"The Catskills are still alive and kicking!"

When we hear the name "Catskills" we automatically associate it with the "Borsht Belt."

As Francine Silverman author of, The Catskills Alive: 2nd edition,explains, "that's because for most of the 20th century the Sullivan County hotels served only kosher food and spawned careers of countless Jewish comedians, actors and singers." However, as the author points out, this is not only what the Catskills was about, and today, notwithstanding the demise of many of these well known hotels, the area is still alive and kicking.

Silverman, a veteran feature writer for newspapers and magazines, is an expert when it comes to providing the reader with the most up-to-date details pertaining to the Catskills.

The guidebook more than adequately dispels the often- heard misconception "there's nothing to do in the Catskills anymore."

Admirably fulfilling its objective of providing a comprehensive guide to the Catskills, Silverman pinpoints locations by dividing them into four areas- Sullivan, Ulster, Greene and Delaware. Within these areas, the guidebook provides the reader with comprehensive listing and descriptions of places to stay, eat, and shop, attractions, museums, festivals, events, and other "goodies."

In a way, the book serves as an invitation for people to come and enjoy this beautiful area of New York State.

The introduction to the book sets the stage for the chapters that follow, giving a brief overview and explanation of the environment, forests, wildlife, contemporary Catskills, gambling, nightlife, getting around, driving, transportation services, where to stay and eat, shopping, seasonal considerations, guided trips, and brochures and publications.

Each of the chapters that follow describe in detail all of the above, and in addition provide some interesting tips, and "did you know facts."

As an example, Silverman informs us, Ostriches lack teeth but can painfully clamp down on your hand. Children should be warned to look and not touch.

The Kaaterskill Falls & Catskill Mountain House's guest list is a biographer's dream: Alexander Graham Bell, Henry James, Oscar Wilde, Ulysses S. Grant, Mark Twain, Winslow Home and Tyronne Power. Most of all, it was Thomas Cole, leader of the Hudson River School of Landscape painters, who popularized the region with his Catskill Mountain House and other paintings.

The book is also peppered with many other tidbits concerning the history of the hotels and bygone days, the Algonquin influence, community improvements, and works in progress that represent significant projects that may or may not materialize.

No doubt, this guidebook will be of immense aid to those who are contemplating a visit to the Catskills or perhaps those who vacation in the area but were not aware of its many attractions.

Silverman's profound knowledge gives the book a substance well beyond many Catskills guidebooks.

Reviewed by Norman Goldman
Courtesy Bookpleasures
Posted September 26, 2003