Tag: travel memoir

Hello, I Am Here (Back in a Year Series Book 3) by Candace MacPhie Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Candace MacPhie returns to her Back in a Year series to find herself as she travels the world in the book “Hello, I Am Here.”

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The Synopsis

I have an around-the-world airline ticket and plans to conquer the Middle East. So why am I hanging around Prague, waiting for a guy who told me to my face that he doesn’t love me? Because I can’t escape kryptonite, that’s why. The two of us travel through the Czech Republic and Germany, eating way too many peanut butter sandwiches and dancing around our feelings—until we don’t.

Once I do get my butt on a plane and reunite with my Australian friends, each step through the blistering heat in the Middle East spins up a slew of new challenges. My trials traveling around Europe have nothing on this place.

We haggle and dodge bedbugs and camel spit from Amman to Cairo. The girls and I take turns in the front seat of the taxi. Bus drivers rearrange passengers so we sit apart from locals. And an unexpected hairy nemesis barges in on my long-awaited felucca trip down the Nile.

But maybe, just maybe, out here in the sweaty, dusty chaos, I’ll find what I’ve been missing. And it’s not a peanut butter sandwich. It’s me.

_____________________________________

Grab your backpack and get ready for an adventure in the ’90s when the Internet was scarce but laughs weren’t. Hello, I Am Here is book three in the five-part Back in a Year series, a true story of a young woman traveling around the world. Each book can be read independently, but it’s more fun to take the full trip.

Content Warning:

Profanity, consensual sexual content, sexual assault, sexual harassment, parental grief, alcohol, religious situations, smoking, and drug use.

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The Review

As with the other entries in this series, I loved this book. The author writes with such passion and zeal for life, and moves beyond the typical travelogue format into much more personal territory. The blend of romantic adventures, new experiences, and new cultures being experienced, and the transformative nature long-term travel can have on a person was so perfectly illustrated in the author’s work, and conveys a sense of both adventure and bravery for both the author and the reader who becomes inspired by the author’s stories.

The heart of this story is in the author’s personal exploration. From the return of an old flame that is fiery yet not without its troubles, to a new journey into the Middle East that is so adventurous and nostalgic for those who yearn for those 90s era travel stories, and so much more, this story holds a lot of heart that will resonate with readers powerfully. Beyond the issues with lodgings, meeting new friends, and initiating dialogue despite a significant language barrier, the book delves more deeply into that inner journey, confronting grief and loss head-on and, in the process, the emotional struggle to find oneself and love all at once. 

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Candace MacPhie’s “Hello, I Am Here” is a must-read travel-based nonfiction work that reads like a memoir. The perfect entry in this series and a thoughtful approach to travel nonfiction, the author expertly navigates the emotional inner conflict within herself during a time of great turmoil, writing with great humor, charm, wit, and heart to create a narrative readers will instantly connect with. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Born in Montreal, Quebec, I spent years backpacking and working around the world. I have a Bachelor of Commerce degree, an MBA, and worked for twenty years on four different continents and now call Calgary, Alberta home.

I got married, had kids, and things got busy. Time was moving by quickly, and my kids were growing up fast. I shifted gears and quit my job to spend time at home. During the COVID lockdown, I had time on my hands, decided to try writing, and started writing the Back in a Year series.

When I’m not at my computer yelling, “Just a few more pages, then I’ll make dinner,” I love hiking in the Rocky Mountains, hot yoga, reading romance novels, and making up new cake recipes. I especially like to laugh and spend time with my husband, the self-proclaimed grumpy motherf*%ker, and my three awesome kids.

Follow me on Instagram: @candacemacphie

Or on TikTok: @candacemacphie

And visit my website for trip photos: www.candacemacphie.com

https://amzn.to/4oUkzwa

The Candid Odyssey by B. Johny Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author B. Johny shares the transformative journey he undertook during his 8-week trip across India in the book “The Candid Odyssey: Exploring India and the Philosophy of LIfe”.

The Synopsis

The Candid Odyssey is a captivating travel memoir and philosophical journey into self-discovery. Join the author on a transformative eight-week solo trip across India, where he explores diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures while delving into life’s deeper questions about happiness, purpose, and meaning. This unique blend of travel, philosophy, and self-help offers readers a special invitation to journey through both the outer world and the inner self.

Over the course of this adventure, the author traverses more than 50 cities and locations, capturing the essence of India through its tranquil landscapes, historic sites, bustling urban centers, majestic mountains, and more. Memorable and unexpected experiences—including chance encounters at festivals, challenging situations, and being stranded in deserts and foggy hills—add depth and richness to the narrative. With a conversational tone that fosters a personal connection, each chapter is filled with engaging, relatable, and authentic reflections on life.

