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Scotland with a Stranger
At forty-three, Ninya was depressed, out of shape, and filled with crippling anxiety after addiction, cancer, and divorce had destroyed nearly everything. One day, she received a message from a stranger. This woman offered to lead her on a self-healing trip hiking through the Scottish highlands.
It seemed like a sign—a big sister sent when she needed one most.
In this sometimes hilarious, sometimes terrifying, but always inspiring memoir, an introverted pollyanna is paired up with her polar opposite—a steamrolling, abrasive female with completely unorthodox healing methods. As they barrel through the winding one lane roads in a tiny rental car stopping to hike at breathtaking mountains and glens, an outrageous series of events forces Ninya to reclaim her power and find the strength to heal herself in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Readers of “Eat, Pray, Love” and “Wild” will love this memoir.
It seemed like a sign—a big sister sent when she needed one most.
In this sometimes hilarious, sometimes terrifying, but always inspiring memoir, an introverted pollyanna is paired up with her polar opposite—a steamrolling, abrasive female with completely unorthodox healing methods. As they barrel through the winding one lane roads in a tiny rental car stopping to hike at breathtaking mountains and glens, an outrageous series of events forces Ninya to reclaim her power and find the strength to heal herself in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Readers of “Eat, Pray, Love” and “Wild” will love this memoir.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2020
77 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
About the author
Ninya
33 books17 followersI've always been a risk-taker, so at 44 I decided to write and publish my own books. It has been a roller coaster ride with a punishing learning curve, but if it were easy, everyone would do it. After a year of working like a crazy woman, I was able to leave my day job behind and chase my dream of being a full-time author. I write under the pen names of Ninya and Blair Bryan.
I love to travel and a trip to Scotland with a complete stranger was the inspiration for my memoir. I also seem to attract crazy experiences and people into my life like a magnet that gives me a never-ending supply of interesting storylines.
If you love a good dirty joke, a cup of coffee so strong you can chew it, and have killed more cats with your curiosity than you can count, I might be your soulmate.
Visit me online www.tealbutterflypress.com
I love to travel and a trip to Scotland with a complete stranger was the inspiration for my memoir. I also seem to attract crazy experiences and people into my life like a magnet that gives me a never-ending supply of interesting storylines.
If you love a good dirty joke, a cup of coffee so strong you can chew it, and have killed more cats with your curiosity than you can count, I might be your soulmate.
Visit me online www.tealbutterflypress.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 13, 2021
Less of a memoir and more like the whinings of a person who's made one mistake after another and learns nothing. No growth or discovery demonstrated throughout.
February 13, 2021
A Fun Read of Self-Exloration
I was not sure how I would like this book, but the author’s quirky story telling drew me in. Broken by life, she embarks on a trip to Scotland for 2 weeks with her polar opposite. During this crazy adventure she finds her own voice. Compelling and funny story.
I was not sure how I would like this book, but the author’s quirky story telling drew me in. Broken by life, she embarks on a trip to Scotland for 2 weeks with her polar opposite. During this crazy adventure she finds her own voice. Compelling and funny story.
December 4, 2021
A perfectly crafted memoir that doesn't sugar coat the bad or ignore the good when traveling to a foreign country with a total stranger who happens to be your complete opposite. A raw look at the author's backstory makes you root for her and want her to have the perfect trip, but the reality of the situation shows that a trip doesn't have to be perfect to be great. In fact, it's the imperfect moments that help her to learn to stand up for herself and get what she wants from it as well as grow as a person. You can read my full review here: https://laurasbooksandblogs.com/scotl...
May 24, 2020
There are things in life that speak to the deepest parts of our hearts; our triumphs, our failures, our hopes, our fears, our dreams, our pain.
For some it is art, for others, it is music.
For some, it will be this book.
Ninya shares, in an authentic and uncomplicated way, that she is living a life so many of us live.
