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Recommend this book:
The Strength of Silk
Living a Life of Grace & Gratitude
Lakysha Laing
2023 Honorable Mention
146 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by Manik Chaturmutha for Readers' Favorite
The Strength of Silk by Lakysha Laing is a non-fiction story filled with the author's struggles in her life. First, she had to go into foster care and deal with the grief of losing her twin sister. Then, she struggled as a black woman in a male-dominated workplace to make her career. There is a mention of her struggles with cancer as well. The author shows us how trauma and challenging situations can make one grow and become stronger. This book is about her struggle to not let the way her life started and what people said get in her way. This is a story of friendships and family and how the support from both can help you in your time of need.
Some of The Strength of Silk was hard to read as it contained raw suffering and the experience Lakysha Laing went through. However, to see how the trauma shaped her was so satisfying and awe-inspiring. How the author went through her life journey was emotional, shocking, and very well executed. What I liked the most was that the chapters ended with a heart-touching quote. I really liked how she never shied away from telling the hard parts. In the last few chapters, the author showed us that when she was getting chemotherapy and was so tired that she couldn't talk to anyone, she started writing a journal to inform her loved ones; it was so hard and emotional to read. There was an authentic depiction of tiredness and not wanting to get out of bed.
The Strength of Silk is for you if you are looking for a book that shows a person's story, no matter how hard or how happy the times are. This book will be an inspiration and a model of strength for many people going through the same things in their life. If you are a non-fiction reader and like to read autobiographies, this book is for you.
The Strength of Silk by Lakysha Laing is a non-fiction story filled with the author's struggles in her life. First, she had to go into foster care and deal with the grief of losing her twin sister. Then, she struggled as a black woman in a male-dominated workplace to make her career. There is a mention of her struggles with cancer as well. The author shows us how trauma and challenging situations can make one grow and become stronger. This book is about her struggle to not let the way her life started and what people said get in her way. This is a story of friendships and family and how the support from both can help you in your time of need.
Some of The Strength of Silk was hard to read as it contained raw suffering and the experience Lakysha Laing went through. However, to see how the trauma shaped her was so satisfying and awe-inspiring. How the author went through her life journey was emotional, shocking, and very well executed. What I liked the most was that the chapters ended with a heart-touching quote. I really liked how she never shied away from telling the hard parts. In the last few chapters, the author showed us that when she was getting chemotherapy and was so tired that she couldn't talk to anyone, she started writing a journal to inform her loved ones; it was so hard and emotional to read. There was an authentic depiction of tiredness and not wanting to get out of bed.
The Strength of Silk is for you if you are looking for a book that shows a person's story, no matter how hard or how happy the times are. This book will be an inspiration and a model of strength for many people going through the same things in their life. If you are a non-fiction reader and like to read autobiographies, this book is for you.
Recommend this book:
The Pink Bundle
SJ McGarry
2023 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite
The Pink Bundle is a compelling novella by SJ McGarry. The story unravels as Sandra stands before a decrepit boarding house where fifty years ago, she was abandoned by her mother. Left inside a pink bundle inside a drawer, she learned that she was adopted at the age of fifteen. Her adoptive parent is Mattie, the half-sister of her father who was killed in action in Europe. Sandra grows up physically and mentally abused because Mattie suffers from various mental health issues. Then a woman called introducing herself as her half-sister. Sandra is informed that her birth mother has been trying to locate her. She sets out to reunite with them. Can she finally get to know her real family and unravel her true identity?
SJ McGarry’s The Pink Bundle is a thought-provoking novella about abandonment and self-discovery. With her evocative prose, the author effectively captures Sandra’s emotional turmoil in dealing with the truth about her birth, while seamlessly weaving together the present day with her past. With well-balanced pacing, the tension gradually develops making the book an emotionally engaging read. Readers should find it easy to empathize with Sandra and feel her desperation and hope as she tries to uncover her identity. The other characters also add tension and depth to the narrative. The Pink Bundle is a story that deals with themes of identity, truth, forgiveness, and resilience. It is one of those novellas that will keep readers contemplating long after they turn the last page of the book.
The Pink Bundle is a compelling novella by SJ McGarry. The story unravels as Sandra stands before a decrepit boarding house where fifty years ago, she was abandoned by her mother. Left inside a pink bundle inside a drawer, she learned that she was adopted at the age of fifteen. Her adoptive parent is Mattie, the half-sister of her father who was killed in action in Europe. Sandra grows up physically and mentally abused because Mattie suffers from various mental health issues. Then a woman called introducing herself as her half-sister. Sandra is informed that her birth mother has been trying to locate her. She sets out to reunite with them. Can she finally get to know her real family and unravel her true identity?
