Hunter Travel Guides Catskills: Alive! (The Catskills Alive!)

Customer Reviews:

Beyond Dirty Dancing.......2004-02-13

Beyond Dirty Dancing

Francine Silverman's The Catskills Alive!, now in its second printing, brings the vivid mountain area of Southern New York to life for the casual or more discerning reader. The guidebook's narrative is interlaced with nostalgia, pointing out the great vitality of the Catskills in the 1950s and the current local proprietors' efforts to revive a somewhat ailing economy.

The Catskills Alive! is divided into chapters of the four counties spanning across the Catskills region. Silverman dedicates two entire sections to the numerous campgrounds and farm markets available there.

The Catskills Alive! is a great guide to have for an area whose advertising signs misrepresent what is still in business and what is not. Silverman has a rock-solid grasp on her subject matter as she sheds light on the history of grandiose hotels which have since been razed. In the case of the Leibowitz's Pine View Hotel, for example, the building has been turned into a correctional facility. These little facts make her book an easy and interesting read.

Even sports fans can find something of interest in Silverman's book. Each chapter offers useful information on sports facilities, golf courses, fitness studios, bird watching, and the like. She offers noteworthy trivia such as famous faces who have graced the landscape, drawing the area closer to the reader's heart even as he or she is geographically miles and miles away. I highly recommend The Catskills Alive! for anyone who wants to learn beyond what you see in movies such as "Walk on the Moon" and "Dirty Dancing".

Christine Louise Hohlbaum, American author of Diary of a Mother: Parenting Stories and Other Stuff, is a freelance writer living near Munich with her husband and two children. Visit her Web site at http://www.diaryofamother.com

A must.......2003-09-29

As in previous guides by this author, information is arranged according to specific areas of the Catskills. Highlights of Sullivan, Ulster, Greene, and Delaware counties are listed systematically in helpful fashion. Anything travelers or tourists could possibly want or need to know about the Catskills has been researched by the author. In a style that feels like reminiscing with an old friend, Ms. Silverman shares insights on food, lodging, and points of interest both past and present. And if her directions don't help travelers find their way through rustic country on mountain roads, the author states law officers and locals are friendly and helpful to lost tourists.

Catskills history is fascinating. In addition to step by step guides for each county, readers will discover charming stories about famous visitors - a who's who of the past.

The Catskills and Hudson River Valley come alive, thanks to Francine Silverman's skill. With fresh air, clean water, and pristine forests, it would make a most appealing destination.
As was her previous guide book, Long Island Alive, this latest book is a must have for anyone planning a visit to the Catskills.

Laurel Johnson
Midwest Book Review

An immense aid.......2003-09-29

Silverman, a veteran feature writer for newspapers and magazines, is an expert when it comes to providing the reader with the most up-to-date details pertaining to the Catskills.

The guidebook more than adequately dispels the often- heard misconception "there's nothing to do in the Catskills anymore."

Admirably fulfilling its objective of providing a comprehensive guide to the Catskills, Silverman pinpoints locations by dividing them into four areas- Sullivan, Ulster, Greene and Delaware.
Within these areas, the guidebook provides the reader with comprehensive listing and descriptions of places to stay, eat, and shop, attractions, museums, festivals, events, and other "goodies."

In a way, the book serves as an invitation for people to come and enjoy this beautiful area of New York State.

The introduction to the book sets the stage for the chapters that follow, giving a brief overview and explanation of the environment, forests, wildlife, contemporary Catskills, gambling, nightlife, getting around, driving, transportation services, where to stay and eat, shopping, seasonal considerations, guided trips, and brochures and publications.

Each of the chapters that follow describe in detail all of the above, and in addition provide some interesting tips, and "did you know facts."

As an example, Silverman informs us, Ostriches lack teeth but can painfully clamp down on your hand. Children should be warned to look and not touch.

The Kaaterskill Falls & Catskill Mountain House's guest list is a biographer's dream:
Alexander Graham Bell, Henry James, Oscar Wilde, Ulysses S. Grant, Mark Twain, Winslow Home and Tyronne Power.
Most of all, it was Thomas Cole, leader of the Hudson River School of Landscape painters, who popularized the region with his Catskill Mountain House and other paintings.

The book is also peppered with many other tidbits concerning the history of the hotels and bygone days, the Algonquin influence, community improvements, and works in progress that represent significant projects that may or may not materialize.

