Like many of us, Romano-Lax headed for Baja California with a well worn copy of Steinbeck's classic Log From the Sea of Cortez in hand. Her adventures, however, resulted in a book. Her lyrical account is an homage to Steinbeck's spirit and passions, combining history, adventure and nature, especially marine life. Subtitled "A Makeshift Expedition along Baja's Desert Coast," this book is both a tribute and celebration.  (BJA33, $16.95)

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Almost an Island, Travels in Baja California
Bruce Berger
TRAVEL NARRATIVE •  1998 • PAPER  • 240 PAGES
A poet and aficionado with an irrepressible sense of humor, Berger combines anecdote, history and research to bring the deserts, towns and eccentric personalities of Baja to life. (BJA15, $17.95)

Miraculous Air
C. M. Mayo
TRAVEL NARRATIVE •  2007 • PAPER  • 368 PAGES
Like Steinbeck (from whom she quotes in the title "the very air here is miraculous"), Mayo is enchanted with the land and people of Baja. She writes of a 1,000 mile journey from Cabo to Tijuana with insight, warmth and style. (BJA34, $15.00)