This novel was later published as The Colonist. See my review under the latter title at the top of the list of books by Michael Schmidt

The best book I've read on Guadalcanal. Helps one understand the professionalism of the Marines. A dedicated group of men trying to survive a very tough situation. I was really impressed by their ability to keep their weapons operating in that jungle environment for months with almost no resupply help from the Navy. - Robert Merritt Edson

I'm recently out of college and have had the desire to go to a beautiful region with history, nice beaches, and warm weather for a vacation. Someone told me I should check into Guam so I got this book and was amazed at the detail put into it! It lists different historic sites, parks, beaches, and other great places to visit and everything each one has to offer along with the story behind it. It even summarized a list of twelve essential things to do when you visit Guam which is helpful for an indecisive person like me who would want to do it all!!! :) The clincher that made me sure I want to go there on vacation? The clear and colorful pictures throughout the book that show how incredible and breathtaking each part of the island is! I can't wait to take a hike on Guam to one of their many majestic waterfalls!

Ever wished, as you walked along a deserted stretch of beach or stared at the ruins of a stately old home, you had a naturalist/historian along with you? Buy A GUIDE TO A GEORGIA BARRIER ISLAND and you'll be in the company of both. His name is Taylor Schoettle. His informative, easy-going style and eager descriptions of what you're walking on, looking at, and interested in make this book a tremendous bargain.

One of the coincidences that makes life fun and carrying a guidebook worthwhile occurred while I was in a small freshwater marsh looking for a painted bunting (coastal, semi-tropical bird)on Jekyll Island. Schoettle had written, "This marshy habitat is excellent for viewing the colorful male painted bunting." I put his book in my pocket, glanced at some color that flew into a short cabbage palm, lifted my binocuars and there he was--a "...colorful male painted bunting." Now, how do you suppose the author arranged that?

O'Brien has captured the essence of the mystery, beauty and natural wonders of Cape Cod. This book is essential for anyone who wishes to find the elusive nest of the Gull Winged Shepherdor or to identify the mating call of the migrating Flavell. O'Brien, a Cape Cod naturalists who has study the flora and fauna of Old Cape Cod since 1937, has given us a precious resource with the "Guide to Nature on Cape Cod and the Islands."

Although no doubt a useful guide to serious researchers interested in the Haffenreffer-Herreshoff collection at MIT, this work's value to the yachtsman starts with Appendix C - the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company Construction Record. This appendix is a facsimile reproduction of the actual construction records of the Company, both sail and power, in order of hull number, and including original owners and yacht names. An invaluable guide for those interested in classic yacht restoration and history.

Bruce Obee's book was the one I picked up any time I wondered, "What's the story behind this ___?" "The Gulf Islands Explorer" is chock full of information on anything from harbor seals to the story on the tiny island you can see from your cottage window. Obee tells about wildlife, climate, island governance, environmental issues, history, and exploring routes on and off the beaten path.

Accommodations and restaurant information is not included in this book. That's OK by me, since that information is widely available from the Chamber of Commerce, the Web, and other guides.

I particularly appreciated that he included a celsius-to-farenheit visual thermometer--it made translating the weather report a snap!

Boaters, hikers, bicyclists, kayakers, fishing fans, and other casual walkers like me will glean useful and entertaining information from this book.

The audio cassette was excellent. I am a native of Georgetown, sothis is nothing new to me, however, I am trying to introduce my two small children to the sound of Gullah and they love it. I asked my daughter did she understand what was being said and she stated, "yes Mom, it's just english spoken with a dialect." I, as well as my family really enjoyed this. Please give us more. Thank you.

This new edition has the local information I was looking for. It has detailed information on anchorages, local marinas - with contact information - local people, history, and lots of pictures of where you may be planning to go. It is informative on a number of related subjects, and was very entertaining. A must for anyone planning to cruse in the San Juan Islands. It's my most used book on the subject.

Hammerstone: A Biography Of Hornby Island is an engaging history of a small island off the western coast of Canada and drawn from years of careful research. Author Olivia Fletcher begins the story of her island from its molten birth in the South Pacific down to the present day. Fletcher guides the reader through millions of years of dramatic physical transformation on an island that once was home to dinosaurs and carnivorous snails, Native Americans and European immigrants. Hammerstone is a unique "biography" of an island that could well serve as a template for others to emulate for their parts of the world what Olivia Fletcher has done for hers. Very highly recommended.