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Recommend this book:
Dark Skies
Tales of Turbulence in Paradise
David Haldane
2026 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Travel
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Dark Skies: Tales of Turbulence in Paradise by David Haldane is a series of non-fiction short stories about his experiences as an American living in the Philippines with his Filipina wife. Through these, he presents his views on cultural shifts, identity, and adaptation in his adopted home. In The Sea Gypsies Come Ashore, Haldane recounts the decline of the Sama-Badjau’s nomadic lifestyle as they become marginalized urban settlers. Trophy American Husband describes his role reversal from journalist to dependent spouse, and its economic and social adjustments. My Salad Life is about his Western dietary habits and their reception in Filipino society. In Sputtering Solar, he details the technical and bureaucratic issues of solar power installation. Traveling Dangerously is his take on a trip to Zamboanga and its evolution from a conflict zone to a tourist destination.
I picked up Dark Skies by David Haldane because my own family is Filipino, and I’m also from the San Francisco Bay Area, so I was curious to see what he had to share. The writing is simple and straightforward, which gives the short stories an easy, almost conversational tone. I liked that the book reads like a fragmented memoir rather than a travelogue, offering slices of everyday life through personal observations. My favorite story is Grounded, which elicited a chuckle with its commentary on censorship. While I did find some of his opinions to be dated and occasionally a tad bromidic, they come from his own experiences and prove the work stems from an authentic, genuine perspective. From this angle, the greatest beneficiaries of this book will undoubtedly be the author's friends and family, as well as his children, who will no doubt treasure this for years to come.
Dark Skies: Tales of Turbulence in Paradise by David Haldane is a series of non-fiction short stories about his experiences as an American living in the Philippines with his Filipina wife. Through these, he presents his views on cultural shifts, identity, and adaptation in his adopted home. In The Sea Gypsies Come Ashore, Haldane recounts the decline of the Sama-Badjau’s nomadic lifestyle as they become marginalized urban settlers. Trophy American Husband describes his role reversal from journalist to dependent spouse, and its economic and social adjustments. My Salad Life is about his Western dietary habits and their reception in Filipino society. In Sputtering Solar, he details the technical and bureaucratic issues of solar power installation. Traveling Dangerously is his take on a trip to Zamboanga and its evolution from a conflict zone to a tourist destination.
I picked up Dark Skies by David Haldane because my own family is Filipino, and I’m also from the San Francisco Bay Area, so I was curious to see what he had to share. The writing is simple and straightforward, which gives the short stories an easy, almost conversational tone. I liked that the book reads like a fragmented memoir rather than a travelogue, offering slices of everyday life through personal observations. My favorite story is Grounded, which elicited a chuckle with its commentary on censorship. While I did find some of his opinions to be dated and occasionally a tad bromidic, they come from his own experiences and prove the work stems from an authentic, genuine perspective. From this angle, the greatest beneficiaries of this book will undoubtedly be the author's friends and family, as well as his children, who will no doubt treasure this for years to come.
Recommend this book:
I'll Be There
Vignettes of an Intrepid Traveller
Caroline Bella Kennedy
2026 Bronze Medal
326 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Travel
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Caroline Bella Kennedy’s I'll Be There: Vignettes of an Intrepid Traveller is a fascinating journey through the eyes of a fearless woman who has traversed some of the world's most treacherous terrains and rubbed shoulders with the most iconic figures of the 20th century. Her memoir takes readers from rural England's quaintness to New York's vibrancy in the early 1960s, where Kennedy’s life becomes a blend of glamour, danger, and daring escapades. The book opens with Kennedy’s whirlwind entrance into the bustling, electric world of New York City, where she mingles with celebrities like John Steinbeck, Joan Crawford, Frank Sinatra, and Salvador Dali.
Caroline Bella Kennedy's narrative stands out because of her relentless spirit and willingness to throw herself into the unknown. From surviving perilous situations with dangerous men to serving as a police decoy to catch a serial rapist in Hong Kong, Kennedy shows an extraordinary ability to adapt, survive, and thrive. Her writing is vivid and engaging, drawing readers into each vignette with a knack for capturing the essence of the places she visits and the people she encounters. Collections of photographs in several parts of the book put faces to the names of those Kennedy encountered on her life’s journey. I'll Be There is not just a book for readers who love travel memoirs but for anyone who appreciates stories of resilience, curiosity, and a zest for life. Readers of vignettes, memoirs, adventures, and celebrity life won’t want to miss Kennedy’s book. It’s a fascinating journey with a fascinating woman.
