Review of Man Mission
Posted: 13 Mar 2024, 09:09
[Following is a volunteer review of "Man Mission" by Eytan Uliel.]
Man Mission by Eytan Uliel is an interesting book that took me on an exciting ride around the world. This book is about the adventures of four friends around the globe. Their pact, which involves embarking on an annual man-mission trip such as hiking, biking, or kayaking for one week every year, is the type of activity that people love to include in their to-do lists.
From the moment I opened the first page, I was hooked by the author’s cinematic writing and eye for detail. From hitching rides with drug dealers in New Zealand, pounding kava shots on idyllic Fijian beaches, and coming close to a roaring lion on a South African safari, I felt like I was right there alongside these four explorers. The depictions are so immersive. The author’s reverence for the rich cultural fabric of the various destinations is clear. An example is their journey to Japan. I, as a reader, learned a lot about Japanese culture and daily life, such as the surprising amount of items available in vending machines apart from the usual ice-cold drinks, which made me desperate to book a flight and experience it for myself. I was on the edge of my seat during so many of the dangerous encounters, like with those drug dealers, holding my breath and fearing for their safety.
This book stands out because of the author's incredible sense of humour and warmth that emanates from every page. Even in their darkest, most challenging moments, these friends’ ability to defuse tension with timed jokes had me laughing out loud. The genuine fraternity between them forged by travelling around the world together year after year resonated with me. It’s an inspiring testament to the sustaining power of genuine friendship.
I rate this book five out of five stars. The main reason for rating it highly is because I was moved by the author’s insights about modern masculinity and the developing roles of men in relationships and society. An example is the narrator’s unflinching support for his wife during and after her pregnancy, which serves as a powerful rebuke to antiquated, rigid gender roles. I also appreciate the careful editing of this book.
The only negative I noticed in the book was the lack of a name for the main character, who used a first-person style in his narration, despite including other characters’ names. But this did not prevent me from enjoying every page of what I read. This book is one of the most hilarious and thought-provoking books I’ve read in years. Whether you’re a restless adventurer or someone looking to learn about different cultures in the world, this book is a must-read.
******
Man Mission
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Man Mission by Eytan Uliel is an interesting book that took me on an exciting ride around the world. This book is about the adventures of four friends around the globe. Their pact, which involves embarking on an annual man-mission trip such as hiking, biking, or kayaking for one week every year, is the type of activity that people love to include in their to-do lists.
From the moment I opened the first page, I was hooked by the author’s cinematic writing and eye for detail. From hitching rides with drug dealers in New Zealand, pounding kava shots on idyllic Fijian beaches, and coming close to a roaring lion on a South African safari, I felt like I was right there alongside these four explorers. The depictions are so immersive. The author’s reverence for the rich cultural fabric of the various destinations is clear. An example is their journey to Japan. I, as a reader, learned a lot about Japanese culture and daily life, such as the surprising amount of items available in vending machines apart from the usual ice-cold drinks, which made me desperate to book a flight and experience it for myself. I was on the edge of my seat during so many of the dangerous encounters, like with those drug dealers, holding my breath and fearing for their safety.
This book stands out because of the author's incredible sense of humour and warmth that emanates from every page. Even in their darkest, most challenging moments, these friends’ ability to defuse tension with timed jokes had me laughing out loud. The genuine fraternity between them forged by travelling around the world together year after year resonated with me. It’s an inspiring testament to the sustaining power of genuine friendship.
I rate this book five out of five stars. The main reason for rating it highly is because I was moved by the author’s insights about modern masculinity and the developing roles of men in relationships and society. An example is the narrator’s unflinching support for his wife during and after her pregnancy, which serves as a powerful rebuke to antiquated, rigid gender roles. I also appreciate the careful editing of this book.
The only negative I noticed in the book was the lack of a name for the main character, who used a first-person style in his narration, despite including other characters’ names. But this did not prevent me from enjoying every page of what I read. This book is one of the most hilarious and thought-provoking books I’ve read in years. Whether you’re a restless adventurer or someone looking to learn about different cultures in the world, this book is a must-read.
******
Man Mission
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
