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Becoming Fearless: Finding Courage in the African Wilderness
Best Non-Fiction Travel Book 2023 by Reader Views
“The fires of transformation blaze in this superbly delightful portmanteau of a book. Brenda Smith undergoes a revolution in consciousness as she warily leaves the ordinary behind, steps off the comfort train, and careens into the strange and fantastic world of rafting crocodile-infested rivers and climbs high into the African sky. With her journey, the stitches that hold her tamed world together come undone, and an enthralled eyewitness to the wonders of the world emerges.” ~ Richard Bangs, one of Explorersweb’s 100 greatest explorers of the last 100 years
Coerced by her boss and fellow rivers guides, Brenda Smith reluctantly embarks on a rafting trip through a vast Tanzanian game reserve. If she can survive twelve days on the remote jungle rivers, then she must scale Africa’s tallest mountain. After twenty-eight years of a safe and predictable life, Brenda is terrified of what awaits her in these dangerous wildernesses.
She comes face to face with angry hippos, roaring lions and stealthy crocodiles, and struggles with the extremes of unbearable heat and hypothermia.
Despite the harsh external threats she conquers, her greatest challenge is a profound inner journey—a courageous transformation as she uncovers the internal source of her fears and discovers the personal strength to do anything.
Becoming Fearless is an inspirational true story that showcases what is possible when you step out of your comfort zone into the wild.
“The fires of transformation blaze in this superbly delightful portmanteau of a book. Brenda Smith undergoes a revolution in consciousness as she warily leaves the ordinary behind, steps off the comfort train, and careens into the strange and fantastic world of rafting crocodile-infested rivers and climbs high into the African sky. With her journey, the stitches that hold her tamed world together come undone, and an enthralled eyewitness to the wonders of the world emerges.” ~ Richard Bangs, one of Explorersweb’s 100 greatest explorers of the last 100 years
Coerced by her boss and fellow rivers guides, Brenda Smith reluctantly embarks on a rafting trip through a vast Tanzanian game reserve. If she can survive twelve days on the remote jungle rivers, then she must scale Africa’s tallest mountain. After twenty-eight years of a safe and predictable life, Brenda is terrified of what awaits her in these dangerous wildernesses.
She comes face to face with angry hippos, roaring lions and stealthy crocodiles, and struggles with the extremes of unbearable heat and hypothermia.
Despite the harsh external threats she conquers, her greatest challenge is a profound inner journey—a courageous transformation as she uncovers the internal source of her fears and discovers the personal strength to do anything.
Becoming Fearless is an inspirational true story that showcases what is possible when you step out of your comfort zone into the wild.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 19, 2023
50 people are currently reading
1296 people want to read
About the author
Brenda E. Smith
2 books12 followers Spellbound by wanderlust after working as a whitewater river guide for Sobek Expeditions, Brenda has lived, worked, or traveled in over forty countries. While overseas, Brenda pursued adventures on less-traveled roads through remote villages, collecting a raft of stories about her exploits. While earning her MS in Philanthropy and Media, she co-produced, co-directed and co-edited an episode for the PBS series The Visionaries shot in Kenya and Tanzania. Now retired, she lives in Belfast, Maine, documenting cherished memories of her escapades in memoirs, essays and poems, often pounding the keyboard into the wee hours of the morning. When the ocean calls, she can be found rowing a dory in Belfast Harbor.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 18, 2023
Brenda E. Smith’s “Becoming Fearless: Finding Courage in the African Wilderness” is a stunning travelogue/memoir, the account of one woman’s transformation from terrified to fearless. After a colleague in her accounting firm told her that she’d be willing to go down the Colorado River and through the Grand Canyon with her, Brenda panicked because although (at the time) it was her dream trip, she felt she lacked the courage to actually experience it. Unable to back out, Brenda booked the rafting adventure with a company called OARS, (founded by George Wendt in Angels Camp, CA). On the approach to Lava Falls rapid, the raft capsized and Brenda almost drowned before resurfacing to be hoisted back up by her guide, Tom. Approached afterwards by Dave, the head guide, Brenda was floored to be offered a position at OARS, both as their accountant and to be a trained river guide. Thinking it was not for her, she declined and returned home to her accounting career. However, Brenda reconsidered and later flew to Angels Camp, where she was hired by George as the accountant for both OARS and Sobek Expeditions. “While OARS operated popular rafting trips on accessible whitewater rivers of the Western United States, Sobek’s groundbreaking exploratory rafting expeditions on wild rivers around the globe cemented its reputation as the premier rafting company in the world” (Location 147 of 4199). She found herself in a position (ie, was told) where she was told she must take a rafting trip through the remote Selous Game Reserve down the Kilombero and Rufigi Rivers in the Tanzanian jungle with her new boss, Richard Bangs, one of the top one hundred explorers in history. (After Richard returned home at the end of the rafting trip, Brenda would also attempt to climb Kilimanjaro with the rest of the passengers and crew).