Caroline Bella Kennedy’s I'll Be There: Vignettes of an Intrepid Traveller is a fascinating journey through the eyes of a fearless woman who has traversed some of the world's most treacherous terrains and rubbed shoulders with the most iconic figures of the 20th century. Her memoir takes readers from rural England's quaintness to New York's vibrancy in the early 1960s, where Kennedy’s life becomes a blend of glamour, danger, and daring escapades. The book opens with Kennedy’s whirlwind entrance into the bustling, electric world of New York City, where she mingles with celebrities like John Steinbeck, Joan Crawford, Frank Sinatra, and Salvador Dali.
Caroline Bella Kennedy's narrative stands out because of her relentless spirit and willingness to throw herself into the unknown. From surviving perilous situations with dangerous men to serving as a police decoy to catch a serial rapist in Hong Kong, Kennedy shows an extraordinary ability to adapt, survive, and thrive. Her writing is vivid and engaging, drawing readers into each vignette with a knack for capturing the essence of the places she visits and the people she encounters. Collections of photographs in several parts of the book put faces to the names of those Kennedy encountered on her life’s journey. I'll Be There is not just a book for readers who love travel memoirs but for anyone who appreciates stories of resilience, curiosity, and a zest for life. Readers of vignettes, memoirs, adventures, and celebrity life won’t want to miss Kennedy’s book. It’s a fascinating journey with a fascinating woman.
Recommend this book:
Middle Miles
Cycling from Canada to Mexico Along the Pacific Coast Highway
Cory Mortensen
2026 Silver Medal
284 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Travel
Reviewed by Stacie Haas for Readers' Favorite
In Middle Miles, Cory Mortensen is cycling from the Canadian to the Mexican border. He’s a middle-aged man, but what his body feels, his mind merely acknowledges. It’s a journey that will take 27 days, and one in which he will experience vast changes in both altitude and temperature, traffic and people, mountain vistas, and motel room amenities. He sets off not in search of anything specific but with a mind open to the possibilities of the journey’s twists and turns and the wisdom that may come through the experience. With the memory of close friends his age who have left the earth too soon, as well as the pain of losing his father, he sets off in their honor, vowing to appreciate every moment.
Middle Miles: Cycling from Canada to Mexico Along the Pacific Coast Highway by Cory Mortensen is an engaging read. I’ve not read many books that are part travel guide and part history book, and yet, at the conclusion, it manages to be more than both. Even though the journey is fascinating and much respect is given to the sheer difficulty of cycling the Pacific Coast Highway, I appreciated the window into the mind of the author more. The freedom to make a trek like that, to appreciate what is encountered, and to take the time to reflect on life is enticing, especially to someone who hasn't quite figured out how to take that leap. Cory has done it multiple times and given us a glimpse of what it can be like. This book will be especially appealing to readers in their own "middle miles," the 40-, 50-, and 60-somethings who feel that tug between young and old, as time itself accelerates at an ever-faster speed. I highly recommend taking this journey with Cory Mortensen in Middle Miles.
In Middle Miles, Cory Mortensen is cycling from the Canadian to the Mexican border. He’s a middle-aged man, but what his body feels, his mind merely acknowledges. It’s a journey that will take 27 days, and one in which he will experience vast changes in both altitude and temperature, traffic and people, mountain vistas, and motel room amenities. He sets off not in search of anything specific but with a mind open to the possibilities of the journey’s twists and turns and the wisdom that may come through the experience. With the memory of close friends his age who have left the earth too soon, as well as the pain of losing his father, he sets off in their honor, vowing to appreciate every moment.
Middle Miles: Cycling from Canada to Mexico Along the Pacific Coast Highway by Cory Mortensen is an engaging read. I’ve not read many books that are part travel guide and part history book, and yet, at the conclusion, it manages to be more than both. Even though the journey is fascinating and much respect is given to the sheer difficulty of cycling the Pacific Coast Highway, I appreciated the window into the mind of the author more. The freedom to make a trek like that, to appreciate what is encountered, and to take the time to reflect on life is enticing, especially to someone who hasn't quite figured out how to take that leap. Cory has done it multiple times and given us a glimpse of what it can be like. This book will be especially appealing to readers in their own "middle miles," the 40-, 50-, and 60-somethings who feel that tug between young and old, as time itself accelerates at an ever-faster speed. I highly recommend taking this journey with Cory Mortensen in Middle Miles.