Whether you’re a travel enthusiast, a philosophy lover, or someone seeking personal growth, The Candid Odyssey encourages you to reflect on your own perspectives and experiences. This memoir is more than a travel record; it’s an authentic journey of self-discovery that inspires readers to explore their own paths and pursue a life of meaning.

The Review

Immediately, I found myself enthralled with this book. The author did an excellent job of finding the perfect balance between the travel narrative and the journey’s more personal, philosophical, and insightful aspects. The honesty and depth of detail the author conveyed in such a short read were terrific to see come to life.

The author’s narrative choice was the biggest thing that set the book apart from other travel or philosophy books. Thanks to a journal-writing style, the author allowed the reader to experience the journey as he did. The approach to each location was unique, too, for the author could hone in on the spiritual and philosophical side of things rather than the surface touristy stuff that so many others see every day. 

The Verdict

Heartfelt, insightful, and meaningful author B. Johny’s “The Candid Odyssey” is a must-read travel-meets-philosophy book. The author’s trials, from a night spent in a train compartment to the near assault he faced and more, as well as the profound lessons on happiness found in accidental moments and the value of authenticity in life as a whole, made this a compelling read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

 . B. Johny, born Bibin Johny in Vaikom, Kerala, India, is a writer, philosopher, traveler, musician, and technologist whose diverse experiences shape his work. His debut book, The Candid Odyssey: Exploring India and the Philosophy of Life, is a reflection of his philosophical insights and travel experiences. Johny holds a Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Master’s in Philosophy, and works as a Senior Product Manager. Through his writing and music, Johny encourages others to lead a better life for a better world. Discover more at bjohny. com.

https://www.bjohny.com/

Interview with Author Mark James Murphy 

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I have enjoyed writing from a very young age, I won a fictional short story contest when I was very young and had a press release at the time in a local newspaper, I have also had some of my poetry published in anthologies. My first love is art however, I graduated from university with a Degree in Fine Art, and even while still studying I was running lino cutting workshops from my studio for people of all ages. I have produced a large body of artwork to date, in particular lino cutting, which I really enjoy. 

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

 I always aspired to see more of the world and began solo travelling in 2015 with a trip to Athens, Greece. Since then I have travelled in Europe, North Africa, spent two months in India, explored much of south-east Asia and lived in Vietnam for over 4 years, teaching English as a foreign language. This love for travel has really helped me rediscover my passion for writing and inspired my new book.

I also recently started doing a travel blog, packed full of travel itineraries, guides and useful tips. It’s an extension of my book. This is the link:

https://markjamesmurphybooks.com/marks-blog-travel-for-as-long-as-you-wish/

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

I really hope that by reading my new book, readers will be encouraged to confront any fears or hang ups they may have, that may be preventing them from travelling and realizing their dreams. Being from a very working class background myself, I always thought maybe I would never get to break out into the big, wide world and go to all of these amazing places. But I was brave enough to throw caution to the wind and take my chances working in a foreign country and it was the best decision of my life so far. I want to inspire readers to follow their heart and live life to the fullest, not accepting less. 

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

 I was drawn into the genre of travel, simply because its the area where I feel I have a lot of experience and expertise to offer and share. I am a very creative person and writing is a great outlet for this, so I like to think not only is my book an informative non-fiction travel guide, it is also a rich, narrative. It’s pretty poetic at times when I am describing my own memoirs. 

5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

Facebook has been particularly useful in growing readership and driving traffic to my website. I have a Facebook Page which shares the same name as my book ‘Travel For As Long As You Wish’, here I share original photos, reels and blog posts I’ve wrote, all inspired by my travels around the world.

This is the link to my travel facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088948530923

This is the link to my art facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/markjamesmurphyart

Bookbaby.com helps independent authors bring their creative vision to the marketplace. Sell eBooks online in the biggest retail stores.

6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

My advice to new or aspiring authors would be to really be prepared to put in the work on marketing your books, remember your job has just begun once your book is out there. It’s a highly competitive market but don’t forget why you started writing in the first place, because it’s what you love and it’s important to let this passion be your main driving force. Let the passion and shine through and do it with a flourish. 

7) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

In regard to the future, I am hoping to eventually release a paperback and audiobook version of my current book and hopefully increase the popularity of both my book and my travel blog. I feel my content is very useful to anyone wishing to travel more. I will also be returning to teaching English in Vietnam later this year, as well as continuing my practice as an artist! So lots to keep busy with.

You can visit my website here: https://markjamesmurphybooks.com/

My ebook ‘Travel For As Long As You Wish: The Blueprint For Budget Travel, Backpacking And Escaping The Rat Race’ is available here:

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About the Author

Mark James Murphy is an artist, teacher, adventurer, and writer. He was born in Sunderland, North-East England in the early 1980s. He has solo traveled extensively throughout the world and in 2017 decided to leave behind his job and apartment in the UK to teach English in Vietnam, South East Asia, for almost five years, describing it as the best moment of his life so far. There he also continued developing his practice as an artist and printmaker, documenting his travels through the medium of linocut. In 2019 he fulfilled a childhood dream when he backpacked for two months throughout the whole of India, ending up in a remote village in the Himalayan foothills. He has played football with local kids in the Sahara desert, lived with Hmong people high in the mountains of North Vietnam, and worked as a farmhand in Southern Spain. Mark is currently based just outside of London.

Viking Voyager: An Icelandic Memoir by Sverrir Sigurdsson and Veronica Li Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Authors Sverrir Sigurdsson and Veronica Li take readers into the heart of modern-day Iceland as Sverrir goes on a voyage around the world in the same vein as his Viking ancestors in the book, “Viking Voyager: An Icelandic Memoir”.

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The Synopsis

This vivacious personal story captures the heart and soul of modern Iceland. Born in Reykjavik on the eve of the Second World War, Sverrir Sigurdsson watched Allied troops invade his country and turn it into a bulwark against Hitler’s advance toward North America. The country’s post-war transformation from an obscure, dirt-poor nation to a prosperous one became every Icelander’s success. Spurred by this favorable wind, Sverrir answered the call of his Viking forefathers, setting off on a voyage that took him around the world. Join him on his roaring adventures!

The Review

A truly magnificent and engaging read, this book really does capture the adventurous spirit and rich history of Iceland and author Sverrir’s Viking forefathers. The balance of history, culture, and life experiences through travel was great to see unfold here, from Sverrir’s family history to setting out into the world and studying in Finland, to making a life and home after years of travel with his wife and co-author Veronica Li, this book really does a great job of educating and allowing the reader to identify with the authors and their journeys. 

What really stuck out to me however was the way the authors managed to tie their more “modern” adventures around the world to the ancient Viking culture. As a people known for their travels and explorations, it was interesting to see the cultural note that so many Icelandic people have to make a name for themselves and learn from distant lands in order to bring more knowledge to their home country, in an effort to become the best. It felt like the perfect chord that brought the past and present together as one and really shows how ancient cultures still have an impact on our world today. 

  • South Iceland: The area where Sverrir spent several summers as a child working on a farm
  • Chesapeake House: The house designed and built by Sverrir on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay in the U.S., where he has settled
  • Sverrir in China: As a World Bank staff member, Sverrir visited major Chinese universities in the early 1980’s to assist in their effort to catch up with the western world
  • SNHS from air: The national high school of Swaziland (Africa), which Sverrir helped build as a consultant architect for UNESCO
  • Bildudalur: The fishing village Sverrir’s mother comes from
    .
  • Gyða: The fishing ship captained by Sverrir’s grandfather, circa 1910

The Verdict

A masterful, thoughtful, and culturally-driven memoir, authors Sverrir Sigurdsson and Veronica Li’s “Viking Voyager: An Icelandic Memoir” is a must-read book. The attention to detail really brought the personal and broader history of Iceland and the author to life, while the teamwork and chemistry of both authors and their writing styles allowed the information and culture of this book to be absorbed by the reader. Even the utilization of images and guides to highlight Iceland and its language was both informative and engrossing all at once. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

Sverrir Sigurdsson grew up in Iceland and graduated as an architect from Finland in 1966. He pursued an international career that took him to the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the U.S. His assignments focused on school construction and improving education in developing countries. He has worked for private companies as well as UNESCO and the World Bank. He is now retired and lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and coauthor, Veronica.

Veronica Li emigrated to the U.S. from Hong Kong as a teenager. She received her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of California, Berkeley, and her master’s degree in International Affairs from Johns Hopkins University. She has worked as a journalist and for the World Bank, and is currently a writer. Her three previously published titles are: Nightfall in Mogadishu, Journey across the Four Seas: A Chinese Woman’s Search for Home, and Confucius Says: A Novel.

Sverrir Sigurdsson Author | Facebook

www.linkedin.com/in/sverrir-sigurdsson-29b51732

Red Earth Diaries by Jason Rebello Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Two newlyweds from another country throw caution to the wind and travel the country they plan to call home in author Jason Rebello’s “Red Earth Diaries”. 

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The Synopsis 

A one-way ticket to Australia…two months of travel…and a shoestring budget.

