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Book Review
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Shedding a Positive Light on Armenia
By Caitlin Tiftick
Staff Writer, Hye Sharzhoom
CSUF Armenian Studies Program
October 2006
Do you want to travel to Armenia, but realize that you don’t have the first clue about how to get there?
Maybe you are concerned that Armenia is poor, with lots of crime?
Or maybe you just don’t know what to see, or what Armenia has to offer?
In a photo tour presentation sponsored by the Armenian Studies Program and the Armenian Students Organization on September 13, Matthew Karanian, co-author of “The Stone Garden Guide: Armenia and Karabagh,” offered a realistic view of Armenia in present time.
“We tell it like it is, the inside scoop,” said Karanian.
Armenia has improved significantly, even in the past two years,” says Karanian. “Roads that were bumpy that we didn’t recommend in the First Edition of the book are now paved and perfectly safe.”
Karanian said he believes it is important to highlight Armenia in a positive light. “Armenia is a beautiful country with a rich history. It deserves to be spotlighted in a way that encourages people to travel there,” he said.
However, although Karanian wants to boast about Armenia, his travel guide is very honest and straightforward. “If something isn’t worth traveling to see, we say it. I think it’s important for a guidebook to tell a reader what not to see, as well as what they should see.”
Karanian’s perspective gave the audience a sense of Armenia in present day. Many of the people in the audience have never been to Armenia or have not been in several years. Through his photographs, he shed a new light on Armenia and encouraged the audience to travel there.
Karanian said he hopes his guidebook will inspire people not only to travel to Armenia, but also to change their preconceived perceptions about the country.
The book is a labor of love, reflecting the input of Karanian and his co-author Robert Kurkjian, who have put so much of themselves into the book—providing the reader with a rich mine of information on Armenia.
“The Stone Garden Guide: Armenia and Karabagh” helps to enhance the travel experience with the carefully researched historical and cultural background for each area covered.
Authors Karanian and Kurkjian also have a special love and respect for the natural beauty of Armenia and for the preservation and stewardship of Armenia’s natural resources. Their keen appreciation for the ecology of the country is expressed in every page of this handsome book.
“The Stone Garden Guide: Armenia and Karabagh” also provides a thorough historical and social perspective on Armenia.
The authors utilized contributions from various noted scholars to give a historical view of Armenia that is both concise and insightful.
The guidebook is easy to navigate and a pleasure to simply thumb through, since it is filled with evocative and beautiful photographs, taken by the authors.
This book is highly recommended for any traveler to Armenia. It is a publication that makes the reader aware of the wonders of an ancient land. To read this book is to guarantee a trip to Armenia and Karabagh.
The Co-author of "The Stone Garden Guide to Armenia and Karabagh" during a book signing event at California State University, Fresno.
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At a Glance:
Title: The Stone Garden Guide: Armenia and Karabagh
Authors: Matthew Karanian and Robert Kurkjian
Publisher: Stone Garden Productions
ISBN: 0-9672120-9-X
Published Price: $24.95
Edition: Second
Publication Date: September 2006 |
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