Tales of a Female Nomad: Living at Large in the World
Registered by rem_NFI-175395 on 8/17/2008
20 journalers for this copy...
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.
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 rem_NFI-175395 at Controlled Release, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases on Sunday, August 17, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (8/5/2008 UTC) at Controlled Release, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases
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Gave to a Bookcrosser who will probably like this one
Gave to a Bookcrosser who will probably like this one
Thank you! I'm currently midway through this one and really enjoying it.
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 
rem_NON-938592
at -- Mail or by hand -rings, RABCK, meetings, Kentucky USA on Monday, August 25, 2008
rem_NON-938592 at -- Mail or by hand -rings, RABCK, meetings, Kentucky USA on Monday, August 25, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (8/25/2008 UTC) at -- Mail or by hand -rings, RABCK, meetings, Kentucky USA
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RABCK for istop4books who has this on her wishlist. Enjoy!
RABCK for istop4books who has this on her wishlist. Enjoy!
Thanks so much for sending this to me. I'm fairly sure I'm already jealous of this woman!
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!
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!
This book will now be going out as a bookray and will hopefully travel as many miles as Rita did!!!The rules are pretty much the same as always:
1. Journal as soon as you receive the book
2. Keep it no longer than a month, and journal your thoughts on the book
3. Journal one more time when you send the book along
2 new items - The list of readers is long - PLEASE KEEP THIS ONE MOVING QUICKLY
If you see a known staller on the list, please PM me - it's only fun if everyone gets a chance to read it!!
Any problems - PM me.
Here's the lineup, which is subject to change:
NMreader - US, US shipping only
nincasi - US, US shipping only
bibliotrekker - US, US or Canada shipping
MaryZee - US, US/Canada shipping
oi-reader - US, US preferred
Labmomnm - US, anywhere ----> asked to be skipped
MissMarkey - UK, ship anywhere
tregossip, UK, UK or EU shipping
Kerriou - Wales, ship UK or Europe
chich, France, ship anywhere
icila, France, ship anywhere
SoberGirl, Finland, ship anywhere
Sudokugirl, Bosnia-Herzegovina, ship anywhere
lilacwhisper, Italy, ship EU
midlifecrisis -UK, keep towards the end, EU preferred
menalima, Portugal, ship int'l
shovelmonkey1, UK, ship anywhere
Mrbaggins1, South Africa, ship anywhere
briz-cowgirl, Australia, ship anywhere
Goddess-Of-Fire, US, ship US or Canada preferred
Llednyl, US, ship US or Canada<------------book is here
Thegoaliegirl, US, ship US or int'l if nec.
back to istop4books, US
PRCS - Canada, surface shipping--asked to be removed
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Sending this fun travel book to New Mexico to start its bookray journey. Enjoy!!!
Sending this fun travel book to New Mexico to start its bookray journey. Enjoy!!!
It has arrived and I can't wait to read
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.
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.
Enjoyed the book but parts in the middle did seem to drag a bit.
Released 15 yrs ago (12/10/2008 UTC) at
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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.
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.
I received this book in yesterday's mail and will begin reading it today. Thanks!
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.
Arrived today, thanks nincasi. Can't wait to get started on this one.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Arrived safely yesterday. I have one ring ahead of it but will get it moving soon. Thanks for sharing!
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,
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 -- Somewhere, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- USA on Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (4/30/2009 UTC) at -- Somewhere, -- 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!
I have finally received a reply from MissMarkey! Sending off in the mail to her tomorrow morning!
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.
Delay in replying was because I was in New Zealand at Bookcrossing Convention.
I finished this book today and really enjoyed it. Have pm'd Tregossip for her address.
No reply from Tregossip. Will pm once more and wait a few days then go on to next person.
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
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
Released 14 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
Off to Kerriou
Only got to the post office today - sorry for the delay
Arrived this morning. Thank you, Tregossip.
I'll make a start on this as soon as I finish my current read.
I'll make a start on this as soon as I finish my current read.
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.
I already have an address for chich so hope to get this book moving within the next day or two.
Released 14 yrs ago (7/29/2009 UTC) at UK, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
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Posted off to chich this morning.
Posted off to chich this morning.
Journal Entry 31 by chich from Ibiza - Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears/Islas Baleares Spain on Saturday, August 1, 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 Ibiza - Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears/Islas Baleares Spain on Friday, August 7, 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.
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 Ibiza - Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears/Islas Baleares Spain on Friday, August 7, 2009
Arrived safe yesterday. Thanks chich !
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
Very enriching story. Thanks for sharing.
PMing SoberGirl
On its way to SoberGirl.
Sorry for the delay but she was away for a while and after it was my turn.
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 / Egentliga Finland Finland on Friday, October 9, 2009
The book is now with me!
I will read it asap and pass on to the next reader!
I will read it asap and pass on to the next reader!
Journal Entry 38 by Sobergirl from Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland 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.
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 / Egentliga Finland 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 6, 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 1, 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 14 yrs ago (12/29/2009 UTC) at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
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Sent to midlifecrisis.
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 5, 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
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 Crystal Palace, Greater London 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 Crystal Palace, Greater London United Kingdom on Monday, April 5, 2010
I love reading travel books and I did enjoy this one, although it won't be finding its way into my top 5 travel books (which include William Dalrymples From the Holy Mountain, Irfan Orga's The Caravan Moves on and Paul Theroux's Pillars of Hercules). I found the title a little misleading as my idea of travelling as a nomad is to constantly move on to new places, seeking out new resources and experiences, generally without backtracking. What Rita Golden Gelman did was to have a series of very long, frequently quite static anthropoligical holidays followed by prolonged spells back home in her native country. I did admire the way she tried to integrate and learn as much as she could and clearly she loved all the people she met on the way and always tried to leave behind a positive impression.This book is now ready to travel on again.
Journal Entry 47 by shovelmonkey1 at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom on Friday, April 16, 2010
Released 14 yrs ago (4/17/2010 UTC) at -- Controlled Release, -- 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.
This book is now travelling on to Australia and its new home.
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.
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.
Heading across the Pacific Ocean to Goddess-Of-Fire. Enjoy!
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. :)
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. :)
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 6, 2011
Released 13 yrs 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.
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.
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!