The names are changed, the rooms are different colors, the smells vary in their complexity.
You will cheer her as she makes discoveries about life and self you yourself have made.
You will find hope in the lessons she has absorbed; lessons we all know intellectually, but may still be struggling to fully bring into ourselves.
You will want to hug away her pain, so much like your own.
You will want to assure her she is on a good path, she is worthy, she is strength.
She is another version of you, on paper for all to see.
She will remind you that your journey is YOUR journey, and yet it is the journey of us all.
And wherever that journey takes us, we are on a good path, we are worthy, we are strength.
For some it is art, for others, it is music.
For some, it will be this book.
Ninya shares, in an authentic and uncomplicated way, that she is living a life so many of us live.
The names are changed, the rooms are different colors, the smells vary in their complexity.
You will cheer her as she makes discoveries about life and self you yourself have made.
You will find hope in the lessons she has absorbed; lessons we all know intellectually, but may still be struggling to fully bring into ourselves.
You will want to hug away her pain, so much like your own.
You will want to assure her she is on a good path, she is worthy, she is strength.
She is another version of you, on paper for all to see.
She will remind you that your journey is YOUR journey, and yet it is the journey of us all.
And wherever that journey takes us, we are on a good path, we are worthy, we are strength.
June 2, 2020
This candid account of one woman's quest to find her mojo again is funny, touching, and sometimes a little alarming, but, above all, inspirational. A single mom with two teens, Ninya takes a leap of faith to meet up with an internet acquaintance, a self-proclaimed life coach, who says she has planned a tour of Scotland that will restore Ninya's soul. Once there, however, Ninya finds that, as the Buddha warned, no matter where you go, there you are. Alongside the vivid beauty of the Scottish wilds, Ninya rediscovers her strength and resiliency. The "life coach" turns out to, instead, be self-absorbed and the trip "plan" turns out to be more of a vague notion, but, in the confusion, Ninya finds the clarity she was missing: you have everything you need inside you, already.
This honest review is of an advance publication copy of the book provided by the author.
This honest review is of an advance publication copy of the book provided by the author.
July 30, 2022
I was disappointed in the book. I expected a book about Scotland not a book on personal growth. It was well written.
May 31, 2020
I bought “Scotland with a Stranger,” as a signed copy, not really expecting much because, well, not everyone can be an engaging writer/author. I wanted to support my friend in her endeavors, though, in being a writer. Writing anything of a substantial, or entertaining, nature is hard and is an accomplishment I can never see for myself. So, when my copy came in the mail, I began with trepidation that my friend had quite possibly, and probably, missed her mark. This is the farthest from the truth – she nailed her goal with a sweet, just subtle, perfection that surely awes me.
The story follows Ninya from an addiction-laden marriage, to devastation from trying to parent a troubled teenage son, to other various hurdles in her life. There’s a bit of bouncing back and forth between life pre-Scotland and Scotland, however, the storylines – the narrative – is easy to follow. She successfully links her past to her current, and in some instances, how the past has the ability to foreshadow her future. Life is about ups and downs of which Ninya seems to have had more downs than ups. Her story is relatable in a salient way. She shares with us, the reader, times in her life that are still very much taboo to talk openly about, from being extremely codependent to having an abortion. We swim deeply into the past decade of her life like a whale in the ocean.
I was puzzled and perturbed while reading her story of going to Scotland with a stranger because the story seemed to revolve around her interactions with this stranger, Erika. The story is supposed to be about Ninya’s journey to finding herself, right? Right?! I had to “sit” with the story for a day in order to see that Ninya discovered herself not through Scotland per se, but through her interactions with Erika and the inner monologue she had with Erika’s antics. Scotland was the setting, however, like any great story, a well-defined protagonist (Ninya) and antagonist (Erika) are key. While I would have loved to have heard more about Scotland – the sights, the sounds, the smells – I think that it’s just background, the experience of being some place new. As a social worker, I thought that Noah gave Ninya some really sound advice and insight though she may have chosen to ignore it in the beginning. Some of her more moving introspections were pairing her personal experiences in Scotland’s nature to remembering Noah’s wise words.