No doubt, this guidebook will be of immense aid to those who are contemplating a visit to the Catskills or perhaps those who vacation in the area but were not aware of its many attractions.

Silverman's profound knowledge gives the book a substance well beyond many Catskills' guidebooks.

Very disappointing.......2002-08-02

Shallow book with not enough information about accomodations or activities, both in amount of coverage as well as in-depth of each issue.

The e-book does not let you print copy/paste, nothing!! even though it is the same price as the paperback. For a book that you need with you on your trip, unless you feel like lugging around your laptop you are stuck.

I didn't know that I can't even print out any pages, so I was surprised.

The paperback maybe is worth it, but the e-book -- don't touch it.

Truly brings the Catskills alive.......2001-04-16

Less than a day's drive from New York City, Boston or Philadelphia, the Catskills have long been a popular weekend and summer retreat for city folk. The area offers fine accommodations, top-notch dining and spectacular surroundings.

This book profiles hundreds of hotels and restaurants, with an emphasis on the very best places. Daytime activities - shopping, antique-hunting and more - are featured. In-margin icons allow you to see at a glance what is being covered in the text.

Book Description

This is my mat! The fat cat sat on the mat. "Get off!" said the rat. But the fat cat just sat. So the rat got his bat. Then the rat got his hat. Will the rat and the bat and the hat get the fat cat off the mat?

Customer Reviews:

Great rhyming!.......2007-01-03

It's a great book for the beginning reader. Cute story. As for the words "hates", "stupid", and "brat", I used white-out and put in my own words. I'm surprised the publisher let those words into a beginning reader book. I'm glad to see a longer (32 pages) level 1 book.

Very Disappointing.......2005-11-22

My son, who has just turned 4, has just started to learn to read. After completing his first book at school, we went and purhcased this book as it had many of the simple short words that he is learning. Given the level of the book, it never occured to me to review it first and imagine my surprise when I read "The rat hates the cat" and "You think I am stupid" and "My dear little brat". My 4 year old is aware of words like "hate" and "stupid" but he also knows that those are not kind words and they don't have a place in our house. I am returning the book and now question Harper Collin's ability to review books and give their opinion.

I agree with a previous reviewer in that the book is very rude and does not teach good behavior. I want my son to learn to read, but not at the expense of his manners!

I strongly encourage those considering this book to re-consider. There's enough rudeness and harsh words in this world without having to introduce them in a small child's book.

[...]

1 star or 5 stars? : All of the reviewers are right.......2005-11-02

Good things:
* Longer and slightly more complex story than most reading books
* Humorous plot with twists (I love how the rat is going to get a bat to get the cat off the mat and it turns out to be a flying bat as opposed to a baseball bat.)
* good rhyming
* my 4 year olds are just starting to grasp reading and this book and its many *at words was just about at their level and appealing enough that they were making an effort

Negative:
* I wish the characters were not so rude (I do think kids can distinguish between appropriate behavior and behavior that needs correcting). Giving them only model behavior is unrealistic and sometimes boring. However, in this book it will be up to you to reinforce any lessons about rudeness.
* I prefer not to have books about witches.

For me the positives outweighed the negatives enough to seriously consider buying it.

Inappropriate.......2004-09-28

This book uses words like "hate" and "stupid". These words are wholly unacceptable in a book meant for children aged pre-K to first grade.

Bad behavior.......2004-06-11

I purchased this book because of the good reviews here, but I am afraid that I have to disagree with popular opinion. The characters in this story are rude, inconsiderate, and just plain do not get along. The story is about a cat and a rat who are pets of a witch. The rat seems to be portrayed as the favored pet and the book states that the rat hates the cat and the cat doesn't care. When the witch leaves, the cat leaves the vat and goes to sit on the mat, which is believed to be the rat's mat. The rat tells him to move (not politely at all) and when the cat does not move, the rat's friends (a bat and a hat) join the rat in bullying the cat to move. They also try to entice him off of the mat with a fish. The cat (beligerently) will not leave the mat until the witch comes home and asks the rat "what makes you think it is YOUR mat?" at which point the cat (arrogantly and victoriously) smiles and returns to the vat.

Book Description

I.Q. comes to Mrs. Furber’s class on the first day of school. He loves being in class with the children. But who wants to be the class pet when being a student can be so much fun? Each week Mrs. Furber chooses a Student of the Week. More than anything, I.Q. wants to be picked. When will it be his turn?

