Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.76 AVERAGE
3.76 AVERAGE
Here are 26 traveler's tales by different authors. The best known is Dave Eggers, who tells a story about Cuba. Some of the authors make their published debut in the collection. Alice Waters and Pico Iyer are other famous names. Handy author bios appear at the end. It was published by Lonely Planet, the guidebook publisher, in 2016 altho all of the stories are copyrighted 2003.
Many of the stories take place in the middle east and Africa. The tone of the tales varies a lot. Some are light or funny, some are more philosophical, some are adventure stories, and at least one has a strong true crime plot line. There is quite a bit of suspense as the travelers encounter dangerous or uncertain circumstances on the road. The theme of kindness is mostly constant, although the term is interpreted broadly. My favorite is a beautifully and subtly written chapter by Anthony Sattin, a British citizen who makes a Palestinian pilgrimage. Another favorite takes place in Morocco, and it involves a case of mistaken identity and a rather startling description of the women's communal bath.
Many of the stories take place in troubled parts of the world, like the middle east and Africa. Reading travel experiences in areas that you aren't likely to visit is, to me, the easiest way to deepen your understanding of the history and politics of the region.
It's very easy to pick up and let yourself get lost in a different locale and culture for 10-20 pages. It makes a great summer read, especially if you don't have a trip planned.
Many of the stories take place in the middle east and Africa. The tone of the tales varies a lot. Some are light or funny, some are more philosophical, some are adventure stories, and at least one has a strong true crime plot line. There is quite a bit of suspense as the travelers encounter dangerous or uncertain circumstances on the road. The theme of kindness is mostly constant, although the term is interpreted broadly. My favorite is a beautifully and subtly written chapter by Anthony Sattin, a British citizen who makes a Palestinian pilgrimage. Another favorite takes place in Morocco, and it involves a case of mistaken identity and a rather startling description of the women's communal bath.
Many of the stories take place in troubled parts of the world, like the middle east and Africa. Reading travel experiences in areas that you aren't likely to visit is, to me, the easiest way to deepen your understanding of the history and politics of the region.
It's very easy to pick up and let yourself get lost in a different locale and culture for 10-20 pages. It makes a great summer read, especially if you don't have a trip planned.
This was the perfect read for the world in 2017. A gentle reminder that behind every "these people" and "those people" are good hearted individuals. The intro by the Dalai Lama just sets it perfectly. The collection is dated, with many written before 9/11 so the Middle East stories have a different flavor to them. I've read some in other collections, or in the writers' own volumes, but overall a quick and enjoyable read. Heavy on Africa and the Middle East but I think that was reflective of the time in which they were written - travelers were a novelty there. And I love Belle and Sam -- that one pops up in all the places.
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
I enjoyed some parts of the book but a lot of stories were too mundane or put me down more than reminded me of kindness. I am less hopeful about travelling as a female to some of the countries the writes have visited. On the other hand there were quite a few funny or intriguing stories that I loved. It really was a 50/50 one for me
I enjoyed most of these travel stories, though I don't think any will really stick with me. However, the stories were mostly uplifting, a few were scary, something I needed. The small volume was easy to carry in my bag and read in fits and spurts, mostly as I sat in the hospital or ate meals. Many of the locales were exotic to me, places I will likely never visit, so that also added interest in some of the stories. I was not familiar with many of the writers.
What a fantastic collection on the beauty of chance while traveling. Some of the stories I had to skip, because I'm not interested in war stories or tales of people visiting war relics. Some of these stories scared me and made me doubt my sanity in traveling Southeast Asia, but some of them put a smile on my face and provided a very welcome respite from the stresses of an intensive CELTA course! I wish the story about the couple traveling from Mexico to San Francisco had not been so close to the end; it really spooked me and left me with a bad taste in my mouth.
I haven't finished this completely, but if you find yourself traveling frequently (and often alone), it is a collection of vignettes that will boost your spirits.
I enjoy Don George's travel writing and have found the volumes he edits to be inspiring. This particular volume helped remind me of the beauty of sharing this life with others. I find in travel writing hope for a better future. Thank you to all the writers who keep sharing their stories.
The Kindness of Strangers is a collection of true stories about traveling. Having been to some of the countries in the book, I was interested to find out what kind of experience the authors had, and what sort of kindness they experienced. The stories made me smile, made me laugh, and made me cry. Most were funny and heartwarming, but I wasn’t envious of the author in every story--a refreshing departure from what I expected.
The book starts out with light humour: mistaken identity, buying the wrong type of underwear, and colourful characters. By the end it turns to a darker type of tale. Some don’t have happy endings, and the last story sent shivers down my spine.
One thing I really appreciated about reading The Kindness of Strangers, is that it’s easy to put it down and pick it up again later because none of the stories are related.
You won’t love every story, but chances are you’ll find at least 2 or 3 you enjoy. Recommended for those who enjoy a quick read, travel writing, self-deprecating humour, and learning about different cultures and countries.
The book starts out with light humour: mistaken identity, buying the wrong type of underwear, and colourful characters. By the end it turns to a darker type of tale. Some don’t have happy endings, and the last story sent shivers down my spine.
One thing I really appreciated about reading The Kindness of Strangers, is that it’s easy to put it down and pick it up again later because none of the stories are related.
You won’t love every story, but chances are you’ll find at least 2 or 3 you enjoy. Recommended for those who enjoy a quick read, travel writing, self-deprecating humour, and learning about different cultures and countries.
At a time when there is so much discussion about all of the negative qualities of humanity, it is nice to find a book that celebrates kindness and reminds us it is still out there no matter how far we stray from home.
I'm not able to travel right now, so I found these short accounts so lovely, intriguing and nerve-wracking at times. All equally well written. What a fun book!