Vignettes & Postcards, edited by Erin Byrne and Anna Pook This collection of short stories comes from "The Evening Writing Workshop at Shakespeare and Company Bookstore" in Paris - held in the Fall of 2011. These stories are masterfully told - each an intriguing "painting" if you will. Paris is certainly an ideal location for a writing workshop - scores of accomplished writers have called the city home at some point in their careers, … [Read more...]
Splitting the Difference, by Tré Miller Rodríguez
No one should have to go through what author Tré Miller Rodríguez went through at her age. At 34, she tragically loses her husband to a heart attack while he is in bed next to her. This true story is her detailed, raw and brutally honest look at how she tries to cope with the grief of his loss in the months afterwards - it hurts, it is not always pretty but it is how she makes do. Tré has already lived enough tragedy for one life. She has … [Read more...]
Cockpit Confidential by Patrick Smith
This book should be required reading for anyone who fly's regularly, those who occasionally take to the skies and for those even thinking about flying. In short - everyone! Captain Smith tackles common misconceptions both about flying and highlights the behind the scenes of those who work in the industry. At times humorous, at times serious - this is an exceptional and rare look into the inner workings of this global industry. Good places to … [Read more...]
One Year Lived
Author, Adam Shepard's journey starts in Central America studying and practicing Spanish and ultimately doing some volunteer work. His trip starts like a train pulling out of a station, slowly but then gaining momentum with ever meter of track covered as perspective and experiences are gained. Will this be just another descriptive diary of a trip abroad? The answer is a resounding no. Adam builds personal perspectives as he travels deeper … [Read more...]
Mystic Fool
Mystic Fool by Andy Hill This is a tale of a nomadic traveler (Ian) drifting through South East Asia trying to find some meaning in his own life. He is a heavy drinker; the alcohol fuels his travels and at times perhaps his thoughts about life and spirituality. During his time in northern Thailand he meets an older man at a bar - perhaps a glimpse into his "future self". This man imparts some wisdom and advice from his own years, as well as … [Read more...]
Sihpromatum, I Grew My Boobs in China, by Savannah Grace
What were you doing at age 21? If you were author Savannah Grace, you were writing your first book - a well written, engaging tale that takes readers on the very first few months of her family's trip abroad. Kicking and screaming at the tender age of 14, she is dragged out the door of the world as she knows it. This trip is her first time out of the country (Canada), at that age she has a strong dislike for reading books, has no interest in … [Read more...]
Travel Unscripted
Travel Unscripted by Mark Murphy is just that, a sort of travelogue - free flowing stories based on many of Mark's International trips and adventures. And yes, Mark is probably in planes more often then he likes to admit. These tales range from China to Russia, from the Middle East to Asia. He writes of engaging stories that can only be experienced while "on the road". Spontaneity: from continuing to bump into a beautiful dark haired stranger … [Read more...]
The Longest Way Home
The Longest Way Home by Andrew McCarthy When one has wanderlust it takes control of your life and at times supersedes everything else - including relationships. Long time actor Andrew McCarthy knows this well. For four years he travels the world without committing to his fiancee. Every time he travels, he also says goodbye to his two children from his first marriage. Why does he have this insatiable thirst for moving and not "settling … [Read more...]
The Elephanta Suite
The Elephanta Suite by Paul Theroux Mr. Theroux brings to life three separate short stories - involving travelers, all of which are set in real life India. The first story features a long time married couple seeking relaxation at a spa and both husband and wife seek relationships with other individuals. The second involves a "middle of the road" lawyer from America who follows his lust in the seedy slums of Mumbai. The third story involves a … [Read more...]
My Soul to Take This
My Soul to Take This by Yrsa Sigurdardottir is a murder mystery (actually two of them), set in Snofellsnes, a peninsula on Western Iceland about 120km from Reykjavik. Author Sigurdardottir weaves a tangled web of mystery, introducing multiple suspects, an element of the other world while always leaving the reader somewhat in doubt as to who the real culprit is. The story is not always what it seems as it unfolds. 3/4 of the way through the … [Read more...]