Customer Reviews:

Wiggling his way into your heart!.......2003-03-23

I. Q. is the pet rat of Mrs. Furber's class. But he longs to be much more. Along with the children, he is learning to count and spell. He has learned his colors, participated in the Thanksgiving play (a small role) and crafted Valentines. But the school year is soon ending and still I.Q. has not been named Student of the Week. What can he do to get Mrs. Furber's attention?

I.Q. wiggles his way into readers' hearts, and the book's illustrations delightfully document the goings-on of a classroom throughout the seasons.

I.Q. Goes To School.......2003-03-18

This book was a joy to read! My second grader loved the story as it goes through the whole year with events relating to what she has learned in school this year. I.Q. is adorable as he wants to become a student not just the class pet. I.Q. learns about the alphabet, colors, numbers and holidays along with students. But more than anything, I.Q. wants to be picked for STUDENT OF THE WEEK. When will it be his turn? This book is a great read and it will surely be a favorite with your children as it is with mine.

Great read aloud for first grade.......2003-03-07

Every first grade class will enjoy this joyful trip through the school year. This fits month by month with the first grade curriculum. I.Q. will be a welcome pet and student that children can relate to. This book is a joy to read and share.

Average customer rating:

Satisfying Ending
A Good Book
A light, fun read
awesome
I Was A Rat ! By Allen M. Koshy

I Was a Rat!
Philip Pullman
Manufacturer: Yearling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0440416612
Release Date: 2002-02-12

Amazon.com

"Bless my soul!" said Bob. "Who are you?"
"I was a rat," said the little boy.

When a grubby young pageboy knocks on the door of Bob the cobbler and Joan the washerwoman's house, the kindly couple hardly knows what to think. Could this delusional boy be the answer to their prayers for a little one of their own? And was he really once a rat? It seems so. He shreds his bedding, for example, and he chews his toast swiftly with his front teeth. He eats an entire pencil and bites his teacher. Despite the fact that he is a little ratty in his habits, the old couple grow quite fond of the young fellow.

In time, the word spreads that there's a rat-boy in town, news that intrigues everyone from the Royal Philosopher to the P.T. Barnum-inspired freak-peddler Oliver Tapscrew to a reporter from the local rag The Daily Scourge. As the harmless, well-meaning boy is transformed into "The Monster of the Sewers" through pure sensationalism and mass hysteria, Philip Pullman playfully satirizes the power of the press and society at large.

What does it mean to be human? In this often darkly comic Dickensian tale, rats start to look pretty good by comparison. But in a fairy-tale ending, Bob and Joan teach us that humans, corrupt as we are, can always take solace in toasted cheese, love, and good craftsmanship. Kevin Hawkes's black-and-white illustrations enliven the already vivacious adventure that, thanks to Pullman's ever lovely wordplay and sly satire, is every bit as enjoyable for adults as it is for young readers. (Ages 9 to 12) --Karin Snelson

Book Description

“I Was a Rat!” So insists a scruffy boy named Roger. Maybe it’s true. But what is he now? A terrifying monster running wild in the sewers? The Daily Scourge is sure of it. A victim of “Rodent Delusion”? The hospital nurse says yes. A lucrative fairground freak? He is to Mr. Tapscrew. A champion wriggler and a budding thief? That’s what Billy thinks. Or just an ordinary small boy, though a little ratty in his habits? Only three people believe this version of the story. And it may take a royal intervention—and a bit of magic—to convince the rest of the world.

Set against the backdrop of a Royal Wedding—and a playful parody of the press, I Was a Rat! is a magical weaving of humor, fairy tale, and adventure.

Customer Reviews:

Satisfying Ending.......2007-06-08

Bob and Joan, an older couple living a quiet life in the village near the castle, never were able to have children of their own. That brought them some sadness, but they learned to go on with their lives despite that fact. Then one evening a small boy shows up at their door. He has no name and no home, and doesn't know where he came from or where he belongs. However, he is insistent that he was a rat at some very recent time. Bob and Joan take the boy in and, in fact, he does have some very ratlike tendencies, such as ripping up all of his sheets to sleep on and putting his face right into his food to eat. But he learns quickly and Bob and Joan take a liking to him. They call him Roger, which they would have called their own son if they'd had one.