I relate with Ninya. There were many times I cried while reading her feelings, her desperation. That utter need to “fix it,” for everyone. That losing of oneself while doing for others. This read may very well prompt other readers to ask the questions, “Who am I?” and, “What do I like?” I recognized Ninya’s resiliency much earlier than she. That resiliency is what allowed her to take on a journey in Scotland with a stranger. This journey is one that all women, especially all mothers, should take once in our lifetime. We need that pilgrimage to find ourselves again.
The story follows Ninya from an addiction-laden marriage, to devastation from trying to parent a troubled teenage son, to other various hurdles in her life. There’s a bit of bouncing back and forth between life pre-Scotland and Scotland, however, the storylines – the narrative – is easy to follow. She successfully links her past to her current, and in some instances, how the past has the ability to foreshadow her future. Life is about ups and downs of which Ninya seems to have had more downs than ups. Her story is relatable in a salient way. She shares with us, the reader, times in her life that are still very much taboo to talk openly about, from being extremely codependent to having an abortion. We swim deeply into the past decade of her life like a whale in the ocean.
I was puzzled and perturbed while reading her story of going to Scotland with a stranger because the story seemed to revolve around her interactions with this stranger, Erika. The story is supposed to be about Ninya’s journey to finding herself, right? Right?! I had to “sit” with the story for a day in order to see that Ninya discovered herself not through Scotland per se, but through her interactions with Erika and the inner monologue she had with Erika’s antics. Scotland was the setting, however, like any great story, a well-defined protagonist (Ninya) and antagonist (Erika) are key. While I would have loved to have heard more about Scotland – the sights, the sounds, the smells – I think that it’s just background, the experience of being some place new. As a social worker, I thought that Noah gave Ninya some really sound advice and insight though she may have chosen to ignore it in the beginning. Some of her more moving introspections were pairing her personal experiences in Scotland’s nature to remembering Noah’s wise words.
I relate with Ninya. There were many times I cried while reading her feelings, her desperation. That utter need to “fix it,” for everyone. That losing of oneself while doing for others. This read may very well prompt other readers to ask the questions, “Who am I?” and, “What do I like?” I recognized Ninya’s resiliency much earlier than she. That resiliency is what allowed her to take on a journey in Scotland with a stranger. This journey is one that all women, especially all mothers, should take once in our lifetime. We need that pilgrimage to find ourselves again.
June 29, 2020
Although I tried to resist the hard sell from Amazon, I finally succumbed! The premise did sound very interesting, and right up my street, as I thoroughly enjoy memoirs of this type. Although the author is not the best writer in the world (speaking as a professional copy-editor), it doesn't matter too much, as it is the sentiment/emotion that needs to shine through in a memoir, not the literary merit. As a fellow introvert, I sympathised with the author's story, and too would have struggled with the Stranger (a classic narcissist preying on an empath?). However, the author is self-aware enough to understand that travelling with an introvert could be seen as challenging from an extrovert's point of view. All in all, I enjoyed the read, but it is quite short for the money (£12) and I was left feeling curiously unsatisfied. The descriptions of Scotland are beguiling, but everything seems skimmed over when some elements could have been unpicked in a little more depth. In a different author's hands it could have been a really good book.
January 2, 2021
If you are looking for a guidebook with recommendations for a trip to Scotland, then you've come to the wrong place. But if you're someone who has struggled with an addiction to being needed or having to fix everything around you and need to know you are not alone, then this is a book for you. Ninya offers up a raw, honest look at her own personal failures, but also her achievements. You can read hundreds of books about people doing incredible feats, like climbing Everest or sailing around the world, but Ninya offers a more realistic, run of the mill experience of simply finding a way back to who you are and forgiving yourself for all those things that are held against you.
