|
I was given this book as a Christmas present from one of the people with whom I had travelled to New Zealand in February. I would have liked more pictures of the actual accommodations. Although ours was a very different view of New Zealand (from a cruise ship into towns and cities), I really enjoyed the chance to hear more about the countryside and the way to get around and enjoy it. I was very disappointed that there weren't pictures in the book, but there are quite a few pictures on the web site. The book has a great deal of information and I like that the author shares how he makes decisions about where to stay, where to eat, etc. I think that, if you're planning a trip to New Zealand, I would strongly recommend the book.
Both these trips involve home exchanges. I have been to New Zealand once before and am preparing to go again, so I downloaded this book on my Kindle to read. I am familiar with much that Elder wrote about the essence of New Zealand and its people--the meandering roads, one lane bridges, the ever present closeness to the sea, the sheep, and the easy going nature of its people. The last time I went to the North Island. This time I am going to the South Island. I will be avoiding all the extreme sports too. Heck, unlike Elder, I don't even ski--never mind bungee jump.Also good on observations about Australia.A pleasant journey through places already seen and places yet to be visited.
I stopped went back to where I read these words before. Since I've never been to New Zealand, I looked forward to this book.Every thing went fine until I got to page 52. I then found out that pages 21 to 52 were repeated. After two words I thought-What is the reason I'm reading this stuff again--a typo. then more similar words--What's going on. So The book starts nicely 1- 52; then 21- 52; then on to page 85. I can't believe a book which, is missing 30 some pages, could get through Proofreading and on to the publisher, printed and out to the book stores.I've read the book reviews--No mention of missing pages--VERY STRANGE.I returned the book, got my refund, so money wise I'm satisfied.For this reason I cannot recommend this book, unless you get it for FREE and or have an active imagination.
If the author toned down his pretentious rhetoric it would have been a much more enjoyable book.The author includes a passage on a one-night stand he had with the friend of a host he met during one of his many home stays. "Straying from the Flock: Travels in New Zealand" chronicles the author's two month journal through New Zealand from the bottom of the South Island to the tip of the North Island. Unfortunately, not all facts included in the book are accurate. Sadly his egotistical writing style makes for a very uninspiring read. If you are looking for an informative and entertaining travel book on New Zealand, particularly if planning a trip there, then don't buy this book. For example: the author states that the population of New Zealand is three million, when in fact the actual population is a little over four million (the last time it was three million was in 1974).
Particularly as I bought this book to find out more about New Zealand - not to hear about the author's sexual conquests.To further degrade my opinion of this book, pages 53 to 84 were missing from the copy I ordered from Amazon. Throughout the book, the author includes historical facts and other statistics on New Zealand. I found it very creepy that the author felt it necessary to boast about this in his book. This is just one of several basic factual errors on New Zealand included in this book. The author visited many spectacular places in New Zealand during his two month stay. I know this is not directly the author's fault, but he may want to demand higher standards of quality control from his publisher.
I recommend reading a book by one of the other more reputable travel publishers.
I read Dr. I found myself underlining whole paragraphs to be used later as reference. It's what made this book and this author real to me. Before I read "Straying From The Flock" I thought I would rent a motor home and travel from golf course to golf course for the few months I will be there. I felt that I was sitting beside him sharing the experience. But now, after enjoying an up-close-and-personal view of NZ through Elder's delightfully penned experiences, I have altered my game plan and will take advantage of homestays.much less isolating and much more fun to experience the human side of NZ.Elder's book is the only one of its kind that I could find on New Zealand and it did not disappoint. Elder's book in preparation for my own upcoming golf trip to NZ. It wasn't until savoring the last chapter that I realized Elder had already done my work for me by including helpful resources like a list of homestays; favorite guides; web sites and guidebooks; and even a few recipes.Unlike some other reviewers, I appreciated Elder's uncensored view of the places he visited and the people he met (including chapter 41).
Quite the opposite. From the chapter-matching map in the front of the book to the references at the end, "Straying" is wonderfully and creatively structured for practical usability. I also enjoyed his references to wine and food which, after all, is one of the sensual aspects of travel that we all anticipate. Isn't that what great writing is all about.Enjoy this book; then pack your bag.he even helps you with that.
|
