travel

Book Review & Giveaway: Square Up by Lisa Dailey

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Square Up by Lisa Dailey

Square Up: 50,000 miles in search of a way home by Lisa Dailey
Publisher:  Sidekick Press, (March 30, 2021)
Category: Memoir, Travel, Family Travel, Adventure Travel, Grief
ISBN: 978-1734494556
Available in Print and ebook, 272 pages

Square Up

Description 

Have you ever wished you could run away and leave your life behind? Born on the “Day of the Wanderer,” Lisa Dailey has always been filled with wanderlust. Although she and her husband had planned to take their family on a ’round-the-world adventure, she didn’t expect their plans to come together on the heels of grief, after losing seven family members in five years. Square Up shows us that travel not only helps us understand and appreciate other cultures, but invites us to find compassion and wisdom, heal from our losses, and discover our capacity for forgiveness, as well as joy.

Guest Review by Laura L.

One day when she was in her early 40’s, Lisa Dailey woke up and wanted change. Not from her family, her husband and two teenage sons were the best things in her life and the only people that had gotten her through the recent, devastating loss of several family members, ranging from her mother and father, to her 23-year-old brother. No, Dailey wanted a change of scenery. After suffering so much loss in only the span of five years, she wanted to get away from her normal life and see the world while she and her family were still young and able to travel. Yet, she was anxious about it at the same time and need some coxing from her husband. So, after coordinating everything and getting discounted passage on military planes (due to her husband’s work with the military) that’s exactly what they did.

Starting in Hawaii, the Dailey’s traveled to Guam, Okinawa, Singapore, Vietnam (where her husband had agreed to volunteer in a dental practice for one month) and many other countries including Spain and India. Along the way, Dailey found a way to remember what was most important to her in life and to begin letting go of the trauma that she had suffered from her tremendous losses.

One of my favorite moments in this memoir was the part where Dailey recounted the experience of spreading her mother’s ashes on a hidden beach in Guam, with her uncle and his family. Although Dailey and her mother had a tense relationship, she felt grateful that she was able to bring her mother to a beach that she loved one last time and reconnect her remains with nature.

This memoir is an absolute work of art on Dailey’s part and one that I will be thinking about for a long time to come. For stellar writing, and a 5 star reading experience, ‘Square Up: 50,000 Miles In Search of A Way Home,’ is not to be missed!

Praise

“Lisa Dailey weaves an extraordinary and fascinating tale of her journey around the world with her family. But this is far more than a travel story; it’s a merciful, compassionate story of how traveling experiences can offer insight, perspective, and healing. As a therapist, I can say that I’d recommend this book to anyone who has struggled with profound loss or serious anxiety. It is a story of self-compassion, not self-pity, with moments of charm and humor that delight throughout. If you loved Cheryl Strayed’s Wild, you’ll adore this story.”-Betsy Graziani Fasbinder, author of Filling Her Shoes

“Lisa Dailey is a woman after my own heart. She understands that both the discomfort and adventure of travel can change-and heal-us. In Square Up, in the throes of grief after several family deaths, Lisa and her husband, Ray, take their children around the world to places as far-flung as Cambodia, Myanmar, and Ghana. For the rest of her family, the trip is an opportunity to see the world and stretch their worldview (they visit a temple filled with rats and venture into the culinary enterprise of eating tarantulas, after all). And while all of this is riveting, indeed a treat for lovers of travel writing, what really captures the heart in this memoir is the way the narrator finds her way, after nearly being crushed by her recent losses, to peace of mind and self-compassion. Square Up is full of grace and love and gentle warmth-an authentic story of love of self, family, and, of course, travel.”-Cami Ostman, author of Second Wind: One Woman’s Midlife Quest to Run Seven Marathons on Seven Continents

Square Up by Lisa A Dailey is a memoir that will capture the hearts of fans of travel and adventure, but the story is far more spiritual than entertaining. Dailey shares her grief and the pain she experienced after losing family members within five years—her parents and twenty-three-old brother included. The void their loss left in her heart was huge. But then traveling around the world with her family—her husband and two sons—changed everything. They had planned the trip for years and had looked forward to it with excitement. In seven months, this family would travel to thirteen countries and across four continents. What makes it a unique experience? There is a lot of excitement reading this book as the reader follows the itinerary of the author and her family, but there is far more to that. Lisa A Dailey’s travels across different countries brought her into contact with different cultures and people, and the encounter with new places, with nature, with people, provoked something deeper in her, an inner journey towards healing. Lisa A Dailey understood that the world is filled with life and a lot to celebrate, and each step they took away from home led her further away from her pain. The author writes in a mesmerizing and exciting voice and it is interesting to follow how she explores her emotions. Square Up is observant and the author pays attention to detail, offering tips that travelers can use and recreating wonderful sights that readers would want to visit. It is both entertaining and very informative.”- Ruffina Oserio, Readers’ Favorite

“For someone who hasn’t traveled more than a few miles from she was born (that would be me) this book was a grand adventure around the world. I enjoyed myself immensely as I was able to touch, taste, smell and see each destination and it’s mysteries through the narrators stunning descriptions. As well, the underlying story of how the narrator struggled with her deep sense of grief mixed with anger at all the loss of life she’d witnessed, tugged at my heart strings. This story will allure you with its travel, break you open with it’s pain and send you away feeling stronger and more hopeful than ever before.”- Lorinda Boyer, Author of Straight Enough: A Memoir

About Lisa DaileySquare Up by Lisa Dailey

Lisa Dailey is an avid traveler and writer. In her time abroad, she unearthed new ways of looking at her life through her discoveries in remote corners of the world and she continues to enrich her life through travel. She is currently working on a recipe anthology as well as her first work of fiction. A native Montanan, Lisa now makes her home by the ocean in Bellingham, Washington, but returns to her roots every summer for a healthy dose of mountains and Big Sky. Lisa is the owner of Silent Sidekick and Sidekick Press where she helps guide authors through their publishing journey. Author Website: https://lisa-dailey.com/ Travel Blog: https://northwestrambles.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/nwrambles Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisadailey1724 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisad1724/  & https://www.instagram.com/nwrambles/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nwrambles/

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Giveaway

This giveaway is for 3 print copies One for each of 3 winners. This giveaway is open to the U.S. only and ends on February 12, 2022 midnight, pacific time.  Entries accepted via Rafflecopter only.

