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An Icelandic Adventure: One Family’s Mostly Successful Quest for Puffins, Pleasure, and Perfect Pizza
Join the Bavey family in the Land of Ice and Fire. Experience 24-hour daylight, waterfalls galore, a nail-biting super jeep trip up a mountain onto the largest glacier in Europe, a duck boat tour on an iceberg lagoon and many wildlife encounters.
The outpouring of lava from the recent volcanic eruption threatens to stop them from reaching the famous Blue Lagoon. Will they make it? And will they see any puffins before it’s time for them to depart?
The outpouring of lava from the recent volcanic eruption threatens to stop them from reaching the famous Blue Lagoon. Will they make it? And will they see any puffins before it’s time for them to depart?
- GenresTravelNonfictionMemoir
Kindle Edition
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14 people want to read
About the author
S. Bavey
11 books71 followersAn English Mum of two, living in Massachussetts since 2003 with her husband, kids, a cat named Midnight and a leopard gecko named Ziggy Stardust.
Lucky Jack is her grandfather, Henry John Rogers’ biography .
Blog: www.suebavey.com
Lucky Jack is her grandfather, Henry John Rogers’ biography .
Blog: www.suebavey.com
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 11, 2024
Iceland is probably not a country most of us have visited, or contemplated visiting, but after reading Sue's book you may change your mind. Unlike Sue's previous books (which I've loved), this is a personal memoir of a family trip to Iceland. Not only do you get to travel around the island with her, her husband and two older kids and enjoy the various places they visit, Sue provides lots of interesting facts and history, along with Icelandic pronunciations. Not the easiest language to get your tongue around! Most appreciatively, there are photos at the end of each chapter, which has saved me multiple trips to Google, to see these fascinating places. From lava fields to waterfalls, flowers to foxes, Sue's descriptive prose takes you along with them. There's a useful index at the end of the book, with links to the places they visited and stayed, if you do decide to follow her footsteps. A fabulous read, and definitely recommended.
April 7, 2025
A fun and fact packed little Icelandic Travel memoir. The Bavey family were only spending a week in Iceland,the land of Fire and Ice but my goodness, they certainly made the most of their time there. The carefully planned holiday saw them visiting the capital city Reykjavik, making a hair raising trip to a glacier, enjoying a lava show, seeking waterfalls and taking in the Blue Lagoon Spa. The author includes historical facts and weaves Icelandic legends into this entertaining account. I loved the photos and the links to the places visited at the end. There's also a handy Icelandic Pronunciation Guide should you fancy having a go at the language.
November 23, 2024
I’ve never been to Iceland and despite what I’ve read about it, I’ve also never felt inspired to go there before, but that’s changed now. Sue Bavey’s fun and informative account of her family’s holiday touring the country has sparked an interest that’s made me quite keen to get on a plane and visit Iceland myself. I enjoyed the intermingling of the family’s explorations with the history, geography and interesting facts about the different places they drove to. I also liked the help with pronouncing the various place names and words. The written Icelandic language offers no clues to those unfamiliar with their letters and sounds, so it was great to have the help. And to add to the excitement, they were there at a slightly precarious time, geologically speaking. However, if you want to know more, or even if they found the puffins, then buy it and read it. It’s definitely a different, adventurous and unusual location for a holiday. Thank you, Sue Bavey. I received an ARC copy of the book and I enjoyed travelling with your family very much.
October 3, 2024
Some great ideas here for a family trip around Iceland. You need a willing, enthusiastic guide to get the most of this exciting but expensive country, and the author is up to the task - and the photos help you visualise those stunning locations.
October 3, 2024
I loved reading this book—my sister and I went for a week on the way to Ireland and Scotland and toured the south from east to west. Wish I read this book before we went as we would have stayed longer and always wanted to go back and do the north section. Anyone wanting to go or just wanting to know about Iceland should read this book. One important this to know is that it is expensive but very beautiful and there are plenty of wonderful places to go that aren’t touristy but just as wonderful.
October 2, 2024
This is a fascinating book. What a wonderful trip the family had to the Land of Ice and Fire. Such an interesting & informative read. Lovely photos. Stunning cover. The links to the local restaurants & attractions are a brilliant idea & work well. Highly recommend
I received a complimentary copy from the author. I am writing a voluntary, honest review.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. I am writing a voluntary, honest review.
