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Summary: Well written personal adventure
Review: A great story of personal examination, both of the author's past & current lives. The first third of the book grips & holds you firmly as you follow her adventures and struggle to survive. I couldn't put it down! (Stayed up way too late to finish the book!) The stories of her family and childhood were reflective and loving, but the narratives of her day to day existence and survival will fascinate any reader. I intend to give this as a gift to several people I know. I recommend it to just about everyone.
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Summary: Not for women only!
Review: A reader would make a serious mistake to conclude that Debi Holmes-Binney's engaging account of her desert sojourn is reading solely reserved for women. It is a book for both genders. This book will touch the soul of anyone who has lived long enough to have realized that life is far more complicated than we were promised, that material rewards become hollow in time, that relationships are fragile, and that permanence in anything is elusive. If approached with an open mind, Desert Sojourn is an immensely fulfilling work that invokes the best of journal-writing traditions. Carefully and beautifully written, Holmes-Binney's text takes the reader into the desert and deep into her thoughts. When she is cold, we are cold; when she is scared, we are too; and, when she is triumphant, we are swept aloft. I found myself deeply moved by this slim volume. Read it for no other reason than it will force you to slow down. It will take you to a place of solitude. It will cause you to think carefully about your life. In the end, what more can one ask from a book?
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Summary: A Book That Would Make Thoreau Proud
Review: Anyone who is interested in the most important journey of life, the journey inward, should read and then reflect on this book. DESERT SOJOURN is a book filled with the "stuff" of what leading a purposeful life is all about. Thoreau would be most proud of Holmes-Binney as she is clearly someone did not want to nor has "lived a lfie of quiet desperation." BRAVO, Debi! BRAVO!
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Summary: I loved this book!
Review: As the title implies, this is one woman's journey into the desert for a forty day retreat; her mission is to bring back meaning and clarity to her life. This is a beautifully written book about one woman's self exploration and the lessons she learns along the way. She not only faces her fears and phobias, but learns to conquer them. With her vivid descriptions I went along with her on the adventure. Through her written words I felt her pain, fear, and her amazing courage. I really didn't want the book to end. It was a very exciting and fast paced book!
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Summary: Desert Stay Opened My eyes, My Heart
Review: Debi Holmes-Binney did something many of us will only dream about doing. She risked her life to find something beyond the routine day. Determined to escape society for 40 days and nights, she was trucked into the remote Great Salt Lake Desert in the heart of winter without gun or phone and was 25 miles from the nearnest house or store. When she almost died her second night there in a freak snow storm, she had a second chance at life. What followed was a remarkable inner journey of universal appeal. Her honesty is almost as frightening as it is beautiful. Her writing is strong, poetic--to the point. I couldn't put the book down after the first page. Highly recommended for any woman intrigued with her own being and not afraid to step from the herd. I left the book feeling closer to myself, Nature and those I love.
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Summary: A N UNFORGETTABLE READ!
Review: DESERT SOJOURN is one of the most moving and beautiful books I have ever read and reminds me of GIFTS FROM THE SEA. The author takes her readers deep into the Great Salt Lake Desert and into her soul. Her inner journey ranges from the amusing to the insightful to the painful, but it's always well written and compelling. I wish I had her courage. Reading the book has certainly given me more strength.
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Summary: Great book, but frustrating as well
Review: I greatly enjoyed this book...as a thirty-something myself who has gone through a divorce, I could relate to a lot of the emotions and the urge to find oneself. Debi's sojourn into the desert, or at least the concept, is one that I often daydream about as a way of searching out my soul and realizing my purpose. I think she has a lot of courage to face herself alone in isolation as I'm not sure I could sleep so many nights in the wilderness alone without dying of fright. The book was well-written, if not a little whiney, at times.However, at the same time, I found numerous things disturbing. First, the author divorces her husband and leaves her child with him, except for holidays. Then she runs off with some literature guru who lets her live with him jobless and complaining for however long. Second, she goes into the wilderness ill-prepared for 40 days alone - no waterproof hiking boots, no warm jacket, etc. For anyone who has ever camped or skied in extreme conditions, they know that those two items are first and foremost on the survival list. What was she thinking when she brought Reeboks and cowboy boots? Third, she would've surely died had not the ranger and his wife provided her with a parka, wood stove and wood, and staple gun. Fourth, she spent half of her time hiding out in her shelter before realizing that she could occupy her time with creating a camp site area that would make her feel at home. It occurred to me while reading that this is the first thing I would've done - explored my area, created a home, and thus felt safe and comfortable. Regardless of the frustration, this is a definitely a recommended book.
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Summary: Very Disappointing!
Review: I know it is my fault that I had such high hopes for this book, but just the same it does not live up to expectations. To begin with, the title is a bit misleading. She was not alone for 40 days. Having to get bailed out twice due to poor planning disqualifies this as a solo venture. As a spiritual sojourn it just does not inspire. She never strays more than five feet from her shelter (that she had help building) without being completely freaked-out with the possibility of encountering various bogey-men. That she left her shelter up for others to clean up upon her departure was really the last straw for me with this book. Littering the wilderness is never alright, no matter one's excuse. Needless to say, I do not recommend this book. One positive, however: She did try.
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Summary: Disappointing |Sojourn
Review: I opened the book with high expectations...What a terrific title...and what a shame to find such immature writing. I kept waiting for the moment when I could share the author's experience...when I could admire her...or sympathize with her..but honestly...a pet fly! A captivating topic...wasted!
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Summary: Hmmmm. A Parking Lot Puddle?
Review: I seem to be in the minority but I found this book particularly annoying. I found Ms. Holmes-Binney's "discoveries" rather shallow. While reading the book, I kept looking for a gem or two and found only fool's gold. I would have to say to Ms. Holmes-Binney "You, my Dear, ain't no Joan Anderson!"
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