Blog Archives
Wash Ashore: A Tale of Cape Cod
Olive remembered, fondly, childhood summers spent on Cape Cod with her aunt. The sense of community, the palpable history, and the slower way of life seemed like another world from what she was used to in Boston. With her aunt’s passing, Olive now found herself in possession of that same house she used to visit, and quickly realized a permanent life there was more than possible- it seemed almost inevitable. In the midst of making new friends, introducing old friends to the Cape, and delving into a centuries old family mystery, Olive realizes that there are many pieces that connect to make a place feel like home.
Wash Ashore: A Tale of Cape Cod is a novel by Mary Petiet that follows Olive as she inherits her aunt’s family home and becomes immersed in all the history and traditions of the sleepy little village. Bringing along a couple of friends from Boston, Johnny, and Ann, the three of them quickly find the charm of Cape Cod irresistible.
Petiet has created an excellent blend of characters and immerses them with a vibrancy that creates a sense of realism regarding their tight-knit group. Never once does it seem odd that a magazine director, a hot shot designer, and a chef would be spending their days with an octogenarian gardener, a land preservationist, and various other people who had always lived right there and never do any of their roles feel forced or unnecessary.
Wash Ashore has a lot going on within its pages and truly offers a little bit of everything- history, mystery, romance, a suitably sleazy villain, ghosts (yes, really!), and even a somewhat strange secondary storyline about trying to create the most perfect clam chowder recipe. All of it combines to make a wonderfully entertaining and charming story that sees all of its parts well balanced. (Much like the decided-upon chowder recipe, which is included at the end!)
The premise of this book is fairly straightforward, and I half expected a very dry narrative that droned on with history and preservation laws, but I was so pleasantly surprised to find so much more! Each new angle that was introduced was better than the last, and while the ending was no shock by any means, it was nonetheless satisfying when you arrived.
Pages: 186 | ASIN : B0B11R14H5
Let’s Go to Gabon, Cameroon, and Namibia
Terry Lister, an avid writer, and explorer, vivaciously brings to life the enchantment and allure of Africa in his captivating travelogue, Let’s Go to Gabon, Cameroon, and Namibia. Through an in-depth examination of each location he visits, Lister offers an immersive and intimate perspective of remarkable villages, exotic fauna, and notable tourist attractions, providing an armchair travel experience par excellence.
In addition to recounting specific details about each location, Lister further enriches the narrative by showcasing his personal photography collection. He paints a vivid picture with his words and imagery, drawing the reader into the heart of each experience. In a thoughtful and comprehensive approach, he details his routes, accommodations, and modes of transportation, creating an engaging travel blueprint that seems almost within reach.
Lister’s journey is punctuated by the inevitable trials and tribulations that accompany travel, but his unwavering positive outlook and resilient spirit give the narrative an enchanting charm. The reader is apt to be swept away in the exhilaration of travel, the comfort of home notwithstanding.
Let’s Go to Gabon, Cameroon, and Namibia is a treasure trove of remarkable experiences, from breathtaking sunsets to awe-inspiring landscapes and intriguing museums. Lister’s visit to the spiral tower adjacent to the Monument of Reunification is particularly memorable for its uniqueness. He provides an unusual perspective with his visit to uranium mines, offering insightful commentary that attests to his seasoned travel expertise.
Lister extends his narrative beyond mere descriptions of locations, sharing personal travel experiences and illuminating each journey’s uniqueness. From the idiosyncrasies of public transport to the varied character of hotels, Lister offers a holistic view of the travel experience.
In Lister’s narrative, a relaxed and entertaining tone prevails. However, a deeper exploration of his interpersonal interactions would have added an additional layer of life and color to the narrative. Yet, Lister’s dedication to portraying the distinct characteristics of each region with authenticity and objectivity is commendable and adds significant value to the narrative.
Let’s Go to Gabon, Cameroon, and Namibia is a captivating travelogue, ideal for travel enthusiasts and anyone eager to discover new locations. It’s a testament to Lister’s passion and commitment to capturing and conveying the essence of his travels in an engaging and informative manner.
Pages: 207 | ASIN : B0C8F3X5WS
Other Conservationists Like Me
Volcanic Adventures in Tonga- Species Conservation on Tin Can Island follows your journey to Tonga and your experiences trying to save an endangered bird while experiencing a new culture. Why was it important for you to share your experiences in this book?
I had three important reasons for writing this book. First, I was hoping to familiarize my readers more with Tonga, its people and fascinating culture. This island kingdom is not as well known as other South Pacific destinations and has also received depressive coverage in the news lately following the devastating eruption of the Hunga Ha’apai-Hunga Tonga volcano in 2022. There is much more to these islands and they are worth visiting, either in real or at least from your armchair, while reading my book. They also need help with issues such as drinking water supply, sanitation, and education, and I hope that my book may encourage various government and non-government organisations to invest in providing such assistance.