SJ McGarry’s The Pink Bundle is a thought-provoking novella about abandonment and self-discovery. With her evocative prose, the author effectively captures Sandra’s emotional turmoil in dealing with the truth about her birth, while seamlessly weaving together the present day with her past. With well-balanced pacing, the tension gradually develops making the book an emotionally engaging read. Readers should find it easy to empathize with Sandra and feel her desperation and hope as she tries to uncover her identity. The other characters also add tension and depth to the narrative. The Pink Bundle is a story that deals with themes of identity, truth, forgiveness, and resilience. It is one of those novellas that will keep readers contemplating long after they turn the last page of the book.
Recommend this book:
The Future Normal
How We Will Live, Work and Thrive in the Next Decade
Rohit Bhargava, Henry Coutinho-Mason
2023 Finalist
336 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Social Issues
Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite
The Future Normal: How We Will Live, Work and Thrive in the Next Decade explores different innovative practices and groundbreaking ideas in various industries and societies around the world. Rohit Bhargava and Henry Coutinho-Mason spent most of the last decade examining early signs of transformations in different fields that are likely to shape our world. The book is divided into three parts. The first focuses on the changes that could occur in the experience of individuals relating to relationships, health, learning, and other aspects of day-to-day life. The second examines how we're likely to work, consume, and live together in our societies. In the final section, we see long-term innovation and a prediction of humanity's chances of surviving with futuristic cities, environments, agricultural practices, and governments.
The book includes substantial references, insightful quotes, a summary at the start of each section, and a comprehensive appendix. I learned about many things I never knew existed, such as stealth learning and job sharing. Apart from preparing readers for the future, The Future Normal also incorporates a writing style that's suitable for today's generation and possibly the next since it is concise, graphically appealing, and captivating enough to reach all readers. If you love reading about new trends, innovations, and technology, you should read Rohit Bhargava and Henry Coutinho-Mason's work. You will be inspired to embrace new ways of doing things that will improve your health, learning, relationships, mental health, work culture, and general well-being.
The Future Normal: How We Will Live, Work and Thrive in the Next Decade explores different innovative practices and groundbreaking ideas in various industries and societies around the world. Rohit Bhargava and Henry Coutinho-Mason spent most of the last decade examining early signs of transformations in different fields that are likely to shape our world. The book is divided into three parts. The first focuses on the changes that could occur in the experience of individuals relating to relationships, health, learning, and other aspects of day-to-day life. The second examines how we're likely to work, consume, and live together in our societies. In the final section, we see long-term innovation and a prediction of humanity's chances of surviving with futuristic cities, environments, agricultural practices, and governments.
The book includes substantial references, insightful quotes, a summary at the start of each section, and a comprehensive appendix. I learned about many things I never knew existed, such as stealth learning and job sharing. Apart from preparing readers for the future, The Future Normal also incorporates a writing style that's suitable for today's generation and possibly the next since it is concise, graphically appealing, and captivating enough to reach all readers. If you love reading about new trends, innovations, and technology, you should read Rohit Bhargava and Henry Coutinho-Mason's work. You will be inspired to embrace new ways of doing things that will improve your health, learning, relationships, mental health, work culture, and general well-being.
Recommend this book:
The Way of the Goddess
Daily Rituals to Awaken Your Inner Warrior and Discover Your True Self
Ananta Ripa Ajmera
2023 Gold Medal
240 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Spiritual/Supernatural
Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite
In The Way of the Goddess, Ananta Ripa Ajmera, a spiritual teacher, shares her experiences of overcoming sexual and narcissistic abuse, codependency, betrayal, and eating disorders. She also shares her journey to connecting with her higher Self to help us connect to the divine feminine worshipped during Navratri and the divine feminine inside us. This book is inspired by the nine-night fall goddess festival of Navratri from the ancient Vedic spiritual tradition. It's about expanding the annual nine-day festival into a daily Navratri practice, as every day can be an opportunity to celebrate the divine feminine in ourselves and others. Every chapter introduces us to one goddess, her story, and the power she represents so we can identify and cultivate the same within ourselves. This empowering book is for anyone who wants to walk the path of the Navratri practice to discover who they are deep inside.
