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Love at the Speed of Email
Lisa looks as if she has it made. She has turned her nomadic childhood and forensic psychology training into a successful career as a stress management trainer for humanitarian aid workers. She lives in Los Angeles, travels the world, and her first novel has just been published to some acclaim. But as she turns 31, Lisa realizes that she is still single, constantly on airplanes, and increasingly wondering where home is and what it really means to commit to a person, place, or career. When an intriguing stranger living on the other side of the world emails her out of the blue, she must decide whether she will risk trying to answer those questions. Her decision will change her life.
276 pages, Paperback
First published May 14, 2012
52 people are currently reading
1647 people want to read
About the author
Lisa McKay
5 books50 followersLisa McKay is an author and psychologist specializing in stress, trauma, and resilience. She is currently living in Laos.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 29, 2012
It is a truth universally proclaimed that men don’t want to read love stories. But this book is a good read despite the total absence of car chases and fighter pilot acronyms; because it is not just a love story.
What else is it about?
• A long dialog about what “home” really means when you grew up in a different culture from your parents.
• The real and the fake in Christian faith and living. Lisa McKay writes about real faith in the real messinesses of life.
• The real motivation for humanitarian relief and development work when in “practical” terms it won’t ultimately solve the big problems. We can nevertheless help one person here and there, and nevertheless have and share hope.
What else is it about?
• A long dialog about what “home” really means when you grew up in a different culture from your parents.
• The real and the fake in Christian faith and living. Lisa McKay writes about real faith in the real messinesses of life.
• The real motivation for humanitarian relief and development work when in “practical” terms it won’t ultimately solve the big problems. We can nevertheless help one person here and there, and nevertheless have and share hope.
July 18, 2012
A funny, poignant and deeply insightful book about - amongst other things - the rarity of humanitarian moments in humanitarian work, the complex concept of home, the power of presence, faith, hope, joy and - above all else - love. Highly recommended.
June 25, 2012
I adored this book. The story moved me forward and read like a novel. I truly appreciated Lisa's honesty, her quirky and entirely fitting sense of humor (I laughed out loud several times), and the unique and beautiful way she viewed the world. I'll be recommending this one to my friends.
December 25, 2018
A books absolutely advised for development workers, maybe not so interesting for others. I found some initial part a bit slow and too descriptive of the author's life but probably necessary to understand better the facts that follow. The book is in my opinion much more than the love story that the title may suggest.
I found really interesting the discussion on the definition of home, the passion and commitment necessary to work on the field and the trap of our own expectations when we work on the field in developing countries.
This book is highly advised for any development workers looking for some cues to reflect on his life abroad! (love related and none)
I found really interesting the discussion on the definition of home, the passion and commitment necessary to work on the field and the trap of our own expectations when we work on the field in developing countries.
This book is highly advised for any development workers looking for some cues to reflect on his life abroad! (love related and none)
February 19, 2013
I first heard of Lisa McKay and her book Love at the Speed of Email on Novel Rocket, where she wrote about why she chose to self-publish this memoir. In case you missed it, you can read about it here. I was intrigued by the notion that her story had too much God to please secular publishers, not enough to please Christian ones. I wanted to know more, so I read her book.
Lisa lives a life many women would envy. Her nomadic childhood has morphed into a nomadic adulthood, which she’s augmented with a formidable amount of education, all of which has added up to a successful career as a stress management trainer for humanitarian aid workers. On top of that, she’s recently published her first novel. Though she holds both Canadian and Australian passports, she lives in Los Angeles—or does when she’s not traipsing the globe as part of her job. As she turns 31, though, Lisa wonders if what she has is enough—especially as those closest to her are marrying, having children, settling down. Making homes. What does home mean? she wonders. Is it a place…or a person…or both? While she’s asking herself these questions, an unexpected email arrives from an intriguing stranger—and together, they find answers to her questions that change both their lives.
From start to finish, I loved Love at the Speed of Email. In this thoughtful memoir, Lisa has proven herself to be an exceptional writer and a gifted storyteller. Her skill does not stop with the words strung deftly across the page. It continues into her exploration of human character and her razor-sharp insights of the human condition.
Lisa writes with bold authenticity and breath-taking vulnerability. She’s candid about past romantic relationships, but even more revealing about those aspects of her persona that move and challenge and humble her. At the same time, she knows how to tell a delightful vignette, many of which had me laughing out loud. You’ll know what I mean when you read about her taxi ride with a driver named Bunny.
There were also many aha moments for me to identify with, such as: “I had always thought that being a ‘grown-up’ would mean actually feeling that confidence. By the time I landed in Kenya, I was starting to think it just meant being better at pretending.”