August 4, 2025
A thoroughly enjoyable sojourn to Iceland!
I enjoyed the perfect blend of fact and fun that the author included. Most especially the tricky pronunciations which made for easy reading.
Bavey describes the family’s sightseeing with vivid descriptions and I loved the rundown of interesting meals they tried.
Given the adventurous sights and tours the family encountered, I was very happy to be travelling vicariously with them and could totally relate to the author’s reservations about some of the experiences. Well done to her for being brave enough to try the more tricky excursions!
I enjoyed the perfect blend of fact and fun that the author included. Most especially the tricky pronunciations which made for easy reading.
Bavey describes the family’s sightseeing with vivid descriptions and I loved the rundown of interesting meals they tried.
Given the adventurous sights and tours the family encountered, I was very happy to be travelling vicariously with them and could totally relate to the author’s reservations about some of the experiences. Well done to her for being brave enough to try the more tricky excursions!
January 7, 2025
I received an ARC from the author in exchange of an honest review.
I just LOVE travelogues, and so when I saw this one pop up and Sue asked if I wanted to review it, well, of course I couldn’t resist!
In this one we follow Sue and her family as they go to Iceland! They are in this country for 7 days and during those 7 days, well they do a lot of fun things! From visiting cities to car trips and discovering lava to hoping that they can go to the spa (which on that note they were lucky when they went as I saw a couple of days ago that lava has come to Blue Lagoon and is now eating away more and more). But there is also food (apparently it isn’t cheap to eat out, which I am happy to learn as I still one day hope to visit Iceland and now I know that I should definitely just mostly do something myself) from pizza to crepes to reading about local delicacies (though some also not so delicacies haha at least for me). I really had fun reading about their adventures and I wish I could be there for real. I would love to go to those waterfalls, see gorgeous sights, meet the horses, and more. Sue really has a fun way of writing and it feels like you are right there with them.
I loved that not just do we get to read about Sue and her family and their adventures in Iceland, we also get to see them in fun and gorgeous photographs. At times I really wanted the powers to step into a book, because WOW!
Plus, I liked that at the end there is an appendix with some bonus information and links to various hotels/events/things to do and more. That always makes me happy.
The only thing that didn’t click with me (or at least with my ADHD) was the pronunciation for the various Icelandic words. They threw me out of the story as my ADHD was dedicated to trying it out and that met with various results, haha. I think it would have been better if those were added in the bonus parts at the end.
All in all though, I would recommend this fun book to all!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I just LOVE travelogues, and so when I saw this one pop up and Sue asked if I wanted to review it, well, of course I couldn’t resist!
In this one we follow Sue and her family as they go to Iceland! They are in this country for 7 days and during those 7 days, well they do a lot of fun things! From visiting cities to car trips and discovering lava to hoping that they can go to the spa (which on that note they were lucky when they went as I saw a couple of days ago that lava has come to Blue Lagoon and is now eating away more and more). But there is also food (apparently it isn’t cheap to eat out, which I am happy to learn as I still one day hope to visit Iceland and now I know that I should definitely just mostly do something myself) from pizza to crepes to reading about local delicacies (though some also not so delicacies haha at least for me). I really had fun reading about their adventures and I wish I could be there for real. I would love to go to those waterfalls, see gorgeous sights, meet the horses, and more. Sue really has a fun way of writing and it feels like you are right there with them.
I loved that not just do we get to read about Sue and her family and their adventures in Iceland, we also get to see them in fun and gorgeous photographs. At times I really wanted the powers to step into a book, because WOW!
Plus, I liked that at the end there is an appendix with some bonus information and links to various hotels/events/things to do and more. That always makes me happy.
The only thing that didn’t click with me (or at least with my ADHD) was the pronunciation for the various Icelandic words. They threw me out of the story as my ADHD was dedicated to trying it out and that met with various results, haha. I think it would have been better if those were added in the bonus parts at the end.
