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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
196 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
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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.”
Recommend this book:
Embracing Bewilderment
A Reluctant Entrepreneur’s Journey— An Unconventional European Summer Twisting into a Mind-Bending Excursion through Southeast Asia
Cory Mortensen
2024 Honorable Mention
302 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Travel
Reviewed by Renee Guill for Readers' Favorite
Embracing Bewilderment: A Reluctant Entrepreneur’s Journey by Cory Mortensen is a non-fiction travel book that is the sequel to Buddha and the Bees. The author explores Europe with just his passport and a backpack filled with basic necessities. He travels to places like Iceland, Scotland and England. He immerses himself in different cultures and talks about the history and people of the places he visits. Cory Mortensen's uncle asks him to do a job in Hong Kong. So, he goes to explore Hong Kong, Asia, and the Philippines too, while working for his uncle. He talks about what hostels to stay in and places to eat as well.
I thought that Embracing Bewilderment was an awe-inspiring book. Even though it is the sequel to Buddha and the Bees, you do not have to read the first book. I love these types of books; it is like taking a mini vacation without having to leave home. I loved that Cory writes in such vivid detail. If you get squeamish easily, you might want to skip the bullfight and cockfight sections. There are a few other places too, but not quite as bad. I loved how he says that what we may find gross and offensive, other cultures do not. I found that to be quite refreshing as most people forget stuff like that. There is mention of drug use and other issues too, but nothing too extreme. I loved that he shared the history of a lot of places. I loved that Cory Mortensen takes you to places that most travel books don't. He shares the good and the bad. If you love going on adventures or reading about them, I highly recommend this book.
Embracing Bewilderment: A Reluctant Entrepreneur’s Journey by Cory Mortensen is a non-fiction travel book that is the sequel to Buddha and the Bees. The author explores Europe with just his passport and a backpack filled with basic necessities. He travels to places like Iceland, Scotland and England. He immerses himself in different cultures and talks about the history and people of the places he visits. Cory Mortensen's uncle asks him to do a job in Hong Kong. So, he goes to explore Hong Kong, Asia, and the Philippines too, while working for his uncle. He talks about what hostels to stay in and places to eat as well.
I thought that Embracing Bewilderment was an awe-inspiring book. Even though it is the sequel to Buddha and the Bees, you do not have to read the first book. I love these types of books; it is like taking a mini vacation without having to leave home. I loved that Cory writes in such vivid detail. If you get squeamish easily, you might want to skip the bullfight and cockfight sections. There are a few other places too, but not quite as bad. I loved how he says that what we may find gross and offensive, other cultures do not. I found that to be quite refreshing as most people forget stuff like that. There is mention of drug use and other issues too, but nothing too extreme. I loved that he shared the history of a lot of places. I loved that Cory Mortensen takes you to places that most travel books don't. He shares the good and the bad. If you love going on adventures or reading about them, I highly recommend this book.
Recommend this book:
Travels with Maurice
An Outrageous European Adventure in 1968
Gary Orleck
2024 Bronze Medal
217 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Travel
Reviewed by Joe Wisinski for Readers' Favorite
Travels with Maurice: An Outrageous Adventure in Europe in 1968 tells the story of an average American man who traveled with the son of the richest man in the world at the time. Author Gary L. Orleck was a self-described “nobody” who drove almost 20,000 miles through 12 European countries in less than three months with his friend and companion Maurice. Along the way, they met kings and queens and partied with some of the most famous people in the world. Orleck experienced the power of what money and connections can do. As an example, when he wanted to call his father from France he was told it would take four to six hours for the call to go through. But Maurice intervened and within 30 seconds Orleck was talking to his father. The book is replete with many similar anecdotes.
Travels with Maurice: An Outrageous Adventure in Europe in 1968 is a fascinating book. I was hooked from the first page, although I won’t say what happened, as that would spoil the introduction. Gary L. Orleck is a fine writer who tells tale after tale of incidents that might be hard to believe if not for the captivating detail with which he writes, along with his obvious nostalgia. As Orleck himself said, “no one could make this story up.” Readers will quickly fall under Orleck’s spell and develop great affection, and yes, envy, for him and his friend Maurice as they experience their incredible journey through Europe. I highly recommend this wonderful story to anyone.