Recommend this book:
The Serra is Burning
A Memoir of Fire, Trauma, and the Search for Healing
Daral Boles
2026 Gold Medal
188 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Travel
Reviewed by Alija Turkovic for Readers' Favorite
In The Serra is Burning, American counselor Daral Boles shares her personal story of moving to the remote mountains of central Portugal to help build a prominent wellness project called the Real Change Retreat Center. What started as a plan for creating a genuine space for healing quickly fell apart because of corrupt leadership and ignored safety rules. Boles watches firsthand as financial stress forces management to bring in people needing serious psychiatric care, blending regular tourists with people in severe crisis. This lack of boundaries creates conflict between the New Age global staff and the traditional local workers. Everything boils over when the Castelo Branco wildfire traps the mountain campus, forcing everyone to make a daring escape to a temporary seminary shelter. Boles’s intense journey shows the dark side of trying to turn nature into a commercial wellness product.
In The Serra is Burning, Daral Boles does an excellent job of showing how corporate arrogance can turn a natural disaster into a bigger catastrophe. Her clinical training gives readers a rare view into how the body remembers trauma and the ethical quandaries that happen when people hold multiple roles in tight-knit places. It is very moving to read about the local Portuguese staff risking everything for a corporation that didn’t appreciate them, all while their own home villages were threatened by fire. By weaving together official forestry statistics and her own subsequent lung illness, Boles shows how Earth’s well-being is deeply tied to our own physical health. The scenes in the temporary Gouveia shelter emphasize how shared trauma binds people together for life. For anyone wanting to grasp the true reality of climate grief, this book is a must-read warning about what happens to real people when systems collapse. Very highly recommended.
In The Serra is Burning, American counselor Daral Boles shares her personal story of moving to the remote mountains of central Portugal to help build a prominent wellness project called the Real Change Retreat Center. What started as a plan for creating a genuine space for healing quickly fell apart because of corrupt leadership and ignored safety rules. Boles watches firsthand as financial stress forces management to bring in people needing serious psychiatric care, blending regular tourists with people in severe crisis. This lack of boundaries creates conflict between the New Age global staff and the traditional local workers. Everything boils over when the Castelo Branco wildfire traps the mountain campus, forcing everyone to make a daring escape to a temporary seminary shelter. Boles’s intense journey shows the dark side of trying to turn nature into a commercial wellness product.
In The Serra is Burning, Daral Boles does an excellent job of showing how corporate arrogance can turn a natural disaster into a bigger catastrophe. Her clinical training gives readers a rare view into how the body remembers trauma and the ethical quandaries that happen when people hold multiple roles in tight-knit places. It is very moving to read about the local Portuguese staff risking everything for a corporation that didn’t appreciate them, all while their own home villages were threatened by fire. By weaving together official forestry statistics and her own subsequent lung illness, Boles shows how Earth’s well-being is deeply tied to our own physical health. The scenes in the temporary Gouveia shelter emphasize how shared trauma binds people together for life. For anyone wanting to grasp the true reality of climate grief, this book is a must-read warning about what happens to real people when systems collapse. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Beyond the Darkness
Transformative Journeys Through Dark Tourism
Dr. Chad Scott
2025 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Travel
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Beyond the Darkness by Dr. Chad Scott is a powerful and personal journey through the world of dark tourism. We find ourselves visiting historical sites of tragedy, atrocity, and human suffering in this bizarre but intriguing hobby. From Auschwitz and the Paris Catacombs to Ground Zero, Dr. Scott blends memoir, travelogue, and philosophical inquiry to explore how such spaces shape our understanding of grief, mortality, and human resilience. Through immersive storytelling and psychological insight, he challenges readers to see these experiences not as morbid curiosities but as profound opportunities for empathy and transformation. This is not just a travel book but a compelling guide to confronting life’s hardest truths with compassion, clarity, and courage.
