Alexander McCall Smith

Heavenly Date and Other Flirtations by Alexander McCall Smith

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A charming little book, varied and very observant about people and their various hooks and hangups when it comes to love, relationships, sex and belief.

Warren Rovetch

The Creaky Traveler in the North West Highlands of Scotland: A Journey for the Mobile But Not Agile by Warren Rovetch

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


"The Creaky Traveler explores the hidden places of Britain's last wilderness along the rugged coast of North West Scotland. Part travel story and part guidebook, but all charm and wit, this book transports us to another culture. On the way it details the planning and navigation tips essential for successful journeys for travelers who are 'mobile but not agile' as well as for their younger counterparts."
~~ back cover

I was a bit disappointed with this book, and I'm not sure why. It certainly was everything it promised to be. I think my disappointment is rooted in the lack of lyrical, finely detailed descriptions of the landscape. It's more travel diary than travel writing, if that distinction makes any sense. There are detailed descriptions of lodgings and restaurants, and I couldn't help but wonder if that would be at all useful if I went to North West Scotland 10 years from now. Surely there would be disappearances and new places sprouting up.

But on the whole, this book is worth the read, and especially if you're planning to go there.