All in all though, I would recommend this fun book to all!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
October 2, 2024
“An Icelandic Adventure” by S. Bavey was a trip back in time, reminding me of one of the most healing moments of my life. I held my Kindle tighter as I visualized Bavey terrified as the super jeep driver drove them higher up the glacier along the uneven mountain tracks and crevasses. What an experience! Am I brave enough to do the same on my upcoming trip back to Iceland? I think not. But I will follow in Bavey’s footsteps to check out the intriguing black sand beaches, numerous breathtaking waterfalls formed by mountaintop glaciers, and visit an ice bar called Magic Ice. The bar is in Reykjavik and features many crystal-clear ice sculptures. Bavey’s vivid descriptions have me longing for my trip to get here quicker. If you’ve ever wanted to visit Iceland, I highly recommend this entertaining book, complete with fascinating history and lovely animals (sheep, cattle, Icelandic horses, reindeer, and arctic foxes). But no spoilers here. I will not say if they found the long-sought-after puffin.
April 18, 2025
Published in 2004, this Kindle book details the author and her family's vacation in Iceland. I have always wanted to visit Iceland, and this book read very similarly to a travel journal. I will definitely take advantage of the places, food, and adventures described in this book when I am planning my own adventure.
This was a very casual, quick read. One of my favorite parts of this book was the author's inclusion of the pronunciation and definition of many Icelandic words. She offered tips on which excursions she enjoyed and which were less fun for her, but always explaining her reasons why. She provided helpful travel information such as the cost of food there, some of the local cuisine, and how it is to drive through the country without a guide.
The family had a great time in Iceland: eating pizza and searching for puffins. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-written story.
Thank you to the author for the #gifted copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
This was a very casual, quick read. One of my favorite parts of this book was the author's inclusion of the pronunciation and definition of many Icelandic words. She offered tips on which excursions she enjoyed and which were less fun for her, but always explaining her reasons why. She provided helpful travel information such as the cost of food there, some of the local cuisine, and how it is to drive through the country without a guide.
The family had a great time in Iceland: eating pizza and searching for puffins. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-written story.
Thank you to the author for the #gifted copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2024
‘A guidebook that reads like a story – or a story that reads like a guidebook!'
I found this an easy, enjoyable, and informative read.
It's ideal to use as a very readable guide book if you’re planning a trip to Iceland, or if like me, you want to visit vicariously because you can’t get there. (I have a four-dog fur family, and Iceland is one of the few countries who still impose quarantine!)
I love how myths and facts were seamlessly included within the family's story, along with explanations of the meaning of unpronounceable Icelandic place names. I enjoyed the quotes at the start of each chapter, and the photos really added to the book.
Although it’s a 5-day whistlestop tour, it's packed with information and if you’re looking for an itinerary around the highlights, the author has worked it all out for you!
A delightful short read.
I received an advance review copy of this book but am voluntarily leaving my own unbiased review.
I found this an easy, enjoyable, and informative read.
It's ideal to use as a very readable guide book if you’re planning a trip to Iceland, or if like me, you want to visit vicariously because you can’t get there. (I have a four-dog fur family, and Iceland is one of the few countries who still impose quarantine!)
I love how myths and facts were seamlessly included within the family's story, along with explanations of the meaning of unpronounceable Icelandic place names. I enjoyed the quotes at the start of each chapter, and the photos really added to the book.
Although it’s a 5-day whistlestop tour, it's packed with information and if you’re looking for an itinerary around the highlights, the author has worked it all out for you!
A delightful short read.
I received an advance review copy of this book but am voluntarily leaving my own unbiased review.
December 29, 2024
Author S. Bavey took her readers on a 7-day trip along with her family in An Icelandic Adventure. It was a whirlwind excursion as they visited glaciers, waterfalls, geysers, lighthouses and volcanic craters while always hoping to see the elusive puffin. She did not see one but she shared local tales of the scary 12 Yule Lads, ogresses and trolls which kept the children in line. She added pictures at the end of her chapters which included a statue of the famed Leif Erickson and The Bridge Between Two Continents.
The island's cuisine included delicious crepes served with whipped cream, strawberries and bananas, pizza margaritas and other tasty choices.They saw lava shows, gained insight into the sheep farming, fishing and eider ducks The recent volcanic eruptions almost made them miss the best and last trek to the Blue Lagoon spa spot. Her superb writing sent me to YouTube to take a few Iceland trips to join in on the fun. A must read!