In Red Earth Diaries we meet Jason and Ambika, a newlywed couple who migrated to Australia with the hope of a fresh start. However, unlike most migrants, they made a bold decision to postpone their settlement plans, throw caution to the wind and backpack in Australia on a shoestring budget. Their intention was to learn about the country and its people first-hand … a land they would someday call home. Swimming with sharks, cuddling cute koalas, chartering private helicopters, venturing deep into ancient rainforests, and getting to know plenty of locals – the couple had incredible experiences in this stunning country.

Their travel story is interwoven with snippets of history and provides the reader with a glimpse of Australia as viewed through the eyes of newly arrived migrants. Join Jason and Ambika on their spectacular journey of discovery. Red Earth Diaries is founded on four primary pillars: a migrant’s journal, a travelogue, a delve into Australian history, and an inspirational tale.

The central message of the book is for everyone to chase their dreams – however distant and impossible they may seem. Moving to Australia has been one seemingly impossible goal the author had set decades ago, and he likewise urges the reader to shed all reservations and to dream the wildest dreams possible. The Preface of Red Earth Diaries is called Dreamtime, and in it, the author describes the evolution of his journey to this strange and peculiar wonderland.

As a travelogue, the book harkens to all travellers as well as migrants who are already in Australia or who are thinking of making the move to this beautiful country. The book also contains stories of local Australians the couple met along the way. In it you will meet, amongst others – Helen, a 10-Pound-pom; Rowland Mosbergen, a sprightly man in his eighties who survived the horrors of WWII in a remote jungle in Bahau; Rafael and Nadia and their three kids based in Research, Victoria; Ranjit, a practising surgeon and his wife who are based in Kew, Melbourne. The travelogue aims to deliver an essential message to all migrants in Australia – to not take this country for granted and to try to understand and embrace its culture first.

Some Key Personalities mentioned: Paul Hogan, Ned Kelly, Steve Irwin, Captain Cook, Burley Griffin, Gregory Blaxland, Jorn Utzon, Eddie Mabo

Some key historical events described: The Endeavour striking the reef, finding a passage through the Blue Mountains, the discovery of gold, the naming of Sunshine Coast, the birth of Canberra as the nation’s capital, the iconic rail journeys in Australia, WWI and WWII, Early colonization, construction of Hume Highway, Blackbirding, construction of Opera House.

Charity Donation: Five per cent of all profits from the sale of this book in the first year of publication will be donated to the Red Cross towards the 2019–20 bushfire crisis management (www.redcross.org.au) and a further five per cent will be also be given to aged care in India through Help Age India (www.helpageindia.org).

The Review 

A wonderful blend of travel, memoir, and history, author Jason Rebello has done an incredible job bringing this book to life. The non-fiction story gives readers a unique perspective on not just general travel but immigrating to an entirely new country, as the newlywed couple immerses themselves in the culture and history of Australia while experiencing the nation firsthand. 

The author does a great job of sharing the experiences of their adventures and their relationship and the history and culture they were experiencing. The way in which the author brought that spirit of travel and adventure so many seek was felt throughout every chapter, while the attention to detail on Australia itself was fantastic to see unfold. From the nation’s history and pop culture to the nation’s strict quarantine procedures and so much more, the author poured so much culture and heart into this story, creating a truly interactive and mesmerizing non-fiction read. 

The Verdict

A gripping, heartfelt, and breathtaking travel and memoir-style book, author Jason Rebello’s “Red Earth Diaries” is a must-read. The wonderful blend of history and culture does a great job of mirroring the emotions and adventure that the couple themselves experienced along the way and creates an intimate and thoughtful narrative that many readers can identify with and that many of us can only hope for. A great and fantastic read, be sure to grab your copy of this amazing story on July 8th, 2021. 

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Jason Rebello was born in Mumbai, India and went to sea at the early age of seventeen.He spent many years sailing across the world on modern ocean liners, eventually rising to the rank of a ship’s Captain. His sea career was interspaced with a healthy dose of backpacking and intrepid travels and as a result, he was firmly hooked on a life of adventure and uncommon living.His travel blog, The Evolving Backpacker, was born out of his passion for travel. He has also written several self-help books under the ‘Migrant Ninja’ series.Jason along with his wife and two children is now settled in Australia.

https://evolvingwordsmith.com/

https://www.instagram.com/theevolvingbackpacker/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0948GVRBM/ref=x_gr_w_glide_sin?caller=Goodreads&callerLink=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goodreads.com%2Fbook%2Fshow%2F58172451-red-earth-diaries%3Fac%3D1%26from_search%3Dtrue%26qid%3D2GKMQ0lXzA%26rank%3D1&tag=x_gr_w_glide_sin-20