Rating: 
Summary: Good Prep for European Adventures
Review: As only a high school student, many of the books essays contained nothing I was preparing to experience, but read it, nevertheless, as I prepared to embark on my first trip to Europe (a language-immersion program). The book was utterly fascinating. There were enough catchy, intriguing tales of excitement abroad that when there was the occasional one I did not like, I could merely skip to the next. While some stories contained more mature topics, all were enjoyable, and many made me laugh out loud. This book is definitely appropriate for young teens and above, and is a great ice-breaker for those awaiting a first trip to Europe, or a way to somehow remember one's first journey overseas.
Rating: 
Summary: Recommended!
Review: Great short essays that really get you in the mood to wanna pick up your bags and leave! even the "scary" stories of europe wanted to just make you get up and go on an adventure yourself. Fastest book i've ever read, never put it down!
Rating: 
Summary: Teenage Angst On Tour
Review: I had such high hopes for this book after reading the other reviews, but it turned out to be little more than a tribute to teen angst abroad. One might expect this of teenagers but not travel writers, even the second-rate variety. Rite of Passage presents a series of backpacking vignettes told by a number of different authors, in a variety of styles and settings. The problem is, with a few exceptions, the stories are all the same: a covert hookup in a hostel, consumption of an unusual animal by-product, a mugging that common sense could have avoided, or a "love" that was just never meant to be. I really hope there's more to Europe than that! Rite of Passage made me want to cancel my trip.
Rating:
Summary: cheaper than airfare!
Review: I spent some time studying in Germany during my high school years, and falling in love with Europe got me to cough up the money to go back their on my own. Freely running around in a foreign country is so enchanting that it was difficult to come home, and I think the book's ability to capture these little moments of travel bliss are what makes it so wonderful. It's more than just "teen angst abroad," as one reviewer described it. The essays aren't all written by kids, but also by Lonely Planet's professional travelers, and reducing the culture and experience to "teen angst" would be like summarizing the Bible on a post-it note.
Rating:
Summary: cheaper than airfare!
Review: I spent some time studying in Germany during my high school years, and falling in love with Europe got me to cough up the money to go back their on my own. Freely running around in a foreign country is so enchanting that it was difficult to come home, and I think the book's ability to capture these little moments of travel bliss are what makes it so wonderful. It's more than just "teen angst abroad," as one reviewer described it. The essays aren't all written by kids, but also by Lonely Planet's professional travelers, and reducing the culture and experience to "teen angst" would be like summarizing the Bible on a post-it note.
Rating:
Summary: Great book!
Review: Rite of Passage is one of the best reads I've had in a long time. The stories within its covers are very well written, and are very encouraging stories (mostly). Once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down.The stories touch you in such a way that it inspires you to want to go backpacking through Europe as soon as possible. At least, that's what it did for me. The stories are beautiful stories about young adults' travels through Europe, sometimes needing to find a job while there to be able to keep going. The stories are written by many authors, so there is quite a diverse writing style. The editor did a great job in tying in the Lonely Planet backpacking through Europe messageboard, giving even more personal stories through message board posts. All in all, this book is a great read for those of you wishing to go somewhere. It really opens your eyes to the feelings of backpacking. What it does NOT do is what the technical books do. This is not a how-to book. If you're looking for a how-to book, I'm sure there's a similar book listed that is.
Rating:
Summary: !!!!!! 10/10 ... 100/100 .... 110%/100% !!!!!!
Review: Rite of Passage is the #1 most enduring, breath-taking travel book of the year. As it is not based on only one authors opinion, there are a variety of authors telling their stories in different ways. The authors arent ancient either; the oldest author in the book would probably be 30, so all the youth can relate to and laugh about what funny things they get up to. The content of the book is fabulous, u can really feel what is happening to the person throughout the story. The mixed emotions that u develop throughout the book makes u laugh, gasp, ponder and cry. Ive always had a passion for europe (since im italian myself) yet Rite Of Passage extended my knowledge and love for this great continent. Once i had finished the book, i passed it onto my uncle who had travelled through europe many years ago and he is almost on the edge of crying, as he can relate to and remember all these backpackers stories and how europe had affected himself. Thrills, novelty, emotions; Rite Of Passage has it all.
I rate this book 10/10 .... 100/100, 110%/100%. For anyone planning to travel to europe, is searching for some motivation to travel or for someone who just has a passion for the best continent in the world.
Rating:
Summary: Great!
Review: The stories in Rite of Passage are full of passion, hunger, and searching, and that which is found is not always what is sought - it's not a book about finding the best spots to hang out, but instead discovering interesting places in the human experience. Packaged as a travel book, Rite of Passage is really a collection of literary pieces. Ms. Johnson has an eye for tales with both heart and wit. This book is for people who are truly alive, not some old betty wanting to prolong a Disney moment. Nor is it for the emotionally constipated, as evinced by one other reviewer. Rite of Passage is the best book to come out this year! Anyone who gives it less than five stars is just not used to backpacking.
Rating:
Summary: Inspiring Travel Tales
Review: This book made me want to travel to Europe immediatly. It was very inspiring and enriching. I recommend it to young and old alike!
Rating:
Summary: Good Reminder
Review: This book reminded me the joy to travel. Some of the stories were beautifully written! I especially recommend this book to people who have put their traveler's spirit on hold for too long.
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