The Way of the Goddess by Ananta Ripa Ajmera is an extraordinary account filled with ancient wisdom you can apply to your modern life to realize your divine potential. It is an engaging, detailed, and transformative book that teaches readers about nine goddesses and their powers, nine different practices for each of the nine chakras, and also about cultivating creativity, transformation, love, expression, intuition, transcendence, rejuvenation, and intentionality and practices for each of them. It's an excellent resource for learning how to regain your power in the face of adversity, cleanse yourself of attachments, create a new reality, and embrace new beginnings and the benefits of abstaining from sensual enjoyments. Anyone who implements the steps in this beautifully illustrated book invites lasting transformation of different kinds (big or small) in their lives.
In The Way of the Goddess, Ananta Ripa Ajmera, a spiritual teacher, shares her experiences of overcoming sexual and narcissistic abuse, codependency, betrayal, and eating disorders. She also shares her journey to connecting with her higher Self to help us connect to the divine feminine worshipped during Navratri and the divine feminine inside us. This book is inspired by the nine-night fall goddess festival of Navratri from the ancient Vedic spiritual tradition. It's about expanding the annual nine-day festival into a daily Navratri practice, as every day can be an opportunity to celebrate the divine feminine in ourselves and others. Every chapter introduces us to one goddess, her story, and the power she represents so we can identify and cultivate the same within ourselves. This empowering book is for anyone who wants to walk the path of the Navratri practice to discover who they are deep inside.
The Way of the Goddess by Ananta Ripa Ajmera is an extraordinary account filled with ancient wisdom you can apply to your modern life to realize your divine potential. It is an engaging, detailed, and transformative book that teaches readers about nine goddesses and their powers, nine different practices for each of the nine chakras, and also about cultivating creativity, transformation, love, expression, intuition, transcendence, rejuvenation, and intentionality and practices for each of them. It's an excellent resource for learning how to regain your power in the face of adversity, cleanse yourself of attachments, create a new reality, and embrace new beginnings and the benefits of abstaining from sensual enjoyments. Anyone who implements the steps in this beautifully illustrated book invites lasting transformation of different kinds (big or small) in their lives.
Recommend this book:
A Knock in the Attic
True Ghost Stories & Other Spine-chilling Paranormal Adventures
John Russell
2023 Silver Medal
172 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Spiritual/Supernatural
Reviewed by Grace Masso for Readers' Favorite
A Knock in the Attic: True Ghost Stories & Other Spine-chilling Paranormal Adventures by John Russell is an engrossing, at times, disturbing nonfiction book in which the author narrates his supernatural experiences. At the tender age of five, John had his first encounter with a black ghost. The image of the old black man's face peering around one of the doorways from down the hall will always stay with him, and he refers to it as “the harbinger of the beginning” of his psychic, mediumistic, paranormal life, a life lived at the edge of the Veil which separates the seen and unseen worlds. This book is composed of stories that detail paranormal occurrences and experiences involving those who have passed on to another life. John has had run-ins with spirits, developed healing powers, and been saved by angels. His incredible experiences with the otherworldly creatures are recounted in this book, and they are stunning.
This is a book that is filled with adventure and mind-blowing experiences, and the author provides ample proof that there is life beyond death, that those who have died still have the power to influence us, that the universe is a mystery that is bigger than our physical world. John Russell might have had and still has extraordinary experiences, but he also has the gift of storytelling which allows him to communicate his adventures in prose that is crisp and in a voice that is irresistible. A Knock in the Attic: True Ghost Stories & Other Spine-chilling Paranormal Adventures is a book that will entertain fans of the paranormal, but more importantly, it is one that will make any reader question existence and change what they think they know about life beyond the tomb. I was mesmerized by the writing and enamored by the experiences the author shares in this book.
A Knock in the Attic: True Ghost Stories & Other Spine-chilling Paranormal Adventures by John Russell is an engrossing, at times, disturbing nonfiction book in which the author narrates his supernatural experiences. At the tender age of five, John had his first encounter with a black ghost. The image of the old black man's face peering around one of the doorways from down the hall will always stay with him, and he refers to it as “the harbinger of the beginning” of his psychic, mediumistic, paranormal life, a life lived at the edge of the Veil which separates the seen and unseen worlds. This book is composed of stories that detail paranormal occurrences and experiences involving those who have passed on to another life. John has had run-ins with spirits, developed healing powers, and been saved by angels. His incredible experiences with the otherworldly creatures are recounted in this book, and they are stunning.
