This guide gives very specific directions to the many attractions, and I am impressed by the quantity of entries. My only problem is that so much of the book covers the Northern areas of MN, WI, and MI (e.g., upper p). All very beautiful and definitely the best of the best of the area, but I would enjoy seeing some more convenient locales.

Towns are like people -- you have to take the time to really know them before you can appreciate the things that set them apart. I was fascinated with A NATIVE'S GUIDE TO CHICAGO'S WESTERN SUBURBS. Unlike the typically dry, boring tourist guide, this book is a detailed map through Candyland, a treasure of good things at every turn...The Toops' give life and a real sense of community to their compilation of the western suburbs, and provide the traveler an organized picture of the sprawling area, with stories and facts to keep you on the road to adventure in Chicagoland.

This book does an excellent job of describing the recent history of the New Madrid fault, and the impact of recorded earthquakes in that area.

The book also serves as an effective planning guide for government agencies, businesses, and indiviuals. Proper preparation is critical if this now highly developed region is to survive another earthquake or series of earthquakes such as those that occured in 1811-12.

On Second Glance seems to be an encore presentation of Kanfer's earlier book of midwestern landscapes, Prairiescapes. Like many native midwesterners, I feel connected to the land in ways I can't explain, but Kanfer's photographs can do the talking for us. Kanfer's photographs are not what you may be expecting--it's hard to imagine, but as you may well find yourself drawn into his landscapes, reminiscing about how grandma used to have a porch like that, and what is that on the horizon? You can hear the crackle of fall leaves underfoot, and the sweet smell of spring in gently swaying greenery. You will find scenes to remind you of every hike or picnic in the country you ever intended to have.

This book belongs on every coffee table and gift list for those with any midwestern roots or daydreamers enjoying a simpler, less complicated life. If you love photography, or landscapes in general, you will also appreciate the composition and technical skills evident, and that Kanfer at least appears to be a purist in these works (no touch-ups or manipulations). I have recommended this book to many people, and all of them have loved both giving and receiving it; I hope you will, too.

This book, Paddling Michigan, and Canoeing Michigan Rivers by Jerry Dennis and Craig Date were both purchased by our Scout Troop to aid in the planning and execution of our Scouting Outing Canoe trips. Both books are great, but the boys preferred the Canoeing Michigan Rivers over this book Paddling Michigan, although both books are being used by the Scouts.

This book has it all to plan an outing, the maps, river description, challenge, a "standard time factor" and excellent commentary on the expectation of the canoe trip. The Senior Patrol Leader Council, the event planning committee of Boy Scouts aged 14-17, was able to take this book and properly plan, organize and execute several canoe trips. It had all the information needed to make the proper decisions without having to go visit the river first, or rely on comments from someone who knows someone who said that access to the river was available from County Road 48.

The Scout Troop now uses this book as a first resourse for planning canoe trips in Michigan and has greatly aided the exploration of the rivers of Michigan with confidence!

Paddling through Minnesota with Greg is a delighful trip. I've been using Paddling Northern Wisconsin as a guide and now I have two wonderful guides and lots of rivers to cross!!!

I, as a salesman find this book very useful for my business. It gives me all the information I want in my area and much more.

This book is a wonderful sampler of Wisconsin writers. It reveals past and present voices on a topic that is close to their hearts. I would have rated it five stars if only a few more pictures or art of the land they love would have been included. I commend their devotion to the word, as well as the land. They offer some of the proceeds from the sale of this book to the organization, 1000 Friends of Wisconsin. With over-population concerns around the world, urban sprawl also threatens this cherished soil and lifestyles in the Midwest. This book reminds us how the land gets into our blood, our hearts, our minds--and we need to find the best ways to make use of it.

This is a nice reference book for an experienced field guide user. It is small enough to carry into the field. Be aware however that it is not a "beginner's book"--it is difficult to use if you don't already have a good idea what your unknown plant is. Also, the drawings are coarser than what one could wish for. On the plus side, the author adds excellent ecological notes on almost every plant. A useful glossary is included, as well.