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Follow the Tour

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Jan 17 Kickoff & Interview Becky
Life as Rog Jan 18 Review Gud Reader
Goodreads Jan 19 Review Lynn Goodwin
Writer Advice Jan 20 Review & Guest Post Lu Ann
Rockin’ Book Reviews Jan 21 Review Andy K.
Amazon Jan 24 Review Denise D.
Amazon Jan 25 Review Betty
Toots Book Reviews Jan 26 Review & Excerpt Jas
International Book Promotion Jan 27 Review Katy 
Celticlady’s Reviews Jan 28 Guest Review & Excerpt Am
Goodreads Jan 31 Review Suzie M.
My Tangled Skeins Feb 3 Review & Guest Post Laura Lee 
Bound 4 Escape Feb 4 Guest Review Bee
Book Pleasures Feb 7 Review & Interview Karen T.
Goodreads Feb 9 Review Michael L
Amazon Feb 10 Review
Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Feb 11 Review

Square Up by Lisa Dailey

New Releases

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Pupy Love

South Yorkshire Author pens autobiography in lockdown in memory of his wife who died shortly after the birth of their son in 2018

“Pupy Love” – a heartfelt autobiography about love overcoming grief

About the Book:

Pupy Love tells us how author Ric Hart tragically lost the love of his life but found inner peace, taking major steps through his grief to find extraordinary strength, resilience and hope for his future with Hugo Jaden Hart, Ric and Jade’s only son.  

Ric Hart met Jade Hazelgrave on Valentine’s weekend in 2002 and they became childhood sweethearts.  They conquered many of life’s challenges that would defeat allbut the most resolute of couples, getting through sixth form, college, University and Jade leaving to go travelling. They still always found each other again and as time went on, they became truly close and connected. Their love they found aged 18 was to stay with them; it never grew old. 

They had so much to look forward to in life: their careers, home plans, marriage and the final piece of the jigsaw, starting the family they both dreamed of.  Their dreams were cut tragically short and Pupy Love tells us how Ric found a way through his grief to find a brighter future once again for himself and his beloved son Hugo.   

Ric shows us, through his precious memories of Jade, how love truly conquers all.

About the Author:

Ric Hart is father to Hugo Jaden Hart who lost his mummy shortly after birth in July 2018.  Ric lost his best friend, wife and soulmate. He is two and a half years into his journey as a single parent and widower and has found huge inspiration, peace and acceptance from the loss of his wife by keeping her memory alive through the creation of his books and finding new hobbies and projects that he knows will make Jade so very proud and keep the fire inside him alight. 

For more on the life and love of Jade, see:  www.jadehartpupylove.co.uk  

Excerpt from the book:

“I remember sitting in my room in my apartment, and something came over me, all our special memories, our bond, our cuteness together as a couple and also one thing came to mind “Pupy Love”, which I guess was building up over the summer in my mind. It was as though I had turned my back on Jade, and it was like I had forgotten about us and all the reasons why we were always meant to be. She was my soulmate, and I had turned my back on the most important person to me, and it was like I had contact lenses in and couldn’t see properly. The following day, I went onto my brother’s computer and saw a picture of Jade, sat on a step, sucking her thumb, stroking her nose, and at that point, everything had come back with floods of feelings. I went into my bedroom and broke down for a while but realised I could do something about this or at least try. So at that moment, I said, “Right, bollox to this, I’m going to fight for the girl I want for the rest of my life.” So, I jumped in the shower and threw my jeans and jumper on and called for the earliest taxi to drive me to Jade’s parents in Wakefield, as at this point, my car was in the garage due to me smashing it up in the B&Q car park. The taxi man charged me £90. I said, “Deal just get me over to Wragby.”

“Pupy Love” by Ric Hart is available in hardback from Amazon at:

This book is also available to purchase in paperback at:

This autobiography is also available to download in e-book format from:

Press/Media Contact Details:

Grosvenor House Publishing
Tel. 020 8339 6060
E-mail: info@grosvenorhousepublishing.co.uk

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Not For All the Tea in China

Entertaining autobiography of a well-seasoned traveler

About the Author:                      

Chris Burrows was born in 1947 to a mother from Barnsley and a father from Essex. He has three great loves in his eventful life: Barnsley FC, Yorkshire County Cricket Club and his wonderful wife. His wife is his rock; Yorkshire CCC is his summertime passion; the Super Reds break his heart year after year- but he wouldn’t swap them for any other team in the world. 

Excerpt from the book:

“The sales manager suddenly turned to me and said, “Don’t look out the door now, but all I can see is smoke.”  And I did look out of the door and there on the 19th floor of this very large hotel was smoke so thick you couldn’t see anything.  And we didn’t know where it had come from.  We had no idea.  Now the staff were I’m afraid typical of the Chinese.  They panicked immediately and just simply did what you shouldn’t do, because at the side of every lift it’ll tell you in a hotel ‘in case of fire do not use lift’.  The Chinese, on a rather lighter note, don’t put ‘if’ they put ‘when’.  In other words, they’re expecting a fire.  They always put ‘when there is a fire do not use the lift’.  The staff just shouted, “There’s a fire,” ran to the lift, got in the lift and went down and chanced their arm.  We were left. 

