Helpful Score: 6
A great memoir of two brothers who embarked on a journey around the world... Full of anecdotes and insight about countries that many of us would love the chance the visit, but probably never will. In addition to the tales about the places they visited, the author also explores the changes in himself as a result of this unique experience. Overall, a very good read.
Helpful Score: 2
I almost didn't finish this book, but I suppose in the end I was glad I did. I felt too much time was spent on the author's history with his would-have-been wife (the first ten or twelve chapters!), and he seemed a little arrogant at times. However, towards the end of the book, I found it more engaging, but I won't say why just in case it may be a spoiler for someone! All in all, it wasn't a waste of time, but I wouldn't 'highly recommend' it either.
Helpful Score: 1
After being dumped a few days before his wedding, Franz Wisner still goes through with the wedding--only without the bride part. Realizing that he was in a bad place, he asks his brother, Kurt, if he would like to go on his honeymoon in Costa Rica. Feeling like he didn't know Kurt at all, Franz makes an effort to get to know this blood stranger and attempt to move on with his life. During the trip they come up with the idea to quit their jobs, sell most of their belongings and travel the world for the next year. Crazy? Yes. Necessary? Yes. Throughout the trip (which extends to almost 2 years), Franz and Kurt learn how to really travel (locals, locals, locals) and learn about the world, each other and themselves. They hit Russia, Prague, Indonesia, Syria, Brazil, Thailand, Peru, Nigeria, and many many other countries. Five continents. Wonder what it would be like to drop your life and responsibilities and take off? This is the book for you.
I didn't know how I would feel reading this book. I started reading this almost immediately after experiencing the worst break-up known to man (or so I thought...and still do, kinda). I imagined that he would eventually have to get over Annie, his former fiance, and show me how to do it. Not so much. It was extremely painful to read about how much he still loved her...months out. My future suddenly didn't look so good. But what this book did do was rekindle my travel itch. Made me want to do whatever I can to get out there and really live. See as much as I can. Appreciate what I have. And do some good somehow. Although it kind of annoyed me that he repeated a couple of stories (dude--you traveled for almost TWO YEARS, can't you come up with more stories?), I really enjoyed this book overall.
I didn't know how I would feel reading this book. I started reading this almost immediately after experiencing the worst break-up known to man (or so I thought...and still do, kinda). I imagined that he would eventually have to get over Annie, his former fiance, and show me how to do it. Not so much. It was extremely painful to read about how much he still loved her...months out. My future suddenly didn't look so good. But what this book did do was rekindle my travel itch. Made me want to do whatever I can to get out there and really live. See as much as I can. Appreciate what I have. And do some good somehow. Although it kind of annoyed me that he repeated a couple of stories (dude--you traveled for almost TWO YEARS, can't you come up with more stories?), I really enjoyed this book overall.
