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Paper Maps, No Apps
An Unplugged Travel Adventure
Johnny Welsh
2020 Finalist
223 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Travel
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
Road tripping as a form of self-searching is a theme that is no stranger to literature. The writer ventures into parts unknown to discover and inspire him with new realities he would not find in the corners of his writing space. In Paper Maps, No Apps: An Unplugged Travel Adventure, Johnny Welsh documents his sixteen-day road trip with his girlfriend Kristy Smith into the uncommon parts of America. From Frisco, Colorado through Utah, Arizona, Nevada, California, into Mexico and then back to Frisco, Welsh and his girlfriend return after 16 days on the road with a refreshed and sharper awareness of themselves, of people, and of places. The interesting rationale behind this road trip is Welsh’s resolve to go unplugged--to eschew any forms of technology so as to revive deteriorating interpersonal connections that gnaw upon society in the age of mobile gadgetry.
Welsh admits to going unplugged for at least 95 percent of the duration of the trip. The remaining 5 percent involved using technology only as a last resort like texting his Italian mother who specializes in inducing guilt. The rest of the adventure is a study in the purity of old school practices. Paper Maps, No Apps is delivered in a casual and humorous treatment of places, people, and events. We don’t mind hopping into the backseat to join Welsh and his girlfriend in re-exploring the overlooked wonders and quirks that define the American identity. This adventure reminds us that technology, for all its advantages at making our life connected, can never replace the aesthetics of a face to face encounter and the lessons we can learn in a genuine world.
Road tripping as a form of self-searching is a theme that is no stranger to literature. The writer ventures into parts unknown to discover and inspire him with new realities he would not find in the corners of his writing space. In Paper Maps, No Apps: An Unplugged Travel Adventure, Johnny Welsh documents his sixteen-day road trip with his girlfriend Kristy Smith into the uncommon parts of America. From Frisco, Colorado through Utah, Arizona, Nevada, California, into Mexico and then back to Frisco, Welsh and his girlfriend return after 16 days on the road with a refreshed and sharper awareness of themselves, of people, and of places. The interesting rationale behind this road trip is Welsh’s resolve to go unplugged--to eschew any forms of technology so as to revive deteriorating interpersonal connections that gnaw upon society in the age of mobile gadgetry.
Welsh admits to going unplugged for at least 95 percent of the duration of the trip. The remaining 5 percent involved using technology only as a last resort like texting his Italian mother who specializes in inducing guilt. The rest of the adventure is a study in the purity of old school practices. Paper Maps, No Apps is delivered in a casual and humorous treatment of places, people, and events. We don’t mind hopping into the backseat to join Welsh and his girlfriend in re-exploring the overlooked wonders and quirks that define the American identity. This adventure reminds us that technology, for all its advantages at making our life connected, can never replace the aesthetics of a face to face encounter and the lessons we can learn in a genuine world.
Recommend this book:
Rome
Keys to the Ancient City Travel Series
Patty Civalleri
2020 Honorable Mention
292 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Travel
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Rome: Keys to the Ancient City by Patty Civalleri takes readers on a fascinating journey to Rome and beyond the half a dozen places Rome is famous for; the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, the Pantheon and other places of interest which are usually thronged by tourists. Though some of the sites have been eroded by time, they have used 3D Virtual Reality in many of the ancient sites around the city so that tourists can easily feel what the Romans experienced. Rome is 2,500 years old, a big city with an even bigger history, and there are hundreds of sites around the city. Let's join the author and other readers to enjoy the dramatic, violent, beautiful, romantic, endearing, and enduring history of this city.
The descriptions of the three eras - Renaissance, Baroque, and Modern - throw light on the soul of Rome, but what makes a trip to Rome memorable is its ancient history. Patty Civalleri takes readers on a marvelous trip through its ancient history and the pictures shared will leave readers awestruck at the old world charm of the city. The Blue Boxes in the book share trivia, factoids, stories, and tales which are great for readers to get quick facts about the locations. The author's words and images will help readers experience Rome, its life-inspiring art, ancient underground sites, museums, notable churches, and other attractions. This book is a good manual for all those who are traveling to Rome and will encourage readers to travel and discover the beauty of Rome and experience its art and culture at close quarters.