There were the four of us and I recall there were two other men there who turned out to be two Dutchmen who were on business.  And the six of us headed towards the fire exit at the far end of the corridor, which we could just about glimpse as the smoke was increasing.  It was a very funny smoke.  It smelled.  It was a very odd thing.  And we went on to the end where the fire door was and I was thinking… “Well, all fire doors should not be locked, but since we’re in China it’s a very fair bet that this fire door will be locked.”  And we got there and somebody pushed it and thank goodness it wasn’t locked, but it let us out onto the fire exit which was a series of staircases going all the way down to the ground; stone staircases with a green painted bannister to guide you.  And on each floor as you went down, in green, was the number of the floor.  Well, I, with my poor heart and what have you, was not too sure whether I could manage this. 

We thankfully were going down and not up and we began to go down and down and we put handkerchiefs over our mouths to keep out this awful smelling smoke.  And we went down and down and down and eventually we got down to – and I could see it – just – the number 8 and I felt that that was it for me.  I just felt that I couldn’t go any further.  And I remember saying to…  I don’t know where the Dutch people were, but they’d gone.  They’d disappeared.  Whether they’d gone quicker than us, I don’t know.  I presume they must have done.  And I just said to the two people who were with me, “You go on lads because I’m not going to get out of this.  I will not get out of this.”  And they were most encouraging and said, “Come on, come on, get up, get up, get up.  You must.  You must try.  Get up.” 

 

“For All the Tea in China” by Chris Burrows is available in paperback from Amazon at:

This book can also be downloaded in e-book format from Amazon at:

Press/Media Contact Details:

Grosvenor House Publishing
Tel. 0208 339 6060
E-mail: info@grosvenorhousepublishing.co.uk

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Flower Song

A celebration in poetry and pictures of the beauty of flowers

About the Book:       

In times of frenetic demand for instant gratification, where habitual haste often blinkers us from the splendour of the world around us, the author conjures an unhurried perspective on the most beautiful of all nature’s gifts, the flower.

With images captured by his camera and captioned by his words, FLOWER SONG is the third book of poetry by the author. His other two books “REFLECTIONS: Mirror of my Mind” and “REFLECTIONS: Rhyme and Reason” are both available from Amazon.

Foreword from the Author:

There are literally thousands of flowers to choose from; why did I pick these few for the purpose of this book?  My reason for the selection is that perhaps we are generally familiar with these in average modest English gardens, woodlands and meadows.  I suppose an element of personal bias, unwittingly, might have crept in.  Numbers are also somewhat restrictive considering the size of the book.

This is the second edition of the book with many more new titles added and also few original ones revised.  All photographs are my own except “Buddleia and Butterfly” beautifully captured by my granddaughter, Jessica, at the age of twelve.

Excerpt from the book:

“Daisy

Weather’s warm and fair, sky’s clear,

Spring’s in the air and Daisies appear

In the fields and on the meadows

Under the sun and in the shadows

Countless blooms and many more

Pure white petals and a golden core;

Few imposters in painted petals, colourful,

Mingling, dancing together and playful.

As the morning sun begins to rise

Daisies, slowly, unfolding their eyes

Greeting walkers and joggers joyfully,

Then, pleading ‘please tread carefully’.

Unbending and enduring plucking pains

As children, unaware, making Daisy chains;

And when the sun sets under the sky west

At day’s end eyes closed for night’s rest.”

“Flower Song” by Omar H. Malik is available in hardback from the major book retailers including Waterstones, Foyles, Blackwells and Amazon at:

This book is also available in paperback from Amazon at:

Press/Media Contact Details:

Grosvenor House Publishing
Tel. 0208 339 6060
E-mail: info@grosvenorhousepublishing.co.uk

New Releases

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Jack and Dudley go on an epic journey where they encounter many adventures and meet new friends.

“To the Rescue!” is the first in a series of Lumberjack and friends books set for release and sees the two best friends go on a huge journey to assist their Aunt Betty in a new country.

The book is suitable for children aged 2 - 9 years and teaches them about friendship, caring for others and caring for animals, which is brought to life in the colouring book so children can engage more.

The next book in this series entitled “A New Day” will be published later this year.

Excerpt from the book: 

“George, his workmate, came running up and said, “Jack, you have a message from your Aunt Betty in Scotland. You must come and read it at once.”

Jack and George walked back across the yard as quickly as possible. As they reached the office, they went inside and into the warm. Waiting for them was Mr Stevenson, the boss and owner of the timber yard.

Mr Stevenson handed Jack a mug of tea and the telegram. They all sat down while Jack opened the message.

It read: ‘Hello Jack, I hope you’re well. I’m sorry to worry you, but I need help. The roof of my house has been badly damaged in a great storm. It has caused many problems here in Glenlockie. I know you are a very long way away but please help if you can. Love, Aunt Betty.”

“Lumberjack and Friends to the Rescue” is available to purchase in paperback (RRP £7.99) from Amazon UK at:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lumberjack-Friends-Rescue-Nick-Carter/dp/1789557887

This story is also available as a colouring book (RRP £6.99) from Amazon at:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lumberjack-Friends-Rescue-Colouring-Book/dp/1789559278

Press/Media Contact Details:

New Generation Publishing
Tel. 01234 712 064
E-mail: info@newgeneration-publishing.com

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The current homeless crisis in the UK has become a major concern across a broad spectrum of society. In particular, homelessness is a tragedy for vulnerable young people, many of whom do not want a hand-out but rather an opportunity to lead a normal life. The issues raised in the book are supported by many real life experiences from young people in crisis. 

