The Tuesday Review takes you travelling...

Wow, another year, another set of great books to read and review. Not that I did much of that last year, but what can I say - I got distracted by all sorts of things... which if you'd been paying attention, you'd know about.

*coughs*

Sorry, I'm in a weird mood today - it might have something to do with the E-Book I just read for this week's Tuesday Review. Here, read the review and you might see what I mean...

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“Don’t Go there!” has a refreshingly simple way of looking at the countries of the world. Instead of enumerating the many wonderful things of each country, Robblogger looks at why we shouldn’t go to each country.

I particularly liked the foreword, explaining his motivation for writing this e-book:

“What’s this dubious literary offering all about? Besides a pretty clever way to part you from ninety nine cents, my girlfriend has always wanted to travel. I care for the idea of travelling about as much as I care for the idea of soaking my head in a sink full of electric eels. Travel appeals to me not very much at all, slightly less than not very much at all, to be brutally honest. 

So the birth of this e-book was my girlfriend suggesting countries we should visit. And me finding creative ways to convince her that visiting each proposed country wouldn't be fun.” 

He is remarkably persuasive and honest about his opinion of each place. I have no idea if he managed to achieve his stated goal of convincing his girlfriend not to travel, but I definitely enjoyed the journey the book took me on!

Despite the tongue-in-cheekiness’ of his humour, Robblogger’s assessment of each country is informative and interesting. Of course, being an English native, I immediately turned to England to see what he thought of us:

“Windsor Castle and LEGOLAND in one day. Is that even safe or socially responsible? Dragging the kids around a thousand year old castle while they whine: Can we go to Legoland now? Is it time to go to LEGOLAND now? When are we going to LEGOLAND?” 

This made me laugh out loud (I’m glad no one was in the room when I was reading this) because it’s almost exactly what I thought when my partner suggested we go to Windsor Castle during the summer for a family daytrip…

And his evaluation of our TV Shows was right on the money! He actually watched a whole episode of Coronation Street in the course of his research into England…

Warning: Coronation Street Fans look away now 

“One of their most popular television shows is Coronation Street. I was unfortunate enough to catch an episode of this questionable program. It’s a soap opera featuring the unattractive, and none of the stars have seen the inside of a dentist’s office, I am sure. 

The residents of Coronation Street spend a lot of time in a bar, getting drunk enough to sleep with each other, and in the episode I saw the big crisis was a broken washing machine. 

The acting in American soaps is pretty poor, but I don’t think the stars of Coronation Street could even get a part in an American fifth grade Thanksgiving Day Pageant. Even with the accent, and the historically accurate teeth, I don’t think they could pull off Pilgrims convincingly.” 

…Now if that isn’t perseverance, I don’t know what is!

Of all the ten countries Robblogger summarised, I think I would like to visit Australia the most, but even that has it’s down sides… and no, I’m not going to tell you what he’s written about the country, because for the minimal price of 99 cents you can pick yourself up a copy to read it.

Do I recommend you read this? 

Yes, I do.

Why?

In the first place it’s a great way of travelling without shifting from your chair, and in the second place, it’s actually pretty useful, if you are going to be travelling to any of the places Robblogger talks about. Most Guidebooks gush about the scenery and attractions; this one tells you the hard facts, but without scaring you.

“Don’t Go There” only has one flaw… it’s too short! I would have loved to hear what Robblogger thought of Italy or Kenya or Japan, so all I can hope is that there will be a sequel. 

*looks pointedly in Robblogger's direction*

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

To Buy a Copy 

Just slip into his blog… Inspired by Caffeine & Nicotine and hit the buy now button!

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Right, while I've got you, there are a couple of other places I would like you to have a squiz at as well...

About Writing is written by Diane Lebow, Freelance Writer and Online Marketer. 

House of Horror: The Duel II - this contest for Horror writers showcases the contestant's  talent in a tight spot - two writer's enter, only one survives to the next round! Take a look and vote!

Well that's all for today - see ya tomorrow!