| Nashville,
TN � July 2004 � For more than 18 years, award-winning journalist Tim O�Brien
has been writing about two of his favorite passions � amusement parks and
roller coasters. His visits to more than 500 parks in 17 countries has
given him a keen eye for the very special treasures and offerings that
add up to be a $10 billion industry in North America.
 Since
1991 O�Brien has provided amusement park and roller coaster fans with an
easy-to-use guide, jam packed with listings and special tidbits for making
trips to the parks as thrilling as the rides and attractions themselves.
As with all his books, the 5th edition of The
Amusement Park Guide, published by The Globe Pequot Press, is much
more than a simple directory of what rides exist in what park.
Its
360 plus pages of information and photos is actually a recipe book for
creating that very special family vacation or weekend get-away to some
of North America�s finest, and sometimes hidden, entertainment treasures.
O�Brien carefully includes information about parks of all sizes, including
behind-the-scenes looks and details that create each one�s unique personality.
What�s
New in the 5th Edition? According to O�Brien, 90% of his latest edition
has been rewritten with new listings and updates, and new sections including
The Carousel Primer, a special tribute to �the art� of the carousel providing
a quick overview of its history, the various carving styles, and the most
notable carvers.
He
also includes a new section that provides an historical look at the most
important dates in roller coaster history, starting with the 1873 inspiration
that ultimately launched the concept of passenger roller coasters. The
5th edition also contains more emphasis on antique carousels, darkrides,
and waterparks; and more specific information on each park�s coasters and
thrill rides.
What
Others are Saying: Over the many years of writing about amusement parks,
roller coasters and rides for Amusement Business newsweekly, where Tim
serves as senior editor, his books have received critical acclaim for providing
knowledge, inside information, and helpful insights to families and coaster
fans.
-
�Nobody
knows amusement parks better than Tim O�Brien. The Amusement Park guide
is the bible for park lovers, packed with details and rich with the distilled
wisdom of O�Brien�s many years following the industry.� � Gene Sloan of
USA Today.
-
�Tim�s
attention to details and accuracy come from his training as a journalist.
His colorful descriptions come from his extensive knowledge of theme parks.�
� Sean Wood, Fort Worth Star Telegram.
In
addition to the nearly 300 park listings, O�Brien offers special features
that make planning a vacation easy and fun. Included are:
-
Tim�s
Top Five Non-Roller-Coaster Rides
-
Ten
of the More Notable Theme/Amusement Parks
-
North
America�s Oldest Operating Roller Coasters
-
North
America�s Oldest Amusement Parks
-
Three
of the Most Notable Darkrides in North America
-
Tim�s
Ten Tips on Making the Day Happier and Safer for the Kids
-
Tim�s
Ten Tips on How to Make Your Amusement Park Trip More Fun
And,
in keeping with O�Brien�s whimsical sense of humor, he offers something
extra: an animated, interactive book that, when fanned on its side, shows
a roller coaster zipping down the edge of the pages.
The
Amusement Park Guide is available for $17 (including S&H) through O�Brien�s
Casa Flamingo Literary Arts website: casaflamingo.com.
Contact:
Tim
O�Brien
615/496-5949
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