The book:
•    examines the current, false perception of youth homelessness;
•    provides a better understanding of the required support needs;
•    identifies deficiencies in the current provisions of housing and support;
•    explores ways in which housing and support can be improved;
•    considers the roles of the state, charity sector, private sector and the public;
•    examines how to create a caring home to effect a transition to an independent life;
•    considers the funding and resourcing to significantly reduce youth homelessness;
•    considers what individuals can do to assist in the process. 

The book examines initiatives that have proven to be successful in other countries and those that have succeeded in the UK. It moves past the current broad intentions of homeless reduction and considers the basis of a fully costed national plan that is monitored against performance, which if publicised should give rise to a greater trust in the process.

All royalties received from this book will be donated to youth homeless charities.

About the Author: 

Barry Stillerman was born in London in 1953. Over the past decade, he has been working with charities in the UK and overseas to reduce youth homelessness. He sees the opportunity for more people to assist in taking action that can permanently reduce youth homelessness and has written “Young, Homeless and Forgotten” with this in mind. In the past, Barry has written financial self-help books including The Stoy Hayward Guide to Personal Financial Planning, Inheritance Tax – A Practical Guide and The Daily Telegraph Pensions Guide. 

Extract from the Book: 

“It is estimated that there are thirteen times more hidden homeless people in London than those who are sleeping rough and that 225,000 young people have stayed in an unsafe place because they have nowhere safe to call home.  An added problem with this group is that some people may feel that if they have a roof over their head and there are support services available, they are a less urgent problem that other causes. 

The inability for homeless young people to move forward due to the chaotic situation that they find themselves in is not well understood.  Stories about how people lapse into homelessness (for example through drug and alcohol addiction) raise unproductive questions about whether this person (or any homeless person) is worthy of help from society.  While substance abuse is not uncommon, the main reason among youth homelessness is relationship breakdown.

There are various support needs required by homeless young people covering issues such as mental health, substance abuse, poverty and criminality – in some cases a resort to petty crime has been a reflection of the need for food or a room at a hostel to get off the streets rather than a disrespect for property.”

Young, Homeless and Forgotten is available in paperback from Amazon at:

This book can also be downloaded in e-book format from Amazon at:

Press/Media Contact Details:

Grosvenor House Publishing
Tel. 020 8339 6060
E-mail: info@grosvenorhousepublishing.co.uk

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Travelling through the Welsh Marches of yesteryear and today

When Richard Dobson toured the border county of Herefordshire in 2005, following in the footsteps of Victorian artist Henry Thornhill Timmins, he recorded the experience in his subsequent book In My Own Time.

Join him in his latest tour as he describes, in their words, what earlier writers discovered as they travelled through the Welsh Marches, even before the word ‘tourism’ was first used.

About the Author:

Richard Dobson was born 1943 in West Didsbury, a district of Manchester, England.  He spent his early years exploring the English countryside and never regretted missing out on University.  Richard retired in November 2008 after running his own sales and marketing business for 30 years.

His first book ‘In My Own Time’ tells of a journey made on foot through the English midland county of Herefordshire and enjoyed every minute writing it.  His second book ‘Border Crossings – Then and Now in the Welsh Marches’ was even more enjoyable and increased his knowledge and gained him many friends.

Excerpt from the Book:

The custom of touring in England and Wales began in the sixteenth century and gained momentum when turmoil in Europe during the 18th century interrupted the traditions of the Grand Tours. Gentlemen of leisure took to travelling the highways and byways for weeks or even months to discover hitherto undiscovered home territory. Professional travel guides were made available at Post-houses but travellers were often dependent on local men, who might have been expected to recognize any diversions or danger points en route. The terrible conditions of the roads up to the nineteenth century were a constant theme of the writings of Sir Richard Colt Hoare and his erstwhile travelling companion Archdeacon William Coxe. Another, Arthur Young, was so appalled at the state of the roads in Wales during his tour in 1768, he wrote accusingly about turnpikes being of little use.

‘What am I to say of the roads in this country! From Chepstow to the half-way house between Newport and Cardiff, they continue mere rocky lanes, full of hugeous stones as big as one’s horse, and abominable holes. The first six miles from Newport were so detestable, and without either direction posts or milestones so that I could not persuade myself I was on the turnpike.’

“Border Crossings:  Then and Now in the Welsh Marches” is available in hardback from numerous retail sites including:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Border-Crossings-Then-Welsh-Marches/dp/1786235420

https://www.waterstones.com/book/border-crossings/richard-dobson/9781786235428
https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Richard-Dobson/Border-Crossings--Then-and-Now-in-the-Welsh-Marches/24744652
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/border-crossings-richard-dobson/1136145733
https://wordery.com/border-crossings-richard-dobson-9781786235428
https://www.foyles.co.uk/witem/history-politics/border-crossings-then-and-now-in-the,richard-dobson-9781786235428
https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Border-Crossings-by-Richard-Dobson-author/9781786235428


Press/Media Contact Details:

Grosvenor House Publishing
Tel. 020 8339 6060
E-mail: info@grosvenorhousepublishing.co.uk

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An excellent collection of 14 gripping short stories

A ‘Gambling Man’ tries to win the money but will he win the girl? What kind of man kidnaps a child and leaves him alone in a cold dark place? In a relationship, can ‘A Worm Really Turn’? In the future, men live alone in capsules depending on the mainframe computer to take care of everything. An R.A.F. officer seeks ‘Cold Revenge’ when he discovers the real truth behind his parents’ accident. How do you gain revenge on a wife who no longer has any interest in your marriage? A top radio disc jockey is supposed to entertain his public, not murder them!

See what you think after reading ‘Cold Revenge’.