Rome: Keys to the Ancient City by Patty Civalleri takes readers on a fascinating journey to Rome and beyond the half a dozen places Rome is famous for; the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, the Pantheon and other places of interest which are usually thronged by tourists. Though some of the sites have been eroded by time, they have used 3D Virtual Reality in many of the ancient sites around the city so that tourists can easily feel what the Romans experienced. Rome is 2,500 years old, a big city with an even bigger history, and there are hundreds of sites around the city. Let's join the author and other readers to enjoy the dramatic, violent, beautiful, romantic, endearing, and enduring history of this city.
The descriptions of the three eras - Renaissance, Baroque, and Modern - throw light on the soul of Rome, but what makes a trip to Rome memorable is its ancient history. Patty Civalleri takes readers on a marvelous trip through its ancient history and the pictures shared will leave readers awestruck at the old world charm of the city. The Blue Boxes in the book share trivia, factoids, stories, and tales which are great for readers to get quick facts about the locations. The author's words and images will help readers experience Rome, its life-inspiring art, ancient underground sites, museums, notable churches, and other attractions. This book is a good manual for all those who are traveling to Rome and will encourage readers to travel and discover the beauty of Rome and experience its art and culture at close quarters.
Recommend this book:
Never a Stranger
From her past in Croatia and Russia, to finding a son in Bhutan, to befriending women in Africa, one woman's stories of travel, connection, and self-discovery.
Tania Romanov
2020 Bronze Medal
270 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Travel
Reviewed by Kimberlee J Benart for Readers' Favorite
Every now and then I come across a book that I wish everyone would read. Never a Stranger: From her past in Croatia and Russia, to finding a son in Bhutan, to befriending women in Africa, one woman’s stories of travel, connection, and self-discovery by Tania Romanov is one of those. A blend of award-winning travel stories, memoir, and photographs, it unfolds a theme of the discovery of ourselves and the world around us in an utterly readable, relatable, and emotionally engaging style. In a world of accented polarities, it’s a refreshing and touching journey into remote places and unexpected experiences that unite us as one humanity. The stories cross several continents and cultures. Interlaced with poignancy and humor, they educate and inspire, enlighten and entertain, satisfy our urge for adventure, and leave us feeling hopeful and reassured.
In Never a Stranger, Tania Romanov gives us personal stories of travel and adventure which introduced her to unforgettable places and people. In recounting them, she shares with us not only the uniqueness of the settings and cultures that she encountered but also her personal insight, philosophy, and reflection. Romanov travels light in life, building on her own family’s roots of exile and flight until they found a refuge in the United States. Not constrained by her own European culture and American views of what world travel should entail in comfort and itinerary, she bypasses the tourist traps and souvenir shops of the world to experience the real lives of real people. A wonderful read from an exceptionally talented author and photographer. Highly recommended.
Every now and then I come across a book that I wish everyone would read. Never a Stranger: From her past in Croatia and Russia, to finding a son in Bhutan, to befriending women in Africa, one woman’s stories of travel, connection, and self-discovery by Tania Romanov is one of those. A blend of award-winning travel stories, memoir, and photographs, it unfolds a theme of the discovery of ourselves and the world around us in an utterly readable, relatable, and emotionally engaging style. In a world of accented polarities, it’s a refreshing and touching journey into remote places and unexpected experiences that unite us as one humanity. The stories cross several continents and cultures. Interlaced with poignancy and humor, they educate and inspire, enlighten and entertain, satisfy our urge for adventure, and leave us feeling hopeful and reassured.
