety of landscapes.
If you are looking for a great book filled with the rich landscapes that Utah has to offer, this is a great book for you. If you have visited Utah and want a reminder of some of the places you have been or you have never been here before and want to see why you should visit, Utah On My Mind is the perfect book. For those of you who live in Utah, this book gives you reasons to explore the state even more.
This is a must have book. 5 out of 5 stars.
The photographs in the book cover the state from top to bottom and east to west. The rich, hot colors of the Colorado Plateau contrast with the cool greens and blues of the mountains and forests of northern Utah. The state's largest cities get some coverage as well as the smaller towns and rural settings. All four seasons are represented in a variety of landscapes.
If you are looking for a great book filled with the rich landscapes that Utah has to offer, this is a great book for you. If you have visited Utah and want a reminder of some of the places you have been or you have never been here before and want to see why you should visit, Utah On My Mind is the perfect book. For those of you who live in Utah, this book gives you reasons to explore the state even more.
This is a must have book. 5 out of 5 stars.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Book Talk Tuesday- May 6, 2008
Utah Curiosities by Brandon Griggs is a book from publisher Globe Pequot, who is known for their interesting and quirky travel guides. Utah Curiosities is another book in the state "Curiosities" series in which authors find those hidden gems in each state and share them with those who wouldn't ever see them otherwise.
Everyone knows about Utah's great skiing, the saltier-than-the-ocean Great Salt Lake, and the multitude of national parks and forests. But, on the way to those attractions, you'll miss some other cool and quirky ones if you don't have this book.
How about a festival where llamas are the guests of honor? Do you know where to go to ride "Old Woodie," one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in the United States? There is a place in Utah where the Sphinx has the face of Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon Church. Have you ever visited the grave of "Old Eph?"
This book is great for first time visitors to Utah as well as life long Utahans. I guarantee, even if you've lived here your entire life, like I have, you will still find something in this book that will surprise you.
The only drawbacks I see in this book are the lack of color photos which would enhance the descriptions and be much better than the sometimes not completely clear black and white photos. But, overall, a really fun book with good information about Utah.
Highly Recommended. 4 out of 5 stars.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Book TalkTuesday- April 29, 2008
Fun with the Family Utah, 4th ed. by Michael Rutter
This book is another great offering from Globe Pequot, known for their great travel guides and outdoors books. Author Michael Rutter offers dozens upon dozens of places to go in Utah, organized by region; Northern Utah, Greater Salt Lake, Central Utah, Northeastern Utah, Southeastern Utah, and Southwestern Utah. This format, combined with an index of places and yearly events, makes finding things to do in your neck of the woods a snap.
Each place to go, event to attend or thing to do is accompanied by a lot of information including addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation and pricing. Various maps are placed throughout the book to help you get where you are going. Rutter gives his "Michael's Top Ten" for each region- the best events or places, in his opinion, to go to. This book will provide enough activities for a years worth or more of weekend activities.
I do find a few minor drawbacks to this book though. First, in this day and age where color printing has gotten fairly inexpensive, and more and more travel books are infused with color pictures, this book is very dull in black and white and few good, clear pictures of the places mentioned. Also, the 4th edition was printed in 2004, and this can create problems with changes in phone numbers, locations of events, and associated costs of activities. Best to read the book, then double check on the Internet before you head out. Lastly, Utah is growing rapidly, and many new things to do for families have been added to the state since the book was last printed.
Overall, 3 1/2 out of 5 stars. Recommended reading.
This book is another great offering from Globe Pequot, known for their great travel guides and outdoors books. Author Michael Rutter offers dozens upon dozens of places to go in Utah, organized by region; Northern Utah, Greater Salt Lake, Central Utah, Northeastern Utah, Southeastern Utah, and Southwestern Utah. This format, combined with an index of places and yearly events, makes finding things to do in your neck of the woods a snap.
Each place to go, event to attend or thing to do is accompanied by a lot of information including addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation and pricing. Various maps are placed throughout the book to help you get where you are going. Rutter gives his "Michael's Top Ten" for each region- the best events or places, in his opinion, to go to. This book will provide enough activities for a years worth or more of weekend activities.
I do find a few minor drawbacks to this book though. First, in this day and age where color printing has gotten fairly inexpensive, and more and more travel books are infused with color pictures, this book is very dull in black and white and few good, clear pictures of the places mentioned. Also, the 4th edition was printed in 2004, and this can create problems with changes in phone numbers, locations of events, and associated costs of activities. Best to read the book, then double check on the Internet before you head out. Lastly, Utah is growing rapidly, and many new things to do for families have been added to the state since the book was last printed.
Overall, 3 1/2 out of 5 stars. Recommended reading.
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