And of course, novel-lover that I am, I resonated with this: “Many people seem to view ‘real life’ as the gold standard by which to interpret stories, but I don’t think that does novels justice. For me, at least, the relationship between the real and fictional worlds was reciprocal. These books named emotions, pointed to virtue, and vice, and led me into a deeper understanding of things I had already witnessed and experienced myself. They also let me try on, like a child playing dress-up, experiences and notions new to me. They acted as maps, mirrors, and magnifying glasses.”
But perhaps what I liked most was her honest grappling with her faith as she leaves simple childhood beliefs for a complex, mature Christian faith–one that embraces the hard truth that we cannot know all the answers to life’s toughest questions. As I read Lisa’s story, my list of people who had to read this book grew. All in all, I felt I was connecting with a kindred spirit with whom, should we ever find ourselves on the same continent, I would love to share an evening of memorable conversation over a bottle of red wine. Lisa McKay has written a deeply relatable, moving memoir.
And I have to say I love the happy ending.
Lisa lives a life many women would envy. Her nomadic childhood has morphed into a nomadic adulthood, which she’s augmented with a formidable amount of education, all of which has added up to a successful career as a stress management trainer for humanitarian aid workers. On top of that, she’s recently published her first novel. Though she holds both Canadian and Australian passports, she lives in Los Angeles—or does when she’s not traipsing the globe as part of her job. As she turns 31, though, Lisa wonders if what she has is enough—especially as those closest to her are marrying, having children, settling down. Making homes. What does home mean? she wonders. Is it a place…or a person…or both? While she’s asking herself these questions, an unexpected email arrives from an intriguing stranger—and together, they find answers to her questions that change both their lives.
From start to finish, I loved Love at the Speed of Email. In this thoughtful memoir, Lisa has proven herself to be an exceptional writer and a gifted storyteller. Her skill does not stop with the words strung deftly across the page. It continues into her exploration of human character and her razor-sharp insights of the human condition.
Lisa writes with bold authenticity and breath-taking vulnerability. She’s candid about past romantic relationships, but even more revealing about those aspects of her persona that move and challenge and humble her. At the same time, she knows how to tell a delightful vignette, many of which had me laughing out loud. You’ll know what I mean when you read about her taxi ride with a driver named Bunny.
There were also many aha moments for me to identify with, such as: “I had always thought that being a ‘grown-up’ would mean actually feeling that confidence. By the time I landed in Kenya, I was starting to think it just meant being better at pretending.”
And of course, novel-lover that I am, I resonated with this: “Many people seem to view ‘real life’ as the gold standard by which to interpret stories, but I don’t think that does novels justice. For me, at least, the relationship between the real and fictional worlds was reciprocal. These books named emotions, pointed to virtue, and vice, and led me into a deeper understanding of things I had already witnessed and experienced myself. They also let me try on, like a child playing dress-up, experiences and notions new to me. They acted as maps, mirrors, and magnifying glasses.”
But perhaps what I liked most was her honest grappling with her faith as she leaves simple childhood beliefs for a complex, mature Christian faith–one that embraces the hard truth that we cannot know all the answers to life’s toughest questions. As I read Lisa’s story, my list of people who had to read this book grew. All in all, I felt I was connecting with a kindred spirit with whom, should we ever find ourselves on the same continent, I would love to share an evening of memorable conversation over a bottle of red wine. Lisa McKay has written a deeply relatable, moving memoir.
And I have to say I love the happy ending.
December 21, 2019
I don't like memoirs really, and doubt I"ll ever find one that I rate past 3 stars. Something about real life is just a little too....ordinary for me to read about.
That said, I made an exception for this memoir because the premise seemed entertaining. I found it lighthearted, philosophical in spots, and interesting. To be honest I skipped large chunks of the story, or "fast forwarded" parts that I found irrelevant. Including much of the ending. But I couldn't ever stop reading, because she does a good job putting you into the present, pulling you to the past, and weaving her story in a hopscotch sort of timeline that still makes sense.
What kept me reading was curiosity mainly, I kept wondering how this would all resolve. I think I need to read the ending more carefully...probably. But after I read the scene where he proposes and she finally accepted I kind of checked out of the story mentally and left it there.
There was also something intriguing about getting a peek behind the scenes into what it was actually like to live a life like Lisa Mckay's. She lives and thrives on adventure, and this memoir does a good job uncovering all the layers and ways that impacts your life that maybe you don't think of. One thing I remember the most is how she said that everything and all her experiences started to blend together. So she started writing to truly "experience" the places she'd been and people she'd seen. Anyways, if you like non-fiction give this a read.
And if you don't like memoirs, hey you still might like this one.
