Trees of San Diego,: A pictorial guide,

Book Description

Want to bite the Big Apple? Trek the Adirondacks? Lose it all in the gambling halls of Atlantic City? Sample the simple life of the Amish? With this comprehensive guide in hand, you'll discover the best of this rich and exciting region.

the full scoop on New York City and Philadelphia
accommodations for all budgets, from hidden forest campsites to highway motels and charming B&Bs
outdoor activities chapter covering the best parks for hiking, biking and more
unique coverage of child-friendly museums and activities
86 detailed maps, including a full-color New York City subway map

Customer Reviews:

LP is sliding.......2004-01-23

I was impressed with Lonely Planet's guide to Texas, so I bought this one for a trip to Pennsylvania. It covers the major stuff --- Philly, Pittsburgh, Gettysburg, Hershey, Lancaster --- but doesn't have much more than these major areas. I got ahold of the Moon Handbook for Pennsylvania and was...impressed. It guided me to places I never knew existed: Covered bridges dotting southwestern Pennsylvania, non-tourist infested Amish communities in central and western PA, winieries in North East, and the hiking paradise that I found in the Black Forest area. However, LP did a good job at the places it did cover, and I used it to select accomodations. Guess I justed wanted something a little more in-depth.

Another good Lonely Planet book!.......2001-02-15

Lonely Planet New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, is a great book to have if you intend to visit all three states. There information is second to none, except New York City (buy Lonely Planet's New York City Guide). The entire Pennsylvania chapter is excellent also, and the guides to specific places like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and the Lake Erie region is first rate! The only problem is that they skipped Meadville, PA, which is a excellent place between Erie and Titusville, and is near places like Conneaut Lake and Pymantuning.

Book Description

Originally published in 1955, As Far as My Feet Will Carry Me has seen international success ever since. It has been translated into fifteen languages, sold more than 12 million copies, and is the basis for an award-winning German entry at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival. Recounting an incredible real-life adventure, it tracks the destiny of German soldier Clemens Forrell who, in the aftermath of WWII, was sentenced to twenty-five years of forced labor in a lead mine in the barren eastern reaches of Siberia. Subjected to the brutality of the camp and the climate, Forrell dreamed continuously of escape—and then daringly effected it. From East Cape across the vast trackless wastes of Siberia, for thousands of miles and three years, with fear as his most intimate companion, Forrell fled treachery and endured some of the most inhospitable conditions on earth. In a long series of taped interviews with esteemed German author Josef M. Bauer, Forrell unfolded his remarkable story of survival. Bauer not only reconstructs Forrell’s arduous journey to the Iranian frontier and freedom; he also poignantly evokes the emotional content of Forrell’s brave quest—emerging as an affecting portrait of a man who strove and triumphed against all odds.

Customer Reviews:

Don't even think of buying this junk.......2007-09-22

I was very, very dissapointed with this book. After having read the amazing story of Theodor Kröger (a German who survived not only the Tsarist prisons but also the communist gulags) I wanted more of this and so I ordered this book. But what I got was a kind of telegram-style book with so much ommisions in the story, that you wonder why did somebody write it at all. If you can't get the story right, then don't tell it. Also, this is supposed to be a non-fiction story, but the dialogues between the lead character and his captors and/or fellow-prisoners are put on paper like they were held yesterday. If you're looking for a Papillon story, you better look somewhere else. I didn't even finish the book, it was a waste of my time.

a wild ride.......2007-07-26

I found this book to be inspiring and motivational. It is the amazing tale of a daring escape and a treacherous journey across the frozen Siberian north. They only thing that disappointed me was that the ending was anti-climactic in my opinion. Just a simply amazing book, there is a reason why it has been translated in to 15 languages and sold more then 12 millon copies.