In Never a Stranger, Tania Romanov gives us personal stories of travel and adventure which introduced her to unforgettable places and people. In recounting them, she shares with us not only the uniqueness of the settings and cultures that she encountered but also her personal insight, philosophy, and reflection. Romanov travels light in life, building on her own family’s roots of exile and flight until they found a refuge in the United States. Not constrained by her own European culture and American views of what world travel should entail in comfort and itinerary, she bypasses the tourist traps and souvenir shops of the world to experience the real lives of real people. A wonderful read from an exceptionally talented author and photographer. Highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Solo Female Travel Book
Tips and Inspiration for Women Who Want to See the World on Their Own Terms
Jen Ruiz
2020 Silver Medal
110 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Travel
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
The Solo Female Travel Book: Tips and Inspiration for Women Who Want To See The World on Their Own Terms by Jen Ruiz shares the author's experiences, inspiration, funny failures, and practical tips for anyone thinking about going on a solo trip. This book is a perfect manual for readers wanting to travel alone and it gives excellent tips on how to prepare for it, choose the right destination, plan the itinerary, take good photographs, pack light yet carry all the essentials, and make friends abroad so that they don't feel lonely. For those who have been scared to travel alone, this book is the best tool to make them get rid of those fears and be ready to discover the world on their own.
The Solo Female Travel Book is a fun read and the author's honesty and straightforwardness in tackling the subject will encourage readers and the techniques shared will gear them towards facing any challenge that awaits them, abroad, or at home. From her first overnight backpacking trip to the Havasu Falls, Arizona till the very end, the book will keep readers glued to its pages; and the adventure, the fun, and the planning of the solo travels and the solo travel suggestions and strategies will fascinate readers who love to travel to new destinations.
Jen Ruiz speaks about the topic extensively and expansively, leaving the reader in no doubt while planning a solo trip and makes traveling enjoyable and captivating. There are two free resources at the end of this handy manual; the first gives a list of groups, websites, and 10 apps that will help one to meet people as loneliness can be a deterrent among solo travelers, and the second is a list of 12 things that should be done on the night prior to travel so that they can travel with peace of mind.
The Solo Female Travel Book: Tips and Inspiration for Women Who Want To See The World on Their Own Terms by Jen Ruiz shares the author's experiences, inspiration, funny failures, and practical tips for anyone thinking about going on a solo trip. This book is a perfect manual for readers wanting to travel alone and it gives excellent tips on how to prepare for it, choose the right destination, plan the itinerary, take good photographs, pack light yet carry all the essentials, and make friends abroad so that they don't feel lonely. For those who have been scared to travel alone, this book is the best tool to make them get rid of those fears and be ready to discover the world on their own.
The Solo Female Travel Book is a fun read and the author's honesty and straightforwardness in tackling the subject will encourage readers and the techniques shared will gear them towards facing any challenge that awaits them, abroad, or at home. From her first overnight backpacking trip to the Havasu Falls, Arizona till the very end, the book will keep readers glued to its pages; and the adventure, the fun, and the planning of the solo travels and the solo travel suggestions and strategies will fascinate readers who love to travel to new destinations.
Jen Ruiz speaks about the topic extensively and expansively, leaving the reader in no doubt while planning a solo trip and makes traveling enjoyable and captivating. There are two free resources at the end of this handy manual; the first gives a list of groups, websites, and 10 apps that will help one to meet people as loneliness can be a deterrent among solo travelers, and the second is a list of 12 things that should be done on the night prior to travel so that they can travel with peace of mind.
Recommend this book:
So You Think You Know CANADA, Eh?
Fascinating Fun Facts and Trivia about Canada for the Entire Family
Marianne Jennings
2020 Gold Medal
132 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Travel
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
So You Think You Know CANADA, Eh? Fascinating Fun Facts and Trivia about Canada for the Entire Family is a non-fiction educational book written by Marianne Jennings. The author has long been an admirer of the grand and sprawling country to our north. In her book, she shares basic facts about the country, delves into the geography of what is the largest country in the Western Hemisphere and discusses the shivery facts of Canada’s sometimes brutally cold climate. Did you know that Canada’s coldest recorded temperature is the same as has been recorded on Mars? Or that the largest wave ever recorded occurred off the coast of Newfoundland — a 98.4-foot monster that enveloped the QE2 ocean liner during Hurricane Luis? Canada is brimming with world records including the longest highway, longest border, biggest lakes, and largest totem pole. Ever wonder how the Canadian flag got its bright red and white colors? Or which films and TV shows are shot in Canada?