Travels with Maurice: An Outrageous Adventure in Europe in 1968 tells the story of an average American man who traveled with the son of the richest man in the world at the time. Author Gary L. Orleck was a self-described “nobody” who drove almost 20,000 miles through 12 European countries in less than three months with his friend and companion Maurice. Along the way, they met kings and queens and partied with some of the most famous people in the world. Orleck experienced the power of what money and connections can do. As an example, when he wanted to call his father from France he was told it would take four to six hours for the call to go through. But Maurice intervened and within 30 seconds Orleck was talking to his father. The book is replete with many similar anecdotes.
Travels with Maurice: An Outrageous Adventure in Europe in 1968 is a fascinating book. I was hooked from the first page, although I won’t say what happened, as that would spoil the introduction. Gary L. Orleck is a fine writer who tells tale after tale of incidents that might be hard to believe if not for the captivating detail with which he writes, along with his obvious nostalgia. As Orleck himself said, “no one could make this story up.” Readers will quickly fall under Orleck’s spell and develop great affection, and yes, envy, for him and his friend Maurice as they experience their incredible journey through Europe. I highly recommend this wonderful story to anyone.
Recommend this book:
 Everywhere Taught Me about Humanity, Geopolitics, and Happiness by Michael Mackay Richards explores a diverse array of landscapes and cultures worldwide. Beginning with the eruption of Mount Yasur in Vanuatu, the author contrasts modern travel privileges with historical explorers' challenges. Richards de...){kind=link}
The Travelling Ape
What Travelling (Nearly) Everywhere Taught Me about Humanity, Geopolitics, and Happiness
Mr Michael Mackay Richards
2024 Silver Medal
516 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Travel
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
The Travelling Ape: What Travelling (Nearly) Everywhere Taught Me about Humanity, Geopolitics, and Happiness by Michael Mackay Richards explores a diverse array of landscapes and cultures worldwide. Beginning with the eruption of Mount Yasur in Vanuatu, the author contrasts modern travel privileges with historical explorers' challenges. Richards describes adventures across Papua New Guinea, Israel, the Namib Desert, Palau, Bolivia, Europe, Asia, South America, North America, and Australasia in rich detail, with elements like candid depictions of Port Moresby's urban decay and Palau's paradisiacal beauty, along with reflections on Ethiopia's unique history. Richards explores cultural nuances in places like Tokyo, Rome, Jeddah, Central Asia, North Korea, and China, raising questions about wealth, happiness, mental health, and democracy, and concluding with reflections on lifestyle choices inspired by healthy societies and the transformative power of global experiences.
The Travelling Ape by Michael Mackay Richards offers readers an armchair tour of the world and his own personal thoughts and insights on its state throughout, allowing us to connect with his experiences and perspective. I found the book and much of what Richards said to be timely considering where we are globally at this very moment. I felt that the greatest contribution the author makes toward helping us understand how we got here is through his historical contextualization, contemporary relevance, and the present-day implications of past events. Richards does his best to manage a balancing act that is both honest and somewhat objective, more so on religion than on politics and social constructs, and even with swaths of exhaustive research, he writes in a style that is accessible. It's remarkable how much he has traveled and the places he has been, and I have no doubt this book will be a delight for lovers of geography, travel, history, sociology, and pretty much anything relating to the human condition.
The Travelling Ape: What Travelling (Nearly) Everywhere Taught Me about Humanity, Geopolitics, and Happiness by Michael Mackay Richards explores a diverse array of landscapes and cultures worldwide. Beginning with the eruption of Mount Yasur in Vanuatu, the author contrasts modern travel privileges with historical explorers' challenges. Richards describes adventures across Papua New Guinea, Israel, the Namib Desert, Palau, Bolivia, Europe, Asia, South America, North America, and Australasia in rich detail, with elements like candid depictions of Port Moresby's urban decay and Palau's paradisiacal beauty, along with reflections on Ethiopia's unique history. Richards explores cultural nuances in places like Tokyo, Rome, Jeddah, Central Asia, North Korea, and China, raising questions about wealth, happiness, mental health, and democracy, and concluding with reflections on lifestyle choices inspired by healthy societies and the transformative power of global experiences.
