Perhaps my favorite aspect of Linda Ellerbee's work is what it lacks: whining.
In the months since I read this book, I've found myself quoting from it and recommending it regularly. I hear myself repeating things like "well written," "the best-written book all year," and "really fine writing." I wish I could add a few stars to my rating.
Optimism is a dominant gene in Ellerbee's coding, and it glows in her prose the same way it glows on her face when she appears on television. That optimism gives her the gumption to take those big bites--at times eating her own words--and savor every flavor, then to sit down and tell us all about it. She writes with wit, craftmanship, and poignancy.
Included with the adventures Ellerbee volunteered for (the sort none of us have experienced) are stories of some ugly surprises life threw at her (the sort none of us would volunteer for but all of us have experienced). Ellerbee's travels through these events are every bit as engaging as her journeys to exotic places. Her willingness to share her set-backs and stumbles as well as her successes is endearing and inspiring.
Linda Ellerbee is a virtuoso with language. She knows how to get your attention and hold it. She uses mere words to carry you along with her to uncommon places and common emotions, and to make you glad you accepted her invitation.
This book makes me profoundly grateful I know how to read.

Ms Ellerbee has been one of my favorite storytellers since NBC News Overnight, when she would speak the news in such a way that it woke one up, made me curious about the world, and encouraged me to check out the facts for myself firsthand. This fine book is just an extension of her verbal skills. It is full of lovingly written vignettes, worldly experiences, spiritual beauty, salty character, and really tasty recipes from her travel adventures so you can live vicariously, gastronomically, alongside her. Her greatest plotline is to seize the day, day after day, every second of every day. It took me months to finish this book because I didn't want it to end, but during the last few chapters I just couldn't put it down. I'm so grateful to her for sharing these travel stories, these details, these colors and sights and scents of the world. I would recommend this book highly to school librarians, to book clubs, fellow travelers, lovers of the memoir and adventure story, womens' circles, those feeling their years and mortality. It is truly a beam of sunlight.

A friend heard about this book on NPR. I was looking for a book to read over the holidays--usually I don't splurge on hardbacks, but after hearing how excited he was about it, I decided to get the book as a treat for myself. And what a treat is is!! Linda Ellerbee is a magnificent writer--she is articulate, funny, experienced--and motivating! As a single female who has always been intimidated by solo travel, I was captivated by her adventures. I found myself wanting to set out alone--finally, I understand how satisfying travel by oneself can be! The other fun part of the book is that while it is not a Food Book, it is also about food. The recipes at the end of each chapter are worth the price of the book! When it comes out in paperback, I will use this book for my turn at Book Club. After my copy, I bought three more as gifts. Ellerbee is an inspiration!!

I loved this book! I never read Ellerbee's work before but have long appreciated her tv journalist's style and fearlessness. At one point as I was reading, I felt like booking the next flight to anywhere I had never been, just to do it! I have since calmed down yet I must thank Ellerbee for reviving a certain hunger in me, one that will push me to take huge bites out of life. Ellerbee's stories about life, travel and food are truly uplifting and remind me of those times when life was simple and uncomplicated. Plus she is one funny Texan!