Wait Until Evening

Rating:
Summary: Travel Writing At It's Best
Review: First, let me acknowledge a high degree of subjectivity in reviewing this book. Ken Taylor has been a friend and colleague of many years and a frequent contributor to the website I edit, naturaltraveler.com. We have published a substantial amount of his work since our site went up on the Net four years ago. Therefore, speaking as an editor and a travel-writer myself, it is my considered opinion that no one writing travel essays today does it any better than Ken. A good deal of material anthologized in "Wait Until Evening" first appeared in naturaltraveler.com where we were privileged to have a first crack at it. Much of the subject matter also apears for the first time between the book's covers. One thing I can say, with whatever objectivity a critic is permitted to muster, is that anyone who enjoys reading about the journey -- the people, places, things, events and encounters that create memories -- will cherish this fine piece of writing. To one and all, enjoy the trip. I sure have.

Rating:
Summary: Travel Writing At It's Best
Review: First, let me acknowledge a high degree of subjectivity in reviewing this book. Ken Taylor has been a friend and colleague of many years and a frequent contributor to the website I edit, naturaltraveler.com. We have published a substantial amount of his work since our site went up on the Net four years ago. Therefore, speaking as an editor and a travel-writer myself, it is my considered opinion that no one writing travel essays today does it any better than Ken. A good deal of material anthologized in "Wait Until Evening" first appeared in naturaltraveler.com where we were privileged to have a first crack at it. Much of the subject matter also apears for the first time between the book's covers. One thing I can say, with whatever objectivity a critic is permitted to muster, is that anyone who enjoys reading about the journey -- the people, places, things, events and encounters that create memories -- will cherish this fine piece of writing. To one and all, enjoy the trip. I sure have.

Rating:
Summary: A Rake & A Curmudgeon
Review: sum up the characteristics some have attributed to Mr. Taylor, but there is no denying that he is a gifted writer and astute observer of the human condition. Despite anticipated protestations, he must have been afforded an indulgent educational experience and myriad opportunities for expense-paid travel beyond those available to most mere, moral, mortal men. Obviously this was not just his job, it was an adventure--at least some of it was.
Justly, other things he has written have received great praise. I note, especially, his sharp wit and appreciation for the absurd. More than most, he has a characteristic capacity to convey his cafergotamine-like experiences in such a way that the reader comprehends that he is compellingly more of a companion and confidant than a voyeur.
Better travel writers are rare. Anyone can write about what they did on their summer vacation but they fail to engage or even interest the reader. Language, mere words, are so masterfully chosen by this teller of tales that a titillating tapestry of a travel tableau is engendered right before the very eyes of the reader. Lastly, and this is not meant to detrct from the overall experience, there is some question as to whether the story of skull-hunting on Guam should have been included.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful man, and a wonderful author
Review: While I have not read the book yet, I am anticipating that it will be another item in the long list of great literary works that this author has produced in the past. I look forward to reading it.