That said, I made an exception for this memoir because the premise seemed entertaining. I found it lighthearted, philosophical in spots, and interesting. To be honest I skipped large chunks of the story, or "fast forwarded" parts that I found irrelevant. Including much of the ending. But I couldn't ever stop reading, because she does a good job putting you into the present, pulling you to the past, and weaving her story in a hopscotch sort of timeline that still makes sense.
What kept me reading was curiosity mainly, I kept wondering how this would all resolve. I think I need to read the ending more carefully...probably. But after I read the scene where he proposes and she finally accepted I kind of checked out of the story mentally and left it there.
There was also something intriguing about getting a peek behind the scenes into what it was actually like to live a life like Lisa Mckay's. She lives and thrives on adventure, and this memoir does a good job uncovering all the layers and ways that impacts your life that maybe you don't think of. One thing I remember the most is how she said that everything and all her experiences started to blend together. So she started writing to truly "experience" the places she'd been and people she'd seen. Anyways, if you like non-fiction give this a read.
And if you don't like memoirs, hey you still might like this one.
November 7, 2012
I have to say I really enjoyed this book, but I think part of the reason I enjoyed it so much was that I know one of the people involved. It is not the kind of book that I needed to pick up and read each night, it was not a huge page-turner (but that could be because I know how the love story turns out!) It is super interesting to find out about how long distance relationships can work out, how the dating world has changed with skyping and e-mail. I do find Lisa's conversational tone sometimes hard to read, it is like she is talking, and I am used to that from reading all of her blog posts, but don't know how well that works for a book. It is fun to read about my high school friend Mike; we had spent a lot of time together in marching band, chorus, gifted, playing a dice game and eating my mom's treats on a Friday night....and it's fun to read what Mike is like now, of course he is more mature and life changes us, but I can still see my old friend Mike. That was very cool!
June 15, 2012
I read it on Kindle once I found out I could get my hands on it sooner that way. I loved it so much I’ve ordered a physical copy also! Great story told in an entertaining, touching, funny way.
Particularly if you know the feeling of being (or raising) a third-culture kid (or fourth-, or fifth-), you will love the way Lisa & Mike's unusual story seems so normal in the context of their lives.
Particularly if you know the feeling of being (or raising) a third-culture kid (or fourth-, or fifth-), you will love the way Lisa & Mike's unusual story seems so normal in the context of their lives.
July 22, 2012
Fantastic memoir! Stayed up late devouring the last third. I enjoyed her globe-trotting tales, pondered her commentary on humanitarian aid work, and of course anxiously awaited the happy ending...or beginning, since it is a memoir. Well done.
September 7, 2012
So B O R I N G I couldn't get past 100 pages .. It's just a lot of rambling .. Slow paced story and how ironic since "Speed" is in the title. I couldn't finish it and I'm so disappointed.
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August 17, 2016i started this book months ago. then abandoned it. then tried again. life is too short and this reads like a self-absorbed diary.
September 27, 2020
I saw quite a few people recommend this for people in a long distance relationship. I'm currently in one and thought it'd be interesting to read some books on it and it was a romance book(which I've been trying to check out more of the genre) so I figured I would kill two birds with one stone here.
I got to about 45 pages before I just had to put it down. The beginning didn't grab me but I tried to push past to see if it got any better and it never did. Some of the writing was interesting. I did enjoy some of the comparisons she made as well as some of her descriptions however, these were not enough to outweigh everything else that I didn't like. It was just very slow and I found it pretty boring. She kept jumping back and forth with the timeline and inserting tidbits which would've made sense at the beginning randomly elsewhere. It was also very repetitive.
I wanted to like this book. I don't like to not finish books but I couldn't get myself motivated to put more time into it.
I got to about 45 pages before I just had to put it down. The beginning didn't grab me but I tried to push past to see if it got any better and it never did. Some of the writing was interesting. I did enjoy some of the comparisons she made as well as some of her descriptions however, these were not enough to outweigh everything else that I didn't like. It was just very slow and I found it pretty boring. She kept jumping back and forth with the timeline and inserting tidbits which would've made sense at the beginning randomly elsewhere. It was also very repetitive.
I wanted to like this book. I don't like to not finish books but I couldn't get myself motivated to put more time into it.
September 23, 2022
"And so it became my favourite book yet."
To be honest I haven't read many books, but read enough to understand a good one, and after reading this one, I know it's one the best one I've ever read! Yes you read it right, I don't understand why it didn't make it even big! Perhaps I'm a little bias about this cause it's so related to my life, I don't know what's my home either, I have a girlfriend from another country, perhaps this similarity makes me love the book even more, but whatever it is, I don't care, cause it gave me smiles, goosebumps.
And Mike! What a way to propose! You took my breath away along with Lisa's, I hope you guys read this, even though you don't know me I feel like I know you guys, I hope you are enjoying your beautiful marriage some place called home.
