Purporting itself to be an introduction to Canada for Americans, it fails miserably for other reasons besides the trite issue of Canadian spellings, as pointed out by another reviewer. Rather than being a broad-based overview of Canadian history, politics, and life as it appears it should be (and the reason why I purchased it), it is merely an master's thesis level analysis of Canadian economic history and development through the eyes of an unabashed neo-Marxist whose distaste for the American system is quite palpable, and unfortunately, somewhat pedestrian in his criticisms.

Describing next to nothing about the Canadian people, basic attitudes towards government, health and welfare, i.e., the "whats" and "whys" of current Canadian identity (or lack thereof) it instead gets bogged down in economic and political minutae that is tiresome to read and, in the end, completely unrelated to clearing up American misperceptions of Canadian society.

It is by far the worst book on Canadian-American relations I have ever read. Reading more like a a policy paper, instead of the title "Canada for Americans", it should have been entitled: "The Canadian Working Class and the Struggle for Authentic Economic Empowerment, 1791-1997: A Neo-Marxist Perspective"

Intended to help diminish American ignorance of Canada, this book fails at its most basic level by the use of American spelling throughout the text. Although rich in facts and figures for its size, the book nonetheless perpetuates the American condescension it justifiably deplores. It is most unfortunate for American and Canadian readers alike that the author's disrespect of standard Canadian English reduces the book to a pitiful self-mockery.

As a Costarican I found this book, not only poor in knolodge of our country but terrible misleading the tourist market. I wish nothing happens to any of the people who read this book and try to hired prostitutes in Costa Rica. If this is the case please blame this man in San Francisco not our country. I considered the book sick and really do not contributed to anybodies benefits. I talk to a friend of my in Costa Rica who give an interview to Mr Itiel and he told me that he was very sorry he waisted his time with this man. Costa Rica is beautiful full of nice people who will show you our country, and will make you feel welcome, not because you have some $$ but because in Costa Rica we love people from everywhere. Some of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica is in Manuel Antonio where we have a gay and lesbian resort call Casa Blanca, please if you come to our country meet the people of Costa Rica, not the people of Mr Itiel. I'm ashamed of this book, and I'm gladd I did not espend the money in buying but I read it because someone give to me. As we say in Costa Rica "nos encanta la gente" and Pura vida don't mean nothing an less you conserve your "vida" Life

I have traveled several times to Costa Rica and have many acquaintances among native Costa Ricans. Mr. Itiel's book gives an inaccurate picture of life in Costa Rica, and should some unwary reader attempt to follow Mr Itiel's footsteps (in regards to 'hiring' so-called guides) an uncomfortable and potential dangerous outcome may ensue. The maps, Spanish phrases, in the book are incorrect- and evidence either poor knowledge on Mr. Itiel's part or poor effort in proof-reading. The book is extremely short and superficial and ignores many aspects of which Costa Rica is famous throughout the world. The black and white photos are not very descriptive and do not do justice to the beauty and color in Costa Rica. N. Del Pizzo's chapter was just as superficial as Mr. Itiel's work- it is regretable that she did not evidence/experience much of the 'ambience' of CR- that being the case, somebody who HAD seen the 'woman's side of Costa Rica" should have written that chapter. It would have been more informative. I am very sorry that I WASTED $20 on this book and I strongly urge potential readers NOT to consider it. Thank you, J. A Thomas Test

A BIG disappointment! Shoddy reproductions (black & white)with very poor resolution (small and out of focus reprints of the postcards.) If it wasn't such a hassle I would have returned the book.

I was hoping for some nice color pictures to go along with the price guide. No such luck. There are only some poorly scanned black and white pics. This book is only underline only a price guide!