Having been to Scotland myself, I could picture most of the places she did mention and describe, which only added to the experience for me. But even without that knowledge, it is a good reminder and look into how we treat ourselves and allow others to treat us.
Having been to Scotland myself, I could picture most of the places she did mention and describe, which only added to the experience for me. But even without that knowledge, it is a good reminder and look into how we treat ourselves and allow others to treat us.
June 2, 2020
You would think heading off to Scotland for 2 weeks with someone you have never met would fall under a serious mid-life crisis category. But for Ninya, it led to an amazing journey of self-discovery and forgiveness. Ninya has lived a roller-coaster of a life - dealing with more things than I can imagine. She lays it all out for us - the good, the bad, the ugly, the wicked. She is a real person, telling a real story. Completely unromanticized. Her writing style will have you feeling like you are right there with her, feeling all the feels. Bonus - not only does she describe the beautiful scenery but she has an online photo album available for you to see the pictures and videos she took. Ninya is an inspiration to women everywhere and a phenomenal author. I can't wait to read more from her.
June 7, 2020
This book is written for every flailing mom, disappointed ex-wife, struggling sister, regretful daughter and self-doubting female. A true story about how to find yourself, and be who you really are meant to be, maybe even learn to love yourself a little bit, when your world as you know it is falling apart. You will relate to Ninya’s story and appreciate her wonderful ability to tell such a painful tale with wit, grace and by creating a clear vision in your mind’s eye with her beautiful writing. And you will learn that, like Ninya, you don’t have to be the glue holding together everyone else’s dysfunctionality.
October 2, 2024
Thought there was too much back story as to why she needed to go on this trip. And the way she reveled some of the information was weird.
like how she says that she needs the trip because she broke up with her fiancé and needs to be single and find herself. But then later revels that she has a new boyfriend. And then later its actually because she had an abortion and her then fiancé wasn't supportive. Also never of fan of someone who shares their kids trauma.
Would have like more details about Scotland and some information. I was hoping that reading about her trip to Scotland I could picture being there with her and learn new things through her eyes
like how she says that she needs the trip because she broke up with her fiancé and needs to be single and find herself. But then later revels that she has a new boyfriend. And then later its actually because she had an abortion and her then fiancé wasn't supportive. Also never of fan of someone who shares their kids trauma.
Would have like more details about Scotland and some information. I was hoping that reading about her trip to Scotland I could picture being there with her and learn new things through her eyes
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2021
I’m actually sorry I read this book, and that’s not something I often say. The premise seemed good enough, but the writing wasn’t great and I absolutely detested Erika. Ninya said several times that she admired Erika’s “unwavering confidence.” That wasn’t confidence, it was arrogance.
Erika was a horrible, rude, inconsiderate travel companion and I was equally frustrated with Ninya for just tagging along and apologizing all over Scotland to the people Erika abused along the way. I don’t recommend this one at all.
Erika was a horrible, rude, inconsiderate travel companion and I was equally frustrated with Ninya for just tagging along and apologizing all over Scotland to the people Erika abused along the way. I don’t recommend this one at all.
June 4, 2020
This book speaks to me. Ninya and I are so much alike. Stuck in supporting roles of relationships, full of self doubt, being the mom to everyone. I loved watching the changes and now feel this intense need to travel with a crazy stranger to another country. Ok, maybe not a total stranger. I highly recommend this to any woman who has ever doubted herself, second guessed a decision, or just loves reading.
March 19, 2024
This is probably closer to a 3.5 star book but it gets an extra half star because I enjoyed reliving many of the Scottish locations in this book which I have been to and could to clearly picture while reading. This story didn't exactly go as I anticipated but it showed how out of some conflict and tension growth can occur. While laced with some difficult and uncomfortable experiences, the journey is filled with hope and positivity.
May 31, 2020
Start to finish, this book is well written! Finished in two readings because I wanted to see the story to its conclusion. Ninya writes with raw emotion, humor, and puts to print those “inside” thoughts that so many of us keep inside. Her description of scenery and food makes me want to hop a plane today! This is a must read memoir!
June 14, 2020
This book pulled me in from the very first word and held me captive to the very end. There were so many similarities to my life and the struggles I've faced, as well as to those I face today. I highlighted sections of this book that were profound. So very well written, such vulnerability in the memoir. I am grateful that Ninya has shared her story. Must read by a local author!
February 4, 2023
My first audiobook, and it resonated so much with me. I can see how I've changed over the years, becoming who I was meant to be. Like the author, it took a lot of trauma to open y eyes.
I think the author did a fabulous job describing her slow but meaningful change I itiated by her trip to Scotland.
I think the author did a fabulous job describing her slow but meaningful change I itiated by her trip to Scotland.
August 18, 2023
I don't want to minimize what she went through and her personal journey because she definitely has gone through some hard things. But the writing and the perspective at times was really...rough. I actually would place more blame on her editor. Anyone who overlooks excessive uses of "and so" is doing a huge disservice as an editor. It just wasn't great.
May 30, 2020
Ninya's story defines bravery when facing mountains in one's life. Her memoir of taking a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Scotland with a virtual stranger will allow you to face your own stories of fear and betrayal and joy and success.
June 14, 2020
Just finished 'Scotland With a Stranger'. Oh, my, goodness! This was brilliantly written and I couldn't put it down! It made me laugh, tear up, cheer you on and at times question your sanity! I LOVED it!
June 20, 2020
Scotland with a Stranger was a fantastic and easy to read memoir. I loved hearing about her adventures. I highly recommend this book. It truly felt like you were right there with her through every turn.
August 16, 2020
Light and refreshing read
This was light and interesting. A story of a woman finding herself in a way she never expected. Of course I related to the places and scenery, reveling in the description of my home country by an enthralled visitor. She captured the people very well.
This was light and interesting. A story of a woman finding herself in a way she never expected. Of course I related to the places and scenery, reveling in the description of my home country by an enthralled visitor. She captured the people very well.
June 17, 2021
BIG DISAPPOINTMENT! After reading some glowing reviews, I was expecting a very enjoyable read.
If you enjoy attending a pity party disguised as a travelogue, you might be entertained; sadly enough, I wasn't! I enjoyed her photography but NOT her amateurish writing. I wasted my time with this one.
If you enjoy attending a pity party disguised as a travelogue, you might be entertained; sadly enough, I wasn't! I enjoyed her photography but NOT her amateurish writing. I wasted my time with this one.
September 9, 2021
An odd book. I loved reading the parts about Scotland and the trip itself, the rest left a strange taste in my mouth. Maybe a good editor would have been helpful as it seems the book didn’t know what it wanted to be when it grew up. A travelogue? self-help ? Cautionary tale? Can’t really recommend.
July 29, 2022
Ok read... sounds like a trip from h-e-double-hockeysticks
Picked up after suggested by a friend of a friend. Interesting read.. I think I would rather just go to a country on my own than deal with a stranger, especially one abusing my credit card!
Picked up after suggested by a friend of a friend. Interesting read.. I think I would rather just go to a country on my own than deal with a stranger, especially one abusing my credit card!
February 19, 2023
This book reminds me a lot of the movie Walter Mitty, but more of the real challenges that we experience in life. I like the candid narration and the audiobook narration is excellent! I love that this book is about self discovery and listening to your soul.
June 27, 2020
Enjoyed her descriptions of beautiful Scotland but I expected MORE...disappointed
September 2, 2020
This is a great read. It makes me want to travel to Scotland after COVID.
November 14, 2020
I felt like I was reading my own story! I searched the internet for every stop she made so felt like I was on this trip to Scotland with her. Truly an exceptional memoir!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews