A Woman's World: True Stories of Life on the Road (Travelers' Tales)

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Summary: A Must Read for Women with Wonderlust
Review: I loved this book. I read the entire thing, cover to cover in two or three sittings, not just because it was entertaining, but also because it provides a rare insight into what it is really like OUT THERE (wherever that is) as a lone woman. I felt almost empowered, like I really could do it too! With practically every part of the world and every age woman represented in this book, I felt silly for thinking I couldn't travel alone. There isn't any sugar-coating or matronly advice...just enough experience to help make an informed decision or to calm the restlessness of a would-be traveler. Ms. Bond has put togehther an ideal balance of humor, truth, and insight to inspire me to get out the crumpled map and start thinking about going somewhere new. Alone.

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Summary: I have to say that I love the book, A Woman's World
Review: I read Marybeth's story, The End Of The Road,and it had me mentally preparing what I would be packing into a bag for such a trip, I loved it so much! After reading that story, I flipped back to the start and read the first few stories, getting more and more 'addicted' as I got further and further into it! It's wonderful to be able to relate to the women in the stories, not just from having travelled alone, etc., but in the way that the women think, how things effect them... It's almost like I can see myself in them, and I find myself thinking, "Hey, if I'm so similar to them, and they've done so well, then I DO have something great worth knowing about myself" I'm beginning to acknowledge that I've not been giving myself enough credit. So, I've already come to the conclusion that 1999 will be 'my' year. My year to be proud of myself; of who I am, of where I'm going. I think all women should make 1999 'their' year - in fact, there's no reason why every year shouldn't be our year!" ~ NeverWhere

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Summary: It opened a whole new world for me.
Review: I've read it four times since February 97 and I continue to be inspired and awed. Every time I glance on the front photo of the author on the cover, I am drawn to reread it or go out and purchase another similar book. Thank you Mary Beth Bond for inspiring me to explore on my own!

Rating:
Summary: The Best of the Best
Review: In a hurry, I pulled this gem off the shelf and took it to work for lunch time adventures. Inside of a page I realized I'd read it a couple of years ago, but I never turned back. Bond collected no near misses; every story in this volume is outstanding. Its full of longing, rough and tumble, sensitive bonding, self-realization, hilarious mix-ups, reality checkpoints, stark terror and pain, transcendance, and pride of achievement--all crammed into a heavy volume you don't want to end. Read it. Read it again.

Rating:
Summary: The Best of the Best
Review: In a hurry, I pulled this gem off the shelf and took it to work for lunch time adventures. Inside of a page I realized I'd read it a couple of years ago, but I never turned back. Bond collected no near misses; every story in this volume is outstanding. Its full of longing, rough and tumble, sensitive bonding, self-realization, hilarious mix-ups, reality checkpoints, stark terror and pain, transcendance, and pride of achievement--all crammed into a heavy volume you don't want to end. Read it. Read it again.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful stories of places with strange-sounding names
Review: Oh....the places you'll go! Traveler's Tales took me to Bhutan, snuggled me into cave for winter camping, and bumped me along a particularly squirmy bus trek. Great human interest stories here....and all are a single chapter long (a real plus for us "read, put down, pick up" people). I liked this book so much I bought a copy for my sister...a true 5-star recommendation, because she'll hit me if she doesn't like it.

Rating:
Summary: Hokey and cliched.
Review: Ride a horse through China. Trek in Nepal. Ride on the back of a motorcycle from California to Northeast Canada. These women are adventurous... yet are normal women with real fears. After reading this book you'll have the courage to be more independent and challenge-seeking. The stories range from the thrill-seekers (think African safari) to conservative travellers (such as going to Gatlinburg for a weekend with the girls)...but illustrates that stepping out of your comfort zone means different things to different women. It's the effort that counts.

Rating:
Summary: Step out of your comfort zone
Review: Ride a horse through China. Trek in Nepal. Ride on the back of a motorcycle from California to Northeast Canada. These women are adventurous... yet are normal women with real fears. After reading this book you'll have the courage to be more independent and challenge-seeking. The stories range from the thrill-seekers (think African safari) to conservative travellers (such as going to Gatlinburg for a weekend with the girls)...but illustrates that stepping out of your comfort zone means different things to different women. It's the effort that counts.

Rating:
Summary: Wow - prepare to be inspired
Review: This book is amazing. With a full-time job and a toddler, I need a book I can pick up and read a little at a time. I found myself thinking about this book all day and pouring through it each night. I love to travel, but haven't been able too as much as I'd like in recent years. This book not only makes me feel as though I've been on an adventure - several! - but it has inspired me to make mental notes of where I will be off to on my next trip. The great thing about the stories is the feeling that with a little motivation, any reader could be the next to take a trip and write a story. A great pick-me-up, there's-so-much-out-there-to-experience, carpe-diem, kick-in-the-patooty book! I highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: Fabulously entertaining, and enlightening
Review: This book provides company in the absence of real people. As a woman who frequently travels and hikes, I found this to be a wonderful comfort as well as a teacher. Women are generally not encouraged to travel alone. This book goes about dispelling the fears of our families and teaches us the joy of solitude, travel, exercise and perspective. Recommended reading for women of all ages.