About the Author:

Bip Wetherell is a retired musician and businessman still doing occasional Gigs with sixties pop group ‘The Tornados’.  He also raises money for ‘ProsTaid’, a local Prostate Cancer Charity, putting on theatre shows and live music, concerts and festivals.  Bip’s first novel was entitled “Chopped” and he is currently working on his second novel “The Reluctant Assassin”.  He lives in Corby, England and is married to Elaine and has four children.

Excerpt from the Book:

“Alan was captivated by the carousel and stood watching it. Billy just sat down on the grass bored.

“I want an ice cream,” said Billy.

“Wait until Lynda has finished. I cannot get you an ice cream as she has the money.”

‘Do you want to go on the carousel, son?” A strange man with a squinty eye had bent down to talk to Alan.

“I can’t, I’ve got no money, and I have to watch my little brother.”

“No problem,” said Squinty. “The first ride is free and I’ll look after your little brother for you.”

‘Would you?” Alan’s reply excitedly.

“Of course I will, son.” Squinty lifted Alan onto the carousel, waited for it to start moving and, looking down at Billy said, “Do you want an ice cream, son?”

Young Billy enthusiastically nodded his head and held the man’s hand whilst they walked away to find the ice cream stall.

Lynda was on the waltzer, Alan was on the carousel.

Lynda, Alan, their mum and Dad never saw Billy again.”

“Cold Revenge” by Bip Wetherell is available in paperback from Amazon UK at:

This book can also be downloaded in e-book format from Amazon UK at:

Press/Media Contact Details:

Darin Jewell (Bip Wetherell’s literary agent)
Managing Director
The Inspira Group Literary Agency
darin@theinspiragroup.com
tel. UK +208 292 5163

Book Review & Giveaway: Trek by Rand Bish

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TREK by Rand BishopTREK by Rand Bishop

Publisher:  Weightless Cargo Press (August 20, 2019)
Category: Memoir, Travel, Politics, Culture
Tour dates: Oct-Nov, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-7330299-0-2
Available in Print and ebook, 384 pages
Trek by Rand Bishop

 

Description 

2017, America was turning mean. Heartsick, Rand Bishop couldn’t sit idly by. His action plan, however, had friends and family questioning his sanity. At 67, on bad knees and arthritic feet, with minimal camping experience and zero knowledge of long distance hiking, Rand set out to walk 900-miles, from Southern California to the Central Oregon Coast.

How an aging pilgrim managed to survive a 90-day test of will and endurance is only a fraction of this inspiring tale. The newfound hope Rand gained by listening to and interacting with a thousand people from nearly every walk of life is the true heartbeat of the TREK story.

 

Guest Review by Sal A.

Some books take you on a journey. Sometimes, you start reading in your comfy chair with the daylight streaming in around you and the fire burning in the woodstove and before you know it, you look up again and it’s pitch black outside and the fire has completely gone out. With some books it’s just like that.

Rand Bishop’s ‘Trek’ took me on a journey. And this time it was literal.
Two years ago, Rand Bishop noticed a problem. He wasn’t sleeping very well. He decided that the reason was the discontent and anguish that he was feeling about the current political situation in the United States. This was shortly after the 2016 election, when bigotry, racism and sexism (among other ‘isms’) seemed to suddenly come roaring back to life in full force. Bishop refers to this as a “culture of meanness” and it’s something that he felt was rising up and smothering all American people.

The only problem was, he wasn’t sure what to do about it.  Bishop was no politician. He was (and is) a regular guy with a love of playing guitar and a dog named Millie. So, he decided that he would protest peacefully in the form of a walk. Bishop’s ‘Trek’ took place during the summer of 2017 and went all the way up Highway 101 from Southern California to Oregon. All told, this route goes for about 1,500 miles along the coast, but Bishop was not deterred by the length of the journey. He was determined to make some sort of difference in the way he knew how.

Along the route, Bishop met with many interesting people and heard their stories. The book is filled with that charm and charisma that make up Americana in its purest form.  I can’t recommend this highly enough and I think you’ll find it just as enlightening as I did.  I give it a solid 5 out of 5 stars.

 

 Advance Praise TREK by Rand Bishop

“I love this book. I laughed, I cried, I walked down memory lane. I drove a big truck for 12 years, many by myself. I know those roads and my feet hurt just reading about this journey. Thank you, Rand, for sharing your story.”-Nancy B. Thompson, Amazon

“The author’s musings on this once in a lifetime adventure make the reader feel as if she is on the trail alongside, experiencing all the emotional highs and lows without getting blisters on her feet. I loved every word; every page; every chapter! TREK is a delightful a book ~ I didn’t want it to end!”-Robyn Taylor-Drake, Amazon

“I loved turning to TREK when I couldn’t take the news any longer. It was like I was able to follow along in my worn down tennies — go at the pilgrim’s pace, meet the people he was meeting, see what he was looking at, while feeling the swoosh of trucks zooming by way too close and way too fast. More than a trek, this is a journey of discovery!”-Randall Platt, Amazon

 

Writing Awards 

First Place Nashville Screenwriting Conference for the original screenplay Tin Roof.

Three Star Award The Tennessean.

 

About the AuthorTrek by Rand Bishop

Oregon native Rand Bishop is a Grammy-nominated songwriter, platinum music producer, musician/singer, author, and lifelong activist for peace, justice, and equality. In his 45 years as a music-business professional, Rand recorded for major labels, shared stages and harmonized with legends, contributed compositions to more than a dozen feature-film and TV soundtracks, several stage musicals, and amassed more than 300 tunesmithing credits.

