Many of us tend to think of the Catskill Mountains as consisting primarily of the Borscht Belt. This is the area in New York State that became a resort paradise for Jewish vacationers in the earlier part of the twentieth century. However, one look at this volume makes it abundantly obvious that the Borscht Belt is just a single location of this colourful and historical area.

The Catskills Alive, certainly provides tons of wonderful and useful information about the Borscht Belt but it also lavishes lots of attention on the many exciting and beautiful parts of the state so many of us are less familiar with. Areas such as Ulster, Greene and Delaware counties, all of which, along with the famous Sullivan County offer many reasons for spending time and soaking up their individual atmospheres.

The completeness of the information in The Catskills Alive is nothing short of incredible. Unlike so many travel and guidebooks that simply present dry facts and figures about a particular location, Francine actually brings these areas to life. We learn some of the history and local lore of these places, but we also are made privy to little known facts that might otherwise be overlooked in less comprehensive books of this ilk. For example, when we read about the Nevele Resort in Ellenville, New York we learn "The Nevele derived its name from the falls behind the present-day Fallsview hotel. In 1884, 11 schoolteachers out for a picnic, discovered the falls and named it for the number in their party, spelled backwards," or that the town of Big Indian, New York was named for a "strapping 'red skin' (Big Injin) who got into trouble because he murdered people."

I can think of nothing one might need or wish to know about an area that is not covered within the pages of The Catskills Alive. The history of the counties and towns, population, places to eat, sleep and be merry are all covered within the pages of this 600-page book. You will learn where the best places to shop for particular kinds of items are located. Little out of the way, points of interest, which might otherwise be overlooked, are described along with travel directions. Detailed descriptions of resorts, hotels, motels and all manner of sleeping accommodations are available for all tastes and budgets. Do you have a family member who happens to be part of the animal kingdom? Just check The Catskills Alive to discover all kinds of places that will treat them like mespukha.

The best part of this book is its readability. The language is haimish and laid out in a logical and easy to access manner. Francine Silverman writes in a way that feels as if a friend is sitting across the kitchen table and enjoying a cup of coffee with you as she talks about this wonderful vacation area. The Catskills Alive is indispensable for doing solid research on the covered destinations, as well as an entertaining read for your own pleasure. I found myself lost in memories and fascination with the material covered about one of my favourite parts of the United States. I highly recommend The Catskills Alive as a thoughtful Chanukah present for the travelers on your gift list, or as a much-deserved present to yourself.