Location X: A Quest for Place

by Eva Rome

Not all septuagenarians become devoted grandparents, contented gardeners, or avid pickleball players, some still crave risk and adventure. Eva Rome enters her eighth decade and rejects her comfortable, semiretired life, questing for meaning beyond the mainstream. In the midst of Covid, she sells her home and hits the road to search for Location X, a place that speaks to who she is. Her investigations take her around the globe, starting in São Paulo, Brazil, on a street named for Diogenes, the Greek cynic who carried a lantern around Athens, shoving it into his fellow citizens’ faces and declaring, “I’m looking for a man.” Eva holds her own lantern up to the world and proclaims, “I’m looking for a place.” Her investigations take her from São Paulo to Mexico to Uncertain, Texas, to retirement hot spots in Costa Rica and Panamá, Spain, Italy, and Portugal. Archangel Michael, whom she learns is her guardian spirit, makes appearances and offers guidance.On a pirate's map, X marks the spot where treasure is buried, and finding X was the focus of her pinpointing that singular location that said, this is where the next phase of my life will unfold. From the armchair globetrotter to the boomer looking for a soft landing in paradise, readers will recognize their unrealized relocation dreams in this compilation of humorous travel exploits and perhaps be prompted to take on their own new adventures.

395 pages, Paperback

Published December 15, 2023

Reviews

[A Look Inside: Reviews and Interviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Location X: A Quest for Place" by Eva Rome is a delightful and humorous exploration of one woman's journey to find meaning and adventure in her eighth decade of life. Rejecting the notion of settling into a comfortable retirement, Rome embarks on a quest to discover "Location X" – a place that speaks to her soul and embodies the next phase of her life. From the streets of São Paulo to retirement hotspots in Costa Rica and Spain, her travels take her on a whirlwind adventure filled with humor, insight, and unexpected encounters.

What sets "Location X" apart is its relatable exploration of the universal desire for adventure and self-discovery, regardless of age or stage in life. Rome's candid and humorous storytelling draws readers into her world, inviting them to join her on a journey of exploration and introspection. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or an armchair globetrotter, you'll find yourself nodding along with Rome's experiences and chuckling at her witty observations.

The book's appeal lies in its blend of travelogue, memoir, and humor, offering readers a lighthearted yet thought-provoking exploration of the quest for meaning and fulfillment. Rome's encounters with Archangel Michael, her guardian spirit, add a touch of whimsy to the narrative, while her reflections on the nature of place and identity resonate on a deeper level.

Fans of travel humor will appreciate Rome's wit and irreverent take on the journey of self-discovery. From navigating the chaos of São Paulo to pondering the meaning of life in Uncertain, Texas, Rome's adventures are sure to entertain and inspire readers to embrace their own unrealized dreams of exploration and adventure.

Overall, "Location X: A Quest for Place" is a charming and insightful read that offers a fresh perspective on the journey of self-discovery and the search for meaning in an ever-changing world. With its blend of humor, wisdom, and adventure, it is sure to resonate with readers of all ages who long to embark on their own quest for "Location X."

[Robin Schoenthaler · Rating 5 out of 5]

super fun read

Let’s go! Wonderfully written hilarious depiction of searching for Location X —
The mythical/mystical place that meets all this very funny woman’s criteria. Great journey!

[Toddy]

This is too hard to review since I know the author well.