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The Edge of Now
The Edge of Now is a raw and heartfelt travel memoir by Thom Barrett that weaves together the physical landscapes of South America and Antarctica with the internal terrain of a man living with stage IV cancer. It chronicles Barrett’s journey through Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, and beyond, all while confronting his own mortality, redefining resilience, and wrestling with the question of how to live fully when time is uncertain. The book is structured around a physical expedition and a spiritual one, framed by his ARC Cycle—Awaken, Release, Change—and grounded in mindfulness, vulnerability, and deep reflection.
Reading this book was like sitting across from someone who’s been to the brink and come back with stories that matter. Barrett’s writing is lucid and personal, unflinching in its honesty. He doesn’t sugarcoat the toll illness has taken on his body, or the creeping doubts and insecurities that threaten to erode his sense of self. But his words are never maudlin. Instead, they carry a weight that feels earned. The balance between travel writing and personal introspection is beautifully done. Descriptions of thundering waterfalls or Antarctic silence fold seamlessly into thoughts on impermanence, love, and what it means to have enough. I found myself lingering on certain passages, not because they were complex, but because they hit so close to home.
What moved me most was the way Barrett writes about acceptance, not as some passive surrender, but as an act of courage. He challenges the reader to rethink what strength looks like. It’s not climbing the hardest peak, but knowing when to ask for help. It’s not pushing through at all costs, but listening when your body says stop. This hit me hard. His decision to value quality of life over extending it at all costs is presented not as defeat, but as deeply human. He writes like someone who’s let go of pretending and is inviting you to do the same. There’s a peace in that, and it’s contagious.
The Edge of Now isn’t just a book about dying. It’s a guide to living—not later, not when things are easier, but now, in all its messy, breathtaking glory. I’d recommend this to anyone who’s ever felt stuck, scared, or just unsure of how to keep going. It’s especially for caregivers, patients, and wanderers, anyone straddling the line between holding on and letting go. Barrett’s journey is personal, but his insights are universal. This book doesn’t just ask you to read—it asks you to feel, reflect, and maybe even change.
Pages: 291 | ASIN : B0F3367892
Life is Fragile
The Blank Journal is a heartfelt travel memoir that follows your journey together riding a tandem bike in all 50 states, and sharing your experiences of healing from deep grief, rediscovering joy, and making the most of the time you have left in life. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Because we understand life’s fragility, our goal in writing this book is to inspire and encourage others, especially those starting over after having experienced setbacks or loss.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
By being vulnerable, we shared emotions, hope, and the importance of resilience. We also shared the raw ups and downs of our lives while achieving this goal.
What was the most challenging part of writing your memoir and what was the most rewarding?
It was challenging to decide which stories to include in various chapters in an effort to keep the book inspirational and motivational, as opposed to being a purely historical record. The most rewarding aspect was being authentic while reminiscing and focusing on lessons learned about life, ourselves, and each other.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
Life is fragile and unpredictable. For readers who have gone through difficult circumstances, we hope the book will encourage them to stay engaged in life. For readers longing to pursue dreams and goals, we hope the book will ignite passion and persistence.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
The Blank Journal: Biking in All 50 States and So Much More
The Blank Journal is a heartfelt travel memoir that follows Bob and Tammy Cranston, a remarried couple in their fifties, as they bike together through all 50 U.S. states—on a tandem bike, no less. But this book isn’t just about biking. It’s about healing from deep grief, rediscovering joy, and making the most of the time we have left. With each chapter, they unfold stories of adventure, misadventure, love, laughter, and the unexpected moments that stitched their lives back together after both lost their first spouses to cancer.
I really connected with the raw honesty in the opening chapter, “CHANGE,” where they describe their grief journey and how dance lessons became a surprising first step toward healing. I didn’t expect a memoir that starts with ballroom dancing to make me tear up, but there I was, feeling it all. There’s something deeply human about their story—two people learning to laugh again, stumbling through box steps, dealing with doubt and guilt, and ultimately choosing joy. It’s not written like a polished memoir with literary pretensions. It’s more like sitting across from two kind, chatty friends over coffee while they tell you their life story—complete with a few photos and some goofy mishaps.
That down-to-earth vibe continues throughout. I laughed out loud at their “Murphy’s Law” chapter, especially the part where they get locked out of their RV with their dog Zoey while being swarmed by mosquitoes in Arkansas. And don’t even get me started on the moose encounter in Alaska or the unexpected act of kindness from a stranger who helped guide them down a dangerous trail in Hawaii with just a flashlight and a whole lot of grace. The writing is simple but warm. Even their faith—woven throughout—is shared in a gentle, conversational way. No preaching, just quiet reflections on how their belief in God carried them through the valleys.
This isn’t just a book for cycling lovers, though fellow bikers will definitely enjoy the tales of scenic trails and the occasional tire mishap. This is for anyone who’s ever had to start over. Anyone navigating grief, or retirement, or just itching to pursue a dream later in life. It’s for the hopeful, the sentimental, and the road trip romantics. If you like stories that make you laugh, tear up a little, and want to hug your person tighter—or maybe get back on a bike again—this book’s for you.