Thank you for writing this book, currently it's my favourite one ever, 24th September, 2022.
To be honest I haven't read many books, but read enough to understand a good one, and after reading this one, I know it's one the best one I've ever read! Yes you read it right, I don't understand why it didn't make it even big! Perhaps I'm a little bias about this cause it's so related to my life, I don't know what's my home either, I have a girlfriend from another country, perhaps this similarity makes me love the book even more, but whatever it is, I don't care, cause it gave me smiles, goosebumps.
And Mike! What a way to propose! You took my breath away along with Lisa's, I hope you guys read this, even though you don't know me I feel like I know you guys, I hope you are enjoying your beautiful marriage some place called home.
Thank you for writing this book, currently it's my favourite one ever, 24th September, 2022.
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July 20, 2019To be fair, I struggle with memoirs to begin with and when I picked this one up, I was on a plane so I was looking for something that would capture me immediately and take my mind off the fact that we were 10,000 feet in the air.
I just couldn't deal with this one... I found this to be so boring! I couldn't get past 30 pages. It was all just a bunch of rambling and bragging.
I just couldn't deal with this one... I found this to be so boring! I couldn't get past 30 pages. It was all just a bunch of rambling and bragging.
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July 26, 2025Pick your Poison-That 9 to 5 thing-book about commuting to work-Lisa works as a stress management trainer for humanitarian aid worker. She lives in LA and travels worldwide without time for a personal life until she "meets" Mike a humanitarian worker half a world away.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2012
Detailing the life and times of a single gal living in Los Angeles, California who starts emailing this guy living in Papua New Guinea. Yes, this is Lisa and Mike's true story. Lisa's family has lived in several different countries (and her parents now reside in Australia), so it was natural for her when she decided on humanitarian work. "A passion for international humanitarian work was born the year my family moved to Bangladesh and I asked, with the innocence of a sheltered seven-year-old, whether God had run out of money halfway around the world." Humanitarian work is more than enough to keep you well occupied and unable to worry about other things. But having turned 31 and still single, it did sting a little bit to be unmarried. In order to understand how Lisa reaches the point of being willing to email this stranger, you have to understand where Lisa came from. Lisa's past is interspersed with moments taking place in the present. There are no official chapters in the book, just pauses to tell you what city and country you're reading about now. It may sound confusing, but it's really not! So Lisa details her past, how she ended up in the position of stress management trainer for humanitarian aid workers, and how that past shaped who she is today. There is much about humanitarian work that breaks your heart, but Lisa tells these stories very well. She's an excellent writer, able to hold your attention and make you laugh even in the midst of suffering people. So while Lisa finds her footing in L.A., Mike is an aid worker now living in Papua New guinea. A friend of his sees some of Lisa's essays she'd written and emails them to Mike. Intrigued by her writing (and her picture he saw on her website), he proceeds to email Lisa, who is quite shocked to say the least! Yet something about his letter seems different and fascinates her so she writes back, and thus is the start of a very long distant relationship (an 18 hour time difference!). We read some of the emails sent back and forth and what ups and downs each were going through emotionally and physically. By the time they meet in person three months later, it doesn't take long to establish that they are now officially dating. Of course they still live in two different countries, so all is not rainbows and roses from here on. Their story is so fun and engaging, as you watch these two people fall in love.
Reading about someone's love story when you know how it ends up may not sound exciting to you. And it's true that this isn't a tense, edge-of-your-seat type of story. But Lisa is such a wonderful writer and the stories she has to tell, regarding life in all these different countries and the people who live there, are amazing. It doesn't feel like just another memoir. If you have any interest at all in learning about humanitarian work, or even just love a good love story, this book is definitely worth picking up. You'll laugh a lot and cry a little and end up with warm fuzzies! :)
Reading about someone's love story when you know how it ends up may not sound exciting to you. And it's true that this isn't a tense, edge-of-your-seat type of story. But Lisa is such a wonderful writer and the stories she has to tell, regarding life in all these different countries and the people who live there, are amazing. It doesn't feel like just another memoir. If you have any interest at all in learning about humanitarian work, or even just love a good love story, this book is definitely worth picking up. You'll laugh a lot and cry a little and end up with warm fuzzies! :)
February 19, 2015
I don't think there's another memoir out there quite like this one.
The title is misleading, by the way. Topics covered in this memoir include third-culture kids, faith and loss of faith, the concept of home, humanitarianism and how much it helps in third world countries, the constant struggle between adventure and safety, being single and in your late twenties/early thirties, long distance dating, and more.