Second, I aim to bring the reality of conservation work in remote locations closer to readers who may not be aware of either the struggles or the joy such work can bring with it. Many other conservationists like me show remarkable resilience when confronted with different cultures to live in, adverse climates, paucity of fresh food, deteriorating equipment, stinging bugs, illness and the threat of being stuck in a remote place for longer than expected. At the same time, they, too, are often driven by relentless enthusiasm and dedication to their work. Hence, my second aim was not only to rally support for the endangered bird I studied in Tonga but also for the work of all conservationists working under similar conditions worldwide.
My third aim was to stop the nagging of my friends and family. They had told me repeatedly that my stories from Tonga, conveyed in snippets during conversations, must be written down and would make a gripping tale. They also knew that I had my letters from Tonga with detailed accounts that I could base my book on. The final nagging kick came from my PhD supervisor, Prof. Darryl Jones, who declared that my stories had all the adventure, intrigue, romance, discovery and danger you would expect from one of those breathless traveller’s tales from the past, and that a book with all these features, but based on my real escapade to Tonga rather than a tale, would be a compelling read for many. I thank all these people for their prodding and encouragement.
What is your favorite memory of your time in the South Pacific? Also, what is one experience you would have avoided at all costs if you could?
May I pick two favorite memories, please, as I can’t decide? The first one is from a day about three months into our stay on remote Tin Can Island. It relates to the feeling of finally being accepted by the locals, after months of preparations to get to that isolated place and trying to learn the language and local customs. My partner and I had hitched a lift on the trailer of the only working tractor on the island. Every inch of it was filled with firewood, banana leaves, and coconuts as well as baskets full of fish, cooking bananas or root vegetables. The coconuts served as rather uneven seats for the locals, while space was made for us to sit on our backpack barrels. I felt rather jammed in-between so many men and their supplies, but it also felt good. The men were courteous, passed me young coconuts to drink and kept away branches that threatened to hit us in the face. My attempts to hold short dialogues in Tongan language, about the local treat Ofato (a beetle larvae eaten alive) and other delicacies, were received with a big warm smile. One local even commented on how my appearance had changed from ‘small fat’ to more ‘big fat’, which is a nice thing to say in Tonga. I felt like I was just one of them, not just a palangi – a white person – standing outside their culture all the time.
My second favorite memory is that of finally being able to observe the mysterious volcano bird that was the focus of our conservation efforts. This bird is unique in that it uses a volcano as an incubator instead of sitting on its eggs, and it also completely abandons its chicks. I had spent hours sitting in a bird hide, covered in sweat from the high humidity. Finally, a pair of these Tongan megapodes arrived and the female dug a metre or so deep hole into the ground to lay her egg while the male watched from nearby. After they had refilled the burrow and left, the head of a little chick that had hatched from an egg laid 60 days ago, emerged from the burrow. The little guy had dug itself out of its underground volcanic nest and was about to start life all on its own, without any help from its parents. I was so fascinated!
An experience I would have avoided? Becoming sick with a parasite that nobody knew existed in that part of the world. It had become established through a bizarre combination of events, all of which described in my book, and I was so sick towards the end of my stay that the already limited choice of foods was even more limited by what I could digest.
With so many experiences to recount from your 17-month adventure, what were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
In our Western society, we talk about mindfulness and living in the moment. Tongans have mastered this skill for a long time and their version is simply “Tongan Time”: don’t worry about the future, enjoy the now, and don’t care too much about punctuality and getting things done in time. But it also means they often don’t pay too much attention to planning ahead. If a cyclone that is known to arrive in Tonga happens to hit on a Sunday, when the shops are closed, that is bad luck. Many locals may not have any supplies left because they did not plan that far ahead. If you, as a white person, are trying to establish when a ferry may leave that you can catch to a remote island, you may, like us, be given three possible answers in apparently random order: In a while, in a little while, or in a long while. Tongan Time!
The second idea encompasses the importance that Tongans place on families, oral traditions, storytelling and respect for elders. In my book, I have tried to bring alive the high value Tongans place on positive social interactions and it may leave my readers pondering about how much this aspect of living is lacking in our lives.
And third, I was hoping to demonstrate that a book can transport you to a world far removed from your own, and that reading such adventure stories will make you feel more grateful again for home comforts of electricity, showers, the internet and books to read.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
That all of us can achieve far more than we ever imagine!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Are you a traveller with a wanderlust for faraway islands, an enthusiast for Tongan culture, an explorer wanting to learn about a mysterious part of the world, or a lover of exotic birds? This thrilling adventure takes you to far-away places – volcanoes overdue to erupt and coral cays rarely visited by most people.