Amazing .......2007-05-07

All the superlatives belong to this tale: remarkable, daring, unbelievable, amazing, incredible, beyond belief, extraordinary. That a person could 1. escape from a Soviet labor camp, 2. in the dead of winter, 3. from the farthest eastern point of Siberia, 4. after suffering from hunger and brutal treatment for three years, and still 5. make it home to Germany safely after another three years is a story for all lovers of survival dramas. The author expertly and faithfully chronicles Josef Bauer's account without glossing over the details of what it took to survive. I didn't come to like Mr. Bauer from this telling, however, I did feel a deep respect for his perseverance and stamina. Two other books of escape and survival that I recommend even more highly are: The Long Walk: The True Story of a Trek to Freedom by Slavomir Rawicz and We Die Alone: A WWII Epic of Escape and Endurance by David Howarth.

As Far as my Feet will Carry me.......2007-01-29

Incredible story of survival and the will to live.

This book was excellent, I couldn't put it down........2006-04-28

As for the other half negative reviews, like it being for a young reader, don't pay any attention to that. Obviously those reviews are written by people that can't look or think beyond their own egos nor actually try to imagine what it must have been like, what the permanent affects were after such an altering event, and obvious emotional scars that must have continued on and on... After I finished the book, I re-read the preface and understood why there seemed to be pieces "I" wanted answers to, but understood why they weren't there.

I recommend this book to anyone of all ages. It's absolutely an amazing account of someone accomplishing a journey home with EVERYTHING against him and the beckoning door of death at every turn. How he survived? It's beyond me....

Now, I will hunt for the DVD....if anyone knows where I can find the DVD, please find a way of letting me know. Thanks!

Great Escape: The Full Dramatic Story with Contributions from Survivors and Their Families

Average customer rating:

Worth reading....
A Variety of New Information on the Great Escape
Heroism and tragedy.

Great Escape: The Full Dramatic Story with Contributions from Survivors and Their Families
Anton Gill
Manufacturer: Headline Review
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Prisoners of War | Military | History | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0755310381

Book Description

On the night of March 24, 1944, 76 Allied RAF officers escaped from Stalag-Luft III, Nazi Germany’s most secure POW camp. It was the biggest, most daring break-out of World War II. The tenacity and ingenuity of the prisoners has become the stuff of legend, as they carried out their plan to dig the longest and most sophisticated tunnel ever conceived. But the men paid a high price for their bravery—of the 73 men recaptured, 50 were brutally executed on Hitler’s direct orders. The tireless RAF investigation into the atrocity offers a chilling insight into the last hours of the victims and the actions of the killers. Drawing on the meticulous research carried out for the war crimes trial, as well as interviews with survivors and families of the murdered men, Anton Gill gives us the definitive account of the escape and its shocking aftermath. Among the author’s many books are The Journey Back from Hell and Art Lover: A Biography of Peggy Guggenheim.

Customer Reviews:

Worth reading.... .......2007-08-08

I am somewhat a WWII history buff, so I am not objective, but I really liked this book. I remember seeing a movie about this when I was a kid with Steve McQueen jumping fences with his motorcycle... This is the real story, not the stylized Hollywood tale. The thought of being in a small diameter tunnel, hundreds of yards from the opening in the barracks and digging with rudimentary tools makes one shudder. The odds that these guys faced between detection and tunnel collapse, are amazing.

A Variety of New Information on the Great Escape.......2006-05-08

There are quite a few books out on the Great Escape. This one repeats most previously-written information, but also has some novel items. A fair amount of biographic detail is devoted to "Big X"-Roger Bushell. There is a picture of him on the British ski team in 1932. Several other pictures, apparently not found in any other book on the Great Escape, are also in Gill's book. This book is also relatively unique in that it has short blurbs of paragraphs, written by individual ex-POWs, interspersed within the main text. There are also brief commentaries by some of the relatives of the 50 murdered escapees.