So You Think You Know CANADA, Eh? certainly lives up to its description as fascinating. As I read, I couldn’t help but spontaneously share facts with anyone who happened to be in the room with me. Her admiration for this amazing country is contagious as well. I found myself wishing, not for the first time, that relocating to Canada was a possibility, even with that weather. Anyone who feels at home in the outdoors will swoon at the descriptions of the wildlife, national parks and those thousands of miles of coastline. I loved learning more about Canada, even if I’m not sure I can ever forgive the Canadian who dreamed up the repellant recipe for Hawaiian pizza. Jennings includes a short quiz at the back of the book which is a lot of fun for testing retention, but she also includes a link to a more extensive quiz of over 100 questions to keep that fun going. So You Think You Know CANADA, Eh? Fascinating Fun Facts and Trivia about Canada for the Entire Family is most highly recommended.
So You Think You Know CANADA, Eh? Fascinating Fun Facts and Trivia about Canada for the Entire Family is a non-fiction educational book written by Marianne Jennings. The author has long been an admirer of the grand and sprawling country to our north. In her book, she shares basic facts about the country, delves into the geography of what is the largest country in the Western Hemisphere and discusses the shivery facts of Canada’s sometimes brutally cold climate. Did you know that Canada’s coldest recorded temperature is the same as has been recorded on Mars? Or that the largest wave ever recorded occurred off the coast of Newfoundland — a 98.4-foot monster that enveloped the QE2 ocean liner during Hurricane Luis? Canada is brimming with world records including the longest highway, longest border, biggest lakes, and largest totem pole. Ever wonder how the Canadian flag got its bright red and white colors? Or which films and TV shows are shot in Canada?
So You Think You Know CANADA, Eh? certainly lives up to its description as fascinating. As I read, I couldn’t help but spontaneously share facts with anyone who happened to be in the room with me. Her admiration for this amazing country is contagious as well. I found myself wishing, not for the first time, that relocating to Canada was a possibility, even with that weather. Anyone who feels at home in the outdoors will swoon at the descriptions of the wildlife, national parks and those thousands of miles of coastline. I loved learning more about Canada, even if I’m not sure I can ever forgive the Canadian who dreamed up the repellant recipe for Hawaiian pizza. Jennings includes a short quiz at the back of the book which is a lot of fun for testing retention, but she also includes a link to a more extensive quiz of over 100 questions to keep that fun going. So You Think You Know CANADA, Eh? Fascinating Fun Facts and Trivia about Canada for the Entire Family is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Buddha Sat Right Here
A Family Odyssey Through India and Nepal
Dena Moes
2019 Gold Medal
272 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Travel
Reviewed by Cindy Bowles for Readers' Favorite
What do you get when you mix together a nurse midwife that delivers successful homebirths, a hippie herbalist-acupuncture clinician-Buddhist husband, a teenager rising to the heights of school popularity, and an artistic dyslexic preteen? You get the Adam & Dena Moes Family on a backpacking adventure of a lifetime throughout India, learning what is most important in life! The Buddha Sat Right Here: A Family Odyssey Through India and Nepal is the true story of an 8-month trek around India, where Dena, Adam, Bella and young Sophia Moes climb to their highest Himalayan peaks of exhilaration and the lowest Kullu valleys of family pain while experiencing the colorful culture and existence in the varied people of India, their crowded communities, sacred cows, and the Buddhist way of life. Dena, Bella, and Sophia finally witness firsthand the powerful draw that Buddhist teachers and teachings bring to their husband and father, Adam, and begin to understand and even accept the wisdom and peace that it carries into their own hectic, modern lives.
In a delightfully descriptive memoir of their family’s experiences, this book gives a vivid insight into the beauty and complexity of India, Buddhist philosophy, and family relationships. It is highly educational in history, ideologies, culture, and even in the resolving of issues and conflict…all within a witty, yet heartwarming tale woven by author Dena Moes. The reader is easily pulled into their adventurous saga while visualizing the eventful struggles and restful realities of their journey. If you have ever thought of traveling to the east, especially to India, this hopeful, marvelous memoir, The Buddha Sat Right Here: A Family Odyssey Through India and Nepal by Dena Moes, brings the “possibilities” to life for you and is highly recommended!