The island's cuisine included delicious crepes served with whipped cream, strawberries and bananas, pizza margaritas and other tasty choices.They saw lava shows, gained insight into the sheep farming, fishing and eider ducks The recent volcanic eruptions almost made them miss the best and last trek to the Blue Lagoon spa spot. Her superb writing sent me to YouTube to take a few Iceland trips to join in on the fun. A must read!
June 2, 2025
I was offered a choice of memoirs by various authors of a FB group and picked this one because I knew pretty much nothing about Iceland. It reads like a travel journal--we did this, then that, but it is pleasant and conversational and would be great for anyone interested in exploring Iceland for the first time. Descriptions and color photos showed a geographically unusual land of lush green but with few trees or shrubs. Lava flows and glaciers leave their marks on the land. And who wouldn't want to see reindeer and shaggy little horses living wild, and loads of waterfalls!
Throughout the travelogue, we are given the meanings of those odd place names and how to pronounce them. The language reminded me of traveling around Wales. For future visitors, the author gives a nice pronunciation guide and useful list of places her family went to for tours, eats, and hotel stays. Yes, good to read this before you go - and so you know what to expect when booking that "super jeep" excursion.
Throughout the travelogue, we are given the meanings of those odd place names and how to pronounce them. The language reminded me of traveling around Wales. For future visitors, the author gives a nice pronunciation guide and useful list of places her family went to for tours, eats, and hotel stays. Yes, good to read this before you go - and so you know what to expect when booking that "super jeep" excursion.
December 1, 2024
I have always been fascinated by challenging terrain, and mountainous countries, so when this came up hot on the heels of a recent Iceland book I've read, I got it immediately on Kindle.
It's a very easy read, and unlike some books explains how to pronounce the names of many places and nouns, and I was astounded to realise I've been pronouncing most WRONG for 35 years!
It was cute to hear about what the family got up to as they went from place to place, and they also went after one of the recent lava eruptions, so anything could have happened.
But like most locals, they had a "Let's wait and see" attitude, and it didn't put them off, nor did the long days which would make it hard to sleep in summer.
It's a very easy read, and unlike some books explains how to pronounce the names of many places and nouns, and I was astounded to realise I've been pronouncing most WRONG for 35 years!
It was cute to hear about what the family got up to as they went from place to place, and they also went after one of the recent lava eruptions, so anything could have happened.
But like most locals, they had a "Let's wait and see" attitude, and it didn't put them off, nor did the long days which would make it hard to sleep in summer.
December 8, 2024
A Must Read For Travellers Visiting the Land of Fire and Ice
Before I read S. Bavey’s An Icelandic Adventure: One Family’s Mostly Successful Quest for Puffins, Pleasure, and Perfect Pizza, an Iceland visit had never been a priority. But this winning combination of travel tips, family anecdotes, historical facts, geological information, and a guide to Icelandic pronunciation has changed my mind. In one short family holiday, the Baveys pack in as much adventure, culture, geology, and myth as any traveller could wish for.
A must-read for anyone planning a trip to the land of fire and ice.
Before I read S. Bavey’s An Icelandic Adventure: One Family’s Mostly Successful Quest for Puffins, Pleasure, and Perfect Pizza, an Iceland visit had never been a priority. But this winning combination of travel tips, family anecdotes, historical facts, geological information, and a guide to Icelandic pronunciation has changed my mind. In one short family holiday, the Baveys pack in as much adventure, culture, geology, and myth as any traveller could wish for.
A must-read for anyone planning a trip to the land of fire and ice.
December 26, 2024
This is a fun, real travel adventure book. Escaping a heatwave in the US, the Bavey family had an amazing holiday in Iceland. It sounds super exciting and they certainly packed a lot into their time there. Glaciers, lagoons, lava, pizza and more! The book also serves as a travel guide, with practical advice and links should readers wish to plan a visit, plus how to pronounce the place names. The downside to the trip was that things were quite expensive but they did treat themselves to some nice meals. There are some great photos included.
January 28, 2025
makes me want to visit Iceland.