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live a simple existence on a remote Pacific Island? To leave the world behind and live in ‘Tongan Time’? Are you intrigued to learn about the mysterious ‘volcano bird’ that buries its eggs and abandons its chicks completely?
Join Ann and her boyfriend on a 17-month escapade on the isolated Tongan islands, where they try to save an endangered bird from extinction while living in a very different culture to their own. Guided by a youthful passion for conservation and authentic cultures, Ann tests her physical and mental stamina when confronted with cyclones, stifling humidity, stinging bugs, little fresh food, illness, and the imminent danger of volcanic eruptions.
This book is likely to leave you grateful for home comforts of electricity, showers, the internet and books to read, or perhaps it will entice you to consider a life changing adventure of your own. You can achieve far more than you ever imagine!
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
On to Plan C: A Return to Travel
On to Plan C by Jeremiah A Gilbert offers a captivating travelogue that chronicles the author’s and his wife’s remarkable journey, marking their first significant international excursion since the onset of the pandemic. This literary gem documents their ingenious “Plan C” after their original travel plans were disrupted by the challenges posed by Covid-19. Their adventure commences in the idyllic tropical paradise of Fiji before leading them to the vibrant tapestry of Europe. Along their path, they explore the iconic cities of London, Bergen, Copenhagen, and Berlin, culminating in an unforgettable European river cruise that meanders through the picturesque landscapes of the Netherlands and Germany, offering glimpses of charming villages, resplendent vineyards, and captivating Christmas markets. Emerging from the depths of the European winter, the author and his wife find solace in the embrace of a warmer climate during a three-week Caribbean cruise. Setting sail from Bridgetown, they embark on an enchanting voyage through the jewels of the Caribbean region, immersing themselves in its unrivaled beauty and allure.
The author enriches the narrative with stunning photographs revealing his remarkable skill behind the lens. These captivating visuals provide a profound context to the written words, allowing the reader to embark on a visual odyssey alongside the author. Immersing myself in this book, I relished the opportunity to experience the author’s perspective as they embarked on their first post-pandemic adventure. Overall, the author’s experience proved to be an engaging and enlightening read. The book’s prose consistently shines with its ability to transport readers to remarkable destinations. Gilbert’s descriptions offer valuable insights into the island’s allure. Take, for example, the author’s account of their visit to Great Stirrup Cay. In describing the island’s geographical features, the author paints a vivid picture of its northern part, which boasts sandy beaches and snorkeling havens, while the southern counterpart holds a helicopter airfield and remnants of a bygone US military installation and satellite tracking station. Elevating the memoir further with a touch of creative flair and emotional resonance adds an extra layer of enchantment to the storytelling. Furthermore, while the encounters with people along their journey were not extensively detailed, this only serves to ignite the reader’s desire for a deeper, more profound human connection within the captivating narrative.
I found On to Plan C to be an effortlessly readable and captivating account. I was particularly enthralled by the mesmerizing travel photography that accompanied the text. I highly recommend this travelogue to those who want to be taken on a thrilling adventure.
Pages: 250 | ISBN: 8196316135
Saints and Skeletons: A Memoir of Living in Mexico
Saints and Skeletons by Ann Manwaring offers a poignant and introspective narrative that delves into a life shaped by personal triumphs, struggles, and the unwavering quest for self-discovery. With eloquent prose and candid storytelling, Manwaring invites readers to immerse themselves in the depths of her experiences, bearing witness to the transformative power of vulnerability and resilience.
The memoir takes readers on a non-linear journey through various stages of Manwaring’s life. Each chapter serves as an intimate exploration of her emotions, relationships, and internal conflicts that have shaped her identity. Manwaring’s writing is characterized by its honesty, rawness, and introspection, displaying her commendable ability to reflect on her experiences with clarity and emotional depth. Whether recounting moments of joy, heartache, or personal growth, her words evoke profound empathy and establish a strong connection with readers. It is this vulnerability that enables readers to forge a deep bond with the author, as they relate to the universal themes of love, loss, and self-acceptance.
Throughout the memoir, Manwaring skillfully showcases her talent as a storyteller, seamlessly weaving together the threads of her life. Her vivid descriptions of people and places paint a captivating picture, drawing readers into the very moments she describes. The memoir benefits greatly from Manwaring’s astute observational skills, as she effortlessly captures the essence of even the simplest encounters. The strength of Saints and Skeletons lies in its courage to tackle challenging topics such as faith, approached with sensitivity and authenticity. Manwaring fearlessly addresses themes including family dynamics and the pursuit of personal passion, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences.
Saints and Skeletons is a captivating and introspective work that encourages readers to embrace life’s complexities. Ana Manwaring’s unflinching honesty and willingness to bare her soul are both brave and inspiring. This memoir stands as a testament to the transformative power of storytelling and the remarkable human capacity for growth and resilience.
Pages: 298 | ASIN: B0C4QLYLC8
Tell Me About Your Scars
Struggle Bus: The Van. The Myth. The Legend is more than just a memoir; it is a source of amusement, reflection, and a testament to having faith. How did your Craigslist ad for a van manifest into this inspirational book?
I learned long ago that one of the best “ice breaker” questions to get a group of people to start talking/interacting is this: “Tell me the story of one of your scars.”
Scars are painful in the moment but often provide a lifetime of stories—sometimes painful, sometimes hilarious, sometimes both, always memorable. It dawned on me that our viral Craigslist ad was essentially a long list of our van’s scars. I thought it would be fun to tell all the fun stories (in gory detail) of our van’s many scars—as much to preserve the stories for our family as to give others something to laugh about. I think my ridiculous little book did just that.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
The stories of our kids’ medical issues were easily the hardest things to write about. Even though there’s a dose of humor in many of the stories, reliving the moments brings back sort of an echo of the extreme parental fear, panic, and dread each of those moments created. I physically winced retelling many of the stories. That said, I think it was oddly therapeutic to write about all our moments—good and bad. I’d recommend it to any parent.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
I can’t remember where I heard this quote (and I’m probably butchering it…sorry), but there’s some truth in it:
“In your twenties, you’re constantly worried about what everyone else is thinking about you.
In your forties, you stop caring what others are thinking about you.
In your sixties, you realize that no one was thinking about you the whole time.”
Basically, I wish I would have spent less time caring so deeply what other people think. Of course, young Josh Wood probably wouldn’t have listened had anyone given him the advice to stop caring so much about what other people are thinking. I will never be smarter than I was at 20-years-old. Oh, to be young and stupid.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
First and foremost, I hope readers take away the peace, hope, joy, and genuine fun that faith in Jesus infused into the messes of my life. Additionally, I hope parents both A) embrace some new ways to engage with their kids…and engage their families as a whole with the world around them; and, B) feel some grace and solidarity for not being the perfect parent. Life is too short and too hard to hold yourself to an impossible standard. Embrace the messes of life (both self-inflicted messes and those out of your control), stumble forward, and try to laugh along the way.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Website
This one-of-a-kind literary adventure you are about to embark on is about more than a viral van. It’s about managing the wonderful chaos of a family of 11. It’s about parenting. It’s about marriage. It’s about success. It’s about failure. It’s about faith. It’s about fun. It’s about a van becoming a metaphor for life as it is given a fun-filled beatdown for the ages.
As you roll along with the Wood family, you just might feel driven to:
• connect a little more with the God who made you.
• give yourself a little more grace when you fail.
• smile and laugh a little more—both at the Wood family’s expense and your own.
Hop in, buckle up, hold your nose, laugh, and join the Wood family to explore one of life’s fundamental truths: the struggle is real.”
Struggle Bus: The Van. The Myth. The Legend.
In Struggle Bus, Josh Wood presents a captivating chronicle of his life revolving around a family bus that rose to internet fame through a viral Craigslist ad. The narrative is a rich tapestry of humorous, personal, and unforgettable tales about Wood’s large family of eleven and the myriad adventures they embark on. Some of these journeys take place aboard the iconic Struggle Bus, while others transport them beyond national borders, immersing them in diverse cultures and lifestyles.
With a lively family of nine children, the book is a treasure trove of engaging moments – from comical blunders and emergency situations to enlightening encounters with refugees and profound reflections on faith. The Struggle Bus itself is more than just a backdrop to these stories. Its physical attributes and even its flaws, such as scuff marks and a malfunctioning air conditioner, become integral narrative elements, each with a story to tell.
Yet, beneath the humor and the tangible, Wood deftly weaves profound themes of Christianity, social consciousness, travel, family, parenting, and the pursuit of happiness. He skillfully employs conversational language and inventive metaphors, crafting a narrative that is both entertaining and deeply thought-provoking.
Wood’s book provides valuable insights into parenting, both directly and indirectly, making it a valuable resource for parents managing a large family. One particularly inspiring example is Wood’s commitment, along with his wife, to regularly host refugee families for dinner. This simple act of welcoming strangers into their home and educating their children about global disparities embodies their personal contribution to shaping a better world.
Struggle Bus serves as a poignant reminder that life and parenting are not about seeking perfection but about cherishing love and togetherness and finding joy in our shared experiences. It highlights the wisdom to be gained from remaining open to life’s lessons, as Wood himself learns from his children, his bus, and even his own comedic errors.
If you’re a fan of memoirs or books that delve into the intricacies of family life, Struggle Bus: The Van. The Myth. The Legend is a must-read. You’ll find yourself laughing, learning, and reminiscing about your own cherished moments with your loved ones. Dive into Josh Wood’s entertaining and introspective world; you’ll be glad you did.
Pages: 145 | ASIN : B0859KSKF8
LITERARY TITAN 