Author Chad Scott smoothly brings readers into an unusual world that they may never have thought about before, let alone encountered. His enthusiasm for the subject matter offers a transformative take on travel writing that goes far beyond pretty postcards and scenic photo ops. One of the things I enjoyed most was the honesty and vulnerability that its author shows throughout, as he offers a rare and courageous blend of scholarship and insight that never loses sight of the human cost at the heart of these iconic and memorable places. This is a book that stays with you, reshaping your perspective on history, healing, and humanity, and it’s one that’s made me think about the kinds of places I might visit on my next travels and how I’ll perceive them in the future. Thanks to Scott’s confident and engaging writing style, nothing ever feels sensationalized or unnecessarily morbid, which is certainly welcome when reading about these subjects. Overall, Beyond the Darkness is a highly recommended must-read for fans of meaningful travel writing and reflective memoirs.
Beyond the Darkness by Dr. Chad Scott is a powerful and personal journey through the world of dark tourism. We find ourselves visiting historical sites of tragedy, atrocity, and human suffering in this bizarre but intriguing hobby. From Auschwitz and the Paris Catacombs to Ground Zero, Dr. Scott blends memoir, travelogue, and philosophical inquiry to explore how such spaces shape our understanding of grief, mortality, and human resilience. Through immersive storytelling and psychological insight, he challenges readers to see these experiences not as morbid curiosities but as profound opportunities for empathy and transformation. This is not just a travel book but a compelling guide to confronting life’s hardest truths with compassion, clarity, and courage.
Author Chad Scott smoothly brings readers into an unusual world that they may never have thought about before, let alone encountered. His enthusiasm for the subject matter offers a transformative take on travel writing that goes far beyond pretty postcards and scenic photo ops. One of the things I enjoyed most was the honesty and vulnerability that its author shows throughout, as he offers a rare and courageous blend of scholarship and insight that never loses sight of the human cost at the heart of these iconic and memorable places. This is a book that stays with you, reshaping your perspective on history, healing, and humanity, and it’s one that’s made me think about the kinds of places I might visit on my next travels and how I’ll perceive them in the future. Thanks to Scott’s confident and engaging writing style, nothing ever feels sensationalized or unnecessarily morbid, which is certainly welcome when reading about these subjects. Overall, Beyond the Darkness is a highly recommended must-read for fans of meaningful travel writing and reflective memoirs.
Recommend this book:
It Starts with Bonjour
Eric Kirchmann
2025 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Travel
Reviewed by Renee Guill for Readers' Favorite
It Starts with Bonjour by Eric Kirchmann is a non-fiction travel book. This is about the second adventure to France that he and his wife took. They traveled to places like Paris, Toulouse, and the region of Gascony, to name a few. He describes the places they visited and he gives their history. Eric also gives insider tips and talks about all the people they met, the food, wine, and the Armagnac brandy they enjoyed, plus the history of Armagnac. I love these kinds of books; it is like having a mini vacation without having to go anywhere.
It Starts with Bonjour by Eric Kirchmann was a fascinating book. I was a bit disappointed that there were no photos of their travels, but his descriptions were so beautifully done that photos were not really needed. I loved that he didn't expect you to know French as it's been many decades since I learned it. Eric is extremely good at writing details. You probably don't want to be hungry when you read this book. His descriptions of the food will make you hungry and made me wish it was a cookbook. I thought the insider tips that Eric gave were great, not the usual type you normally get. I always loved learning about the history of places I visited, so I was fascinated with the detailed history of each place that he and his wife visited. If you are thinking of traveling to France or just love the country, I highly recommend reading this book.
It Starts with Bonjour by Eric Kirchmann is a non-fiction travel book. This is about the second adventure to France that he and his wife took. They traveled to places like Paris, Toulouse, and the region of Gascony, to name a few. He describes the places they visited and he gives their history. Eric also gives insider tips and talks about all the people they met, the food, wine, and the Armagnac brandy they enjoyed, plus the history of Armagnac. I love these kinds of books; it is like having a mini vacation without having to go anywhere.
