This Month's Books

The Good Alternative Travel Guide by Mark Mann with Zainem Ibraham

Earthscan Publications 2002. ISBN 1-85383-837-3, softcover, B&W, 246 pp

If you’re looking for an exotic holiday adventure and wish to support the local culture, economy and environment, this is the book for you. It explains the principles of ‘community-based tourism’ and lists hundreds of guest houses and tours, with full contact details to help you arrange your holiday. These tours benefit local people and help preserve nature while offering insight into the ‘real’ culture of the area.

The Beachcomber’s Guide to Seashore Life of California by J. Duane

Harbour Publishing 2002, ISBN 1-55017-251-4, Softcover, Color, 312 pp.
$17.95 US, $28.95 Cdn

This beautiful, easy-touse field guide catalogues over 400 animals and plants commonly seen along the California seashore. For each entry, the author (a biologist & photographer) has included the common name, scientific name, color photo, description, size, habitat, range and notes on interesting characteristics. He also includes information on understanding tides, how to view intertidal life in an ecologically responsible manner, and lists over forty of the best beachcombing sites in California.