Journal Entry 1 by WritinReader on Sunday, August 17, 2008

Book Blog:

Tales of a Female Nomad is the story of Rita Golden Gelman, an ordinary woman who is living and extraordinary existence. At the age of forty-eight, on the verge of a divorce, Rita left an elegant life in L.A. to follow her dream of connecting with people in cultures all over the world. In 1986 she sold her possessions and became a nomad, living in a Zapotec village in Mexico, sleeping with sea lions on the Galapagos Islands, and residing everywhere from thatched huts to regal palaces. She has observed orangutans in the rain forest of Borneo, visited trance healers and dens of black magic, and cooked with women on fires all over the world. Rita's example encourages us all to dust off our dreams and rediscover the joy, the exuberance, and the hidden spirit that so many of us bury when we become adults. 

Journal Entry 2 by WritinReader at A Controlled Release, a fellow bookcrosser -- Controlled Releases on Sunday, August 17, 2008

Released 3 yrs ago (8/5/2008 UTC) at A Controlled Release, a fellow bookcrosser -- Controlled Releases

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Gave to a Bookcrosser who will probably like this one 

Journal Entry 3 by WingedMan on Monday, August 18, 2008

Thank you! I'm currently midway through this one and really enjoying it. 

Journal Entry 4 by WingedMan on Friday, August 22, 2008

How wonderful to read a travelogue by someone who doesn't travel as a tourist. Rita travels the way I prefer to.... by actually living among the people; getting involved. I enjoyed this very much, thank you so much for sharing. 

Journal Entry 5 by WingedMan at Controlled Release, Kentucky USA on Monday, August 25, 2008

Released 3 yrs ago (8/25/2008 UTC) at Controlled Release, Kentucky USA

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RABCK for istop4books who has this on her wishlist. Enjoy! 

Journal Entry 6 by istop4books from Mankato, Minnesota USA on Saturday, August 30, 2008

Thanks so much for sending this to me. I'm fairly sure I'm already jealous of this woman! 

Journal Entry 7 by istop4books from Mankato, Minnesota USA on Thursday, October 02, 2008

I am a person who loves to travel and I've done my share of traveling -- I'm still jealous. To be able to get up and go, to leave your known world for a bit of the unknown, seems like a luxury that most of can't afford - either because of financial issues, or lack of time, or the responsibilities of real life that bind us to our homes. What I liked about this memoir was Rita's personal journey. Her first trip was to close-by Mexico and, yes, she did go to live in a village, but the Mexican culture is very close to Californians and not too exotic. She had her misgivings, hated eating alone in a restaurant but overcame the challenges, toughed it out and stuck with it. My hat goes off to her for that.

I did find, however, that she never really explored why she felt the need to be away from her real family and substitute it with other family. When she lived in Bali and her mother was dying, it almost seemed as though she felt a deeper loss over the death of Tu Aji, than that of her mother and father. Why? Perhaps she doesn't even know herself, but it did strike me as odd that she would replace her need for friendship, comraderie and ultimately love, with perfect strangers and not with her more immediate family.

In any case, an amazing travel book. Thanks wingedman for thinking of me - I'll try to pass it on to another bxer who travels vicariously through books! 

Journal Entry 8 by istop4books from Mankato, Minnesota USA on Saturday, October 04, 2008

Journal Entry 9 by istop4books at Albuquerque, New Mexico USA on Thursday, October 09, 2008

Released 3 yrs ago (10/9/2008 UTC) at Albuquerque, New Mexico USA

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Sending this fun travel book to New Mexico to start its bookray journey. Enjoy!!! 

Journal Entry 10 by NMReader from Herndon, Virginia USA on Monday, October 20, 2008

It has arrived and I can't wait to read
 

Journal Entry 11 by NMReader from Herndon, Virginia USA on Monday, December 01, 2008

I have been remiss. Two people who had loaned me books are moving and I needed to finish the ones they had loaned me. I should have this done by the weekend and in the mail by Sunday. 

Journal Entry 12 by NMReader from Herndon, Virginia USA on Tuesday, December 09, 2008

I read through the first part of this book like a house on fire. Then I got to the middle and got sdistracted by other books and wasn't as "in" to it. Then I got back into reading it and finished it in no time.

Enjoyed the book but parts in the middle did seem to drag a bit. 

Journal Entry 13 by NMReader at by mail, a fellow bookcrosser -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Released 3 yrs ago (12/10/2008 UTC) at by mail, a fellow bookcrosser -- Controlled Releases

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I have three things to mail to the next person for this book, so I will combine into one package.

The Delivery confirmation number is 0307 0020 0004 8486 5281

Label/Receipt Number: 0307 0020 0004 8486 5281
Status: Delivered

Your item was delivered at 10:48 AM on December 13, 2008 in NASHVILLE, TN 37221.
 

Journal Entry 14 by ninkasi from Nashville, Tennessee USA on Sunday, December 14, 2008

I received this book in yesterday's mail and will begin reading it today. Thanks! 

Journal Entry 15 by ninkasi from Nashville, Tennessee USA on Monday, January 12, 2009

Absolutely loved this book, though it took me a little longer to read than I had expected due to the hustle and bustle of the holidays! I love to travel and to hear the tales of other travelers, so this was right up my alley. 

Journal Entry 16 by bibliotreker from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA on Saturday, February 21, 2009

Arrived today, thanks nincasi. Can't wait to get started on this one. 

Journal Entry 17 by bibliotreker from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA on Saturday, February 28, 2009

I really liked this book. I admire Rita for her ability to just dive in and absorb different cultures, especially when learning a new language and adapting to a different could be a real challenge. It was great reading for the armchair traveler. Her writing reminds me of those of the Paul Theroux who goes where the natives go and not to the usual tourist traps. What better way to know a people. The difference, though, is that Theroux just passes through, Gelman stays a while and really gets to know the people. I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes this sort of book.

This volume seems a bit travel weary and I'm going to see if I can give it a little TLC before sending on its' way; especially, since it still has a long road ahead. 

Journal Entry 18 by MaryZee from Taneytown, Maryland USA on Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Book arrived safely yesterday. I just started another quick book, and this is next on Mt. TBR. Should be starting this before next week, and will update here when I do start it.

3/14 update - Started this a couple of days ago, and I'm already 1/3 finished. I'll pm Oi-reader now for her address. 

Journal Entry 19 by MaryZee from Taneytown, Maryland USA on Thursday, March 19, 2009

Travel memoirs are one of my favorite genres, and I really enjoyed spending time with Rita. Her book makes me want to travel the world too, but I'm more of an armchair traveler (at least when it comes to international travel :) What a change she made from the beginning of the book, when she was afraid to be seen eating by herself, to the lady who insists on going eel hunting before leaving Indonesia (and perilously slides around in the mud). It was interesting to read some of the Kiwi phrases that she found unusual; ones that I've become very familiar with thru BCing, such as chuffed (meaning very pleased, which I am everytime I get to share a BC book).

Thanks to WritinReader and everyone else for sharing this book. I have Oi-reader's address; this will be flying off to her shortly.

3/24 update - This will be mailed out today. 

Journal Entry 20 by oi-reader from Toledo, Ohio USA on Friday, March 27, 2009

Arrived safely yesterday. I have one ring ahead of it but will get it moving soon. Thanks for sharing! 

Journal Entry 21 by oi-reader from Toledo, Ohio USA on Sunday, April 12, 2009

I love travelogues, especially those written by women brave enough to travel on their own! Reading Rita's adventures was a delight, although sometimes I questioned her decisions, especially leaving her mother at the end of her life. Being a bit of a foodie myself, the chapter re: Thailand was the most enjoyable :)

Have pm'd Labmomnm and will get this to her as soon as I have an address.

04-14-09 update, labmomnm has asked to be skipped. Am pm'ing MissMarkey and will send ot her as soon as I have an address, 

Journal Entry 22 by oi-reader at :o), -- By post or by hand/ in person -- USA on Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Released 3 yrs ago (4/30/2009 UTC) at :o), -- By post or by hand/ in person -- USA

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I have finally received a reply from MissMarkey! Sending off in the mail to her tomorrow morning! 

Journal Entry 23 by MissMarkey from Harwell, Oxfordshire United Kingdom on Monday, May 18, 2009

Received and reading. I can tell I'm going to enjoy this.
Delay in replying was because I was in New Zealand at Bookcrossing Convention. 

Journal Entry 24 by MissMarkey from Harwell, Oxfordshire United Kingdom on Friday, June 05, 2009

I finished this book today and really enjoyed it. Have pm'd Tregossip for her address. 

Journal Entry 25 by MissMarkey from Harwell, Oxfordshire United Kingdom on Saturday, June 20, 2009

No reply from Tregossip. Will pm once more and wait a few days then go on to next person. 

Journal Entry 26 by Tregossip from St. Austell, Cornwall United Kingdom on Friday, June 26, 2009

Arrived this morning and thanks one and all.
Currently reading Semi-Detached by Griff Rhys Jones. Enjoying it and more a book to read a chapter or two and leave for a day or two.

So will get to this one soon, thanks for including me.

Well I did, and what a wonderfully refreshing travelogue too. I wish I could be that brave 

Journal Entry 27 by Tregossip at St. Austell, Cornwall United Kingdom on Thursday, July 09, 2009

Released 2 yrs ago (7/10/2009 UTC) at St. Austell, Cornwall United Kingdom

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Off to Kerriou

Only got to the post office today - sorry for the delay 

Journal Entry 28 by Kerriou from Swansea, Wales United Kingdom on Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Arrived this morning. Thank you, Tregossip.
I'll make a start on this as soon as I finish my current read. 

Journal Entry 29 by Kerriou from Swansea, Wales United Kingdom on Saturday, July 25, 2009

A fascinating travelogue which I really enjoyed. I found the chapters on the Central American countries the most interesting. Thank you for sharing, istops4books.

I already have an address for chich so hope to get this book moving within the next day or two. 

Journal Entry 30 by Kerriou at Swansea, International Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Released 2 yrs ago (7/29/2009 UTC) at Swansea, International Bookring -- Controlled Releases

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Posted off to chich this morning. 

Journal Entry 31 by chich from Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears/Islas Baleares Spain on Saturday, August 01, 2009

Book received today, thanks for passing it on Kerriou!

Thanks for for starting this ring istop4books, I'll finish the book I'm reading right now and will get right on to this one:o) 

Journal Entry 32 by chich from Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears/Islas Baleares Spain on Friday, August 07, 2009

I'm a huge travelogue fan and this was quite an enjoyable read. I found it very interesting that Golden Gelman decided to immerse herself in different cultures instead of simply passing through, it gave much more insight to her experience. As has been mentioned by other journalers, what I found a bit disturbing was Golden Gelman's apparent need to stay away from her family and her need to re-create another "community" wherever she was in the world. It sometimes felt like she was trying to avoid "real life". istop4books pointed out that the author's ability to leave everything behind the way she did was a luxury most of us couldn't afford and I couldn't agree more. Some of the author's comment made it sound like anyone could just get up and go and travel the world but it's simply not true and I think Golden Gelman's financial means and her apparent detachment from family ties made it easier for her to live the life she chose.

Thanks again for sharing this very interesting read istop4books:)

I've already PMed icila for her address and will send her the book ASAP. 

Journal Entry 33 by chich from Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears/Islas Baleares Spain on Friday, August 07, 2009

Book sent to icila today, enjoy! 

Journal Entry 34 by Icila from Nantes, Pays de la Loire France on Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Arrived safe yesterday. Thanks chich ! 

Journal Entry 35 by Icila from Nantes, Pays de la Loire France on Monday, August 31, 2009

I really enjoyed the reading. I agree with Rita, it's funnier in Youth Hostels than in 5stars hotels. How I would like to dare to ask for a bed and stay with a family somewhere.
Very enriching story. Thanks for sharing.

PMing SoberGirl 

Journal Entry 36 by Icila from Nantes, Pays de la Loire France on Wednesday, October 07, 2009

On its way to SoberGirl.
Sorry for the delay but she was away for a while and after it was my turn. 

Journal Entry 37 by Sobergirl from Turku, Varsinais-Suomi Finland on Friday, October 09, 2009

The book is now with me!
I will read it asap and pass on to the next reader!
 

Journal Entry 38 by Sobergirl from Turku, Varsinais-Suomi Finland on Tuesday, October 20, 2009

This book kept me awake at work when I should have been sleeping.. This is such a good book!
I enjoyed every page.

I too travel by myself most of the time, I sometimes stay in hotels, sometimes in b&b's, depending on where in the world I'm going. I do mostly travel in Europe.
Like Rita I too sometimes feel a bit funny about having dinner by myself.

I have contacted the next person on the list for their address.



 

Journal Entry 39 by Sobergirl from Turku, Varsinais-Suomi Finland on Thursday, October 22, 2009

The book has been mailed to sudokugirl via economy mail. 

Journal Entry 40 by sudokugirl from Sarajevo, Sarajevo Bosnia-Herzegovina on Friday, November 06, 2009

The book arrived safely this morning. Looks very interesting, I'm looking forward to reading it. 