Rand has authored five published books, is an optioned, award-winning screenwriter, a produced playwright, and, for six years, penned a bi-monthly column for American Songwriter Magazine. He has served on the boards of directors of three non-profits and currently acts as music director for the Central Oregon Coast Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. In June, 2019, Rand premiered his original, one-man, musical, stage performance, TREK on Stage.

Website: http://www.randbishoptrek.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/randbishoppage/

 

Buy TREK 

Amazon
IndieBound

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Book Review: A Traveller’s Guide to finding the Best Accommodation by Ani Right

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Disenchanted with many of the places where she has stayed, author Ani Right set out to share what she’d learned while traveling to 118 countries. She wanted to help her readers learn from her blunders. The result is A Traveler’s Guide to Finding the Best Accommodation.

If you’re tired of ending up in flea-infested, conventional, or noisy accommodation, then A Traveler’s Guide to Finding the Best Accommodation is just the book you’re looking for. In this spellbinding eBook, author Ani Right covers several topics of high interest to travelers. For example:

• Do you know the five grimiest objects in your hotel room?
• Do you make the maximum use of the hotel bellman?
• Do you know what the concierge can do for you?
• Do you know how to stay safe in your accommodation?
• Are you making use of strategies to save money on rooms?
• Do you know how to get free upgrades?
• Do you know such types of accommodation as a treehouse or a dry cabin?
• Have you tried staying for free with housesitting?
These are just some of the burning questions that A Traveler’s Guide to Finding the Best Accommodation will answer.

A Traveler’s Guide to Finding the Best Accommodation describes over a dozen types of accommodation and which one(s) are most appropriate. It also demystifies hotel rating systems. Within the pages of A Traveler’s Guide to Finding the Best Accommodation you will discover how to avoid starring in one of those horror stories about accommodation that looked comfortable on the travel brochures or the website but turned out to be rundown or vermin-infested.

 

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

A Traveler’s Guide to Finding the Best Accommodation is a short but useful guide for novice travelers. It explains how to find the perfect place for you to stay based on your wants and needs. It gives tips on the use of the concierge and/or the bellman as well as definitions of different types of accommodations that are available (I had no idea!).

If you’re planning on traveling any time in the future, this would be a helpful guide.

 

 

About the Author

Book Review & Giveaway: Close Encounters of the Traveling Kind by Amanda Jayne

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Close Encounters of the Traveling Kind by Amanda JaynePublisher:  Waldorf Publishing (July 1, 2018)
Category: Essays, Travelogues , Travel, Adventure
Tour dates: Oct-Nov, 2018
ISBN: 978-1642556797
Available in Print and ebook, 140 pages

Goodreads

 

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Description

This collection of near-death (and a few almost-near-death) stories take you on adventures in Africa, South America, Nepal, Japan and Thailand. Close Encounters with an angry snake, the edge of an abyss, an unfriendly African tribe, a fake guide or two, a mean Dutch man, a magic whirlpool, a nasty case of Typhoid and a severe case of mountain stupidity are told with the confidence of a traveler who has discovered that no matter what happens, everything works out in the end.

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Guest Review by Sal

If you like travel and adventure, even if it is just from an arm chair, you are going to want this book!  Amanda Jayne has traveled to many different countries and at every turn has encountered near death experiences. 

In Japan, on a drunken night, a bunch of English teachers agreed they would climb Mt. Fuji.  They found out that most people climb at night so set a time to meet the next evening.  Only one person showed up besides Amanda.  It would have been evident to anyone who has done mountain climbing that they both arrived ill equipped.  They learned two valuable lessons: do what the locals do and be prepared for everything.  “Reasons for near-death: Ignoring all advice on mountains and mountain sickness; Stupidity.”

In Nepal, on the Bhote Kosi River, Amanda went rafting.  Just getting to the river was an adventure which included hiking, giardia (and finding place to have diarrhea), and a packed bumpy bus ride.  Then the real fun and danger began.  “Reasons for near-death: Attempting to tackle a set of rapids without a raft; a vicious whirlpool.”

The Amazon, Bolivia, Amanda signed up for an eco-friendly raft trip down the river with a so called, experienced guide.  “Reasons for near-death: Inexperienced guide on his first trip; getting lost in serpent infested waters; possible implosion due to infuriating Dutch man.”

These are just a few of the experiences Amanda Jayne had during her travels.  To read the full stories and about her other hair rising travels, you will have to read the book.  It is well written, with lots of humor and captures the places and situations so well that I felt as if I were there.  You can get lost in this book in the safety of your arm chair and avoid the danger Amanda Jayne got in too.  If you are a real adventure traveler, you can learn to avoid some of the pit falls.  I give this book five stars!

 

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Praise for Close Encounters of the Traveling Kind 

“A fabulous book that makes you smile all the way through; the stories of Amanda’s adventures and her zest for life flows from the pages and makes you on the one hand, wonder how she has survived and the other embrace her energies. A book that you don’t want to put down and leaves you in a happy place.”- Richard Newey, Amazon Review

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Book Review: Snickety Dickety Doo by Danica-Lea Larcombe

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George, Fiona and Marni find a tin of bubbles, not just any ordinary bubbles but planets. The planets shrink the children and take them to faraway lands. The children have many exciting adventures and try not to let their secret be discovered.

Available on Amazon

 

 

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Marni finds a tin when digging in their yard and when she opens it, she finds little wrapped up balls. But when she and her siblings open them up, they turn out to be bubbles in the form of the planets. These planets are alive and they take the children to faraway lands. All they have to do is say Snickety Dicket Doo! These children are inquisitive and often find themselves in scrapes but the ability to go home whenever they want usually helps to get them out of those scrapes.

Snicket Dickety Doo is a fun book to read and encourages children to use their imagination as well as teaching about different places around the world. The copy I received didn’t have pictures but I’m hoping the final copy does have them because they would add a lot to the text. I also suggest getting the book edited because there are a lot of punctuation errors.