The Travelling Ape by Michael Mackay Richards offers readers an armchair tour of the world and his own personal thoughts and insights on its state throughout, allowing us to connect with his experiences and perspective. I found the book and much of what Richards said to be timely considering where we are globally at this very moment. I felt that the greatest contribution the author makes toward helping us understand how we got here is through his historical contextualization, contemporary relevance, and the present-day implications of past events. Richards does his best to manage a balancing act that is both honest and somewhat objective, more so on religion than on politics and social constructs, and even with swaths of exhaustive research, he writes in a style that is accessible. It's remarkable how much he has traveled and the places he has been, and I have no doubt this book will be a delight for lovers of geography, travel, history, sociology, and pretty much anything relating to the human condition.
Recommend this book:
Tent for Seven
A Camping Adventure Gone South Out West
Marty Ohlhaut with Grace Ly
2024 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Travel
Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite
Marty Ohlhaut, his wife, Joeline, and children Grace, Julie, Mollie, Max, and Angela, are going on the much-anticipated vacation to the Canadian Rockies. They plan to camp and enjoy the outdoors, as trips to the wild have been Marty's passion since a memorable Wild West trip with four buddies in 1972. This time, in 1994, the Ohlhauts realized that the excursion may be their last as the children are growing up and may not be interested in family vacations for much longer. Little did they know what this trip had in store for them. Bad omens, a warning from a priest, misfortune on their way, bears that followed them everywhere they went, and a severe accident involving a family member made Marty redefine his views and experience. Tent for Seven by Marty Ohlhaut with Grace Ly is a captivating story of a family trip to remember.
Tent for Seven is a factual account that reads like a breathtaking thriller. Marty Ohlhaut and Grace Ly did a great job entertaining readers with a humorous account of an ill-fated family vacation while providing food for thought. Tent for Seven is narrated from Marty's perspective. His hilarious description of the bear species and the heartfelt ode to Saskatoon pie (the recipe is included in the book) are truly unforgettable. The witty writing style shows Marty's unbeatable spirit in the face of challenges and his boundless love for his family. I liked the flashbacks to the Wild West trip compared to the family excursion with its different levels of responsibility. The authors created profound and interesting characters, like the Walshes, good Samaritans who helped the over-stressed family in a time of need, or loving portraits of Marty's beautiful wife, Joeline, and their mischievous children. Tent for Seven offers meaningful observations for those considering camping in the wild. I highly recommend this book to those who love travel and the outdoors, memoirs, and humorous prose.
Marty Ohlhaut, his wife, Joeline, and children Grace, Julie, Mollie, Max, and Angela, are going on the much-anticipated vacation to the Canadian Rockies. They plan to camp and enjoy the outdoors, as trips to the wild have been Marty's passion since a memorable Wild West trip with four buddies in 1972. This time, in 1994, the Ohlhauts realized that the excursion may be their last as the children are growing up and may not be interested in family vacations for much longer. Little did they know what this trip had in store for them. Bad omens, a warning from a priest, misfortune on their way, bears that followed them everywhere they went, and a severe accident involving a family member made Marty redefine his views and experience. Tent for Seven by Marty Ohlhaut with Grace Ly is a captivating story of a family trip to remember.
Tent for Seven is a factual account that reads like a breathtaking thriller. Marty Ohlhaut and Grace Ly did a great job entertaining readers with a humorous account of an ill-fated family vacation while providing food for thought. Tent for Seven is narrated from Marty's perspective. His hilarious description of the bear species and the heartfelt ode to Saskatoon pie (the recipe is included in the book) are truly unforgettable. The witty writing style shows Marty's unbeatable spirit in the face of challenges and his boundless love for his family. I liked the flashbacks to the Wild West trip compared to the family excursion with its different levels of responsibility. The authors created profound and interesting characters, like the Walshes, good Samaritans who helped the over-stressed family in a time of need, or loving portraits of Marty's beautiful wife, Joeline, and their mischievous children. Tent for Seven offers meaningful observations for those considering camping in the wild. I highly recommend this book to those who love travel and the outdoors, memoirs, and humorous prose.
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