Much detail is devoted to the processes wherein documents and papers were forged. It is amazing to read that the camp artists could actually paint letters to closely resemble typewritten ones, complete with typos and other typed idiosyncrasies. The need to construct a makeshift theodolite (surveying telescope), as opposed to using a real one, is identified as a major source of error in measurement of the distance that the tunnels had to go in order for their exits to be in the woods. This helps explain why Harry was some 20 feet short of the pine treeline.

The discovery of the escape in progress from tunnel Harry, at just before 5 AM on March 25, 1944, is presented as one that took place when a German guard patrolling the wire perimeter noticed one of the escapees moving through into the forest. According to other versions of this event, the guard was initially attracted to the column of steam coming out of the exit shaft of tunnel Harry, and only noticed the escapees when one of them yelled "Don't shoot!" in German. Mention is made of the fact that the stiff wind periodically helped dissipate the column of steam through the night.

Gill discusses the German people's reaction to Nazi rule, almost tacitly suggesting that the Germans had no choice in the matter. No mention is made of the fact that 89% of the German population voted for the Nazi Party in earlier free elections. Gill also devotes some attention to the hunt for the German war criminals responsible for the murder of 50 of the 73 recaptured escapees.

Heroism and tragedy........2005-04-15

We all know the story: US GIs and British Tommy POWs at Stalag Luft 3 staged, during World War II, probably the greatest escape operation of all time. This is the true story of what went on, and it is a great story.

The reader will appreciate the courage and perhaps even more, the ingenuity of the soldiers who managed to turn the POW camp's "operational purpose" to be to conduct escape attempts. The basic notion was that by focusing on escape, the captive Allied soldiers could contribute materially to the war effort by tying down a disproportionate amount of German military and police forces. This they did do.

The "Great Escape" largely ended in tragedy, but this in no way detracts from the heroism of the men who conducted it. This is a fascinating and engaging read to which the discerning reader will return many times.

I Heard My People Cry: One Family's Escape from Russia

Average customer rating:

The Foreword
Survival
Universal appeal - reads like a mystery
From a reader in Virginia, Minnesota
Faith and Perseverance: A Story of Our Times

I Heard My People Cry: One Family's Escape from Russia
Elizabeth Lenci-Downs
Manufacturer: Trafford Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Historical | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Women | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Ukraine | Europe | History | Subjects | Books

Russia | History | Subjects | Books

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Biographies & Memoirs | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

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Similar Items:

ASIN: 1553958284
Release Date: 2006-07-06

Product Description

Spellbinding, unforgettable true story of Lise Huebert Towes Gerig and her Christian family escaping Russia. Epic told through actions of individuals caught up in events of Russian history,1800-WW ll.

Customer Reviews:

The Foreword.......2003-07-01

A foreword for this 2nd printing is written by Nancy K. Splain, J.D., Liaison to the American Bar Association's Far Eastern Project - Ukraine. Dr. Splain lived in Ukraine 2001 and 2002. She has traveled many of the same by-ways as Lise did during her escape with her Mennonite people. In this unusual foreword, Dr. Splain describes the lush hills of Crimea where Lise was born and her passion for this book is obvious. Dr. Splain's foreword is an outstanding addition to this award winning book.

Survival.......2002-08-26

Escape to freedom. Survival. How might we lose our freedoms? This author tells it all.

Universal appeal - reads like a mystery.......2002-02-05

has written this true story in Lise's own, up-lifting and charming words as a child of Dutch-German parents trapped in Russia. I consider it an important addition to the unknown, unadmitted history of Russia's people and Lise's escape with 140 of her people is an amazing story for all ages. This exciting, well crafted book is hard to put down. It is both relevant and powerful. How difficult it is to earn freedom -- how easy to lose it! I Heard My People Cry is felt in the hearts, and seen upon the faces of all mankind. So relevant for day!

From a reader in Virginia, Minnesota.......2002-02-05

I Heard My People Cry is fast becoming the one book everyone in your "home town" wants to read. Congratulations Elizabeth.