I've just finished reading this book and felt obliged to write this review so that others would not waste their time and money as I have. To put some perspective on this when I purchased this book I thought I was buying a book which would acknowledge the evils of Communism and Stalinism. As I began to read it however, I slowly began to realize that the author's true intent was to rehabilitate the memory of Adolph Hitler. Written in the style of a novel, Hitler plays the largest role in the book. He comes across as a thoughtful, even kindly individual who decided to kill the Jews against his morals and better judgement! This is a direct quote from the epilogue: "Adolph Hitler's bravery in facing up to the communist threat at the cost of his international reputation and his life is rarely acknowledged." Based upon the author's viewpoint, Hitler was "forced" to persecute and kill the Jews of Europe to prevent them from aiding in the Communist overthrow of Germany and Europe. One scene in the book actually has him trying to convince a Jewish inmate in Dachau to spread Stalin's crime amongst the world jewry. If only the Jews realized what they were doing, Hitler would never have ordered the Holocaust! Another scene has him confessing to a PRIEST about his doubts, and reluctance of eliminating the Jewish population of Germany! Please bear in mind that I am a STAUNCH anti-communist. To me, Communism and Nazism are interchangeable. The West is grossly overdue in acknowledging not only the horrors of Stalin, but of Communism world-wide. This does not justify however, an attempt to make Hitler a "good guy" because he "only" killed 6,000,000 and then only to fight Communism. I will go farther. Books like this do an injustice to all of the honorable men and women who fought Communism at the cost of their reputations (in the West) and their lives (in Communist countries). Liberals, Media and all Fellow Travelers love to point out examples like this as representing anti-communists of all stripes. Read "The Black Book of Communism" or anything by David Horowitz to truly understand what Communists perpetrated in the name of "Humanity and Equality". JUST DON'T READ THIS!

Stalinbashing somehow just has got to tie in with the prattle we get in the modern age about

"victory over communism,"

whatever that is.

I have to believe it somehow relates to the decimation of a peaceful and prosperous Yugoslavia into a wasteland of migration, economic collapse, famine, economic wars and genocide.

The victory cries still echo from some pretty strange sources, to and include John Major and Bill Clinton, who should at least be getting the message by now.

inde

I think this book was a buntch of gret humor and enjoyable for everyone. I thought the book was way to long, books should have a 50 page limit. Although too long for my enjoyment I would like everyone to read it. The main charecter was a great person. My friend Whitney says "this book was not good!" But i beg to differ it was bad.

The cover leads one to believe that there is a 'plan' for beating arthritis in 28 days--no.--- only a plan that a clever and catchy title will sell a book. I have done a lot of reading,and there are diet guidelines for reducing arthritis symptoms (acid/akaline balance in food, especially from the Edgar Cayce readings). There is no 'list' of foods to eat,or avoid in this book. The book is 90% recipies---ones that do look very tasty,but ones that could be used for any 'healthy' diet. I mean, if you ate this way a number of diseases;cancer,heart disease etc. would be eased, so why is this book particular to arthritis? As for the '28 day hype'--you would have to follow all the 3 meals a day recipies--for 28 days. Does anyone have the time to follow recipies for 3 meals a day every day--I mean these are all recipies--no guidelines as in 'eat any fruit-- except,don't eat red meat" etc.The recipies are all for 4 portions--so what if you live alone,no one else has arthritis in your household--I guess you just freeze the rest. They also advise "excercise"--but don't list or show any.Since they do not give you a list of foods to avoid or encourage--how is this to help your arthitis??Only that this is a low-calorie/fat plan--so you could lose weight and that would be less strain on your joints.There are so many other better books out there for arthritis--I learned nothing new here--except that some people will do anything to sell books.

This book is an absolute disgrace. It is poorly written and lacks any sort of depth. As of spring 2002, it is also comically dated. Don't waste your time or money on this garbage.

The back cover of this book says it is "impeccably researched". The first few chapters alone have several facts wrong. Maybe the most serious breach of fact is the statement that the Nez Perce got their name because they pierced their noses. The book may be well researched but it does not show in the story telling.

As a former children's librarian. I am very familiar with the many wonderful books Jesse Haas has written--but I really expected more from this book than was delivered. Little children (and many adults) love chipmunks. They're extremely cute animals and most children are familiar with them scampering around on the outskirts of their yards. They also know what cat's DO to chipmunks. Although that is a fact in nature, children are often distressed by that. This chipmunk is running for it's life--these are NOT "cute" antics. I regret purchasing this book and hope Jessie Haas will find a less grim storyline for future children's books.