I have to say, I love that this book was written but I wish it had been edited better. It reads more like a set of really dense essays than a story and because of all the superfluous exposition, a lot of the bang and punch of what McKay has to say is lost. There are a few hilarious and touching vignettes in the story that illustrate that the author can write nonfiction like fiction, but for the most part this book is densely exposition.
McKay writes about what it's like to be living a dream life while still struggling with the nagging feeling that there could be other lives she could be living instead of traveling and adventure. I love that she wrote about that because I identify with it so much. But what McKay leaves out at the end is how she's willing to reconcile her love of independence and the road for marriage. She never writes about whether or not she's afraid that getting married and settling down will make her struggle with a sense of identity. It must have been a reality for her since she spent so long living as a very independent single woman.
I read somewhere that she self-published because there was too much God in this book for secular publishers and not enough God in it for Christian publishers. That sounds about right. But given the fact that she had nothing holding her back, I wish she had been more transparent on certain issues.
Anyways, this is a story I will probably come back to. It's a book I'd recommend to many of my friends.
The title is misleading, by the way. Topics covered in this memoir include third-culture kids, faith and loss of faith, the concept of home, humanitarianism and how much it helps in third world countries, the constant struggle between adventure and safety, being single and in your late twenties/early thirties, long distance dating, and more.
I have to say, I love that this book was written but I wish it had been edited better. It reads more like a set of really dense essays than a story and because of all the superfluous exposition, a lot of the bang and punch of what McKay has to say is lost. There are a few hilarious and touching vignettes in the story that illustrate that the author can write nonfiction like fiction, but for the most part this book is densely exposition.
McKay writes about what it's like to be living a dream life while still struggling with the nagging feeling that there could be other lives she could be living instead of traveling and adventure. I love that she wrote about that because I identify with it so much. But what McKay leaves out at the end is how she's willing to reconcile her love of independence and the road for marriage. She never writes about whether or not she's afraid that getting married and settling down will make her struggle with a sense of identity. It must have been a reality for her since she spent so long living as a very independent single woman.
I read somewhere that she self-published because there was too much God in this book for secular publishers and not enough God in it for Christian publishers. That sounds about right. But given the fact that she had nothing holding her back, I wish she had been more transparent on certain issues.
Anyways, this is a story I will probably come back to. It's a book I'd recommend to many of my friends.
April 21, 2015
Lisa McKay has always had a nomadic lifestyle, even as a child, and though she has an apartment in Los Angeles at the time of writing this memoir, she continues to travel extensively to conduct seminars as a stress management trainer in remote, depressed areas. Her extensive travels make it difficult to sustain a relationship due to her long absences; however she hears the biological clock ticking loudly as she approaches 30, and wonders if she'll miss out altogether on the "beauties and struggles of parenthood". She also wonders whether she'll wake up in 15 years regretting the path she didn't take...
Then another humanitarian worker named Mike, currently located in Papua New Guinea on a 1-year contract, started up a correspondence with her, after another coworker had encouraged him to look at her website and read her essays. They maintained a regular e-mail correspondence for many, many months before agreeing to meet at her family's home in Australia. Though it wasn't "love at first sight", they continued to find that they had much in common. After he went back to PNG, their frequent communication also included Skype sessions several times a week. Their relationship evolved, even though much of their connection was electronic and not face to face. I'm not providing any plot spoilers by indicating that they fell in love since that's the title of the book... The text of many of their e-mails was included in the memoir (though nothing salacious of course), and both are very intelligent and insightful writers.
I found it an interesting story of how a remote relationship can thrive even under less than ideal conditions. Two people with well developed written communication skills can apparently get to know each other even better than they can in person because of the time they can each take to make a thoughtful, considered response. It's not "speed dating", but in their case it worked!
Then another humanitarian worker named Mike, currently located in Papua New Guinea on a 1-year contract, started up a correspondence with her, after another coworker had encouraged him to look at her website and read her essays. They maintained a regular e-mail correspondence for many, many months before agreeing to meet at her family's home in Australia. Though it wasn't "love at first sight", they continued to find that they had much in common. After he went back to PNG, their frequent communication also included Skype sessions several times a week. Their relationship evolved, even though much of their connection was electronic and not face to face. I'm not providing any plot spoilers by indicating that they fell in love since that's the title of the book... The text of many of their e-mails was included in the memoir (though nothing salacious of course), and both are very intelligent and insightful writers.
I found it an interesting story of how a remote relationship can thrive even under less than ideal conditions. Two people with well developed written communication skills can apparently get to know each other even better than they can in person because of the time they can each take to make a thoughtful, considered response. It's not "speed dating", but in their case it worked!
July 26, 2016
So raise your hand if you've tried online dating...and then keep it raised if you fell for someone you knew almost entirely through electronic correspondence. A lot of us can put up the hand, but a lot fewer can keep it raised.
McKay's relationship wasn't based on online dating; rather, she met a guy through a guy (and through some essays published online), and they let a back-and-forth build into a relationship. They were world travellers, both of them, although at least in McKay's case it sounds as though that might have been less due to wanderlust and more due to a persistent sense of restlessness—not ready to settle for a place and not ready to settle for a person. She is, after all, somebody who had a more nomadic upbringing than is the norm:
Not entirely the book for me, but a lot of good stuff along the way—engaging voice and great anecdotes sprinkled throughout. A love story with a twist.
McKay's relationship wasn't based on online dating; rather, she met a guy through a guy (and through some essays published online), and they let a back-and-forth build into a relationship. They were world travellers, both of them, although at least in McKay's case it sounds as though that might have been less due to wanderlust and more due to a persistent sense of restlessness—not ready to settle for a place and not ready to settle for a person. She is, after all, somebody who had a more nomadic upbringing than is the norm:
Spending my teenage years in Zimbabwe had been good for a great many things. I had, for example, learned how to sew baby clothes on a hand-crank sewing machine, ride a horse, use a log table instead of a calculator, make bread from scratch, and locate a cattle dip tank on a topographical map. What I had not done was learn how to dance.I admit, because I am a hopeless unromantic, that I was less interested in the romance than in the wandering, in the setting up shop and adapting to the environment and then moving on to another apartment, another city, another country. I loved that they were able to court so unconventionally, and I also found the emails a little tedious after a while—not the emails themselves, but I guess those feeling-things-out stages are sometimes more interesting when you're in them. (Or maybe, as I said, I'm just wildly unromantic.)
(I had not learned any algebra either, but that wouldn't come back to haunt me for another year, until after we'd relocated back to the U.S.) (90)
Not entirely the book for me, but a lot of good stuff along the way—engaging voice and great anecdotes sprinkled throughout. A love story with a twist.
October 2, 2012
This is Lisa McKay’s second book and I really enjoyed it. Her first book My Hands Came Away Red, was fantastic.
In Love at the Speed of Email is a memoir that reads like fiction. You will get caught up in the amazing, fascinating life that Lisa leads and how she came to know her husband and their usual courtship and marriage. I believe marriage through email works because before email I met and married my husband of 30 years though letters. It works and is a great way to find out about your future mate. Like Lisa and Mike we also had a short courtship and God has blessed us.
I find it amazing how some people can travel and live in a different place every few years or so and seem to enjoy it, but that’s not for me. You will read many strange and exciting things that have happened to Lisa and how she got though them and moved on with her life.
God has blessed this couple and I know you would love to read their love story.
Lisa is a very witty person and will have you laughing at the strangest things. I’m sure she is a wonderful speaker and has her audience laughing and feeling comforted many times.
A book to read and one you will get simple enjoyment out of. I recommend this book.
Thank you to the Author/Publicist for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
In Love at the Speed of Email is a memoir that reads like fiction. You will get caught up in the amazing, fascinating life that Lisa leads and how she came to know her husband and their usual courtship and marriage. I believe marriage through email works because before email I met and married my husband of 30 years though letters. It works and is a great way to find out about your future mate. Like Lisa and Mike we also had a short courtship and God has blessed us.
I find it amazing how some people can travel and live in a different place every few years or so and seem to enjoy it, but that’s not for me. You will read many strange and exciting things that have happened to Lisa and how she got though them and moved on with her life.
God has blessed this couple and I know you would love to read their love story.
Lisa is a very witty person and will have you laughing at the strangest things. I’m sure she is a wonderful speaker and has her audience laughing and feeling comforted many times.
A book to read and one you will get simple enjoyment out of. I recommend this book.
Thank you to the Author/Publicist for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
April 22, 2014
I bought Love at the Speed of Email after reading a positive review of it by another woman who has lived most of her 20s and early 30s as an expat, as I have. Though I’m in academia/writing rather than humanitarian aid work, I found that many of Lisa McKay’s thoughts about finding a “home” and concerns about choosing to live her life on the move resonated with me. I highlighted more than usual, often feeling like McKay’s interior thoughts were taken from my own mind! It’s kind of stunning to see someone else struggle with exactly the same worries that have preoccupied me many times over the past decade.
At first, I found McKay’s writing a little heavy on exposition, without enough dialogue or interaction between people, and what dialogue there was seemed awkward. Once I realized that her book isn’t a novel, but rather a memoir (I don’t know how I had missed that earlier), the writing style made more sense: after all, people don’t talk in perfectly formed sentences. She has a great sense of humor and shows a willingness to open up about her past mistakes and relationships that I admire greatly. Her e-romance with Mike might sound like the contrived plot of a romantic comedy, but it’s a true story, and a very charming one. I enjoyed this book even more than I expected, and definitely plan to read it again, more slowly, to fully process all of McKay’s insightful musings on leading a nomadic life.
At first, I found McKay’s writing a little heavy on exposition, without enough dialogue or interaction between people, and what dialogue there was seemed awkward. Once I realized that her book isn’t a novel, but rather a memoir (I don’t know how I had missed that earlier), the writing style made more sense: after all, people don’t talk in perfectly formed sentences. She has a great sense of humor and shows a willingness to open up about her past mistakes and relationships that I admire greatly. Her e-romance with Mike might sound like the contrived plot of a romantic comedy, but it’s a true story, and a very charming one. I enjoyed this book even more than I expected, and definitely plan to read it again, more slowly, to fully process all of McKay’s insightful musings on leading a nomadic life.
October 17, 2016
“Many people seem to view ‘real life’ as the gold standard by which to interpret stories, but I don’t think that does novels justice. For me, at least, the relationship between the real and fictional worlds was reciprocal. These books named emotions, pointed to virtue and vice, and led me into a deeper understanding of things I had already witnessed and experienced myself.”
I don’t remember how I was led to this memoir. I am sure that I didn’t pay for it, just found it for free and loaded it on my Kindle. I do have a book addiction, but it is somewhat easier to deal with when the books are virtual. They take up less space and folks (i.e. my husband) don’t know how many books I actually have.
So, I had this on my iPad and I needed something to read. This seemed like an interesting story and it is. McKay has led a very different life than I have. Her parents took their three children all over the world. Then, McKay herself has traveled everywhere. It was good to spend time with a person so different from me.
I am fascinated with the ways that people meet their romantic partners in the 21st century. I met my husband in college and many people I know had similar experiences. However, it is a new world and I like eavesdropping in on how things work now.
If you are interested in world travel or contemporary romance, this might be the book for you. If you like seeing the world through different eyes, try this memoir.
I don’t remember how I was led to this memoir. I am sure that I didn’t pay for it, just found it for free and loaded it on my Kindle. I do have a book addiction, but it is somewhat easier to deal with when the books are virtual. They take up less space and folks (i.e. my husband) don’t know how many books I actually have.
So, I had this on my iPad and I needed something to read. This seemed like an interesting story and it is. McKay has led a very different life than I have. Her parents took their three children all over the world. Then, McKay herself has traveled everywhere. It was good to spend time with a person so different from me.
I am fascinated with the ways that people meet their romantic partners in the 21st century. I met my husband in college and many people I know had similar experiences. However, it is a new world and I like eavesdropping in on how things work now.
If you are interested in world travel or contemporary romance, this might be the book for you. If you like seeing the world through different eyes, try this memoir.
June 25, 2015
This charming book took me by surprise with how captivating it is. In addition to her story of her adventures in seeking “the right guy” online, I learned about how some humanitarian aid workers live in very rough conditions that can lead to burn out or depression, in addition to sickness. Yet they often keep on, living in third world countries and helping people help themselves. One man she met online, Mike, via some essays he posted, lived in a remote village in Papua New Guinea, and his house was robbed several times when he left it to go to even more remote places to work. McKay travels constantly to Africa where she teaches humanitarian aid workers stress relief, which they desperately need. McKay shares a bit about her faith, which is a nice touch. Her flatmate and friend becomes psychotic and believes that his life is on tv twenty four hours a day as a reality show, without his consent. McKay gives him excellent advice (get medical treatment) but she is often in Africa, and he becomes a bit scary. McKay gets in online relationships with three men. At one point she asks “Were we insane to think we could make this work?” Will any of them turn out to be Mr. Right? Read the book and you will find out.
June 29, 2013
I identified with pieces of Lisa's story and was entertained by the rest. She is a fellow INFJ who looks for (and finds) the meaning in everything. She is a master storyteller, and I felt like I was a close friend on this journey with her.
I loved this book. I only hope I can write my story half this well one day. I laughed and cried and sometimes did both simultaneously.
I loved that this book isn't linear. Our journeys often are, but understanding them sometimes comes much later. I liked the pace and the leaps back and forth between different parts of her life story - because that's how she would've shared it with a good friend.
I recommend this book to anyone who has ever loved across distance; to anyone who has lived cross-culturally (whether by your parents' choice or your own); and to anyone who wants to read a fun and inspiring memoir. I truly loved this book.
I loved this book. I only hope I can write my story half this well one day. I laughed and cried and sometimes did both simultaneously.
I loved that this book isn't linear. Our journeys often are, but understanding them sometimes comes much later. I liked the pace and the leaps back and forth between different parts of her life story - because that's how she would've shared it with a good friend.
I recommend this book to anyone who has ever loved across distance; to anyone who has lived cross-culturally (whether by your parents' choice or your own); and to anyone who wants to read a fun and inspiring memoir. I truly loved this book.
October 19, 2015
This is the true story of Lisa who has always lived a nomadic live, since early childhood, and then devoted her time to training people engaged in humanitarian aid on stress management, traveling a great deal of her time. Turning 31 was a disconcerting point in her life, as she starts questioning if it wouldn't be better for her to lead a "normal" life, settling down and having a family. But wouldn't she miss doing what she enjoys so much? The main question she has to answer to herself is what home means. Is it a person? Is it a place? She thinks that there lies the answer to her concerns. One day, she starts receiving letters from a guy who liked her writing in her blog, a humanitarian aid worker. Soon they start writing to each other, and to me, these letters are the best part of the book. Lisa's writing is so revealing and touching!
October 25, 2012
Having followed Lisa's blog for 1,5 years, I already knew I would love her poignant, honest and funny writing. I wish I could write like that.
This book had fewer funny parts than expected. The serious parts were important and immensly well-written, but harder to follow, as English is, after all, a foreign language for me.
What I didn't expect was that the book would me happy and thankful for my deeply rooted and stable life and home.
It also made me want to:
- meet Lisa and Mike in person
- know more about her parents' experiences (need another book idea?)
- travel to Australia
- spend more time in airports (strange, I know)
- read Lisa's novel
I'm going to continue reading her blog and hope she considers writing a book about motherhood in a few more years :-)
This book had fewer funny parts than expected. The serious parts were important and immensly well-written, but harder to follow, as English is, after all, a foreign language for me.
What I didn't expect was that the book would me happy and thankful for my deeply rooted and stable life and home.
It also made me want to:
- meet Lisa and Mike in person
- know more about her parents' experiences (need another book idea?)
- travel to Australia
- spend more time in airports (strange, I know)
- read Lisa's novel
I'm going to continue reading her blog and hope she considers writing a book about motherhood in a few more years :-)
July 26, 2012
If you are still looking for a book to read for the summer this book could be a very good choice. It is both a memoir and a travel book, with interesting insights into the life of humanitarian work. Besides the delicate love story that serves as a framework for the narrative, the book is as well an interrogation about what does it mean home and how you can create your own through meaningful friendships with people sharing the same values. For a writer, the words are the easier way to translate the world into a familiar universe and Lisa McKay's book offered an example about how distance does not matter if you want to see the world as your big home. Thus, you can find love and build your own sense of a family.
July 14, 2012
A memoir that leads you through the internal, intimate world of a life, a love, a journey, an adventure. It felt like I was being taken on a privileged journey with Lisa as she questions her life, her home, her purpose. I found myself with tears, with laughter and with joy. Lisa's ability to share her internal experiences whilst also painting the external scene is a unique gift and I truly loved following her journey towards finding her soul mate.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough, for anyone who travels, who is involved in humanitarian work, who has lived through a long-distance relationship(s), who has faced turning 3-0 or 3-1, who wants to laugh and cry and come out feeling pure happiness.
An excellent read!
I cannot recommend this book highly enough, for anyone who travels, who is involved in humanitarian work, who has lived through a long-distance relationship(s), who has faced turning 3-0 or 3-1, who wants to laugh and cry and come out feeling pure happiness.
An excellent read!
December 1, 2012
I think this is actually the first time I've ever read a memoir, and I'm pleased to say that I was thoroughly entertained throughout. I honestly think I still would have enjoyed it even if I didn't already know the author and love her sense of humor.
A lot of the story is told through the use of flashbacks and tangents, which was only confusing when I wasn't able to read straight through the chapter without distraction (through no one's fault but my own - or my toddler's), and it helped move the story along without feeling like one long monologue. There is a fresh, humorous quality to the writing that completely drew me in and made it fun to read.
I think my only complaint is that I makes my own life story seem so utterly boring by comparison.
A lot of the story is told through the use of flashbacks and tangents, which was only confusing when I wasn't able to read straight through the chapter without distraction (through no one's fault but my own - or my toddler's), and it helped move the story along without feeling like one long monologue. There is a fresh, humorous quality to the writing that completely drew me in and made it fun to read.
I think my only complaint is that I makes my own life story seem so utterly boring by comparison.
February 28, 2015
I lack the facility of words to express how this book resonated in my very being. Not so much the long distance dating...although I delighted in reading about it, but more from the aspects of passion, purpose, and the finding out what "home" means. I've often recommended Lisa's first novel to others, and so too, will this book be. My husband and I have long been involved with people...devastated, hurting people...this book spoke to me. Why do we keep doing what we do? What keeps us going? Thank you, for your open, honest sharing... Great book!
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