I’ve been obsessed with Iceland for a while and now after reading this travel story, I’m planning to go. I thought the pictures online were all doctored to make it look better but the travel photos they took look like it really is that great. Reading this was like talking to a friend telling me about their vacation. I can’t wait for my Iceland trip. This type of book is a great idea for anyone thinking of traveling. I hope she writes one on Italy soon before I take a trip there
I’ve been obsessed with Iceland for a while and now after reading this travel story, I’m planning to go. I thought the pictures online were all doctored to make it look better but the travel photos they took look like it really is that great. Reading this was like talking to a friend telling me about their vacation. I can’t wait for my Iceland trip. This type of book is a great idea for anyone thinking of traveling. I hope she writes one on Italy soon before I take a trip there
December 28, 2024
This book is a little gem; It has so much valuable information about a country that is clearly very special and unique. It has certainly whet my appetite, and I have added this to my travel bucket list.
It is well written in a friendly engaging voice and the descriptions had me seeing it all in my mind's eye. I'm sure I will find the list of places visited at the back of the book very handy when/if I manage to get to Iceland.
It is well written in a friendly engaging voice and the descriptions had me seeing it all in my mind's eye. I'm sure I will find the list of places visited at the back of the book very handy when/if I manage to get to Iceland.
January 20, 2025
A Wonderful Advenute
I vicariously experienced the author’s multi-day adventures through Iceland with her family. I love that she and her family toured many places on her trip. She also incorporated knowledge she either gained on the trio or researched to accentuate the story. This little book will certainly make the reader desire a similar adventure through Iceland, and the author included links to each place they visited in their travels.
I vicariously experienced the author’s multi-day adventures through Iceland with her family. I love that she and her family toured many places on her trip. She also incorporated knowledge she either gained on the trio or researched to accentuate the story. This little book will certainly make the reader desire a similar adventure through Iceland, and the author included links to each place they visited in their travels.
December 4, 2024
A fun travel log that brought back memories of my trips to Iceland. If you are interested in visiting, it is a good read with information on the history and culture of Iceland with very helpful links in the appendix. A nostalgic read for me as I have been to almost all the places they went and had very similar experiences. I found this on kindle and listened to it via Siri.
January 5, 2025
Great family trip
I love to travel and enjoyed this book about a family’s trip to Iceland. It goes over each detail from the flight there to the flight back home. I am planning a trip to Iceland and want to go to the similar spots they visited. I loved the pictures too. Worth the read.
I love to travel and enjoyed this book about a family’s trip to Iceland. It goes over each detail from the flight there to the flight back home. I am planning a trip to Iceland and want to go to the similar spots they visited. I loved the pictures too. Worth the read.
January 9, 2025
Great Mix of Adventure and Reflection
This book is a great read for anyone who loves travel and a good story. The writer does an awesome job capturing Iceland’s beauty while sharing the challenges and wins during the journey. It’s straightforward, engaging, and feels real. It’s perfect for guys who appreciate a mix of adventure and reflection. Definitely worth the read!
This book is a great read for anyone who loves travel and a good story. The writer does an awesome job capturing Iceland’s beauty while sharing the challenges and wins during the journey. It’s straightforward, engaging, and feels real. It’s perfect for guys who appreciate a mix of adventure and reflection. Definitely worth the read!
October 16, 2025
A shared family holiday to Iceland in which Sue shares with finesse the tastes, sights, sounds and smells of this extraordinary volcanic landscape. If you haven’t visited yourself, I recommend you grab a copy of this book for an immersive visit via your kindle and as a bonus there’s photo’s to enjoy.
October 3, 2024
I've always wanted to visit Iceland. Reading Sue's experiences I now feel I have. An excellent read with a great insight to a place I now want to visit more than ever.
December 26, 2024
It was fun to remember some of the places we visited in Iceland. We would love to go back in the summer and see the lupine and hopefully some puffin!
January 6, 2025
In “An Icelandic Adventure” by Sue Bavey, the author captures the essence of her family’s one-week trip to Iceland. She shares how they saved money by eating from grocery stores and embarked on a quest to find the "perfect" pizza for her picky son. Along the way, she beautifully describes Iceland’s rugged beauty, from majestic waterfalls like Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss to the black-sand beaches of Reynisfjara, and the Blue Lagoon…and her excitement about potentially seeing puffins. The book highlights not only the breathtaking natural wonders but also Iceland’s appeal as an unforgettable family vacation destination.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews