OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Gigsacrossamerica part one" by Juan Bayardo.]

One "cold Arizona night" while unable to sleep, Juan Bayardo was thinking about how great it would be to visit all 50 states in America. Suddenly he thought, "Why not? What prevents me?" He began to formulate a plan. He spent months mapping out his trip and calculating the estimated cost. As an independent contractor, he had many skills to utilize to get short term jobs during his travels to pay for the trip. He planned to work his way from state to state by using only his cell phone and ads on Craigslist to obtain short-term employment or "gigs," as he referred to them. I would post his daily activities on Facebook and in a blog on his website. His goal was to write a book about his trip and the people in each state who hired him. Finally, after months of planning, he set out on his journey. However, things don't always go as planned. Juan soon realized finding a job in every state, and making enough money to fund his trip was not as easy as he had anticipated. In his book Gigsacrossamerica: Part One Juan Bayardo gives an account of the first half of his quest to visit all 50 states. What an adventure the first 25 states were turning out to be. Will he be able to reach his goal? Or will his financial situation defeat his plan?

I loved every minute of reading this book. The author's writing style was pleasant and conversational. His descriptions of the changing scenery; the people he met; and the landmarks he visited along the way, allow the reader to feel as if they are traveling with him around this great country. Life on the road with just a truck, work supplies, a cellphone, and Craigslist is not an easy way to explore America. Juan made the best of every situation. He also shares the pitfalls, stress, and fatigue of his journey with his readers.

What I liked most were the descriptions of those who hired him along the way. Regardless of where he was, when he told his story, he was met with encouragement and support from friends, family, and strangers. I found the author's courage and perseverance impressive. For example, when he didn't earn enough money from a "gig" to pay for a motel room or a campsite, he slept in his truck at truck stops. Surrounded by 18 wheelers with their diesel motors running all night, Juan found the noise was making it difficult, sometimes impossible to sleep. Other nights he slept in campgrounds battling humidity, mosquitos, and torrential rain; but he never gave up. There wasn't anything I disliked about this book. It held my interest from beginning to end.

I was pleased to note the editing was almost flawless. I found only three minor errors consisting of words left out of a sentence, and one sentence with a word repeated twice. The errors did not detract from reading the book; in fact, I almost missed catching two out of the three. I only saw one curse word in the entire book, which was very refreshing. It is with great pleasure I give Gigsacrossamerica: Part One by Juan Bayardo 4 out of 4 stars. I am looking forward to reading part two.

I recommend this book to anyone who has ever wanted to visit all 50 states in America. It has always been a dream of mine, so I'm sure I'm not alone! I also recommend it to those who love non-fiction adventures.

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Gigsacrossamerica part one
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I love this review, and the concept behind this book. We're living in something of a gig economy these days. Many people make part or all of their money through gig services like Uber, Lyft, Postmates, Upwork, etc. In a lot of ways, that allows people a good deal of freedom to travel, like it seems this author has done. Unfortunately, these jobs often don't pay very well, as evidenced by those nights the author slept in his truck. What a great idea for a book. I'd love to read it myself.

This sounds like a great idea for both a life-changing experience and a book. I can't wait to read it. Thanks for a great review!

kendallcurrier wrote: ↑08 Sep 2019, 01:19 I love this review, and the concept behind this book. We're living in something of a gig economy these days. Many people make part or all of their money through gig services like Uber, Lyft, Postmates, Upwork, etc. In a lot of ways, that allows people a good deal of freedom to travel, like it seems this author has done. Unfortunately, these jobs often don't pay very well, as evidenced by those nights the author slept in his truck. What a great idea for a book. I'd love to read it myself.

It is an awesome book! I am waiting for part two when he visits the last 25 states. I think you would enjoy reading it. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

Brendan Donaghy wrote: ↑08 Sep 2019, 05:37 This sounds like a great idea for both a life-changing experience and a book. I can't wait to read it. Thanks for a great review!

It's a great book! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

This book sounds fascinating! I love to travel and I love to read real-life accounts of people's experiences so I'm definitely checking this book out. Thanks for your review!

This definitely sounds like an interesting way to travel the country. But I can see how lack of financial resources may be a problem, especially when it comes to getting to Hawaii or Alaska.

Rachel Lea wrote: ↑08 Sep 2019, 17:36 This book sounds fascinating! I love to travel and I love to read real-life accounts of people's experiences so I'm definitely checking this book out. Thanks for your review!

Thanks for stopping by and commenting! Hope you enjoy the book!

esp1975 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2019, 23:18 This definitely sounds like an interesting way to travel the country. But I can see how lack of financial resources may be a problem, especially when it comes to getting to Hawaii or Alaska.

Exactly! He was also still trying to pay his bills at home! I can't wait to see how he manages the last half of his journey. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

This sounds like a great book! I’m adding to my list now. Thanks for your review.

I've also read this book. The idea was initially crazy to me. I'm glad to he completed the first 25 states. I'm looking forward to reading the second part as well.

MsH2k wrote: ↑10 Sep 2019, 13:40 This sounds like a great book! I’m adding to my list now. Thanks for your review.

It was very interesting! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

T_stone wrote: ↑14 Sep 2019, 18:02 I've also read this book. The idea was initially crazy to me. I'm glad to he completed the first 25 states. I'm looking forward to reading the second part as well.

I know, it is a crazy idea but when he looks back on it he'll be glad he did it. Wish I had his courage! Thanks for stopping by and for your comment!