Posted on: Sunday, August 17, 2003

BOOKMARKS
'Nowhere' quirky gem for those train enthusiasts

By Wanda Adams
Advertiser Books Editor

"From Nowhere to Somewhere on a Round Trip Ticket," by James W. Betts; Scrapbook Press, paper, $15

Was a time when railroads equalled romance in the mind of many a boy. James W. Betts (whose online handle is "kimorail") was such a one. He chronicles his love of trains (the names of the lines alone are poetry) and his career as a writer and businessman in this quirky memoir.

Unlike many self-published efforts, this book is attractively and logically designed; it is illustrated with pieces from Betts' own collection of train memorabilia and photographs.

Betts has a catchy joie de vivre, a pride in work well done and a love of language that shine through the minutia here.

"From Nowhere ..." is available at Bestsellers Books and Music; a book signing is set for 12:30 p.m. Aug. 28 at Bestsellers downtown. Or order from: James W. Betts, 1028 Punahou St., No. 1028, Honolulu, HI 96822.