Bob and Joan are good people who realize that a small boy must have a place to be and people who will miss him, so they start bringing him around to different places and asking about him. No one seems to know who he is or where he belongs, so they decide he can stay with them for awhile. However, people are curious about this boy who says he was a rat, and wants to study him. During one session with the palace philosopher, Roger is scared by the man's cat and runs away. He is picked up by a traveling circus owner who treats him badly and makes him perform as the rat-boy in his show. Roger is very sad and misses Bob and Joan.

Roger eventually escapes and tries to become a rat again, living below the streets and staying out of the way. But news of a monster in the sewers spreads, and people are determined to capture this monster and put it to death so it can't hurt anyone living in the village. Will Roger ever be able to live in peace?

I liked the newspaper stories throughout this book, showing what the common people wanted to read about. They were very amusing and somewhat realistic. I liked that Roger was such an innocent character. He never tried to cause trouble, but he was always in the middle of things. I really liked the explanation for what happened to Roger at the end of the book; it was a very clever take on the story.

A Good Book.......2006-09-19

In this book an old couple stumbles across a little boy.He says he was a rat so they take him all over town and try to find his owners.When they can't they decide to keep him.He runs away and gets into alot of trouble.But once again he is saved from death and reunited with his family.With the help of a young princess and a pair of scarlet slippers.I would recomend this book.

A light, fun read.......2006-09-11

A shabby looking boy knocks on the door of an old couple, and insists he was a rat. The boy certainly has some rat like tendencies, such as drinking out of his bowl and chewing on his pillow. They decide to keep the boy (who they have named Roger) but he escapes and joins a freakshow. Roger makes it back to his adoptive parents after many comical adventures. A quick, funny fantasy read that will intrigue many readers.

awesome.......2006-08-09

"I Was A Rat" is about a boy who finds a couple to live with and insists he is a rat. But soon he causes tons of comotion in his home town new york. Hes really not sure who he is and then finds out he really is not a rat and ends up getting a big surprise.

"I Was A Rat" was an awesome book because....It taught me to always believe in my heart. But some times it can cause catastrophies. I really loved everything about this book!It was funny,sad and surprising. I think anybody who reads this book is sure to love it.Well at least I did! If i could give this book a ten I would. Sarah

I Was A Rat ! By Allen M. Koshy.......2006-05-04

This is a fantastic book about a boy although a little bit ratty comes to a couple named Bob and Joan.They take care of the boy and call him Roger.Roger is a little bit weird but,when I read this book Roger becomes a really nice boy.The author made this book so real to me that I felt I was being sucked right into the book!This is a really great book to read.

R-T, Margaret, and the Rats of N I M H (BookFestival)

Average customer rating:

I'd hoped for something better than "Racso"
An uninspired finish to the Rats of N.I.M.H.
R-T, Margaret, and the Rats of Nimh
R-T,Margaret,and The Rats of Nimh
i really really really really really really liked the book

R-T, Margaret, and the Rats of N I M H (BookFestival)
Jane Leslie Conly
Manufacturer: Harpercollins Childrens Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0060213639

Book Description

When Margaret and her younger brother, Artie, get lost in the woods on a family camping trip, they are rescued by rats -- the superintelligent rats of NIMH. Taken into the rat's community, the children are safe for the time being. But winter is coming. Margaret and Artie have to get back home. And when they do, they must protect the rats who have helped them. Everything depends on their silence... but it's hard to evade questions forever. Children's Choices for 1991 (IRA/CBC)VOYA's Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror 1990Parenting Honorable Mention, Reading Magic Award

Customer Reviews:

I'd hoped for something better than "Racso".......2007-06-01

This book was such a bitter dissapointment that I nearly didn't finish it, dispite the fact that I'd tried to find it for several years at one point. Any momentum left from the poorly characterized and poorly executed "Racso" was squashed flat in this story.

What made the original so delicious to read was that there wasn't much involved in suspending disbelief. Mrs. Frisby and company felt like your friends, you sympathised with their plight and rooted for the the rats and the mouse family. In R-T, there's just nothing that brings the reader into the world and makes them become emotionally invested in the outcome. It's too forced and too silly to bother taking seriously.

This was a lackluster end to what started as such a stellar series.