I, for one, could not imagine the personal fortitude it would take to begin an adventure such as this. Brenda jokingly blamed Jimmy Buffett and his song, “Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude” (Location 24 of 4199) for considering adventure in the first place, but it is Richard who gave her the taste for wanderlust. Rafting down the river was no easy task, physically or mentally. Dodging angry hippos, wily crocodiles, and herds of elephants while navigating the rivers to choose correct channels to keep them on course is not for the feint of heart. (One furious hippo went as far as to take a bite out of Richard’s inflatable raft). However, in this beautiful land of wild animals, extreme temperatures, and peaceful, lush scenery, there was also time for quiet contemplation, both for the past reasons she feared anything new, and to embrace the new person she was becoming. Brenda learned so much about herself while exploring the wilds of Africa, and tells her story through an unfiltered lens. Her writing is real, raw, evocative, and seemingly effortless. She has the ability to put the reader right in the middle of her experiences, feeling the heightened senses, fatigue, fear, and pride. Her word pictures make the reader feel as though they are on the raft and mountain as well, feeling the rumble of elephant hooves, hearing the deafening roar of the lion and the cry of a wounded animal. We as readers also hack down wild brush to forge a path no human has made before, experience the oppressive heat, river spray, silt-covered skin, potential frostbite, and physical symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness due to altitude. Her ability to place the reader in time and place is uncanny. When Brenda tells of the poaching, big game hunting, disappearance, endangered species, population surge, and tourism that will never be seen again the way she saw them forty-two years ago, it will make your heart ache. If you are a fan of memoir and/or travelogues, please read Brenda’s book; like me, you will undoubtedly love it.
I would like to thank Reedsy Discovery, Brenda E. Smith, Eye Opener Press, LLC, and Paper Raven Books, LLC for the opportunity to read and review this work.
I, for one, could not imagine the personal fortitude it would take to begin an adventure such as this. Brenda jokingly blamed Jimmy Buffett and his song, “Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude” (Location 24 of 4199) for considering adventure in the first place, but it is Richard who gave her the taste for wanderlust. Rafting down the river was no easy task, physically or mentally. Dodging angry hippos, wily crocodiles, and herds of elephants while navigating the rivers to choose correct channels to keep them on course is not for the feint of heart. (One furious hippo went as far as to take a bite out of Richard’s inflatable raft). However, in this beautiful land of wild animals, extreme temperatures, and peaceful, lush scenery, there was also time for quiet contemplation, both for the past reasons she feared anything new, and to embrace the new person she was becoming. Brenda learned so much about herself while exploring the wilds of Africa, and tells her story through an unfiltered lens. Her writing is real, raw, evocative, and seemingly effortless. She has the ability to put the reader right in the middle of her experiences, feeling the heightened senses, fatigue, fear, and pride. Her word pictures make the reader feel as though they are on the raft and mountain as well, feeling the rumble of elephant hooves, hearing the deafening roar of the lion and the cry of a wounded animal. We as readers also hack down wild brush to forge a path no human has made before, experience the oppressive heat, river spray, silt-covered skin, potential frostbite, and physical symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness due to altitude. Her ability to place the reader in time and place is uncanny. When Brenda tells of the poaching, big game hunting, disappearance, endangered species, population surge, and tourism that will never be seen again the way she saw them forty-two years ago, it will make your heart ache. If you are a fan of memoir and/or travelogues, please read Brenda’s book; like me, you will undoubtedly love it.
I would like to thank Reedsy Discovery, Brenda E. Smith, Eye Opener Press, LLC, and Paper Raven Books, LLC for the opportunity to read and review this work.
January 11, 2024
Wow. What a ride and adventure. Just Wow!