It Starts with Bonjour by Eric Kirchmann was a fascinating book. I was a bit disappointed that there were no photos of their travels, but his descriptions were so beautifully done that photos were not really needed. I loved that he didn't expect you to know French as it's been many decades since I learned it. Eric is extremely good at writing details. You probably don't want to be hungry when you read this book. His descriptions of the food will make you hungry and made me wish it was a cookbook. I thought the insider tips that Eric gave were great, not the usual type you normally get. I always loved learning about the history of places I visited, so I was fascinated with the detailed history of each place that he and his wife visited. If you are thinking of traveling to France or just love the country, I highly recommend reading this book.
Recommend this book:
Tokyo Tempos
Michael Pronko
2025 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Travel
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Tokyo Tempos by Michael Pronko is a collection of non-fiction pieces that look at various facets of daily life in Tokyo, homing in on the often-overlooked details of familiar routines. Through his essays, Pronko leans into cultural and social nuances, such as in Advice in Tokyo, where he contrasts the continuous flow of guidance in Japanese society with American individualism, analyzing its role in shaping daily interactions. In Tatami Change, he recounts the replacement of traditional tatami mats in his home, describing the careful work of craftsmen and discussing the cultural significance of tatami in Japanese living spaces. Tears for English is about a student's emotional response to her English graduation paper, linking the language—and not the actual paper—to her broader aspirations and identity.
Tokyo Tempos by Michael Pronko is a fantastic collection that does a wonderful job of capturing Tokyo’s ultra-layered experiences, even if they are mere moments, through succinct, immersive entries. The bite-sized format lends itself perfectly to Pronko’s reflective style, allowing readers to savor his keen observations, packing a lot of texture into impressively compact pieces. The writing is conversational and has the feel of stories being shared by a friend. The standout work to me is Rights in the Matter, in which Pronko is faced with the untimely deaths of two students, the emotional weight of attending their funerals, and reconciling his own grief, regret, and the true nature of student-teacher relationships. Overall, Tokyo Tempos is an excellent choice for Japanophiles and readers seeking a thoughtful, distinct look into the rhythms and resonances of urban Japanese life. Very highly recommended.
Tokyo Tempos by Michael Pronko is a collection of non-fiction pieces that look at various facets of daily life in Tokyo, homing in on the often-overlooked details of familiar routines. Through his essays, Pronko leans into cultural and social nuances, such as in Advice in Tokyo, where he contrasts the continuous flow of guidance in Japanese society with American individualism, analyzing its role in shaping daily interactions. In Tatami Change, he recounts the replacement of traditional tatami mats in his home, describing the careful work of craftsmen and discussing the cultural significance of tatami in Japanese living spaces. Tears for English is about a student's emotional response to her English graduation paper, linking the language—and not the actual paper—to her broader aspirations and identity.
Tokyo Tempos by Michael Pronko is a fantastic collection that does a wonderful job of capturing Tokyo’s ultra-layered experiences, even if they are mere moments, through succinct, immersive entries. The bite-sized format lends itself perfectly to Pronko’s reflective style, allowing readers to savor his keen observations, packing a lot of texture into impressively compact pieces. The writing is conversational and has the feel of stories being shared by a friend. The standout work to me is Rights in the Matter, in which Pronko is faced with the untimely deaths of two students, the emotional weight of attending their funerals, and reconciling his own grief, regret, and the true nature of student-teacher relationships. Overall, Tokyo Tempos is an excellent choice for Japanophiles and readers seeking a thoughtful, distinct look into the rhythms and resonances of urban Japanese life. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Geri o Shimasu
Adventures of a Baka Gaijin
Alia Luria
2025 Silver Medal
194 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Travel
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Geri o Shimasu by Alia Luria is a memoir of her time as a law student in Tokyo in the early 2000s, where she was thrust head-first into adjusting to a foreign culture. She finds herself muddling through health issues and everyday hurdles, from securing housing to navigating a complicated transport system. Luria becomes immersed in Japanese life and all that it entails, with a few awkward cultural missteps. She learns about Japan’s unique gender dynamics, where societal expectations limit women’s career opportunities, and contrasts this with her own experience as a foreigner. A key part of her story is her study at Temple University Japan, where she is guided by Professor Matthew Wilson, learning about the legal system. In between, Luria talks about Japanese cultural practices, like karaoke and onsen, growing within this society as a woman in a new environment.