An uninspired finish to the Rats of N.I.M.H........2007-01-12

The first book, "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of N.I.M.H.", was excellent (yes, even better than the movie). The second book, "Racso and the Rats of N.I.M.H.", was a very good sequel - not as good as the first, but well in line with the spirit and quality of the original (and fortunately completely divorced from the poor second movie). This third book is average at best. It centers alternately on Racso and two human children. Although Racso is not an unappealing character, the significant focus on the humans in the book takes the story outside of what a N.I.M.H. fan like myself enjoys about the stories. I also found the ending to be depressing and predictable. Only recommended to die-hard N.I.M.H. fans.

R-T, Margaret, and the Rats of Nimh.......2006-10-20

If you like books about adventure, then R.T., Margaret, and the Rats of Nimh is for you book.

This book is about a girl named Margaret, and a boy named R.T. and they get lost in the woods while camping with their family. Their only refuge is the Rats of Nimh. When winter comes they must return to their home because it will be too cold for them. When they get home, they must protect the rats and not tell anyone about them. Will Margaret reveal her secret about the rats? Read the book and you'll find out!

I really enjoyed this book because there was a lot of excitement and surprises in the book.

I give this book five stars because I really enjoyed the action and the surprises.

R-T,Margaret,and The Rats of Nimh.......2005-10-19

Do you like adventurous stories? Then you should check out R-T, Margaret, and The Rats of Nimh by Jane Leslie Conly.
This story is about Margret, Artie, and the rats. The children went on a camping trip and get lost in the woods and are found by very intelligent rats. Will Margaret and Artie ever find their way back home? Will they stay with the rats forever? Will they keep their secret?
We gave this book 4 out of 5 stars, because it was very well written, although it was a very good book it had some boring parts in it.
[...]

i really really really really really really liked the book.......2004-04-12

the book was really good and its good for all ages. if there was a fourth one i would be the first one to have a copy. i recomend this book to everyone!

I Thought I'd Take My Rat to School: Poems for September to June

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I Thought I'd Take My Rat to School: Poems for September to June
Dorothy M. Kennedy
Manufacturer: Little Brown & Co (Juv)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: School & Library Binding

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ASIN: 0316488933

Yo Era Una Rata!/I Was a Rat (Barco De Vapor. Serie Oro)

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Yo Era Una Rata!/I Was a Rat (Barco De Vapor. Serie Oro)
Philip Pullman , and Miguel Azaola
Manufacturer: Ediciones Sm
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 8434878119

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The rat patrol: The iron monster raid
I. G Edmonds
Manufacturer: Whitman Pub. Division, Western Pub. Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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ASIN: B0007HLNFC

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Mooch Makes Good!

Mooch the Messy (An I Can Read Book)
Marjorie Weinman Sharmat , and Ben Shecter
Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

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ASIN: 0060255323

Customer Reviews:

Mooch Makes Good!.......2003-05-09

This was the best book I read all year! I absolutely loved it from cover to cover. The illustrations really make a smashing impact. A "must-read" for all kids trying to get over their fear of rats!

I Brought My Rat for Show and Tell (All Aboard Poetry Reader)

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I Brought My Rat for Show and Tell

I Brought My Rat for Show and Tell (All Aboard Poetry Reader)
Joan Horton
Manufacturer: Grosset & Dunlap
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0448433648

Book Description

You don't bring your rat to show-and-tell. You do mouth off to the class bully—but only when you're safe at home in bed. These are just some of the lessons to be learned in this hilarious collection of school poems—guaranteed to tickle any kid's funny bone!

Customer Reviews:

I Brought My Rat for Show and Tell.......2004-02-25

What a great book! This is so much fun for young readers, and is sure to amuse even the parents. Buy it now, as it definitely belongs in your child's bookcase! Also, check out Halloween Hoots and Howls, another fun book of poems authored by Joan Horton.

Everything I Know About the Rat Race I Learned from My Cat

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Everything I Know About the Rat Race I Learned from My Cat
Allia Zobel-Nolan , and Nicole Hollander
Manufacturer: Andrews Mcmeel Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0836268423

Book Description

Everything I Know about the Rat Race I Learned from My Cat is a must-have for any cat lover who works in an office. Cats know more about business than most MBAs, and Allia Zobel's out to prove it in this humorous book of aphorisms about surviving the corporate rat race illustrated in full-color hilarity by the syndicated Sylvia cartoonist, Nicole Hollander.

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