Faith and Perseverance: A Story of Our Times.......2001-12-26

Set in Eurasian history, this remarkable story of faith, courage, perseverance and love could easily have happened--and is happening--today. A mother's love and determination, a child's lost innocence, a tale of harrowing survival. What should never have occurred again is as fresh today as it was then. I couldn't put it down the first time, and I continue to pick up my favorite parts to read them over and over as a source and basis for my own faith. The words are so clear, the vision so real.

Average customer rating:

Escape from Berlin
Anthony Kemp
Manufacturer: Hyperion Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

20th Century | World | History | Subjects | Books

Average customer rating:

Escape from Terror
Paul Barton
Manufacturer: Cate Media
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

After the Dark : the story of Stella at Home in England after Her escape from Nazi Germany

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After the Dark : the story of Stella at Home in England after Her escape from Nazi Germany
Gisele Brand
Manufacturer: Veranda Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1876454105

Escape from Colditz (A Berkley Medallion book)

Average customer rating:

Escape from Colditz (A Berkley Medallion book)
P. R Reid
Manufacturer: Berkley Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Escape from Colditz: The two classic escape stories, The Colditz story and Man of Colditz, in one volume

Average customer rating:

Escape from Colditz: The two classic escape stories, The Colditz story and Man of Colditz, in one volume
P. R Reid
Manufacturer: Lippencott
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Escape from Colditz;: The two classic escape stories: The Colditz story, and Men of Colditz

Average customer rating:

Escape from Colditz
Excellant documentation of courage & ingenuity of Allied POW

Escape from Colditz;: The two classic escape stories: The Colditz story, and Men of Colditz
P. R Reid
Manufacturer: Berkley Medallion Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Customer Reviews:

Escape from Colditz.......2005-03-29

"Escape from Colditz" is a factual book which reads like a fictional work. P.R. Reid who wrote the book is the main character who is narrating, and participating in the story. The book tells how the Prisoners of war during World War Two lived in confinement and how they used their surroundings to make their escape using replicated German uniforms, and a glider constructed of bed frames and fabric hidden in the attic of a chapel. The prisoners are all bent on escape and the story is how these men plan to flee to Sweden. For the avid readers of Tom Clancy this book is good if you want to take a break from fast paced action packed shootouts. "Escape from Colditz" is a fast paced book that will consistently surprise you with the ingenuity and the creativity of the men that were imprisoned. A fairly short book that can be read in a few hours; "Escape from Colditz" will leave you wanting to read more. Local libraries and online services have records that validate the names and escapees that are in the book. Besides stirring the imagination and entertaining, the story does have a message. That persistence even in extreme circumstances can result in rewards, and that loyalty to your friends and nation are of extreme importants. For those who do not have time to read a book "Escape from Colditz" has many versions on video cassette, and DVD. The book is also on tape for the morning commuter. Also recommended is "The Colditz Story" and "Men of Colditz"

Excellant documentation of courage & ingenuity of Allied POW.......1999-04-08

Originally published as two separate books, this is the story of Allied POWs in a Nazi POW camp. But not any camp, Colditz was only for those who escaped from other camps and was meant to be inescapable. The first story is told by P.R. Reid, the escape coordinator during the duration of the story. Finally, his turn came to escape and the sequel was written by him with colaberation of the person who took over his duties of escape coordinator. These stories are probably the basis for Stalag 17 and Hogan's Heros, but are not written for what humor can be found within. These are stories and vignettes of heroism, ingenuity, defiance and self respect. Definitely 'must' reading for those with an interest in the human aspects of WWII. However, it should also be 'must' reading for those who appreciate the goodness, tenacity and resilience of the human soul. Very well written, these stories bring you to live among the prisoners of war, to feel their frustrations, and to rejoice in their resistances, whether successful or not. Excellant view into the hearts of patriots. P.S. I read these stories almost fifty years ago and they have remained among my all time favorites.

Average customer rating:

Escape From Germany
Aidan Crawley
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000M1M7L2

Product Description

The story of all the escape attempts made by some of the 15,000 men of the RAF who were captured during World War II.

