New Orleans

"Laissez les bons temps rouler" is a phrase that you see and hear all over New Orleans (pronounced "N'awlins"). The phrase means "let the good times roll" and surely they do in New Orleans. I found this guide to be an outstanding introduction to the city for those who have never been there. I intend to give a copy to my mother, who has always wanted to visit New Orleans and has never made it there. This book has three outstanding attributes that deserve praise. First, the photographs are sumptuous and brilliant in capturing the many different parts of New Orleans and her moods. Second, the text captures a sense of the city that cannot be seen in photographs. Many of my favorite traditions are described here in loving detail from King Cakes to the best Cajun cuisine (and that "Cajun" refers to the Acadian settlers from Nova Scotia). Third, the book is very reasonably priced.Those who know New Orleans will find the book to be better at hitting the high spots than giving a total overview. The rowdiness of drinkers partying on Bourbon Street, women peeling on the balconies to attract tossed beads during Mardi Gras, and grimness of wine-soused beggars and tap dancing children looking for hand outs are all missing. The Crescent City looks in the book more like a section from Disneyland than the real thing. But that's okay. If you want to see the best of New Orleans, it's all here in this book . . . and you can avoid the less attractive parts when you visit there.The essays and photographs focus on the spirit of the people of New Orleans, the party-going style, wonderful local food, the city's architectural history, and the major festivals and spectacles. Although I have been in New Orleans many times, I did not know about the Jazz and Heritage Festival at the end of April and the beginning of May, the Crawfish Festival In March, the Shrimp and Petroleum Festival when the fleet is blessed, or the French Quarter Festival. I plan to revisit and time my arrival to include these events."Y'All Are Pretty, Too" is the subject of the book's first article. In the town's generous spirit, a woman admired another woman's appearance in a bar and came over to compliment her. Seeing that the other women wanted to be complimented too, the woman providing the compliment turned as she went back to her table and added as an afterthought, "And y'all are pretty, too." After you finish this delightful guide, think about what sort of a guide would capture the best of where you live. Have you seen and done all of those good things lately? Have you recently helped a visitor to find them? Now's a good time to change all that if you haven't. Let the good times roll!

There is a reason photographers get equal billing! McElroy's photos are breathtaking. The text becomes secondary as the Big Easy springs to life. Whether as a treasured memory of a vacation, business trip, or a visit to the gulf's most famous city, this coffee table book should be front and center on everyone's table or shelf. McElroy has captured the true essence of the City and her people. I purchased six copies for customers and friends. Whether born and bred, adopted, or just plain passing through...New Orleans is hard to forget. A great reminder of a great city!

Laura McElroy's photographs are beautiful and perfectly capture the feel and essence of New Orleans. You almost forget to read the text because you are so caught up in the pictures. I recommend it highly for anyone who loves New Orleans or just appreciates fine photography.

Laura McElroy's photography is outstanding. I've been to New Orleans on several occasions, and she has captured the city just as I like remembering it. Her splendid photography inspires me to return in the very near future to one of my favorite U.S. city's. If a city can have moods, she has certainly captured them. The light, colors, and facial expressions enhance the experience of thumbing through this wonderful book. I'll be doing it again and again.

I love the photography in this book. Laura McElroy captures all the flavors of the French Quarter. Having not returned to the Crescent City in many years, I think I will look for an opportunity. This book is on my coffee table.