Pages: 97 | ASIN : B0DC4PF97R
Volcanic Adventures in Tonga – Species Conservation on Tin Can Island
Volcanic Adventures in Tonga is an enthralling travel memoir that blurs the lines between fact and fiction, taking readers on a captivating journey to the remote Kingdom of Tonga alongside scientist Ann Göth. Departing from the picturesque Austrian Alps in the early 90s, a spirited 21-year-old Ann, accompanied by her German boyfriend and fellow scientist, Ivo, embarks on a daring 17-month expedition to save the endangered “Malau” bird, whose existence is exclusive to the volcanic island of Niuafo’ou. These enigmatic chicken-like creatures emerge from subterranean nests, buried deep beneath the ground.
In this vividly portrayed memoir, Ann and Ivo’s modest abode, a humble hut constructed from wood and leaves, becomes their sanctuary amidst the untamed beauty of Tonga. Here, they immerse themselves in the unhurried rhythm of life, embracing the “Anga faka Tonga,” the laid-back lifestyle unique to the region. The enchanting melodies of kava-drinkers echo through their hearts, while they marvel at the intricate craftsmanship of handwoven mats and traditional church dresses. Adventurous palates relish the indigenous cuisine, savoring dishes like breadfruit, succulent meats bathed in coconut water, and the delectable “Tongan ice cream.”
Despite grappling with concerns over animal welfare and the local consumption of Malau eggs, Ann and Ivo cultivate meaningful relationships with the Tongan community, earning the privilege of bestowing a name upon a newborn baby. However, the stark contrasts in Tonga leave an indelible impression on their minds: the regal Tongan king, stepping onto a ceremonial mat at the airport adorned with elegant German eyewear, juxtaposed with impoverished children, their innocent faces marked by bug bites, indulging in beetle larvae. Months of arduous camping and tireless excavation culminate in the relocation of Malau eggs to Late Island, thereby accomplishing their mission. Yet, as Ann succumbs to the allure of “island fever,” bidding farewell to Tin Can Island becomes inevitable. Within the pages of this captivating memoir, readers are transported to a world far removed from their own—a paradise juxtaposed with an inferno. Stunning coral islands surrounded by turquoise waters and pristine white sands stand in stark contrast to the pervasive poverty, environmental degradation, and the discomforts of fleas, bed bugs, and poor sanitation. Yet, it is impossible not to be awed by Ann and Ivo’s unwavering determination, profound passion, and extraordinary resilience. Through sleepless tropical nights, debilitating illnesses, relentless insect bites, and clothes stiffened by dirt and sweat, the tenacity of these “beautiful small fat palangi” shines through. Their unwavering spirit persists, even in the face of constant volcanic threats.
In Volcanic Adventures in Tonga, Ann Göth faithfully fulfills a promise she made to herself three decades ago. Her exceptional tales of volcanic exploration have been meticulously preserved within the pages of this remarkable book, which undoubtedly deserves a five-star rating. Seamlessly blending captivating storytelling with enlightening information, Ann’s contagious passion resonates from the first page to the last, creating an immersive experience that will captivate readers seeking an escape to a world both mesmerizing and unforgiving.
Pages: 277 | ASIN : B0BZSJT5TT
Bike Riding in Kabul
Bike Riding in Kabul is the story of Jamie Bowman, a woman who works as foreign aid in several post-war countries. The author’s story is a unique take on the travel memoir genre. We don’t just read countless stories of an individual eating world-class dishes and laying on the beach; we watch someone help entire countries find their own peace. Through it all, we learn about the invaluable pieces of wisdom she learned along the way. From learning how to truly help people and understanding how many of these countries found themselves in their situations, there is so much wisdom to devour.
Conversational and thorough is one of the best ways to describe Bowman’s writing style. As she walks readers through her time in each country, she shares descriptions of the surrounding buildings and scenery. Without being long and drawn out, you gain a sense of the exotic locations as if you were there.
I enjoyed reading about Bowman’s adventures navigating the different cities she was in and how she made the best out of some of the most gloomy situations. It was easy to gather how passionate she was about the work she was doing. Even when the air quality in her broom closet-style office was so bad that she had to work on a staircase and stay in some not-so-great dwellings.
One of my favorite parts of this invigorating book is its unique twist on the classic travel memoir. Unlike many travel memoirs, there is a heavy focus on helping others through the author’s travels instead of personal enlightenment. Of course, there were enlightening moments for Bowman as she learns about the world outside of the United States, but that wasn’t the focal point. It was a nice change and made me feel like I wasn’t reading the same stories from memoirs past.
Bike Riding in Kabul by Jamie Bowman was a delightful read with much wisdom amongst its pages. This was a quick and engaging book that I highly recommend. If you’re looking for a unique travel memoir or just a profound story, then this is a book you must pick up.
Pages: 375 | ISBN : 978-1-6337-634-2
LITERARY TITAN 