Anonymous
Posted November 1, 2001
Mr. Toole has gone where no man (or woman, for that matter) has gone before: into the belly of the beast that is Las Vegas. His insights into the eclectic local scene behind the neon of the Strip is an adventure worth taking. I had no idea of some of the bargains that were out there for the tourist trying to see Vegas on a budget. From inexpensive eateries to late-night activities that you have to see to believe, it's all here in a no-nonsense layout that takes a lighthearted approach in its tone. It made my stay in this desert oasis more enjoyable, and I hope that everyone can see this city the way I did using this book! Kudos to Mr. Toole!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 24, 2001
I'm a Las Vegas local, and I just received a copy of this book after so many months of delay. This author has a small cult following here because he pushes places that are a bit out of your way, but worth it. In other words, things locals like and it generates conversations in a good way ('wait, this place is located down the block from me!' or 'I've always wondered about that bar!') sort of getting all of us locals to compare notes. His anecdotes are pretty funny and accurate and I really enjoyed this book. However, I see this guide being more for locals or for the tourist who doesn't mind going out of his or her way, it's not for everyone. I agonized for an hour as to what rating to give it. In the end I compromised - **** if you're a local or a gutsy tourist, *** if you're the more conventional tourist and don't feel like exploring the city too much. - so ***1/2.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 12, 2000
I received an advanced copy of this book (I believe it¿s due out next month) and used it for my recent (and first) trip to Las Vegas last week. It was bloody useful! From staying at the motel where Elvis slept in 1959 (loved that mural) to some wonderfully apt descriptions of the city¿s more eccentric pubs, Mr. Toole's book proved to be a find. However, I should mention that this book is for the young, and in my case, young at heart. Still, if you crave for a side of Vegas that's a bit left of center, try this guide.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 19, 2000
I also thumbed through an advance copy of this book at the book expo in Chicago and really enjoyed it. It was breezily written, with a wealth of information. Not just the usual tourist stuff on the Strip, but all kinds of cool offbeat places that you would overlook otherwise. I followed up on several of the recommendations a few weeks ago when I went to Las Vegas and had a blast! My favorite experience was the penny slots at the Gold Spike casino downtown, where you get to rub shoulders with all kinds of people from the wrong side of the tracks. (That passage in the book was utterly hilarious, by the way!) I lost all five dollars in the dilapidated penny slots and video poker machines, but it was absolutely worth it for a good 3 hours of play. Also loved that Hawaiian place Aloha Specialties in the California hotel. Never thought I would try Spam sushi, but it was actually quite tasty in a sodium nitrite sort of way. I had no idea there were so many Hawaiian people in Las Vegas! One minor criticism: I thought maybe the intro could have been beefed up a little, but I only saw an advance copy, so it's hard say anything definite at this point. I'm definitely going to purchase the book whenever it it comes out.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 15, 2000
I am a Las Vegas resident entering my fourth decade of living in Sin City. I read excerpts from this soon-to-be-released book in a couple local newspapers, and took some of the suggestions made by Mr. Toole. He managed to give me several afforable and interesting recomendations that even I, a life-long resident, had not yet uncovered. I am sure that vistors and locals will enjoy this book and find it useful in discovering the real Las Vegas, one which goes beyond the obvious sights and attractions, and delves into the many pleasant surprises this town has to offer.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted August 18, 2000
I had the good pleasure of attending the book expo in Chicago when I saw a rough copy of 'Las Vegas on the Dime' at the booth for JASI Books. I was really impressed by its wit and the tremendous amount of detail for every entry. Even in its rough stages, the book had a wealth of material, and I made it a point to jot down a few pieces of information that proved to be very accurate when I went to Las Vegas just this past week. A great book, but my only qualm is that the finished product isn't out yet, and possibly not until September/October. Oh well, I'll be patient, because it's really worth the wait.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
