Other books that might interest you

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  A Kind of Homecoming

  E. R. Braithwaite

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  From the bestselling author of To Sir, With Love comes the moving personal memoir of a westernized black man who journeys to Africa in search of his roots and discovers a vibrant and extraordinary society on the verge of monumental changeIn the early 1960s acclaimed British Guianese author E. R. Braithwaite embarked on a pilgrimage to the West African countries of Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, and across Sierra Leone just as the emerging nation was preparing to declare its independence. What Braithwaite discovered was a world vastly different from the staid, firmly established British society in which he had spent most of his life. In a place as foreign to him as the dark side of the moon, he was overcome by colorful sights, sounds, and smells that vividly reawakened lost memories from his childhood. Entering the intimate circles of the local intelligentsia, Braithwaite was able to view these newly evolving African societies from the inside, struck by their mixtures of passion and naïveté, their political obsessions and technological indifference. The author discovered a world that fascinated, excited, and, in some cases, deeply troubled him—and in the process he discovered himself.E. R. Braithwaite’s A Kind of Homecoming is at once an enthralling personal journey and an eye-opening chronicle of a time of great change on the African continent that helps us to better understand the West Africa of today.

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  In Praise of Retreat - Finding...

  Kirsteen MacLeod

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  For readers of Walden, Wild, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, A Book of Silence, A Gift from the Sea and other celebrations of the inner adventure.
  		 
  An utterly engaging dive into our modern ways of retreat — where we go, why we’re drawn, and how it’s urgent
  		 
  From pilgrim paths to forest cabins, and from rented hermitages to arts temples and quiet havens for yoga and meditation, In Praise of Retreat explores the pleasures and powers of this ancient practice for modern people. Kirsteen MacLeod draws on the history of retreat and personal experiences to reveal the many ways readers can step back from society to reconnect with their deepest selves — and to their loftiest aspirations in life.
  		 
  In the 21st century, disengaging, even briefly, is seen by many as self-indulgent, unproductive, and antisocial. Yet to retreat is as basic a human need as being social, and everyone can benefit, whether it’s for a weekend, a month, or a lifetime. Retreat is an uncertain adventure with as many peaks and valleys as any mountain expedition, except we head inward, to recharge and find fresh energy and brave new ideas to bring back into our everyday lives.

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  Spirit of Place - Letters and...

  Lawrence Durrell

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  The definitive collection of travel writings by one of the twentieth century’s best-loved journeyersFrom the moment of his birth, Lawrence Durrell was far from home. A British child in India, he was sent to England to receive an education, and by his early twenties had already tired of his native land. With family in tow, he departed for Greece, and spent the rest of his life wandering the world. He traveled not to sightsee but to live, and made homes in Egypt, France, Yugoslavia, and Argentina. Each time he landed, he rooted himself deep into the native soil, taking in not just the sights and sounds of his new land, but the essential character of the country. In these letters and essays, Durrell exhibits the power of poetic observation that made his travel writing so extraordinary to post–World War II readers. In these pages he reminds us not just of each country’s hidden charms, but of the unique characteristics that persist through the generations.

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  Circling Home - What I Learned...

  Terry A Repak

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  When Terry Repak and her husband moved to West Africa with two small children at the height of the AIDS epidemic in the 1990s, she seized the opportunity to connect with people of other cultures and bear witness to the ravages of the disease. "Circling Home" chronicles the adventures and challenges of raising children overseas and trying to find home in countries as diverse as Ivory Coast, Tanzania, and Switzerland. Her memoir spotlights the complexity, struggles, and profound lessons at the heart of the expat journey.

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  Pardon My French - How a Grumpy...

  Allen Johnson

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  To make a friend is a joy. To make a friend in another country is a wonderment-a small miracle. Pardon My French follows an American author who has embraced a daunting mission: not to be a spectator in France but an enthusiastic participant-fully engaged, fully alive. 
   
  In France, Johnson is like an alien from another planet. Everything is strange to him. His goal is to speak French without going to prison, drive without being squashed like a bug, dance the tango without losing his marriage, and belt out a tune with a world-class jazz combo without being booed off the stage. 
   
  Repeatedly, the author fearlessly steps into harm's way. He joins a summer acting troop and witnesses the French version of sexual liberation. He pits his rather staid and conventional driving skills against the French speed demons of Languedoc. He tries to be cool in a painting class while sputtering nervously in front of the nude model with the long legs and silky voice. 
   
  And then, after it all-after the splendor of Christmas on the Mediterranean, the bicycle tours along the French canals, the mountain treks amply supplied with French bread, cheese, and wine-the miracle happens. The often self-deprecating and bungling American meets and falls in love with a beautiful mistress: La belle France. And when he does, an entire village adopts him into a new family-one with a gracious heart and a beautiful French accent.

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  Italian Phrase Book - Easy...

  Grizzly Publishing

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  Simply hearing the word Italy conjures up images of incredible cuisine, historical cities, cobbled streets, snow-capped mountains, and even beautiful beaches. All of which explain why Italy is one of the most highly sought-after holiday destinations on the entire planet.But there is a bit of a barrier to this amazing country – the fact that Italy is not actually an English-speaking country.With this in mind, if you truly plan on visiting this amazing place and experiencing all it has to offer, then you need to learn some of the local language. By familiarizing yourself with some key phrases and certain aspects of the language, you can ensure that you will get the most out of this incredible holiday destination.And we have got you covered.In this book you will learn:The basic principles of the Italian languageCorrect pronunciation of key Italian wordsHow to easily ask for directionsHow to order your favorite foods and drinksHow to find key locations within the areaBasic subjects such as numbers, colors, and weatherSo, what are you waiting for? Learn literally everything you need to know to get around Italy and immerse yourself in one of the most culturally rich countries in the world!

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