Spain, Day by Day is a Frommer’s travel guide book. I have to say, it is one of the best I’ve come across in the last decade. Most guidebooks are the “see this, do that” kind with a few photos tossed in. Day by Day does this more effectively. It suggests strategies for enjoying a visit to the Iberian Peninsula and then proceeds with itineraries. Furthermore, there are regional sub-guides with routes to follow according to various cultural experiences. Topics like “wine lovers” point the way to specific interests so you don’t have to plow through the rest for which you have no desire.
Spain, Day by Day, is clearly written, beautifully photographed, and the maps very useful. Having visited Spain many times, I was pleased to see how what I saw shows up in the book. Of course, I also see what I’ve missed. Therefore, I’m using this book as one of my resources in planning the next sojourn. For the price, it’s been a great help.
Hard Knocks Down Under
The Broken Shore is the first Peter Temple book I’ve read. It features Joe Cashin, a detective haunted by a splintered family, nagging injuries, and his own questions about justice under the law. The story begins with the attack and subsequent death/murder of a wealthy local man. As Cashin is on and off the case, societal tensions are exposed as well as old wounds in his own personal history. The story careens around odd corners and meanders through Cashin’s past and present, revealing the details about a place where the friction is no longer under the surface. I would have preferred a bit more plot and a bit less interdiction for family heartstrings.
Much has been made about Temple’s writing style. It does have a staccato beat, which at times can be distracting. Chapter endings are a bit like stepping off a cliff. His sparse dialog may leave you guessing sometimes, too. However, he does paint the picture of a portion of Australia many American readers may not know. I’m going read another of his books because this installment has piqued my curiosity.
Tags: book review, Books, fiction, Writing