November 22, 2023
“Becoming Fearless: Finding Courage in the African Wilderness” by Brenda E. Smith features a young adventurer who is faced with the enormous task of leading a wild expedition in an African country. Harsh conditions and rugged terrain put her solidity to the ultimate test.
The narration starts with an overview of Brenda’s career as a staff auditor in one of Boston’s most prestigious public accounting firms. Although her profession was rocketing in stunning success and prominence, there was a deep longing inside of her to take a break from the boring daily routines.
She was later able to make a reservation with an outfitter, OARS, for a 14-day trip on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. The trip was, however, full of shocks such as the violent and unforgiving currents of the Lava Falls that flung her raft back and forth endlessly. Her fighting spirit would catch the attention of the OARS head guide who wasted no time in welcoming her over for a job opportunity as the company’s finance manager as well as a whitewater guide. However, unlike the other guides, she lacked the ‘daredevil’ gene, vital for one’s survival and success in the profession.
One day, her boss tasked her with leading the company’s newest trip to the Kilombero and Rufiji Rivers in Tanzania. These were rivers that flowed through a vast uninhabited tract teeming with elephants, lions, hippos, and crocs. Unbeknownst to Brenda, the assignment would be a life-altering event that would completely alter her consciousness and expose the source of her fears and anxieties.
The author has excellently gathered and illustrated inspirational, bewildering, and fateful events that ensued after her daring move from her comfort zone in pursuit of her fantasies. Her experiences are packed with multiple hair-raising moments that will keep a reader glued to the pages until the end. She is an individual whose ability to take risks sends her to learn new things about herself, builds her self-confidence, and helps her overcome the fear of failure. Readers will find a lot of inspiration in her judgments and solid demeanor when in the middle of tricky situations.
“Becoming Fearless: Finding Courage in the African Wilderness” by Brenda E. Smith is without a doubt a must-read novel for fun-loving readers as well as fans of inspirational works. Its flow of breathtaking events makes for a captivating read. This story will have a special appeal to people who have had a similar career, as well as individuals who may be fighting the fears of stepping into the unknown. The author’s voice is warm and makes the reader feel like they are with her as she wades through the unexplored jungle and beast-infested waters.
The narration starts with an overview of Brenda’s career as a staff auditor in one of Boston’s most prestigious public accounting firms. Although her profession was rocketing in stunning success and prominence, there was a deep longing inside of her to take a break from the boring daily routines.
She was later able to make a reservation with an outfitter, OARS, for a 14-day trip on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. The trip was, however, full of shocks such as the violent and unforgiving currents of the Lava Falls that flung her raft back and forth endlessly. Her fighting spirit would catch the attention of the OARS head guide who wasted no time in welcoming her over for a job opportunity as the company’s finance manager as well as a whitewater guide. However, unlike the other guides, she lacked the ‘daredevil’ gene, vital for one’s survival and success in the profession.
One day, her boss tasked her with leading the company’s newest trip to the Kilombero and Rufiji Rivers in Tanzania. These were rivers that flowed through a vast uninhabited tract teeming with elephants, lions, hippos, and crocs. Unbeknownst to Brenda, the assignment would be a life-altering event that would completely alter her consciousness and expose the source of her fears and anxieties.
The author has excellently gathered and illustrated inspirational, bewildering, and fateful events that ensued after her daring move from her comfort zone in pursuit of her fantasies. Her experiences are packed with multiple hair-raising moments that will keep a reader glued to the pages until the end. She is an individual whose ability to take risks sends her to learn new things about herself, builds her self-confidence, and helps her overcome the fear of failure. Readers will find a lot of inspiration in her judgments and solid demeanor when in the middle of tricky situations.
“Becoming Fearless: Finding Courage in the African Wilderness” by Brenda E. Smith is without a doubt a must-read novel for fun-loving readers as well as fans of inspirational works. Its flow of breathtaking events makes for a captivating read. This story will have a special appeal to people who have had a similar career, as well as individuals who may be fighting the fears of stepping into the unknown. The author’s voice is warm and makes the reader feel like they are with her as she wades through the unexplored jungle and beast-infested waters.
August 7, 2024
I have read enough books to know, a riveting fist page does not necessarily equate to an exhilarating reading experience. "Becoming Fearless" by Brenda E Smith is an incredible blend of thrilling adventure and profound personal growth which had me glued to the pages, laughing, crying and cringing with her during this invigorating journey. This book, undoubtedly deserving of being named Best Non-Fiction Travel Book of 2023 by Reader Views. It takes you on a breathtaking (literally in some cases as I was holding my breath with her on her downward spiral at Lava Falls) adventure through lush Tan-zan-i-a, it’s alluring culture and up Africa’s tallest mountain.
