Accidental Enlightenment: The Extraordinary Travels of a Modern-day Gulliver

by Stephen Banick

Part travel guide, part illuminating how-to manual for a more fulfilling, connected life, Accidental Enlightenment is an absorbing look into the adventures and insights of Stephen Banick, an inveterate wanderer, observer, and chronicler of the world at large. Banick recounts mishaps, bummed rides, quirky friendships and riveting personal epiphanies spanning nearly twenty years of exploration into far-flung places.

337 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2007

Reviews

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accidental Enlightenment is a travel book with a difference. Like many other travelogues, this book serves as a narrative of the author's adventures and misadventures. These journeys are quite extensive throughout the United States and Canada with visits and somewhat longer excursions to most every corner of the world. Like the best of these travelogues, this book takes time to explore not only the scenery but also the real culture of the people that he comes in contact with.

It is in this later aspect that I believe Accidental Enlightenment sets itself apart from most other similar books. The author not only explores the plethora of cultures on this planet but actually connects with individuals. Furthermore, the majority of these people are regular everyday folks living their lives as best they know how.

In a world that seems to value extreme characters and ignores the realities of the real people, I found this focus refreshing. Furthermore, the genuine way and depth that these stories were told made me feel connected to these individuals and to the world as a whole.

Another thing that really impressed me with the author's story is that these experiences really were life changing for him. Not only did he find his direction in life but he serves to connect others through The Gulliver Project, a corporation committed to inspiring people to bridge cultures through practical, spiritually grounded principles of Trans-cultural Communication.

[Laura Hamblin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may be a bit biased.... This book is written by a dear friend. I am a little bitter that he did not mention me in his travels....but that is life. J/K... :)
Because I know him so well, I could almost hear him reading the book to me. I love his endless tidbits of info and wicked wit. I couldn't put it down once I started. :)
Thanks for the great read Stevie with a cat!