Book Description

Once the favored canine of Egyptian nobles before the time of Christ, the Pharaoh Hound, known as Kelb Tal-Fenek in its native Malta, continues to fascinate modern-day dog lovers. Prized for his elegant sighthound build and his rich tan coloration, this handsome and durable working dog excels as a devoted companion and trusted watchdog. A rare breed around the world, the ever-blushing Pharaoh Hound enjoys a growing fancy in America, making this Special Rare-Breed Edition a much-needed resource for all admirers of this breed.

Written by hound-breed authority, Juliette Cunliffe, this colorful and comprehensive volume discusses the Pharaoh's history in Egypt, Malta and beyond, the breed's unique characteristics and personality and breed standard. The new owner will welcome the author's insightful advice about training this sensitive and intelligent breed as well guidance on puppy selection and care, house-training and health care. In addition to an authoritative text, written with both the pet owner and breed fancier in mind, this book presents over 135 color photographs that prove to be as attractive as they are informative.

Whether protecting his family, entertaining the children or chasing a lure in a coursing event, the Pharaoh Hound promises a lifetime of joy for the right family.

Customer Reviews:

best book about pharaoh hounds so far..........2006-03-14

I think this book is quite excellent...It contains very much usefull basic information about puppy + training. There`s a little bit about history and health care also. I was very pleased about the information concerning pharaoh hound`s personality but I had unfortunately read most of the facts previously from webpages on Internet. So this is not very comprehensive book and I don`t agree with the writer`s opinion about the importance of crate training. I think the book`s puppy, training and behaviour sections are the best!

Average customer rating:

The Ancient Egyptian Pharaoh Hound
Randall A. Bullard , and Joyce B. Martin
Manufacturer: Touchstone Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Veterinary Medicine | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Animal Husbandry | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0911518673

Average customer rating:

Excellent
The definitive book regarding Pharaoh hounds
excellent overview of the breed, great reference book

Pharaoh Hound
Sacks & Block
Manufacturer: Denlinger's Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Veterinary Medicine | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Animal Husbandry | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0877141037

Customer Reviews:

Excellent.......2000-05-17

This is the only book that completely covers all aspects of Pharaoh Hound ownership, and all of the breeds traits. The book is very well written and illustrated, has all the AKC standards needed to study specimens. A review of the ancient history of the breed. Facinating reading and a must for anyone contemplating Pharaoh hound ownership.

The definitive book regarding Pharaoh hounds.......1999-10-28

This book is for anyone who is considering ownership of a Pharaoh hound, or who already knows and loves the breed. It is comprehensive and fascinating.

excellent overview of the breed, great reference book.......1999-09-05

This is the only book on the Breed that covers all aspects of the breed in detail, and can prepare a future owner of the Breed for what to expect from a Pharaoh Hound. It is well written and has pictures of the breed and a complete breed standard for AKC confirmation.

THE PHARAOH HOUND - Signed Limited Edition

Average customer rating:

THE PHARAOH HOUND - Signed Limited Edition
Pauline Block , and Rita Laventhall Sacks
Manufacturer: Denlinger's Publishers, Ltd.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000MNBSE2

Product Description

A deluxe signed edition limited to only 200 copies, this is copy #101. SIGNED BY BOTH AUTHORS . An interesting examination of dogs in Ancient Egypt with modern discussion.

Average customer rating:

Not what I expected

Pharaoh Hound Champions 1983-1986
Camino Books Inc.
Manufacturer: Camino E E & Book Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0940808390

Customer Reviews:

Not what I expected.......2000-03-06

This book is a compilation of what appears to be bad photocopies of photographs of the dogs. I could make out most of the pictures, but some of them are really bad. I regret paying as much for this book as I did, but as a Pharaoh Hound enthusiast, I'm glad I have it if nothing else but for it's value as a reference. Buy the books by Rita Sacks & Pauline Block and Joyce Martin & Randall Bullard instead!

Average customer rating:

Pharaoh Hound Champions, 1987-2000
Jan Linzy
Manufacturer: Camino E E & Book Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 1558930752

Average customer rating:

Pharaoh Hound Champions, 2001-2003
Jan Linzy , and Sharae Pata
Manufacturer: Camino E E & Book Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Plastic Comb

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 1558931430

Average customer rating:

limited

Pharaoh Hounds
Sue M. Sefscik
Manufacturer: TFH Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Pharaoh Hound (Kennel Club Dog Breed Series)

ASIN: 0866227504

Customer Reviews:

limited.......2001-04-18

info on Pharaohs is good, but quite limited

for the most part...this is a 'general' dog guide not much (not even a third)with regards to Pharaoh hounds

Average customer rating:
The pharaoh hound, its past, present, and future
Pauline Block
Manufacturer: Adams Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Veterinary Medicine | Medicine | Subjects | Books
Animal Husbandry | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0006CZEN0

Average customer rating:
Pharaoh Hounds
Sue Sefscik
Manufacturer: T F H Publications, Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000KP3QVA

Book Description

From tropical jungles to the driest deserts, from sea level to the tops of snow-packed mountains, cacti thrive in a multitude of environments. This wonderful, fact-filled reference introduces 150 of the most common and popular species. Each entry has a color photo and includes information on its origins, growing season, discovery, naming, and domestication. Take a look at the bright red flowering rat-tail cactus; the sea urchin cactus with pale yellowish petals; and the tall saguaro--the one you'll have seen in all those Westerns--and 147 more! Understand the process they use to extract water in areas of limited moisture, and examine the variety of their spines and the shapes of their flowers. See how to care for these exotic but hardy plants, using the important details to provide an atmosphere in which they can flourish and flower. You'll get the secrets of successful propagation (whether by seed, soil, or grafting); growing mediums and tools; recipes for soil mixes for particular species; facts on watering and feeding; and careful guidance on common problems. It's everything you need to know about cultivating cactus in the home and garden. 112 pages (all in color), 8 1/2 x 11.

Average customer rating:

Really good book

Parrots for everyone!

Love on Wings

Even better than the movie

On the Wings of Love...

The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill: A Love Story . . . with Wings
Mark Bittner
Manufacturer: Three Rivers Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Memoirs | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Birdwatching | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Outdoors & Nature Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Look Inside Science Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill

The Parrot Who Owns Me: The Story of a Relationship

Enslaved by Ducks

Providence of a Sparrow: Lessons from a Life Gone to the Birds

The Healthy Bird Cookbook: A Lifesaving Nutritional Guide and Recipe Collection

ASIN: 140008170X
Release Date: 2005-01-25

Book Description

Like a lot of young people in the 1970s, Mark Bittner took the path of the “dharma bum.” When the counterculture faded, Mark held on, seeking shelter in the nooks and crannies of San Francisco’s fabled bohemian neighborhood, North Beach. While living on the eastern slope of Telegraph Hill, he made a magical discovery: a flock of wild parrots. In this unforgettable story, Bittner recounts how he became fascinated by the birds and patiently developed friendships with them that would last more than six years. When a documentary filmmaker comes along to capture the phenomenon on film, the story takes a surprising turn, and Bittner’s life truly takes flight.

“A fascinating love story with wings.” —Boston Herald

“[A] charming memoir. For devoted birders everywhere.” —Reader’s Digest, Editor’s Choice

“[An] inspirational saga of one man finding his life’s meaning in the most serendipitous way.” —San Jose Mercury News

“Instructive, surprising, sweet.” —Gary Snyder, author of Turtle Island and Mountains and Rivers Without End

Customer Reviews:

Really good book.......2007-07-20

This book was recommended to me by someone whose taste in books I questioned. However, I must say this is a well-written, fascinating book. For animals lovers, in particular, you will truly enjoy this story.

Parrots for everyone!.......2007-07-12

What a thrill to learn about Mark Bittner's love and care of the flock of (mostly) cherryheads. I'm not even a bird person, but I was just mesmerized a couple of years ago by a story I heard on NPR about a flock of parrots. I'm still not sure it was the San Francisco flock, but imagine my surprise when I saw Mark's book on my emailed Page-A-Day calendar.

Reading the story was like being there. I learned to like Mark in spite of my reservations in the beginning; couldn't wait to watch the film.

Only a week after finishing the book, I was reading the intro to another book and the author (Jim Palmer) introduced himself as a lover of quirky films that no one else knows about, like "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill." I considered it a "God-sign."

Read this book; you'll love it.

Love on Wings.......2007-06-27

I throughly enjoyed this true story with a happy ending.
It was written with heart and soul.
And touched mine.

Even better than the movie.......2007-01-03

I watched the movie prior to reading the book.

I enjoyed both but in particular the book.

Mark is a very good writer, especially when you consider that he has no formal training, that I am aware of.

This is a book that you can read again a few months later and be entertained all over again.

On the Wings of Love..........2006-12-26

They say he may have been a modern bohemian Saint Francis living in San Francisco and befriending wild parrots. Or maybe he was simply a man returning (for some time) to the original state of humankind living in harmony with the creatures. Yes, this is the story of wild parrots and a semi-wild man and how they danced, sang, ate seeds, and lived together for six years. Perched high upon a hill overlooking the San Francisco bay, the ancient story of human befriending wild beasts unfolded. The kind of tale that fascinates us today just as it would have fascinated our ancestors in ancient times. Such stories will always fascinate us humans, whenever a gentle, loving heart opens itself to the magic and mystery of creation and engages in a dance of truth with life.

Mark Bittner writes: "In 1988, I took a job as the caretaker of a house on the east side of Telegraph Hill. Two years later I spotted four parrots in the gardens outside my home. Within three years the flock had grown to twenty-six, and I was in love. I spent the next six years making friends with them and learning their ways... I watched them for several years with tremendous curiosity. What were wild parrots doing in San Francisco? Then one day a few of them flew to my fire escape, and my whole life changed..."

In 1996 Mark began writing a book about his experiences with these colorful, fascinating birds. He came to know each parrot individually and personally. Each one has its unique personality, quirks, friendships, courtships, and life pathways. Mark wrote his observations in a journal of the lives of Mingus, Connor, Picasso, Sophie, Olive, Pushkin, Tupelo, and many other parrots whom he named, fed, observed, cared for, and befriended. He also photographed the birds, with stunning results. The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill: A Love Story... With Wings is the highly acclaimed, charming, and best-selling result of Mark's six years with the birds.

Judy Irving, a filmmaker, began creating a documentary of Mark's work with the parrots in 1998. This resulted in her extraordinary documentary, also called The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill. Although the title is the same as the book, the book and film focus on somewhat different aspects of the story. The film (available on DVD) is as much a study of Mark as it is of the parrots. While working on the film, Judy and Mark fell in love. They are now married and living in the gardens of Telegraph Hill. Mark is currently working on a book about his years of living on the street prior to his encounter with the parrots. Judy continues making her high quality films on the environment.

If you read the book or watch the film, you will find that Mark's bird-friends become your friends. James D. Gilardi, Ph.D., Director of the World Parrot Trust, writes: "By falling in with a flock of wild parrots, Bittner has learned more about a real parrot society than those of us studying wild or captive parrots could ever hope to learn." But of course, the book isn't just about parrots. As one reviewer of Mark's book wrote: "By the end of his tale, you will no longer see humans as the center of the universe, if you ever did." And by the time the screen credits are rolling at the end of the film, you will find yourself transformed by this beautifully touching and compelling story.

What I loved especially about both the film and the book is experiencing how Mark himself evolves and transforms through his relationship with the parrots and eventually through his relationship with Judy. He was a lost musician, a street person, a post-beatnik, searching for truth and "right living" as taught by Buddhism. He took odd jobs, tried this and that, but never quite found his path. Until he met the parrots. And then Judy. We sense that the story is far from over, and we yearn to know more of its unfolding... I wish that Judy and Mark would write, or document in film or photographs, more about their personal lives since the publication and dissemination of their book and film. The film opens you up to the delight of these two people, and one yearns to know more. Like the parrots, Judy and Mark have become our friends through the magic of the book and film.

To experience the magic yourself, view the film or DVD, read the book, view Mark's photos, and check out Mark's and Judy's websites. You'll be glad that you did! Beautiful story, beautiful people, beautiful birds.

Yes, if you are a lover of nature, both human and animal, I highly recommend this book and the film/DVD.

Book Description

This is a tale of the author's discovery of Ireland and her heritage, and goes on to tell the history of her ancestors through diaries and interviews with friends and neighbors. Also the history of the Connemara Bus, run in the Ferguson family for generations.

Customer Reviews:

All Aboard.......2001-04-11

Life is full of missed opportunities. How many of us have lamented over that moment of hesitation when we didn't seize the opportunity to speak to an intriguing stranger or take advantage of a once in a lifetime opportunity? Fortunately there are also those serendipitous moments that can change the whole course of your life. For Missouri native, Ann Milholland Webb, that moment came when she stepped on the Connemara Bus in Galway City. Bus owner and tour guide, Hugh Ryan, offered Ann much more than a tour of the Connemara landscape and history. He provided a glimpse into a simpler time when his grandfather, Andrew Ferguson, used the original bus as a means for women, especially, to come to the city to sell their wares and visit the world outside the narrow confines of village life. For Ann the journey served several purposes, not the least of which was a means of coming to terms with the death of the major figures in her life, her husband and her father. In addition, she found a sense of belonging and acceptanace within the Ryan's close-knit family. Even more surprising, she found a sense of purpose in life and a reason to go on by developing a cottage industry in the Connemara countryside which benefits the local inhabitants. Travel along with Ann on this trip of healing and renewal in the Connemara Bus. It is a journey well worth taking.

The Connemara Bus.......2000-10-23

This is a superb work about greif bearing,roots, and the splendid man Mr. Ferguson. A look at the Connemara Region in times forgotten by many or rather unknown to more. A region of natural beauty not to be missed when you go to Galway. You will consider a tour on the Connemara Bus a bargain. If for no other reason, you will have had the company of Mr.Hugh Ryan, the driver, for an afternoon. Buy the book if you go or not. Ann Milholland has a lot to say in her first book.

A great book.......2000-08-29

I visited Galway, Ireland in June of this year and met Hugh and Annon the Connemara Bus which is now a tourist bus. They were great people.

I highly recommend this book to Irish Americans like myself who are interested in their ancestry and finidhing their relations.

Wanda's Comments.......2000-05-28

The Connemara Bus is a beautifully well written autobiography which will hold the reader captivated from start to finish. The author describes her childhood, her close relationship to her father and her association with Hugh Ryan and his family. Accompanied by her brother, Dennis, Ann Milholland Webb while on tour in Ireland on The Connemara Bus, chronicals her personal "coming to terms" with the deaths of both her husband and her father in a way which makes the reader feel like they, too, are passengers on the bus and witnesses of her experiences. I am very much looking forward to a sequel of The Connemara Bus by this very talented author.

A Ride Well Worth Taking!.......2000-04-18

Ann Milholland Webb's THE CONNEMARA BUS is one of those intimate epics that hooks a reader and just doesn't let go. It spins fascinating tales and adventures involving two people, their two cultures and countries and families, and the themes of heartbreak, loss of love and innocence, discovery and hope are not just universal, they become more personal as you read on. This is a ride well worth taking, beautifully told. Truly an intimate story of epic proportions!

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