I think an added element of joy was being able to identify with her from a female perspective. As an adventurer and traveller myself, I often feel that ‘my’ point of view is somewhat neglected in literature – especially in such an open and honest way. From first fearing and then facing angry hippos, roaring lions, and stealthy crocodiles to battling unbearable heat and hypothermia, Brenda's expedition is nothing short of extraordinary and thoroughly enjoyable. Yet, the true value of this book lies in her internal transformation. Something I believe many of us have in some way or another lived. Brenda's narrative of uncovering and overcoming her deepest fears is as gripping and inspiring as the wilderness challenges she conquers. Her courageous journey out of a predictable life into the wild will leave you in awe.
This book is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration to step out of their comfort zone. Brenda E Smith's storytelling is immersive and powerful, making "Becoming Fearless" a truly unforgettable read. I highly recommended this book even if you know nothing about Tan-Zan-I-A, or have been there, want to go there or even if you have no interest in it whatsoever, there is much to learn form this Jewel, born from the African Jungle. And to think.. It all started with a song. Praises to the Author!
I think an added element of joy was being able to identify with her from a female perspective. As an adventurer and traveller myself, I often feel that ‘my’ point of view is somewhat neglected in literature – especially in such an open and honest way. From first fearing and then facing angry hippos, roaring lions, and stealthy crocodiles to battling unbearable heat and hypothermia, Brenda's expedition is nothing short of extraordinary and thoroughly enjoyable. Yet, the true value of this book lies in her internal transformation. Something I believe many of us have in some way or another lived. Brenda's narrative of uncovering and overcoming her deepest fears is as gripping and inspiring as the wilderness challenges she conquers. Her courageous journey out of a predictable life into the wild will leave you in awe.
This book is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration to step out of their comfort zone. Brenda E Smith's storytelling is immersive and powerful, making "Becoming Fearless" a truly unforgettable read. I highly recommended this book even if you know nothing about Tan-Zan-I-A, or have been there, want to go there or even if you have no interest in it whatsoever, there is much to learn form this Jewel, born from the African Jungle. And to think.. It all started with a song. Praises to the Author!
January 18, 2025
Wish It Included Photos
I kept going back and forth between three and four stars when it came to rating the book because while it was a decent read that I don't regret purchasing, I wouldn't say it was spectacular or particularly moving. At any rate, in the end I chose four stars, rounding it up just a bit.
The book is well written and edited, easy to follow. I liked it well enough but felt it lacked a few things. One was that I didn't really get a sense of any intense feelings despite being in an intense place that would seem to evoke them. Everything was told rather matter of factly as opposed to strong emotion. Secondly, I think photos would have added to the book for the reader!
I'm not an adrenaline junkie so to speak and unfortunately I don't take many risks. In that way, I am similar to the author when she started out. So one thing that stood out for me was her/their bravery tackling a remote river in a rubber raft --KNOWING that below you lurked hungry crocodiles and temperamental hippos and if by chance the river wasn't cooperative, you'd be dumped in the river with them. NO amount of self talk or reassurance from others could have convinced ME to get in that raft lol. And then when you throw in lions, elephants and other creatures lurking? No thanks lol. But to each their own I guess. I'm glad they remained safe.
I kept going back and forth between three and four stars when it came to rating the book because while it was a decent read that I don't regret purchasing, I wouldn't say it was spectacular or particularly moving. At any rate, in the end I chose four stars, rounding it up just a bit.
The book is well written and edited, easy to follow. I liked it well enough but felt it lacked a few things. One was that I didn't really get a sense of any intense feelings despite being in an intense place that would seem to evoke them. Everything was told rather matter of factly as opposed to strong emotion. Secondly, I think photos would have added to the book for the reader!
I'm not an adrenaline junkie so to speak and unfortunately I don't take many risks. In that way, I am similar to the author when she started out. So one thing that stood out for me was her/their bravery tackling a remote river in a rubber raft --KNOWING that below you lurked hungry crocodiles and temperamental hippos and if by chance the river wasn't cooperative, you'd be dumped in the river with them. NO amount of self talk or reassurance from others could have convinced ME to get in that raft lol. And then when you throw in lions, elephants and other creatures lurking? No thanks lol. But to each their own I guess. I'm glad they remained safe.
