Review of Man Mission
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kmvanderspek
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- Latest Review: Man Mission by Eytan Uliel
Review of Man Mission
[Following is a volunteer review of "Man Mission" by Eytan Uliel.]
At some point, most adults will look around at their busy lives, feel a pang of longing for more, and say to themselves, “I wish I could just go somewhere else, live off the land for a bit, and get away.” In this memoir, four men make it a mission to do just that. In fact, they even call is that: the Man Mission, where once a year they pick a location that offers a chance to do something physical, opportunities for eating various local foods (preferably meat), and above all, a time to strengthen bonds of friendship.
In his novel Man Mission, author Eytan Uliel takes his readers on a fifteen-year journey. What began as a crazy idea back in college takes shape as he and his friends embark on their annual Man Mission. These adventures happen all over the world, from their Australian homeland, to Japan, New Zealand, Fiji, Spain, Thailand, South Korea, Iceland, and more. There are basic rules to Man Mission, such as You must travel under your own power; Chafing is obligatory; Local meat must be eaten, and The wussiest man (delegated by local concensus) must wear the Pink Bracelet. There is lots of laughter, some tears, indigestion, accidents, and masculine comaraderie.
Man Mission also discusses the ups and down of Uliel's life at home. Interspersed with the travelogue are snapshots of his life in the “real world.” Uliel describes the journey from single bachelor, to fiance, to a married man and father, and then through his adultery and divorce. The novel is not just about discovering the world, but also about his own self realization and his discovery that people are essentially the same the world over. While in Machu Pichu, Uliel shares the revelation that two people can lead such different lives that they may as well live on different planets. Yet at the same time, those two people lead lives so similar they could almost have been brothers. We are all attempting to get through life with meaningful connection and purpose, whether we live in a big city or a quiet countryside.
Man Mission is a well thought out and enjoyable read. It has been expertly edited with no spelling or grammar mistakes that I could see. I would not recommend this novel for children, as there is some minor profanity and references to sex that may be inappropriate for a young audience. However, young and mature adults would enjoy this very much. Anyone who has ever considered traveling and extreme adventure will get a big kick out of this book, as it shows the ultimate highs and lows of international travel. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.
******
Man Mission
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
At some point, most adults will look around at their busy lives, feel a pang of longing for more, and say to themselves, “I wish I could just go somewhere else, live off the land for a bit, and get away.” In this memoir, four men make it a mission to do just that. In fact, they even call is that: the Man Mission, where once a year they pick a location that offers a chance to do something physical, opportunities for eating various local foods (preferably meat), and above all, a time to strengthen bonds of friendship.
In his novel Man Mission, author Eytan Uliel takes his readers on a fifteen-year journey. What began as a crazy idea back in college takes shape as he and his friends embark on their annual Man Mission. These adventures happen all over the world, from their Australian homeland, to Japan, New Zealand, Fiji, Spain, Thailand, South Korea, Iceland, and more. There are basic rules to Man Mission, such as You must travel under your own power; Chafing is obligatory; Local meat must be eaten, and The wussiest man (delegated by local concensus) must wear the Pink Bracelet. There is lots of laughter, some tears, indigestion, accidents, and masculine comaraderie.
Man Mission also discusses the ups and down of Uliel's life at home. Interspersed with the travelogue are snapshots of his life in the “real world.” Uliel describes the journey from single bachelor, to fiance, to a married man and father, and then through his adultery and divorce. The novel is not just about discovering the world, but also about his own self realization and his discovery that people are essentially the same the world over. While in Machu Pichu, Uliel shares the revelation that two people can lead such different lives that they may as well live on different planets. Yet at the same time, those two people lead lives so similar they could almost have been brothers. We are all attempting to get through life with meaningful connection and purpose, whether we live in a big city or a quiet countryside.
Man Mission is a well thought out and enjoyable read. It has been expertly edited with no spelling or grammar mistakes that I could see. I would not recommend this novel for children, as there is some minor profanity and references to sex that may be inappropriate for a young audience. However, young and mature adults would enjoy this very much. Anyone who has ever considered traveling and extreme adventure will get a big kick out of this book, as it shows the ultimate highs and lows of international travel. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.
******
Man Mission
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Latest Review: Man Mission by Eytan Uliel