I was interested in reading Geri o Shimasu: Adventures of a Baka Gaijin by Alia Luria because I too moved to a new country around the same age, where the language, religion, customs, and basically every facet of life was foreign to me. Luria holds nothing back and her stories are candid with sharp wit. It may be jarring for some readers, especially with things like the phonetic spelling of words like “Engrish,” but this is Luria's experience and she shares it without filters. Her anecdotes have clarity of detail even over a decade on, and my favorite parts were misadventures with food etiquette and the quirks of daily life. Luria turns the lens on herself frequently and her role in the broader context of integration, and development from a “baka gaijin” (silly foreigner) to someone who finds a sense of belonging. This makes the memoir a worthy read for those interested in cross-cultural living. The biggest boon, however, is going to be for the author's family, who will no doubt cherish this little slice of history for generations to come.
Geri o Shimasu by Alia Luria is a memoir of her time as a law student in Tokyo in the early 2000s, where she was thrust head-first into adjusting to a foreign culture. She finds herself muddling through health issues and everyday hurdles, from securing housing to navigating a complicated transport system. Luria becomes immersed in Japanese life and all that it entails, with a few awkward cultural missteps. She learns about Japan’s unique gender dynamics, where societal expectations limit women’s career opportunities, and contrasts this with her own experience as a foreigner. A key part of her story is her study at Temple University Japan, where she is guided by Professor Matthew Wilson, learning about the legal system. In between, Luria talks about Japanese cultural practices, like karaoke and onsen, growing within this society as a woman in a new environment.
I was interested in reading Geri o Shimasu: Adventures of a Baka Gaijin by Alia Luria because I too moved to a new country around the same age, where the language, religion, customs, and basically every facet of life was foreign to me. Luria holds nothing back and her stories are candid with sharp wit. It may be jarring for some readers, especially with things like the phonetic spelling of words like “Engrish,” but this is Luria's experience and she shares it without filters. Her anecdotes have clarity of detail even over a decade on, and my favorite parts were misadventures with food etiquette and the quirks of daily life. Luria turns the lens on herself frequently and her role in the broader context of integration, and development from a “baka gaijin” (silly foreigner) to someone who finds a sense of belonging. This makes the memoir a worthy read for those interested in cross-cultural living. The biggest boon, however, is going to be for the author's family, who will no doubt cherish this little slice of history for generations to come.
Recommend this book:
Let's Go to Gabon, Cameroon, and Namibia
Travels With Terry Book 3
Terry Lister
2025 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Travel
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Terry Lister delivers an engaging travel memoir of his adventures through three African countries in Let's Go to Gabon, Cameroon, and Namibia. Through vivid descriptions, Lister shares his experiences navigating the unique landscapes, wildlife, and cultures he encounters. His journey begins in Gabon, where he explores lush forests and savannas, visits national parks, and sees fascinating wildlife like forest elephants and buffaloes. The adventure continues in Cameroon, where he faces frequent police checkpoints but finds moments of peace exploring historical sites and vibrant local markets. Finally, Lister immerses himself in Namibia’s contrasting desert landscapes, offering readers a glimpse into the diversity and beauty of southern Africa.
The balanced portrayal of the region stands out in Terry Lister’s storytelling. He touches on political, social, and environmental challenges while celebrating the natural beauty and resilience of the people he meets. His journey is enriched with historical insights, from colonial influences to present-day life, blending personal anecdotes with cultural observations. Lister’s writing style is conversational and detailed, making readers feel they are journeying with him. Let’s Go to Gabon, Cameroon, and Namibia is a must-read for Africa travel enthusiasts, offering a compelling blend of adventure, cultural exploration, and thoughtful reflection. It provides an authentic and respectful portrayal of the regions visited, making it both an informative and entertaining read. The author includes maps and photographs to engage readers further. The book is a short read; however, it’s not short on the information needed to travel to Gabon, Cameroon, and Namibia. It's a perfect guide for anyone interested in traveling to these countries or those who enjoy armchair travel.
Terry Lister delivers an engaging travel memoir of his adventures through three African countries in Let's Go to Gabon, Cameroon, and Namibia. Through vivid descriptions, Lister shares his experiences navigating the unique landscapes, wildlife, and cultures he encounters. His journey begins in Gabon, where he explores lush forests and savannas, visits national parks, and sees fascinating wildlife like forest elephants and buffaloes. The adventure continues in Cameroon, where he faces frequent police checkpoints but finds moments of peace exploring historical sites and vibrant local markets. Finally, Lister immerses himself in Namibia’s contrasting desert landscapes, offering readers a glimpse into the diversity and beauty of southern Africa.