Journal Entry 41 by sudokugirl from Sarajevo, Sarajevo Bosnia-Herzegovina on Tuesday, December 01, 2009

A very enjoyable read, just the sort of thing to take you away from a rainy day in an urban environment. I'm sure we're all envious of Rita's freedom :) Thanks for sharing, WritinReader and istop4books. Lilacwhisper asked to be skipped, so I'm PMing midlifecrisis. 

Journal Entry 42 by sudokugirl at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Released 2 yrs ago (12/29/2009 UTC) at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases

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Sent to midlifecrisis. 

Journal Entry 43 by Midlifecrisis from St. Austell, Cornwall United Kingdom on Monday, January 11, 2010

This book is safely with me - thanks Sudokogirl. Not sure how long it has been held up in the post due to our dreadful weather. This looks so interesting I can't wait to get stuck in. I have not been a very active BXer lately, so perhaps this one will get me back on track. 

Journal Entry 44 by Midlifecrisis from St. Austell, Cornwall United Kingdom on Friday, March 05, 2010

Enjoyed this one very much and found the way the author travelled almost more interesting than the places she went to. A remarkable ability to place herself within communities, and it seemed people were falling over themselves to offer hospitality. I couldn't quite get my head round this being in, and yet ultimately not committing, to being part of the societies in which she lived. I don't think my daughter would be too impressed if I were to adopt this lifestyle!
I have twice pm'd the next person but had no reply. Istop4books, do you want me to contact the next person?
Cheers. Sally 

Journal Entry 45 by shovelmonkey1 from Liverpool, Merseyside United Kingdom on Monday, March 22, 2010

Arrived at my office today so thanks for sending this on. Got a few other bookrays before i get to this one but I will try not to hang onto it for too long. Thank you for including me in this bookray. 

Journal Entry 46 by shovelmonkey1 from Liverpool, Merseyside United Kingdom on Monday, April 05, 2010

Journal Entry 47 by shovelmonkey1 at BOOK RING, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom on Friday, April 16, 2010

Released 2 yrs ago (4/17/2010 UTC) at BOOK RING, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom

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This book is now travelling on to Australia and its new home. 

Journal Entry 48 by briz-cowgirl at Brisbane, Queensland Australia on Friday, July 02, 2010

Received today from the UK, many thanks! I have one more bookring to read before this one; it looks great, can't wait to get into it :)

ADDIT 9/8/10
Finished this book yesterday. Took me a little while to get into it, but once I got to a certain point (I thibk it was the Galapagos Islands) I was hooked! She is such a brave woman to be doing what she is doing, I wish I had the courage to do something similar. Liked her writing style & her perspective on the world around her.
Thanks so much for sharing this bookring. Sending a PM to the next reader on the list. 

Journal Entry 49 by briz-cowgirl at Brisbane, Queensland Australia on Sunday, August 29, 2010

Released 1 yr ago (8/30/2010 UTC) at Brisbane, Queensland Australia

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Heading across the Pacific Ocean to Goddess-Of-Fire. Enjoy! 

Journal Entry 50 by Goddess-Of-Fire at Springfield, Missouri USA on Saturday, October 30, 2010

This book arrived a couple weeks ago, sorry for not journaling it it before now. I'm almost finished and will have it off to Llednyl asap.

Also, sorry if you've been trying to PM me. My university's spam filter has been catching them, but that's all fixed now. :) 

Journal Entry 51 by Llednyl at Chesterland, Ohio USA on Sunday, November 14, 2010

Arrived yesterday - I've been looking forward to this one! Will try to read it as soon as possible, but a busy schedule has got me behind on reading at the mo'. But no worries - will send it on if I can't finish in a timely manner. I'll keep you updated :-) 

Journal Entry 52 by Llednyl at -- Mail or by hand-rings, RABCK, meetings, Ohio USA on Thursday, January 06, 2011

Released 1 yr ago (1/6/2011 UTC) at -- Mail or by hand-rings, RABCK, meetings, Ohio USA

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Now traveling back to istop4books!

This was a fun read. I admired Gelman's bravery and curiosity about the world, and that she was indeed an ordinary person doing extraordinary things. I myself love traveling, but I'm too much of a homebody to do it more or less nonstop - I always need a permanent home to come back to, and family and friends are very important to me. Indeed, I thought it was perhaps a bit selfish of her to always be leaving her new found friends, who obviously enjoyed her company so much. Nevertheless, what I took from the book was that there are new friends to be found and adventures to be had no matter where you are, if you're open and willing to find them. 

Journal Entry 53 by istop4books at Mankato, Minnesota USA on Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Received back in Minnesota safe and sound. Thanks to everyone who participated!!! It was a lot of fun to see the book travel around the world!