 

About the Author

Danica-Lea Larcombe has a B.Sc (Environmental Health), a grad.dip in Education and has taken courses in Journalism, Travel Writing, and Photography. She currently works full-time as an environmental health officer and lives with her small Maltese X dog near the beach.
Danica’s first travel narrative was self-published and titled ‘Pushing the Boundaries: A Mission to See the World’. It is for sale via Lulu.com and Amazon.com. Over 100 books were sold via bookshops in Perth. Newspaper reviews were very positive.
This second book was also hand written as a travel diary whilst travelling the world for six months, but with quite different countries and experiences than the first. Danica was successfully elected a mentor for six months from the NZ Author Society for this book after the full manuscript was written.

Website

 

 

The Amazon purchase link in this post is an affiliate link. Purchasing through it helps sustain Bound 2 Escape.

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Africa’s Big “Five” Wildlife Animals by Anna Othitis

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Welcome to Angelic Airlines! Are you ready to take to the skies? Children come join us this time on a wild adventure with Captain Frankie on Angelic Airlines as we travel across the world to learn about, visit and see Africa’s Big “5” Wildlife Animals. Captain Frankie is waiting for you to book your ticket, safely stow your bags, and open your eyes to these amazing animals in the savannahs of Africa. Most of these beautiful animals are about to become Extinct. We have to save our Wildlife animals, this earth belongs to them as well. My First Travel Books. This is another one of Anna Othitis’s trip with Captain Frankie. Originally from Zimbabwe, Africa, her travels have taken her a far across the world.

Your Captain Frankie Welcomes You Aboard
Angelic Airlines

 

Book available at
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 My Review
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I love these books! In the past, I read The Seven Wonders of the World and The Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and was impressed with the presentation of information that would normally not keep the interest of youngsters. This one is a little different in that animals seem to keep the attention of children easier, but this is still a great book for teaching about some of Africa’s animals.
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In Africa’s Big “5” Wildlife Animals, Captain Frankie from Angelic Airlines takes the children to see wildlife in Africa. He has a friend on the ground this time to help show them the animals. Each section has a blurb about the animal, then interesting information (did you know that an elephant’s tusks are teeth?), and questions at the end about what they just learned.
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Anna Othitis has done a great job once again with Africa’s Big “5” Wildlife Animals. Not only does it teach children about Africa’s animals, but they’ll enjoy learning and will probably want to read it over and over.
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Other Reviews
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“This would make a great present to give a child at any time of the year and is sure to give them hours of entertainment and get those minds thinking and asking questions which can lead to further exploration!” – review from Miki’s Hope

“Great for kids and their parents alike. Mine were enthralled! They leafed through this book again and again, marveling over the pictures, poring over the maps.”– review from Amazon



Book Excerpt
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“Welcome aboard Angelic Airlines. This is your Captain Frankie, and I will be flying you to Africa’s Wildlife National Parks, the biggest being the Serengeti. We will visit, discover and learn about Africa’s “Big Five” Wild Animals. 


Stow your bags overhead, take your seats and fasten your seat belts for our take off on a smooth flight together on this wondrous journey through Africa’s sunsets and sunrises—such colorful and flaming skies.
Into the plains and wilderness we go! 


It is a lovely sunny day today and I hope you enjoy your flight. 


Make yourselves comfortable, we have lots of healthy drinks and meals for you. 

Oh, and children, do not forget to put on your safari clothes and special safari hats.”

 

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My First Travel Books series 
 Book 1: My First Travel Book
 Book 2: The Seven Natural Wonders Of The Earth
 Book 3: The Seven Wonders of the World
Book 4: Africa’s Big Five Wild Animals
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About the Author
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Anna Othitis lived and was raised in the beautiful land and country of Zimbabwe, Africa (home will always be home. She left all of her life long memories, endless charity work and good people behind vowing that she will continue supporting the needy children in her land Zimbabwe, Africa and beyond. After traveling long and short distances from the East coast to the West coast twice she and her family eventually found their sense of belonging and final settling destination in New Jersey, USA.

Her husband George, sons Johnny, Elia and Frankie encouraged her to write her first children’s book titled “My First Travel Book”, inspired by Frankie (Captain Frankie), who is graduating from his Masters degree in Aeronautical Science and beginning his career as a professional pilot. Anna’s favorite saying is “Be Bold Be Brave”.

She was inspired to write her children’s books with a vision to link up the children Africa and of the world on Angelic Airlines to so many beautiful places of interest and popularity on our wonderful planet Earth with all its beautiful some natural and some man made creations and resources. One of the beautiful natural wonders featured in her books is in her birth land of Zimbabwe “The Mighty Victoria Falls” All of her books educate our children and widen their scope of interest in the amazing surroundings, creations and nature to appreciate and look after our environment for many generations still to come.

Find the author on the following sites…
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I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
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AUTHOR’S GIVEAWAY

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Book Review: The Seven Wonders of the World by Anna Othitis

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22429174Follow Captain Frankie on his adventures…

Come join the Adventures of Captain Frankie and the Angelic Airlines flying angel as they travel across the world to the – SEVEN WONDERS of the WORLD.
Captain Frankie is waiting for you to book your ticket, safely stow your bags, and open your eyes to the beautiful places created for all of us to visit in
My First Travel Books.

This is Anna Othitis’s THIRD trip with Captain Frankie and the crew. Originally from Zimbabwe, Africa, her home port is now Wanaque, New Jersey, and she has flown across the world in her travels.

Book available at

Amazon
Barnes and Noble

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My Review

I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.