The balanced portrayal of the region stands out in Terry Lister’s storytelling. He touches on political, social, and environmental challenges while celebrating the natural beauty and resilience of the people he meets. His journey is enriched with historical insights, from colonial influences to present-day life, blending personal anecdotes with cultural observations. Lister’s writing style is conversational and detailed, making readers feel they are journeying with him. Let’s Go to Gabon, Cameroon, and Namibia is a must-read for Africa travel enthusiasts, offering a compelling blend of adventure, cultural exploration, and thoughtful reflection. It provides an authentic and respectful portrayal of the regions visited, making it both an informative and entertaining read. The author includes maps and photographs to engage readers further. The book is a short read; however, it’s not short on the information needed to travel to Gabon, Cameroon, and Namibia. It's a perfect guide for anyone interested in traveling to these countries or those who enjoy armchair travel.
Recommend this book:
Once Upon a Villa
Adventures on the French Riviera
Andrew Kaplan
2024 Finalist
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Travel
Reviewed by C.R. Hurst for Readers' Favorite
Andrew Kaplan, an author better known for his best-selling spy thrillers and his award-winning television series, Homeland, takes a more light-hearted approach in his latest work, Once Upon a Villa: Adventures on the French Riviera, a memoir based upon his family’s time spent during the early 1980s in France, where he plans to finally finish the novel he hopes will lead to not only a lucrative publishing contract but also “writing that matters.” During this sojourn, he and his wife and toddler son hobnob with wealthy expatriates of the French Riviera, eat, drink, and spend too much while meeting celebrities like the royal family of Monaco, and writers such as Anthony Burgess, author of A Clockwork Orange, while experiencing some of the tumultuous events of the 1980s such as The Challenger disaster and the Chernobyl nuclear accident.
Having been a young woman during that decade, many of the events described resonated with me, and I recognized many of the names dropped. One of my favorite celebrity encounters is Kaplan’s chance meeting with the tennis star Boris Becker when he is just starting his Grand Slam career, an encounter which proves unexpectedly poignant since Becker’s fall from grace has become fodder for the tabloid press more recently. Yet, I think my favorite bits of Once Upon a Villa concern the author’s relationship with his wife and son. Although Andrew and Anne love one another, they also recognize each other’s flaws in a way that only well-married people can. Their son Justin steals every scene in which he appears. I also appreciated Andrew Kaplan’s insights on the craft of writing and his ability to show how a country can have such a big influence, as he suggests in a closing remark: “France doesn’t belong to us; we just borrowed her for a while.”
Andrew Kaplan, an author better known for his best-selling spy thrillers and his award-winning television series, Homeland, takes a more light-hearted approach in his latest work, Once Upon a Villa: Adventures on the French Riviera, a memoir based upon his family’s time spent during the early 1980s in France, where he plans to finally finish the novel he hopes will lead to not only a lucrative publishing contract but also “writing that matters.” During this sojourn, he and his wife and toddler son hobnob with wealthy expatriates of the French Riviera, eat, drink, and spend too much while meeting celebrities like the royal family of Monaco, and writers such as Anthony Burgess, author of A Clockwork Orange, while experiencing some of the tumultuous events of the 1980s such as The Challenger disaster and the Chernobyl nuclear accident.
Having been a young woman during that decade, many of the events described resonated with me, and I recognized many of the names dropped. One of my favorite celebrity encounters is Kaplan’s chance meeting with the tennis star Boris Becker when he is just starting his Grand Slam career, an encounter which proves unexpectedly poignant since Becker’s fall from grace has become fodder for the tabloid press more recently. Yet, I think my favorite bits of Once Upon a Villa concern the author’s relationship with his wife and son. Although Andrew and Anne love one another, they also recognize each other’s flaws in a way that only well-married people can. Their son Justin steals every scene in which he appears. I also appreciated Andrew Kaplan’s insights on the craft of writing and his ability to show how a country can have such a big influence, as he suggests in a closing remark: “France doesn’t belong to us; we just borrowed her for a while.”
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