What do you get when you mix together a nurse midwife that delivers successful homebirths, a hippie herbalist-acupuncture clinician-Buddhist husband, a teenager rising to the heights of school popularity, and an artistic dyslexic preteen? You get the Adam & Dena Moes Family on a backpacking adventure of a lifetime throughout India, learning what is most important in life! The Buddha Sat Right Here: A Family Odyssey Through India and Nepal is the true story of an 8-month trek around India, where Dena, Adam, Bella and young Sophia Moes climb to their highest Himalayan peaks of exhilaration and the lowest Kullu valleys of family pain while experiencing the colorful culture and existence in the varied people of India, their crowded communities, sacred cows, and the Buddhist way of life. Dena, Bella, and Sophia finally witness firsthand the powerful draw that Buddhist teachers and teachings bring to their husband and father, Adam, and begin to understand and even accept the wisdom and peace that it carries into their own hectic, modern lives.
In a delightfully descriptive memoir of their family’s experiences, this book gives a vivid insight into the beauty and complexity of India, Buddhist philosophy, and family relationships. It is highly educational in history, ideologies, culture, and even in the resolving of issues and conflict…all within a witty, yet heartwarming tale woven by author Dena Moes. The reader is easily pulled into their adventurous saga while visualizing the eventful struggles and restful realities of their journey. If you have ever thought of traveling to the east, especially to India, this hopeful, marvelous memoir, The Buddha Sat Right Here: A Family Odyssey Through India and Nepal by Dena Moes, brings the “possibilities” to life for you and is highly recommended!
Recommend this book:
Amsterdam Exposed
An American's Journey Into The Red Light District
David Wienir
2019 Silver Medal
268 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Travel
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
Amsterdam Exposed: An American’s Journey into the Red Light District by David Wienir takes readers into the heart of the red light district to witness powerful encounters and meet the women who work there.
Entering his third year of law school at Berkeley and about to start a career in international law, the author couldn't be happier when the school agrees to give him a full semester of credit to study in Amsterdam. While this is to give him a break from Berkeley, it ushers him into a world he never expected and this memoir documents, with vivid images and rare poignancy, the author's adventures in this town, especially his experiences in the Red-light District. The reader follow the protagonist in a somewhat coming-of-age odyssey, discovering prostitution in some of the depressed streets of Amsterdam, and learning to cope in a foreign land. Published twenty years after the events related in the book, this memoir is a beautiful light on one of the oldest professions in the world — prostitution.
David Wienir is a good writer and his prose is tight and crisp. He leaves readers in no doubt that he is a professional writer. From the start of the narrative, we are introduced to the protagonist and to the setting — which comes across the narrative as a character on its own right. And yes, Amsterdam can be read from that perspective. Told in the first person narrative, it is gripping, somewhat hypnotic, with deft exploration of character and a plot structure that makes for an easy read. I enjoyed the beauty of language, the adventure elements of the story, and the social commentaries that offer insights into what Amsterdam felt like twenty years ago. Amsterdam Exposed: An American’s Journey into the Red Light District is enriched by the author’s gift for humor and his ability to evoke powerful images and capture the complex and deep emotional layers of the characters. It is a great read, indeed.
Amsterdam Exposed: An American’s Journey into the Red Light District by David Wienir takes readers into the heart of the red light district to witness powerful encounters and meet the women who work there.
Entering his third year of law school at Berkeley and about to start a career in international law, the author couldn't be happier when the school agrees to give him a full semester of credit to study in Amsterdam. While this is to give him a break from Berkeley, it ushers him into a world he never expected and this memoir documents, with vivid images and rare poignancy, the author's adventures in this town, especially his experiences in the Red-light District. The reader follow the protagonist in a somewhat coming-of-age odyssey, discovering prostitution in some of the depressed streets of Amsterdam, and learning to cope in a foreign land. Published twenty years after the events related in the book, this memoir is a beautiful light on one of the oldest professions in the world — prostitution.
David Wienir is a good writer and his prose is tight and crisp. He leaves readers in no doubt that he is a professional writer. From the start of the narrative, we are introduced to the protagonist and to the setting — which comes across the narrative as a character on its own right. And yes, Amsterdam can be read from that perspective. Told in the first person narrative, it is gripping, somewhat hypnotic, with deft exploration of character and a plot structure that makes for an easy read. I enjoyed the beauty of language, the adventure elements of the story, and the social commentaries that offer insights into what Amsterdam felt like twenty years ago. Amsterdam Exposed: An American’s Journey into the Red Light District is enriched by the author’s gift for humor and his ability to evoke powerful images and capture the complex and deep emotional layers of the characters. It is a great read, indeed.
Recommend this book:
An American Family in Italy
Living La Dolce Vita without Permission
Paul Spadoni
2019 Bronze Medal
190 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Travel
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
An American Family in Italy: Living La Dolce Vita without Permission by Paul R. Spadoni is an absorbing and charming story of a family that moves to Italy for a year after leaving a comfortable life back home. The book is about the family’s struggle to live, work, and study in a foreign land, and - most challenging - learn and speak a foreign language. The memoir captures the challenges faced by the family during their stay in Italy, and also trying to embrace a new culture and lifestyle. The memoir is a good blend of the family’s life there and it also showcases the traditions, essence, culture, food, and beauty of Italy through the eyes of the author and his family.
I found the memoir compelling because it is not easy to leave everything behind, especially a good job and a comfortable life, and move to a foreign land and start anew when you have your wife and two teen daughters traveling with you. The book encourages travel and exploring new lands, and will definitely appeal to all readers who love traveling, especially those who have traveled and lived in Italy, or are planning to visit Italy. What makes you want to visit or move to Italy? Wearing a cheap fedora and impersonating an Italian cousin in Venice was what made the author decide to move to Italy. The author’s stories of life there, along with their struggles, make Italy and Italian life sound so interesting, challenging, and exciting, and will motivate many readers to make their Italian dreams come true.
An American Family in Italy: Living La Dolce Vita without Permission by Paul R. Spadoni is an absorbing and charming story of a family that moves to Italy for a year after leaving a comfortable life back home. The book is about the family’s struggle to live, work, and study in a foreign land, and - most challenging - learn and speak a foreign language. The memoir captures the challenges faced by the family during their stay in Italy, and also trying to embrace a new culture and lifestyle. The memoir is a good blend of the family’s life there and it also showcases the traditions, essence, culture, food, and beauty of Italy through the eyes of the author and his family.
I found the memoir compelling because it is not easy to leave everything behind, especially a good job and a comfortable life, and move to a foreign land and start anew when you have your wife and two teen daughters traveling with you. The book encourages travel and exploring new lands, and will definitely appeal to all readers who love traveling, especially those who have traveled and lived in Italy, or are planning to visit Italy. What makes you want to visit or move to Italy? Wearing a cheap fedora and impersonating an Italian cousin in Venice was what made the author decide to move to Italy. The author’s stories of life there, along with their struggles, make Italy and Italian life sound so interesting, challenging, and exciting, and will motivate many readers to make their Italian dreams come true.
Recommend this book:
Finding Myself in Borneo
Sojourns in Sabah
Neill McKee
2019 Honorable Mention
263 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Travel
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
Finding Myself in Borneo: Sojourns in Sabah by Neill McKee is a travel memoir that informs and entertains readers and brings them into contact with exciting places, characters, and communities in Asia. The last day of work at his father's factory was on July 4, 1968, and standing behind the rear wall where he could see the valley and creek flowing past, Neill McKee offers readers the first glimpse into his exciting mind and adventurous spirit: "Despite this toxic playground, I recall an ideal childhood, a loving family, and—as I grew older—increasing freedom to explore farther and farther from home. I believe my love of travel and discovery started here." In this memoir, the author shares his adventures from 1968-1970 while teaching secondary school as a CUSO volunteer in Sabah, Malaysia (North Borneo). The author shares his unique experiences of encounters with Asian cultures, the excitement of learning a new language, the thrill of falling in love, and the adventures through colorful and beautiful landscapes.
Told in an atmospheric style of writing, the memoir explores the inner world of the protagonist and how contact with other places and people, new friendships and challenges allowed him to see himself better. It is a tender, highly observant memoir of the author’s sojourn in Sabah, a memoir that captures both the landscapes of his soul and the beauty of the world that surrounded him. Neill McKee weaves strong themes into the narrative, including friendship, education, personal growth, adventure, love, and family. At times wry and at times filled with humor, Finding Myself in Borneo: Sojourns in Sabah is a memoir that is told in an honest voice and will inspire readers to think about how they relate to the world they inhabit. It’s simply brilliant.
Finding Myself in Borneo: Sojourns in Sabah by Neill McKee is a travel memoir that informs and entertains readers and brings them into contact with exciting places, characters, and communities in Asia. The last day of work at his father's factory was on July 4, 1968, and standing behind the rear wall where he could see the valley and creek flowing past, Neill McKee offers readers the first glimpse into his exciting mind and adventurous spirit: "Despite this toxic playground, I recall an ideal childhood, a loving family, and—as I grew older—increasing freedom to explore farther and farther from home. I believe my love of travel and discovery started here." In this memoir, the author shares his adventures from 1968-1970 while teaching secondary school as a CUSO volunteer in Sabah, Malaysia (North Borneo). The author shares his unique experiences of encounters with Asian cultures, the excitement of learning a new language, the thrill of falling in love, and the adventures through colorful and beautiful landscapes.
Told in an atmospheric style of writing, the memoir explores the inner world of the protagonist and how contact with other places and people, new friendships and challenges allowed him to see himself better. It is a tender, highly observant memoir of the author’s sojourn in Sabah, a memoir that captures both the landscapes of his soul and the beauty of the world that surrounded him. Neill McKee weaves strong themes into the narrative, including friendship, education, personal growth, adventure, love, and family. At times wry and at times filled with humor, Finding Myself in Borneo: Sojourns in Sabah is a memoir that is told in an honest voice and will inspire readers to think about how they relate to the world they inhabit. It’s simply brilliant.
Recommend this book:
Inside The Chinese Wine Industry
The Past, Present, and Future of Wine in China
Loren Mayshark
2019 Finalist
174 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Travel
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Chinese cuisine serves up superb meals and this is a reflection of their culture and civilization. China has a rich history of wine production that dates back to the millennia before Christ, and this book will take readers on an engaging journey through the past, present, and future of the wine industry in China. The book tackles topics like how a tourist can enjoy unique wine experiences in China, what the future holds for the Chinese wine industry, how good the Chinese wine industry is, how the Chinese became wine crazy, and many more that will give readers good insights about wine production in China.
Inside the Chinese Wine Industry – The Past, Present, and Future of Wine in China by Loren Mayshark is a book that will connect well with all readers who enjoy wine. The book also reveals the deep cultural heritage of China. It is evident that the author has done proper research on the topic and it has been handled extensively and in detail. The Chinese wine industry, prediction about its future, and a nice overview of the Chinese wine industry, in general, make the book engaging and interesting to those in the wine industry and wine aficionados. There is a lot of information about the wine industry and the author also throws light on the most popular kinds of wine in China, which is quite interesting and informative to read. The topic is refreshing and it is of interest to everyone and not only for readers who have an interest in wine.
Chinese cuisine serves up superb meals and this is a reflection of their culture and civilization. China has a rich history of wine production that dates back to the millennia before Christ, and this book will take readers on an engaging journey through the past, present, and future of the wine industry in China. The book tackles topics like how a tourist can enjoy unique wine experiences in China, what the future holds for the Chinese wine industry, how good the Chinese wine industry is, how the Chinese became wine crazy, and many more that will give readers good insights about wine production in China.
Inside the Chinese Wine Industry – The Past, Present, and Future of Wine in China by Loren Mayshark is a book that will connect well with all readers who enjoy wine. The book also reveals the deep cultural heritage of China. It is evident that the author has done proper research on the topic and it has been handled extensively and in detail. The Chinese wine industry, prediction about its future, and a nice overview of the Chinese wine industry, in general, make the book engaging and interesting to those in the wine industry and wine aficionados. There is a lot of information about the wine industry and the author also throws light on the most popular kinds of wine in China, which is quite interesting and informative to read. The topic is refreshing and it is of interest to everyone and not only for readers who have an interest in wine.
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