What a great book for children! The Seven Wonders of the World is the 3rd book in a series called My First Travel Books. I had previously read The Seven Natural Wonders of the Earth and I was happy to read and review this book in the series as well. I learned several things from both books, which proves you’re never too old to learn!  In this book, Captain Frankie of Angelic Airlines takes you on a journey to the Seven Wonders of the World.

It starts with a flag for each country that contains a Wonder as well as a map of the world showing the Wonders. For each of the Wonders there is a picture, a page with information about the Wonder, and questions to answer. Every picture in the book has the airplane (flying angel) from Angelic Airlines that Captain Frankie pilots to take you on your trip.

The Seven Wonders of the World is a great book for children to learn about some of the Wonders in our world.

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Check out the other My First Travel Books…

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My First Travel Book (My First Travel Books Volume 1)

Are you ready to take to the skies?

Captain Frankie welcomes you on board.

Come join the adventures of Captain Frankie and the Angelic Airlines flying angel as they travel across the world to some of the most popular, entertaining, and educational places in the world.

Captain Frankie is waiting for you to book your ticket, safely stow your bags, and open your eyes to the beautiful places created for all of us to visit in My First Travel Book

Book available at

Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble

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The Seven Natural Wonders of the Earth (My First Travel Books Volume 2)

22013040Are you ready to take to the skies?

Then welcome to Angelic Airlines!

Come join the adventures of Captain Frankie and the Angelic Airlines flying angel as they travel across the world to the Seven Natural Wonders of the EARTH.
Captain Frankie is waiting for you to book your ticket, safely stow your bags, and open your eyes to the beautiful places created for all of us to visit in
My First Travel Books.

This is Anna Othitis’s second trip with Captain Frankie and the crew. Originally from Zimbabwe, Africa, her home port is now Wanaque, New Jersey, and she has flown across the world in her travels.

Book available at

Amazon.com      Barnes and Noble

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About the Author

I lived and was raised in the beautiful land and country of Zimbabwe, Africa (home will always be home). We relocated to Wanaque, New Jersey, USA, our new home and where our younger son, Frankie, took up his “American Dream”.

My husband George, sons Johnny, Elia and Frankie encouraged me to write my first children’s book titled My First Travel Book, which was inspired by Frankie (Captain Frankie). Given a wonderful opportunity, he graduated in his Masters degree in Aeronautical Science, and is successful in his career as a professional pilot. My favorite saying is: “Be Bold Be Brave”.

My dream is to be given the opportunity for my book to reach each and every less fortunate child who will have the opportunity to fantasy travels through our book to see our lovely world destinations, and to one day to give back and assist the needy in Africa and beyond, to keep giving care and love to the less fortunate. Whilst in Zimbabwe I was involved with many charitable organizations and groups where my greatest passion and love was with the primitive, simple people of Zimbabwe, Africa and will still continue to reach out to the many beautiful children of the world.

Now living in the USA, after having traveled some short and some long journeys, to get to our final destination, we realize how small this world really is, yet is also so big and so beautiful in each and every corner. Still so much is untouched by humans, which will hopefully remain sacred in many areas. We have to cherish every and all beautiful things that our planet earth has to offer to us.

Find the author on the following sites…

Website   Blog   Facebook   Twitter   Google+   Pinterest   Goodreads   Amazon Page

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Book Review & Giveaway: The Seven Natural Wonders of the Earth by Anna Othitis

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Follow Captain Frankie on his adventures…

Are you ready to take to the skies?

Then welcome to Angelic Airlines!

Come join the adventures of Captain Frankie and the Angelic Airlines flying angel as they travel across the world to the Seven Natural Wonders of the Earth. Captain Frankie is waiting for you to book your ticket, safely stow your bags, and open your eyes to the beautiful places created for all of us to visit in My First Travel Books.

This is Anna Othitis’s second trip with Captain Frankie and the crew. Originally from Zimbabwe, Africa, her home port is now Wanaque, New Jersey, and she has flown across the world in her travels.

Book available at

Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble

My Review

What a great book for children! The Seven Natural Wonders of the Earth is part of a series called My First Travel Books. In this book, Captain Frankie of Angelic Airlines takes you on a journey to the Seven Natural Wonders.

It starts with a flag for each country that contains a Natural Wonder as well as a map of the world showing the Wonders.

For each of the Wonders there is a picture, a poem about it, a page with information about the Wonder, and questions to answer.

The Seven Natural Wonders of the Earth is a great book for children to learn about some of the Wonders in our world.

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“This book is in its simplest form: fun, educational and informative, which plays an important part in connecting our children with our world.  So come on and fly the skies with us on Angelic Airlines to some popular world destinations with your friendly Captain Frankie”

Check out the other My First Travel Books…

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My First Travel Book (My First Travel Books Volume 1

Are you ready to take to the skies?

Captain Frankie welcomes you on board.

Come join the adventures of Captain Frankie and the Angelic Airlines flying angel as they travel across the world to some of the most popular, entertaining, and educational places in the world.

Captain Frankie is waiting for you to book your ticket, safely stow your bags, and open your eyes to the beautiful places created for all of us to visit in My First Travel Book

Book available at

Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble

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The Seven Wonders of the World (My First Travel Books Volume 3

Are you ready to take to the skies?

Then welcome to Angelic Airlines!

Come join the adventures of Captain Frankie and the Angelic Airlines flying angel as they travel across the world to the Seven Wonders of the World. Captain Frankie is waiting for you to book your ticket, safely stow your bags, and open your eyes to the beautiful places created for all of us to visit in My First Travel Books.

This is Anna Othitis’s third trip with Captain Frankie and the crew.

Originally from Zimbabwe, Africa, her home port is now Wanaque, New Jersey, and she has flown across the world in her travels.

Book available at

Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble

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