Official Review: The Nepali Flat by Gordon Alexander
Posted: 22 Sep 2016, 15:23
[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Nepali Flat" by Gordon Alexander.]
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
I chose to review The Nepali Flat because I wanted a good laugh, and from the very first page I was not disappointed. Author Gordon Alexander's journalism background clearly shows through his engaging writing style. He describes his travels with such levity and honesty that it makes me want to pack my bags and go somewhere.
Mr. Alexander's goal in this travel/adventure nonfiction is to hike the Three Passes Trek in the Himalayas. He describes his 28-day hike through the mountain range and a brief tour of Kathmandu, Nepal. It is a trip he has wanted to take for a decade, but as he states in the book, "...life sometimes gets in the way of living". There are hilarious depictions of his experiences trying to be a gracious guest to his exceedingly polite hosts: when he consumes questionable food and drink, when he faces physical challenges on the trail and when he must attend to uncomfortable digestive issues.
There is no pretentious prose in this travel tale. Instead it is full of Mr. Alexander's amusing self-deprecation and candid observations. He is an Everyman crossing an item off of his bucket list. He expresses humble appreciation of the spectacular (if dangerous) natural beauty surrounding him on his journey. Many color photographs from the trip add to the enjoyment of the already entertaining story. My favorite photo is the one of the author slumped over a cairn after climbing to the Cho La Pass (it is also used as the cover photo).
My favorite aspect of the book is the depiction of the relationship the author has with his hired guide Subash and Sherpa Nima. It is interesting to read about their expertise throughout the often trying adventure.
People who enjoy funny travel/adventure stories will love The Nepali Flat. They will find themselves laughing out loud as Mr. Alexander relives his month-long journey and describes the antics of some of the other travelers.
Readers offended by profanity or alcohol consumption may not like this book, as they are sprinkled liberally throughout the tale.
The book is a smooth, captivating and enjoyable read with only a handful of grammatical errors. The author's honest thoughtful writing has a way of drawing the reader in and fueling desires to conquer their own bucket list. The vicarious journey helps satisfy the reader until actual travel is possible. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. Add this to your bookshelf and you will not regret it.
******
The Nepali Flat
View: on Bookshelves
Like Eatsleaves's review? Post a comment saying so!
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
I chose to review The Nepali Flat because I wanted a good laugh, and from the very first page I was not disappointed. Author Gordon Alexander's journalism background clearly shows through his engaging writing style. He describes his travels with such levity and honesty that it makes me want to pack my bags and go somewhere.
Mr. Alexander's goal in this travel/adventure nonfiction is to hike the Three Passes Trek in the Himalayas. He describes his 28-day hike through the mountain range and a brief tour of Kathmandu, Nepal. It is a trip he has wanted to take for a decade, but as he states in the book, "...life sometimes gets in the way of living". There are hilarious depictions of his experiences trying to be a gracious guest to his exceedingly polite hosts: when he consumes questionable food and drink, when he faces physical challenges on the trail and when he must attend to uncomfortable digestive issues.
There is no pretentious prose in this travel tale. Instead it is full of Mr. Alexander's amusing self-deprecation and candid observations. He is an Everyman crossing an item off of his bucket list. He expresses humble appreciation of the spectacular (if dangerous) natural beauty surrounding him on his journey. Many color photographs from the trip add to the enjoyment of the already entertaining story. My favorite photo is the one of the author slumped over a cairn after climbing to the Cho La Pass (it is also used as the cover photo).
My favorite aspect of the book is the depiction of the relationship the author has with his hired guide Subash and Sherpa Nima. It is interesting to read about their expertise throughout the often trying adventure.
People who enjoy funny travel/adventure stories will love The Nepali Flat. They will find themselves laughing out loud as Mr. Alexander relives his month-long journey and describes the antics of some of the other travelers.
Readers offended by profanity or alcohol consumption may not like this book, as they are sprinkled liberally throughout the tale.
The book is a smooth, captivating and enjoyable read with only a handful of grammatical errors. The author's honest thoughtful writing has a way of drawing the reader in and fueling desires to conquer their own bucket list. The vicarious journey helps satisfy the reader until actual travel is possible. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. Add this to your bookshelf and you will not regret it.
******
The Nepali Flat
View: on Bookshelves
Like Eatsleaves's review? Post a comment saying so!
