The Longest Way Home Review

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The Longest Way Home
One Man's Quest for the Courage to Settle Down

by Andrew McCarthy

Hi again Book Lovers! You know I cannot read just one book at a time. I need to have selection.

Andrew McCarthy, from such movie gold as Pretty in Pink, St. Elmo's Fire, New Waterford Girl, uhhhh - Weekend at Bernie's (?),  is also a travel writer.

 I am really excited about this one - I have just begun but can tell it is going to unravel into hilarious hijinks, heart-warming love stories, a fist fight or two and a few awkward travel moments. Would Ernest Hemingway or Jack Kerouac approve? I'm not sure.
But you can bet I'll tell you all about it!

Now where is my copy of Pretty in Pink?


_____________________


Well, I finally finished this gem of a travel book. But I have so many questions!

Andrew McCarthy, upon finally getting engaged to the love of his life, (which he refers to only as 'D' through the entire book) embarks on a journey to the remote reaches of the world, away from modern conveniences. Is this in response to his impending nuptials? He tells the story in flashbacks and real time - beautiful people, interesting and often hilarious mishaps, delicious food.

I really felt like he was only telling part of the story. Whether traveling the world or eating pizza in an airport restaurant, he is almost invisible - or perhaps he wants to be. I have to wonder - which of his various selves is writing this novel? Do strangers recognize him as a celebrity? Are there more intriguing conversations and tender moments than he is letting on? These stories seem to go untold. Is it because he is a  deeply private person? Selective editing of this aspect of his persona? Or does he fit so completely into his new travel-writing character that he is deemed unrecognizable?

There are also a lot of real moments: His need for solitude when faced with a ship full of travelers, talking to his kids on his cell phone under the neon lights of an airport, climbing a hill to get enough telephone reception to talk to D about wedding plans, her concern over his safety as he packs his bags to travel deep into the Amazon jungle.

This is less a travel book and more of an adventure book and mini-biography all rolled into one.

Verdict? If you are in the mood for some good old-fashioned travel adventure with a side of humor and intrigue, pick this book up.

But the big question remains - does he decide to travel solo through life or does he find his courage to finally marry his beloved D?  I'll let you find that out for yourself.


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