Thumbs Up!

For some fun facts about the “Mitten” state—especially the thumb area, pick up Michigan’s Thumb Drive by Michael J. Thorpe. He takes you on an informative ride around M-25—the Blue Water Highway. You’ll find out about town names, settlers, historic sites and the Great Fire of 1881. Beer, cheeseburgers and sugar beets play a big part in this regional adventure. Happy travels! DB

MI--Travel Time

Looking for great places you can visit in a day? Don't have a week for vacation travel? Check out Michigan Day Trips by Theme by Mike Link. You'll find plenty of ideas to keep you going. Sections of the book include arts, beaches, eateries, museums, shipwrecks and waterfalls. Happy exploring!

The more nature-minded traveler might like
Michigan State and National Parks: A Complete Guide by Tom Powers.
This book details the 109 parks in Michigan. There are directions, maps, listed activities and accommodations in addition to contact information.
You can even find out where you can spend the night in a Yurt!

A Calendar of Celebrations

Those who long for adventure or at least love reading about it should check out The Best Place to Be Today: 365 Things To Do & The Perfect Day To Do Them by Lonely Planet Publications. This book provides a colorful look at places and celebrations around the globe. Experienced travel editors will tell you the best time to climb, dance, glide, hike, run, snorkel and surf your way around the world. Some months are better than others to enjoy the view or the whole experience. Get ready to enjoy some amazing places from your armchair! DB

The traveling trader

Michael Wigge, aka the Barterman has fulfilled his life-long dream. He is the owner of a home in Hawaii. The real story is that he managed to get it by trading! Michael, an enterprising and adventurous young man started in Mainz, Germany with an apple. He took a bite of it and then traded it for a pack of cigarettes. His book, How to BARTER for PARADISE, follows him through 14 countries for 200 days and documents his trading experiences.  He takes part in a few demonstrations, makes friends with the prince of Hutt River, goes on a crocodile feeding trip and climbs Mt. Kilimanjaro. Reading is believing! Enjoy! DB

Pack the Pooch and Go!

If you love traveling and don’t want to leave your pooch behind ---DOG LOVER'S GUIDE TO TRAVEL: BEST DESTINATIONS, HOTELS, EVENTS, AND ADVICE TO PLEASE YOUR PET-AND YOU by Kelly E. Carter is a must-see! In addition to a regional guide of pet-friendly hotels and play areas, the book also lists emergency vets, local pet-sitters and great places for doggie meals and pet apparel. The introduction gives advice on determining if your dog is ready for travel, how to fly or drive with Fido and etiquette tips for hiking and eating in restaurants with your four-legged friend. Stop in and check out this paw-some book! DB

Keep on Walkin'

The Mid-life crisis is a funny thing. For Brits David and Rob it begins as an idea about undertaking something out of their comfort zones. They are struck with the urge to hike the GR10, a trail that runs along the Pyrenees from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. This was no light undertaking. The trail is about 850km (530miles) and would take about 7 weeks. They would be stopping in hiker’s camps or gites along the way. Armed with guides and maps (somewhat useless) walking boots, sleeping bags and backpacks our duo sets out. They decide to shave only after their journey is done. David Le Vay’s journal, The Hairy Hikers: A Coast-to-Coast Trek Along the French Pyrenees is funny, realistic, introspective and informative. DB

Shut The Front Door!

Guy Fieri is back with another book companion to his popular tv series, this time focusing on a wider swath of the American culinary backwoods in Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives: The Funky Finds in Flavortown, America's Classic Joints and Killer Comfort Food.  Narrated in Fieri's signature vernacular (eg. "Son of Tatum O'Neal!"), the book provides short descriptions and anecdotes from restaurants and eateries around the country -- including Clarkston, Michigan's own Union Woodshop.  HM

Thoughts for Travelers

If travelling makes you feel fearful or unsettled, Dr. Elisha Goldstein’s Mindfulness Meditations for the Anxious Traveler will be a great help. The book is divided into 46 concise sections that focus on one specific thought or practice. The author explains that there is a space between stimulus and response that can be used to make a choice. The response will depend on the choice. He offers suggestions about how to recognize this space and make beneficial choices. The book also includes a step-by-step story about boarding an airplane, for those who fear flying. Goldstein is the author of The Now Effect and the Mindful Solutions Program and is a frequent contributor to the Huffington Post. He has been a leader in mindfulness psychology and maintains a private practice in Los Angeles. DB