The Yogurt Man Cometh

by Kevin Revolinski

Part travelogue, part memoir, The Yogurt Man Cometh is the story of Kevin Revolinski's year-long adventure as an English teacher in Turkey. Revolinski relates in candid style his encounters in a foreign culture, all told with an open mind and a sense of humor. An enjoyable read for anyone who has spent time in Turkey or who plans to do so.

Genres: Memoir, Travel, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir

224 pages, Paperback

First published August 7, 2006

About the author

The award-winning author of Stealing Away: Stories, Kevin Revolinski is the Mad Traveler based in Madison, Wisconsin. His articles and photography have appeared in The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Sydney Morning Herald and Miami Herald. He is the author of 16 books, including various Wisconsin/Midwest travel, outdoors and beer guides and a memoir about his year living in Turkey: The Yogurt Man Cometh. He has lived in Panama, Guatemala, Turkey, Italy and Thailand, and has visited 75+ countries. Stealing Away is a collection of twelve short stories. He is currently at work on a novel and a travel memoir about his time in Reggio Calabria, Italy. See his work at The Mad Traveler https://www.themadtraveler.com and https://KevinRevolinski.com

Reviews

[Jenny (Reading Envy) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this at the right stage of my interest in Turkey, otherwise I think I would have rated it lower. It isn't very well-written and there isn't a lot of depth in Kevin's observations, but I liked the overview of his experience teaching English in Ankara and the first-encounter descriptions of some of the tourist highlights. The most connected and honest he seems is the chapter about getting sick in Syria!

I was shocked, SHOCKED, that someone going to another country to teach English wouldn't first make an attempt at learning some of the language of the students he would be teaching. He had to learn how to say simple phrases like memnum oldum ("pleased to meet you") that he could have at least tried to learn on the plane trip over, on Turkish airlines, with people who spoke Turkish... oversights and idiocies like this unfortunately tarnish the entire experience. He just doesn't seem very smart!

I marked a few things to look up:

Tarkan, a Turkish pop singer
Geçmiş olsun - "May it pass"
deniz yok - no sea (when you live too far inland)

I had to smile at the inclusion of nazar boncuğu, one of the first vocab words I learned in Turkish. They are the blue evil eye beads so popular in the area.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was given to me as a gift upon beginning my journey as an American teaching English in Turkey. Convenient, right? Needless to say, I was very excited to read it, hoping to learn from his experiences as I prepared myself for a year of the unknown. You can imagine my disappointment when I found this book to be insufferable to get through. I had to put it down a couple of times, unable to handle large doses of cringe-worthy "humor." Furthermore, I found that the narrative lacked culture, something that Turkey is rich in. The stories seemed intriguing at first but as they developed, I found them boring and predictable. I'm glad I read it. However, it certainly didn't do anything for me as a guest in Turkey nor as someone in his same position.

[Jason Klimowicz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I spotted this book at a bookstore in Istanbul. What really caught my eye was the review from the Capital Times (a Madison, Wisconsin based newspaper) - since I'm from Madison. It turned out that the author is from Wisconsin and currently lives in Madison. I found the book entertaining and enjoyed his Wisconsinite lens on things (his lifelong Packer fan perspective on a Turkish soccer game). The book was also helpful in teaching things about Turkish society that I was observing while in Istanbul but not understanding.

[Asa · Rating 5 out of 5]

... to give an idea of what life is like in Turkey for an ex-pat. This is a book specifically for those who love living and/or long-term traveling in other countries and want to know the day-to-day trials and tribulations. If you like this, also read 'bright sun, strong tea' ..

[Jamie Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic to see my memories of Turkey mirrored in this book. Made me nostalgic to return. Revolinski had many of the same issue that my husband and I encountered while teaching the students there.

[Dana DesJardins · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It's Turkey. Too tired to go out for absurdity? Not to worry; they deliver." Reading this book was like looking in the mirror. I recognized the warmth of the Turkish people, the expressions, and the places. It made me want to stay here.

[Matt Gough · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had been postponing reading this book until I got nostalgic about Turkey. My wife read it right before me, making me want to read it, and my brother- and sister-in-law were traveling in Turkey and telling us of their adventures at this time too, so the timing seemed right. The book contains short snippets about a guy’s travels through Turkey, based in Ankara where he was teaching English. It was nice to hear that he experienced the same things we did, a tyrannical school director, insane kids in the classroom, and friendly Turks everywhere. Definitely a nice trip down memory lane, and it is also good to think that we can return anytime we wish to Turkey through the book.

[Betule Sairafi]

Would you sit down and listen to a stranger telling you about the year he spent teaching English in Turkey? Only if he were a really good storyteller, or if you were interested in Turkey, right?

Kevin Revolinski isn't a master talespinner, but he isn't a bad one, either. Just an average person telling you about his time abroad. I wish he'd have expanded on his trip to Egypt - all we got was that he'd gone - like he did on his trips to Cyprus and Syria.

The book ends much more powerfully than any other part in it, with a graduation and fireworks and sentimentality.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious and true description of an American muddling his way through a year of teaching English in Ankara. The author does a great job of describing the frustrations as well as the overwhelming hospitality and the joy of meeting and not always understanding new people in our lives.

[Irine Kaplan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading in 2022 the book about teaching English in Ankara in 1997 is so weird. It's like a completely different city. And probably it is. I still remember how is it to travel without map and translator in your phone, but traveling without phone at all... wow, this is so extreme and obviously brings you more experience. It was interesting to read about Ankara of late 90th. At some point, these sketches reminds of a travel blog. But I guess, back then it was not so popular.

[Simon Cabral · Rating 5 out of 5]

May the The Yogurt Man come to your town.

[Kamran Sehgal · Rating 2 out of 5]

The exciting title doesn't make up for a rather simple and underwhelming stay in Turkey. Barely any socio-political insight and only superficial glances on Turkish culture in the mid-90s.

[Justin Tapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some friends of ours lent us a copy of The Yogurt Man Cometh: Tales of an American Teacher in Turkey as it's a humorous read about an American's crash course in living in Ankara and teaching at the same K-12 school where I taught. We highly recommend the book to anyone living in Ankara or planning to visit there.

Ankara was Revolinski's first real foray outside the U.S., he has since become a travel blogger. He captures the hilly slopes, the perils of public transit, and the difficulties of trying to teach English to private school students very well. Kevin was able to make friends quickly and accomplished a lot of sightseeing in Turkey, Cyprus, and Syria in just a year's time, despite getting seriously ill in the process. The experience takes place in 1997-1998 and it's interesting to see how much the city has grown and changed even in just 15 years.

The book is a quick read, it's like a series of blog posts. It's the book that will get you closest to what our lives look(ed) like in Ankara. Trust us, you'll enjoy it even if you never plan on visiting.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kevin Revolinski spends a year teaching English in Turkey where he writes of his experiences. Employed by a private school located in Ankara he melodically tells of his first experience as a teacher, tries to manage classroom discipline, learns a foreign language, stabs at flirting with the opposite sex, travels throughout Turkey describing the locations vividly and introduces us to the many friendships made throughout his time abroad. Revolinski's style is funny, honest and affirms the fact Turkey is a must see country. He describes the people, culture and religion in such a way you feel as if you have made the year long grand tour of Turkey right by his side.

Turkey has always been a destination on my must see list and The Yogurt Man Cometh makes me want to jump on a plane and experience the warmth of the people and this country steeped in history immediately. More than a travelogue this is more like reading your best friends travel diary only better. A geographic and cultural read worth your attention.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A biographical narrative which slowly begins with an overseas teaching job in Ankara,Turkey, and moves into what happens during that year 1997-98 with literary quality. The book is honestly written. Revolinski doesn't cover up anything. He doesn't say that each school day went well, that he always felt fine, that he did not gravitate to drinking, that he behaved respectfully at all times. Nevertheless, charm rises to the surface like an amiable school boy innocently playing a prank. He gives enough information to keep you reading. If you want more information, then you could research. The stories he tells about Cappadocia, about trips around Turkey and into nearby countries fascinate. There also are the differences between Turkish and American schools and the many associates and acquaintances who could be story characters if they weren't real. He majored in English and History, so attends to composing some sensitively written prose and to telling about some historical events.

[Mena · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book - it was fun and easy. Plus as an American teacher in Turkey, I found many of his observations to be accurate and echoed thoughts I'd had myself. However, the author's style was rather self-congratulatory and therefore annoying. Still, I'll recommend this to my family and friends back home - it covers a lot of content in a quick package. Sort of the cliff's notes of my life!

[Asya · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far... fun, humorous, insightful tale of middle American guy in Turkey. Perfect for living out vicariously your escape fantasies. More upon completion. For those of you (all of 1 so far!) following my reviews, I'm keeping my fingers crossed it won't be one of those I've-set-up-my-tension-and-now-can't-figure-out-for-the-fuck-of-me-how-to-resolve-it kind of books. It's nonfiction, so it shouldn't be, right?

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun read because it brought back memories of my visit to Turkey in the early 90s. It was funny that I knew about the overplayed kiss kiss pop song by Tarkan from the belly dance world, not from my trip to Turkey. His description of Cappadoccia couldn't live up to how magical it really is there. I liked the book, but it felt like fluff compared the novel about Turkey that Erik Messal could/should write about his time there.

[Kara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the content of this book, however, the style of the writer was very poor. I felt he needed a lot of work on word choice because he really liked to use adverbs A LOT! And after a while I couldnt stand the sound of myself reading in my head. The content was extremely interesting to me and I learned a bit of Turkish culture.

[Soodaroo · Rating 2 out of 5]

A man went to Turkey, and write about there, that's all. but is has more than that; Life, and a sharp eyes to watch, all combined to built this book, good for reading, if you like to read it at all . . .

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strikes exactly the right balance between giving the highlights of his year in Turkey, without getting bogged down, yet manages to touch on several serious issues (religion, women, etc.). Definitely recommended.

[Jen Holman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun read! More a series of anecdotes, a travel log than a cohesive story, but enjoyable all the same - even just for the little quirks and habits belonging only to Turkey that one gets to enjoy as familiar after having been there.

[Tip · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been to Turkey couple times. I had so much fun when I read this book. Even though I'm not a teacher but it reminds me of my good experiences in Turkey;Culture, people, places and many more!
Poor him when he got sick and had to travel back. He made it!

[Preamtip Satasuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went to Turkey a few times and this book has many stories that reminded me of places and local people I met. Really enjoyed the chapter in Syria and it made me feel sad that he ended up really sick and had to fly back home. It makes me want to go back to Turkey again :)

[Rustin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is not very exciting, but I liked it for the observations and the similarities between Turkey and Azerbaijan.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't expect this to be literature, but it is an interesting read to learn a bit about Turkey. His sense of timing and pace for storytelling is pretty painfully off, though.

[Erdem Karaadam]

Critical and comperative view of turkish lifestyle, wrt that of american. A great read, funny and informing. Nothing is exaggerated, you really run into one these absurdities in everyday life.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting ready to travel to Ankara Turkey and this book was recommended. Provides a decent overview of the people and places around Ankara.

[Lynette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Light reading and only remotely interesting if you've been to Turkey. Writing not very good but an interesting travelogue, especially since I read it while I was in Turkey.

[نجاتي]

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