September 6, 2023
Brenda Smith's wonderfully told true adventure is a delight. She becomes a member of the crew of the first ever commercial guided tour down a river in Africa that was the reported site of the legendary movie, African Queen. As a reader I experienced the trip as though I was paying guest or part of the crew. My arms almost ached from handling the oars as the rubber rafts are close to danger from animals__ think huge hippos and hungry crocodiles, from rapids, and from disorientation as the crew weaves through small islands that make the passage unclear. I almost felt the moisture from the river as the boats plunge down the river as they are caught in the current. I felt like Brenda that I found courage in the African wilderness. You will too!
August 8, 2024
One of the best travelogs I have read. Brenda Smith has such a way with words that you feel like you are on the journey with her. Her trip to Africa, in the 1980's, unfortunately can't be repeated due to progress, but the description of her adventure will make your heart race at times.
Brenda blows off her staid, stable, nine-to-five accounting job to move out west and become a white water rafting guide and the firm's accountant. She is convinced to go on a once in a lifetime trip down an unexplored African River through a wildlife park, ending with a climb up Mount Kilimonjaro. With several experienced guides, native help, and paying clients, her courage is tested on many levels. A great read that will have you feeling you really are in Africa. #GoodreadsGiveaways
Brenda blows off her staid, stable, nine-to-five accounting job to move out west and become a white water rafting guide and the firm's accountant. She is convinced to go on a once in a lifetime trip down an unexplored African River through a wildlife park, ending with a climb up Mount Kilimonjaro. With several experienced guides, native help, and paying clients, her courage is tested on many levels. A great read that will have you feeling you really are in Africa. #GoodreadsGiveaways
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2024
In this engaging story, the author takes us with her on both her external and internal journey to Tanzania to raft the Selous River and climb Mt Kilimanjaro. In telling about overcoming fear and finding beauty in the wilds of Africa, we are transported with her via the clarity and craftmanship of her writing. An enjoyable, gripping tale of a young woman finding courage where she least expected it. I highly recommend this book to reluctant travelers, armchair travelers, and those of us who remember our own early days of fearing the unknown.
December 24, 2024
For every woman who has dreamed about traveling but has some level of fear, this book is for you! Brenda E Smith has just become my new hero!!!
Since retirement, I have had the privilege to travel nationwide in my RV and have loved every minute even when things didn’t turn out as planned. Five years later, I sold my RV to travel internationally.. last year was amazing and 2025 has many adventures planned, including Africa! This book found me just at the right time…Thank you, Brenda! Now on to her second book, “Becoming Amazed”. Keep writing Brenda!
Since retirement, I have had the privilege to travel nationwide in my RV and have loved every minute even when things didn’t turn out as planned. Five years later, I sold my RV to travel internationally.. last year was amazing and 2025 has many adventures planned, including Africa! This book found me just at the right time…Thank you, Brenda! Now on to her second book, “Becoming Amazed”. Keep writing Brenda!
February 25, 2025
In this engaging story, the author takes us with her on both her external and internal journey to Tanzania to raft the Selous River and climb Mt Kilimanjaro. In telling about overcoming fear and finding beauty in the wilds of Africa, we are transported with her via the clarity and craftmanship of her writing. An enjoyable, gripping tale of a young woman finding courage where she least expected it. I highly recommend this book to reluctant travelers, armchair travelers, and those of us who remember our own early days of fearing the unknown.
February 7, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Brenda E Smith's second book, Becoming Fearless. After discovering her love of adventure (read her first book, Becoming Amazed), Brenda braved new adventures as part of a wilderness tourism team. Told with honesty about the great, challenging, and sometimes discouraging aspects of adventure travel, this is a must-read for those looking for their next trip, armchair explorers, and those whose travel days are behind them (or are they...).
January 13, 2024
This book teaches us that even an "ordinary" young woman can become an adventurer. Despite her trepidation, Brenda just keeps going and is rewarded with a huge sense of accomplishment.
Along the way we learn about river rafting in Tanzania, and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
But I'm still not tempted to try either! Thank you for doing it for me, Brenda!
Along the way we learn about river rafting in Tanzania, and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
But I'm still not tempted to try either! Thank you for doing it for me, Brenda!
March 7, 2024
inspiring and enjoyable
Brenda’s description of her trip to Africa made me appreciate how much our internal thinking impacts what we choose to do and not to do. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to step out and take a risk, or even someone who doesn’t want to but wants to enjoy someone else’s journey.
Brenda’s description of her trip to Africa made me appreciate how much our internal thinking impacts what we choose to do and not to do. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to step out and take a risk, or even someone who doesn’t want to but wants to enjoy someone else’s journey.
December 5, 2024
This is a well written book that has a wonderful story to be told. The author makes you feel that you are with them on this rafting trip in Tanzania. You can hear the snorting sounds of hippos and feel their anxiety when a hippo charges at them. This is a wonderful glimpse of wild, wildlife in the 80’s. It’s rustic and beautiful. It’s high risk adventure. It’s a delightful read.
October 30, 2023
This started out very slow but got better as they headed down the river in Tanzania.
Although the book is about her "becoming fearless", I found it tedious that Brenda was so afraid of so many things and wrote so, so much about it all. A lot.
But, all-in-all it was a fun, adventurous ride.
Although the book is about her "becoming fearless", I found it tedious that Brenda was so afraid of so many things and wrote so, so much about it all. A lot.
But, all-in-all it was a fun, adventurous ride.
December 25, 2023
The Heart of an Adventurer
This book has inspired me to take hard trips & live life in an adventurous way! A detailed description of her journey into the heart of Africa where every page details the excitement of living a daring life
This book has inspired me to take hard trips & live life in an adventurous way! A detailed description of her journey into the heart of Africa where every page details the excitement of living a daring life
January 18, 2024
Amazing story
So fascinating to read about this transformation of the author. I felt like I was there with her on the adventure of a lifetime!.
I am glad I stumbled onto this true story.
So fascinating to read about this transformation of the author. I felt like I was there with her on the adventure of a lifetime!.
I am glad I stumbled onto this true story.
August 29, 2023
Informative and easy to read
An informative guide for those of us who haven't travelled to then more remote areas of the globe to find adventures and grow.
An informative guide for those of us who haven't travelled to then more remote areas of the globe to find adventures and grow.
September 12, 2023
Even if you wouldn't do a river raftinIg trip in Tanzania or climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, this book is fascinating. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes memoirs or armchair travel.
January 15, 2024
Inspirational
I thought Brenda's courage and tenacity were amazing. Very well - written, story and language! I want more stories, please.
I thought Brenda's courage and tenacity were amazing. Very well - written, story and language! I want more stories, please.
June 15, 2024
Very interesting and informative memoir on the author's adventures in Tanzania - great descriptions and narrative - highly recommend
March 2, 2025
Very entertaining, great travel / adventure log
March 7, 2025
This book was very enjoyable. A well paced memoir that has the detail and excitement you would hope for in a story of this nature. The story drew me in and was had to put down with necessary.
The author gives background as to how she ended up on the trip that is the subject of the memoir but most of the book is her amazing trip in Tanzania. The only thing I missed are a map (especially since the river changed since her trip) and photos, particularly those described in the text. Since these things are not common in memoirs, I can't count it against the book when rating it.
I often felt like I was traveling with the author. To the point at which I was disappointed that I did not . I recommend this book to both those who like adventure or those who try to avoid it.
Disclaimer #GoodReadGiveaway - I might not have read this book otherwise and that would have been a mistake seeing how much I enjoyed it. Getting this book through a #Giveaway only affected my review in that I read the book in the first place. Five Stars even if I had bought it.
ETA - I recommended this book and author to a friend's book club. I hope they read it.
The author gives background as to how she ended up on the trip that is the subject of the memoir but most of the book is her amazing trip in Tanzania. The only thing I missed are a map (especially since the river changed since her trip) and photos, particularly those described in the text. Since these things are not common in memoirs, I can't count it against the book when rating it.
I often felt like I was traveling with the author. To the point at which I was disappointed that I did not . I recommend this book to both those who like adventure or those who try to avoid it.
Disclaimer #GoodReadGiveaway - I might not have read this book otherwise and that would have been a mistake seeing how much I enjoyed it. Getting this book through a #Giveaway only affected my review in that I read the book in the first place. Five Stars even if I had bought it.
ETA - I recommended this book and author to a friend's book club. I hope they read it.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews