Audrey Murray

This was a book that I just happened to randomly buy at Barnes and Noble. I had forgotten how fun that was: not reading reviews and if other people liked the book, but just taking a chance on a book you pick up and read the back cover on.

I picked this up because I used to live in Moscow and I felt like reading about a woman who travels. Well, only about 20 pages of the 400-page book was about Moscow. But that's ok. At times I was slightly annoyed about how American the book was, but on the other hand that was also the strength of the book. And I loved the self-mocking humor and the glimpses of things that felt very private to me. Maybe this is because the writer is a stand-up comedian, but it certainly made the book better. The book was full of these funny (and sometimes slightly absurd) stories I remember from when I was traveling through Siberia with my sister. Well, traveling anywhere really, but especially in Russia :)

I knew I was going to like the book when I read the introduction and she writes (page xix):

In truth, the decision to go was, like all my major life choices, random and incremental and maybe a little impulsive.

This is pretty much how I make all my life decisions. At least the major ones. I think I would like Audrey if I would meet her.

She also comes up with some pretty universal truths to all travelers (p. 280):

There were some Germans here last week. There always are. Every Couchsurfing stay, it seems, is preceded or followed by Germans.

I mean I've traveled a lot also before Couchsurfing, but there always have been Germans backpacking where ever you go...

And finally something that I think most of us can relate to, at least if you do any self reflection (p. 330):

I keep saying I want to make changes in my life, but I keep going on horse treks and waking up in yurts.

All in all, I really loved this book and I kind of want to go back to Siberia now. But I guess any kind of traveling will do :)… (lisätietoja)