This is a book that is filled with adventure and mind-blowing experiences, and the author provides ample proof that there is life beyond death, that those who have died still have the power to influence us, that the universe is a mystery that is bigger than our physical world. John Russell might have had and still has extraordinary experiences, but he also has the gift of storytelling which allows him to communicate his adventures in prose that is crisp and in a voice that is irresistible. A Knock in the Attic: True Ghost Stories & Other Spine-chilling Paranormal Adventures is a book that will entertain fans of the paranormal, but more importantly, it is one that will make any reader question existence and change what they think they know about life beyond the tomb. I was mesmerized by the writing and enamored by the experiences the author shares in this book.
Recommend this book:
Whatever the Future Holds
a story of grace, resilience, and love
Heidi E. V. McCann
2023 Bronze Medal
332 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Spiritual/Supernatural
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
Whatever the Future Holds: A Story of Grace, Resilience, and Love by Heidi E. V. McCann is an up-close and moving glimpse into a real love story more powerful than any travail encountered, including death. For all its devastating effects, it leaves a lasting inspiring impression on readers. It begins in the summer of 1990 when the author first meets Curtis Roger Vance, who has a penchant for Belgian horses and racecars, and plays varsity baseball, basketball, and the drum in a high school marching band. Their relationship blossoms and eventually becomes serious, strengthened by many challenges. But the biggest challenge to their love story comes from a progressive nervous system disease that Curtis develops. Untiring efforts to prevent him from deteriorating lead to questions about evaluation, passion, optimism, faith, and love.
Whatever the Future Holds is a rare type of story that attests to the adage of 'love conquers all.' What makes this love story noteworthy is the strength that Curtis and Heidi gain from coping with uncertainty. You can feel the burdens added to Heidi’s shoulders as Curtis becomes sicker, and anxiety about care options builds, triggering difficult emotions and concerns about their future. Heidi E. V. McCann has written a moving record of her past twenty-two years of experience to gain perspective about herself and the wonderful things that Curtis added to her life. This is a beautiful tale that should be read and I highly recommend it to anyone, especially those considering giving up on life’s challenges.
Whatever the Future Holds: A Story of Grace, Resilience, and Love by Heidi E. V. McCann is an up-close and moving glimpse into a real love story more powerful than any travail encountered, including death. For all its devastating effects, it leaves a lasting inspiring impression on readers. It begins in the summer of 1990 when the author first meets Curtis Roger Vance, who has a penchant for Belgian horses and racecars, and plays varsity baseball, basketball, and the drum in a high school marching band. Their relationship blossoms and eventually becomes serious, strengthened by many challenges. But the biggest challenge to their love story comes from a progressive nervous system disease that Curtis develops. Untiring efforts to prevent him from deteriorating lead to questions about evaluation, passion, optimism, faith, and love.
Whatever the Future Holds is a rare type of story that attests to the adage of 'love conquers all.' What makes this love story noteworthy is the strength that Curtis and Heidi gain from coping with uncertainty. You can feel the burdens added to Heidi’s shoulders as Curtis becomes sicker, and anxiety about care options builds, triggering difficult emotions and concerns about their future. Heidi E. V. McCann has written a moving record of her past twenty-two years of experience to gain perspective about herself and the wonderful things that Curtis added to her life. This is a beautiful tale that should be read and I highly recommend it to anyone, especially those considering giving up on life’s challenges.
Recommend this book:
The Winning Playbook
Strategies for Life On and Off The Field
Rob Welsh and Jonathan R. Scott
2023 Gold Medal
142 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Sports
Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite
The Winning Playbook: Strategies for Life On and Off the Field by Rob Welsh and Jonathan R. Scott covers business and finance, targeting athletes, entrepreneurs, and anyone planning their financial stability. Welsh, a finance empowerment expert, and Scott, a former NFL offensive tackle, alternately provide financial advice from their respective points of view. Toward the end is a chapter on life lessons, where they interview high-profile professional athletes who share their biggest mistakes and successes, what they would do differently, and their advice to current athletes.
Rob Welsh and Jonathan R. Scott’s The Winning Playbook is a well-written and tailored personal finance resource. Lamenting that many professional athletes on million-dollar-a-year contracts end up working in the off-season to survive, Welsh and Scott designed this book to provide information on how to make their money work for them. It is easy to understand, well-structured, and has a casual tone, which makes it reader-friendly. Because the authors are writing from their own experiences, it is credible and authentic, with practical and sound financial tips that can also be useful to non-athletes. The Winning Playbook is a must-read for anyone wanting a financially rewarding life.
The Winning Playbook: Strategies for Life On and Off the Field by Rob Welsh and Jonathan R. Scott covers business and finance, targeting athletes, entrepreneurs, and anyone planning their financial stability. Welsh, a finance empowerment expert, and Scott, a former NFL offensive tackle, alternately provide financial advice from their respective points of view. Toward the end is a chapter on life lessons, where they interview high-profile professional athletes who share their biggest mistakes and successes, what they would do differently, and their advice to current athletes.
Rob Welsh and Jonathan R. Scott’s The Winning Playbook is a well-written and tailored personal finance resource. Lamenting that many professional athletes on million-dollar-a-year contracts end up working in the off-season to survive, Welsh and Scott designed this book to provide information on how to make their money work for them. It is easy to understand, well-structured, and has a casual tone, which makes it reader-friendly. Because the authors are writing from their own experiences, it is credible and authentic, with practical and sound financial tips that can also be useful to non-athletes. The Winning Playbook is a must-read for anyone wanting a financially rewarding life.
Recommend this book:
The Color of the Elephant
Memoir of a Muzungu
Christine Herbert
2023 Gold Medal
284 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Travel
Reviewed by Lexie Fox for Readers' Favorite
The Color of the Elephant: Memoir of a Muzungu is the new autobiographical work from Christine Herbert. Covering several years of the author's life spent in the Peace Corps, the book shares her experiences of working in healthcare and education in Zambia. Covering a broad spectrum of anecdotes and incidents during her time in the country, the book uses an unusual present-tense method of storytelling to explore the many memories made during a deeply meaningful adventure out in the world. It is an approach that constantly challenges the reader to appreciate the small, taken-for-granted things that they enjoy in their lives.
This was a deeply engaging memoir that was brought to life not just by the candid attitude of the author being willing to share every part of her experiences, but also by the accessible and human way that Christine Herbert has of talking about them. It’s a masterstroke in a memoir such as this, which seeks to describe events very few of us will ever encounter in such a charming manner. No reader is left behind as The Color of the Elephant details every step of the author’s two-year journey to do her part in helping the people of Zambia. As the journey proceeds, the frankness with which the author discusses her mistakes and hardships creates an emotional investment in the reader that is only one small step away from physically having been there with her. An essential read for people interested in emotionally appealing and colorful memoirs.
The Color of the Elephant: Memoir of a Muzungu is the new autobiographical work from Christine Herbert. Covering several years of the author's life spent in the Peace Corps, the book shares her experiences of working in healthcare and education in Zambia. Covering a broad spectrum of anecdotes and incidents during her time in the country, the book uses an unusual present-tense method of storytelling to explore the many memories made during a deeply meaningful adventure out in the world. It is an approach that constantly challenges the reader to appreciate the small, taken-for-granted things that they enjoy in their lives.
This was a deeply engaging memoir that was brought to life not just by the candid attitude of the author being willing to share every part of her experiences, but also by the accessible and human way that Christine Herbert has of talking about them. It’s a masterstroke in a memoir such as this, which seeks to describe events very few of us will ever encounter in such a charming manner. No reader is left behind as The Color of the Elephant details every step of the author’s two-year journey to do her part in helping the people of Zambia. As the journey proceeds, the frankness with which the author discusses her mistakes and hardships creates an emotional investment in the reader that is only one small step away from physically having been there with her. An essential read for people interested in emotionally appealing and colorful memoirs.
Recommend this book:
A Drive Down the Coast
Getting Lost on the Back Roads of California
Russ DiBella
2023 Silver Medal
194 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Travel
Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite
A Drive Down the Coast: Getting Lost on the Back Roads of California by Russ DiBella is an informative travel book designed for the adventurous traveler. Looking forward to a relaxed trip down the west coast, Russ planned to see a few sights and retrace some familiar roads but generally had an open-ended itinerary. The road trip begins in the north, heading south with the song Without You by the Doobie Brothers as a soundtrack. This book is more than just a travel diary. As we take the passenger’s seat, there is ever-changing scenery, a delightful playlist, and a history lesson on some of the remarkable places along the way. From north of the Oregon border to the southwestern corner of San Diego County, it is a great pleasure to take a drive down the coast through this book.
Russ DiBella’s A Drive Down the Coast captures the distinctive beauty of California’s landscape in remarkably vivid detail. I found the musical and literary breaks highly entertaining and informative. This book is for those who opt to travel by taking the road typically known only to locals, to really enjoy the scenery, and not follow a particular route too strictly. With mass tourism arguably becoming the trend in the past few years, this is a refreshing read. Russ DiBella captures the enthusiasm that the memory of the trip seems to evoke in him and it is contagious.
A Drive Down the Coast: Getting Lost on the Back Roads of California by Russ DiBella is an informative travel book designed for the adventurous traveler. Looking forward to a relaxed trip down the west coast, Russ planned to see a few sights and retrace some familiar roads but generally had an open-ended itinerary. The road trip begins in the north, heading south with the song Without You by the Doobie Brothers as a soundtrack. This book is more than just a travel diary. As we take the passenger’s seat, there is ever-changing scenery, a delightful playlist, and a history lesson on some of the remarkable places along the way. From north of the Oregon border to the southwestern corner of San Diego County, it is a great pleasure to take a drive down the coast through this book.
Russ DiBella’s A Drive Down the Coast captures the distinctive beauty of California’s landscape in remarkably vivid detail. I found the musical and literary breaks highly entertaining and informative. This book is for those who opt to travel by taking the road typically known only to locals, to really enjoy the scenery, and not follow a particular route too strictly. With mass tourism arguably becoming the trend in the past few years, this is a refreshing read. Russ DiBella captures the enthusiasm that the memory of the trip seems to evoke in him and it is contagious.
Recommend this book:
The Buddha and the Bee
Biking through America's Forgotten Roadways on a Journey of Discovery
Cory Mortensen
2023 Honorable Mention
351 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Travel
Reviewed by Joe Wisinski for Readers' Favorite
The Buddha and the Bee: Biking Through America's Forgotten Roadways on a Journey of Discovery by Cory Mortensen is the story of a bicycle ride from Minnesota to California. Mortensen started without much planning, expecting a mostly trouble-free ride. But along the way he faced broiling heat, freezing cold, being chased by dogs, innumerable flat tires, and more. Although he was often lonely and sometimes lacked the motivation to keep going, he finished his ride in only 34 days. A map and chart at the beginning of the book show the route of the ride, broken down by day. Each chapter begins with where he rode that day and the distance he covered. This book is more than a day-by-day account of a bike ride. Mortensen mixes in the history and geography of places he biked, along with some photos. He finished his ride, in his words, as “no longer the person I was less than a month before.”
The Buddha and the Bee captured me from the first paragraph. Author Cory Mortensen flashes forward to write about a terrifying bicycle ride across a bridge in California with two semi-trailers bearing down on him. From there and throughout the book I thoroughly enjoyed Mortensen’s accounts of his day-to-day adventures, especially his encounters with the people he met. Mortensen is a talented writer; I felt like he was talking to me instead of me reading a book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants an entertaining tale of adventure, courage, and perseverance. It’s especially valuable to anyone who might be thinking about a similar ride, or even a day trip on a bike, but even non-bikers will delight in a superbly told story.
The Buddha and the Bee: Biking Through America's Forgotten Roadways on a Journey of Discovery by Cory Mortensen is the story of a bicycle ride from Minnesota to California. Mortensen started without much planning, expecting a mostly trouble-free ride. But along the way he faced broiling heat, freezing cold, being chased by dogs, innumerable flat tires, and more. Although he was often lonely and sometimes lacked the motivation to keep going, he finished his ride in only 34 days. A map and chart at the beginning of the book show the route of the ride, broken down by day. Each chapter begins with where he rode that day and the distance he covered. This book is more than a day-by-day account of a bike ride. Mortensen mixes in the history and geography of places he biked, along with some photos. He finished his ride, in his words, as “no longer the person I was less than a month before.”
The Buddha and the Bee captured me from the first paragraph. Author Cory Mortensen flashes forward to write about a terrifying bicycle ride across a bridge in California with two semi-trailers bearing down on him. From there and throughout the book I thoroughly enjoyed Mortensen’s accounts of his day-to-day adventures, especially his encounters with the people he met. Mortensen is a talented writer; I felt like he was talking to me instead of me reading a book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants an entertaining tale of adventure, courage, and perseverance. It’s especially valuable to anyone who might be thinking about a similar ride, or even a day trip on a bike, but even non-bikers will delight in a superbly told story.
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