Books matching: cultural encounters
100 result(s)
'Miles from Nowhere: A Round-the-World Bicycle Adventure' by Barbara Savage follows the incredible journey of Barbara and her husband as they travel around the world on their bikes. The story is filled with adventure, triumphs over unexpected challenges, and encounters with diverse cultures and customs in countries like Egypt, India, and Nepal. The writing style is engaging, honest, and powerful, making readers feel like they are on the journey alongside the couple, experiencing everything from the long tortuous miles of cycling to the interesting interactions with native peoples and fellow travelers.
NEWS OF MY DEATH WOULD surely make the headlines in all the big newspapers back home in the U.S. of A. Larry, I hoped, would tell the story right, giving it a sensational and tragic ring, conjuring up...- #2
'The Witness' by Juan Jose Saer is a novel that delves into the story of a Spanish youth's encounter with Indian society in early 1500s Argentina. The narrative is structured as a memoir, chronicling the protagonist's decade-long immersion in a foreign indigenous tribe and his subsequent return to Spain. The book explores themes of memory, human condition, and existentialism, all intertwined with vivid descriptions of tribal life, cannibalism, and emotional struggles. Saer's writing style is dense, poetic, and considered, drawing comparisons to renowned authors like Garcia Marquez and Borges, with readers praising the translator's skill in preserving the essence of the original Spanish text.
- #3
'Over the Edge of the World: Magellan's Terrifying Circumnavigation of the Globe' by Laurence Bergreen is a thrilling account of Ferdinand Magellan's voyage around the world in the 16th century. Bergreen meticulously details the preparation and politics leading up to the armada's departure from Spain, the unimaginable hardships faced during the ocean crossings, finding the strait to the Pacific, various mutinies, Magellan's demise, and the crew's arrival back in Seville. The narrative captures the essence of the Age of Discovery, showcasing the high adventure, realpolitik, and gritty realities of early modern seafaring.
Bergreen's writing style brings the story to life, blending historical accuracy with engaging storytelling. delves into the complexities of Magellan's character, the challenges faced by his crew, and the monumental achievement of circumnavigating the globe. Through detailed source material and vivid descriptions, readers are transported to a time of exploration, danger, and discovery, following Magellan's ambitious quest with a sense of awe and fascination.
Matters might have turned out differently if the pontiff had not been a Spaniard—Rodrigo de Borja, born near Valencia—but he was. A lawyer by training, he assumed the Borgia name when his maternal unc... - #4
Anabasis by Xenophon is a captivating tale of an army of Greek mercenaries finding themselves trapped behind enemy lines in Persia and their perilous journey back home. The book is praised for its depiction of extreme survival, cultural intersections, and the struggles faced by the soldiers as they navigate through diverse groups of people. The writing style is noted to be surprisingly readable, engaging, and filled with personal stories that provide a human connection to the ancient soldiers.
But when the right moment seemed to him to have come, at which he should begin his march into the interior, the pretext which he put forward was his desire to expel the Pisidians utterly out of the co... 'Tuk-Tuk to the Road' is an adventurous and inspiring travelogue that follows the journey of two young women driving a tuk-tuk from Thailand to the UK in just 6 weeks to raise money for MIND. The book is a mix of blogs written by both girls, detailing their planning process, challenges faced on the road, and the unexpected kindness they encountered from strangers along the way. Despite some readers finding the writing style to be lacking in depth at times, the book captures the essence of their journey filled with courage, positivity, and a sense of adventure.
It hasn’t been the most eventful week in Tukland: no more survival courses in the depths of Devon or learning how to splint fractures at the Royal Geographical Society. However, on the logistics front...'Admiral of the Ocean Sea: A Life of Christopher Columbus' by Samuel Eliot Morison is a comprehensive biography that retraces Columbus' voyages and delves into his strengths, successes, weaknesses, and failures. Morison's detailed and engaging narrative provides a complete picture of Columbus, dispelling myths and misconceptions while capturing the excitement and adventure of the era. The book covers various aspects such as the rivalry between Portugal and Spain, the importance of the Catholic Church, shipping technology, encounters with natives, and Columbus' personal struggles and achievements.
- #7
Walking the Nile by Levison Wood is a gripping account of the author's journey from Rwanda to Egypt, following the course of the Nile. The book offers a detailed and descriptive exploration of the countries and people encountered along the way, providing insights into the challenges, surprises, and adventures faced during the expedition. Wood's writing style captivates readers, immersing them in the journey and making them feel like they are walking alongside him, experiencing the highs and lows of the trek firsthand.
The moment we entered the compound, I knew things were bad. The South Sudan Hotel had been opened in the run-up to independence in 2011, promoted widely as a safe place for foreign dignitaries to stay... 'Four Corners: A Journey into the Heart of Papua New Guinea' by Kira Salak follows the author's daring solo exploration through Papua New Guinea, showcasing her fearless and adventurous spirit. The narrative delves into Kira's personal journey of self-discovery, overcoming challenges, and pushing boundaries in a rugged and unfamiliar terrain. Through vivid descriptions of the country's landscapes, cultures, and encounters with various individuals, the book captures the essence of Papua New Guinea while reflecting on Kira's inner struggles and growth.
- #9
'The Way of the World' by Nicolas Bouvier is a captivating travelogue that follows the journey of the author and his artist companion, Thierry Vernet, as they embark on a daring road trip from Europe to the Khyber Pass in the 1950s. Bouvier's writing style is described as mature and observant, capturing the essence of the diverse cultures they encounter along the way. The book provides a window to a time when travel was a true adventure, highlighting the duo's encounters with individuals from different walks of life, their struggles with financial constraints, and their unique experiences in various countries like Yugoslavia, Turkey, Iran, and Afghanistan.
MIDNIGHT WAS CHIMING when I stopped the car in front of the Café Majestic. A friendly silence reigned over the still warm street. Through the lacy curtains I saw Thierry sitting inside. He had drawn a... - #10
Paul Theroux's 'The Great Railway Bazaar' is a travelogue that follows the author's four-month journey across Asia by train, from London to Japan and back via the Trans Siberian Railway. Theroux explores various countries, encountering a diverse array of people and cultures along the way. The book provides a vivid snapshot of life in Europe and Asia, capturing both the surreal and gritty realism of the landscapes and characters he encounters. Despite Theroux's critical eye and sometimes arrogant tone, the book offers a compelling narrative of train travel through different countries in the early 1970s.
Theroux's writing style is described as witty, engaging, and fast-paced, allowing readers to feel like they are accompanying him on his adventurous railway journey. The author's observations and self-deprecating manner towards the end of his trip add depth to the narrative, providing insights into the historical and cultural context of the places he visits. While some readers find Theroux's misanthropic tendencies and occasional condescension off-putting, others appreciate his ability to bring characters to life and paint vivid portraits of the destinations he explores.
Ever since childhood, when I lived within earshot of the Boston and Maine, I have seldom heard a train go by and not wished I was on it. Those whistles sing bewitchment: railways are irresistible baza...