This book was hilarious. It's the book I wish I was clever enough to write. At one point I was laughing so hard I was crying. It might very well be the funniest book I've ever read. I highly highly highly recommend this book! Oh, and it's sweet and sad, too. But mostly funny. Did I mention it was funny?
Franz Wisner was dumped at the altar, but his honeymoon was already paid for. In an attempt to cheer himself up, he takes his younger brother, Kurt, on his "honeymoon" to Costa Rica, and the two brothers connect in a way that they hadn't as adults. Upon their return from Costa Rica, Franz and Kurt decide to quit their jobs, sell their houses, and embark on a year long trip around the world, and this book tells of the adventures. Part travelogue, part relationship story, after finishing this book I called my sister to try to convince her that we, too, could quit our jobs, travel the world, and become better friends!
After he went blind while in college, John Bramblitt practiced getting around without sight at a Six Flags amusement park. Think about that. He began to paint after he lost his sight, and he made me understand what it means to see with sensors other than the eyes. There’s not an ounce of sentimentality here, but plenty of emotion, drive, and grit. You won’t be able to stop reading until you’re through to John’s singing in the light.
Before I get very far, I must point out that this book is appropriate for a mature 12-year old, I think. Anyway, this incrediblely true story of Bruce Olson's life, written by Olson, was an excellent source of GOOD-QUALITY reading that is so hard to find in today's world. Bruce is a missionary to the Motilone Indians in Venezuela, South America. He is captured and held hostage by guerillas, and by the Motilones themselves. He describes a night where he woke up and was sandwiched between two large and poisonous snakes. And then there's the tapeworm! I first heard of a book where a man pulls a tapeworm out of his mouth. Don't worry; it's not descriptive there! This is an excellent book that held my attention and encouraged me greatly.
This book is so amazing because it offers a unique view of Zimbabwe's history. Seeing it through the eyes of a British child lets you experience the trials of the country in a more sheltered way. This book was very honest and funny and interesting and sad. I loved it. Also available in Audio Format.