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Journey of Resilience Book Launch
Discover love, adventure, and courage in my new book!
Excerpt 3
from Journey of Resilience
After driving back to town, a nice Mexican man gave us watermelon, beer, and tequila. We drove a bit past the town to set up camp, and a few minutes later, our legs were itching. Within minutes, all eight of us tore off our pants and beat them on the Pan-American highway, dancing on the shoulder, while ants bit our legs. We moved on to a better campsite.
About the Author
My Journey
John Ryskamp is a widower, author, retired engineer, and professor. He worked on short assignments in France, Germany, Austria, Japan, and Canada. John has travelled around the world to 21 countries, caved in Mexico and Belize, backpacked in Nepal, Norway, Australia, and New Zealand, snorkeled in Thailand and Costa Rica, dove and played music in Hawaii, and spent 25 years as a ski patroller and mountain climber in Idaho. He and his second wife of 25 years live in Talent, Oregon. He has four children and five grandchildren.
Journal of Resilience Book Reviews
Book Reviews by Beta Readers
Detailed Review by Michael Doyle
The book is a fascinating blend of memoir, adventure, and personal growth. It stands out for its vivid descriptions of caving expeditions, global travel, and emotionally-charged life events. The author weaves together humor, tragedy, and resilience in a way that invites readers to reflect on the unpredictability of life. The memoir has a compelling and relatable quality that keeps readers invested.
Journey of Resilience is more than just a memoir. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of adventure. By blending thrilling caving expressions, heartfelt personal reflections, and universal themes of loss and renewal, the book invites readers to confront life’s challenges with courage and curiosity. This memoir has the potential to not only captivate but also inspire readers to embrace their own journeys of discovery and growth. It’s a story that lingers in the mind, urging us all to keep exploring, both within and beyond ourselves.
Journey of Resilienceoccupies a unique space within the memoir genre by combining the emotional depth and personal growth of Wild and Eat, Pray, Love with the adrenaline and suspense of high stakes adventure narratives like Between a Rock and a Hard Place. It’s broad thematic range and multidimensional storytelling make it appealing to a diverse audience seeking inspiration, excitement, and emotional connection.
The author’s candid portrayal of navigating grief, starting over after catastrophic events, and rediscovering joy, mirrors the struggles of countless individuals today. The memoir normalizes the experience of feeling lost or unmoored during significant life changes, offering readers both validation and a sense of hope. Increased focus on mental health and emotional resilience makes books like this highly relevant. Memoirs that honestly discuss overcoming adversity are more popular than ever. Resilience—the ability to recover from setbacks and adapt to change—is a timeless theme. However, it’s importance has grown exponentially in recent years as individuals worldwide have faced unprecedented challenges.
The caving expeditions described in the memoir serve as vivid allegories for navigating the unknown, taking risks, and embracing challenges. By balancing exhilarating adventure with reflective introspection, the book invites readers to consider their own caves—the uncharted, daunting spaces they must navigate in life. The pandemic underscored the importance of relationships, whether familial, romantic, or platonic. As people reevaluate their priorities, the memoir’s themes of love, loss, and rebuilding resonate deeply. Society’s increasing recognition of interconnectedness—both within families and across communities—aligns with the book’s heartfelt exploration of personal bonds. The author’s journeys through love, partnership, and family dynamics provide readers with a reminder of the strength found in relationships. By depicting both laws and renewal, the memoir reflects the universal experience of holding onto meaningful connections while forging new ones.
The book’s raw honesty about navigating significant life changes resonates with readers emerging from a period of collective upheaval. The adventurous elements of a memoir remind readers of the joy in stepping out of their comfort zones and reclaiming life’s excitements. The author’s resilience in the face of grief, trauma, and uncertainty provides a beacon of hope for readers navigating similar experiences. The adventurous elements inspire readers to embrace life fully, even in the face of fear and loss. The memoirs authenticity offers readers a sense of solidarity, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles.
This book stands out by offering readers a blend of vivid adventure, deeply personal reflections, and transformative life lessons. Its unique insights provide a lens through which readers can explore the complexities of travel, growth, and human connection. The memoir captures the raw, unpolished experiences of travel, moving beyond curated itineraries or polished Instagram esthetics. From thrilling cave expeditions to spontaneous global adventures, it emphasizes the value of embracing the unpredictable. This perspective encourages readers to move away from overly structured travel plans and instead immersed themselves in the true spirit of discovery.
The author’s journey is not just about physical destinations but about emotional and psychological transformations they inspire. As he navigates unfamiliar terrains, he confronts fears, broadens his perspectives, and rediscovers himself, offering readers a powerful testament to the life-changing potential of stepping outside their comfort zones. The book doesn’t shy away from portraying the difficulties of travel—both physical and emotional. These honest accounts resonate with readers who have faced their own hurdles in pursuit of adventure, underscoring the idea that the rewards of travel often come from overcoming its challenges.
The memoir intricately weaves family dynamics into its narrative, exploring the roles of love, partnership, and shared experiences in shaping identity. The bond between John and his wives, Carrie and Dory, highlights the strength found in relationships during times of adversity and change. Readers are reminded of the enduring power of family connections, even amidst life’s most turbulent moments. The story delves deeply into the impact of loss, particularly through Carrie’s illness and passing. This exploration is both raw and relatable, offering readers a poignant look at how love and grief are intertwined. John’s journey of finding love again with Dory speaks to the resilience of the human heart and its capacity for a renewal, inspiring readers to remain open to new beginnings even after profound loss. Through its depiction of shared adventures and mutual support, the memoir underscores how family can serve as both a foundation and a catalyst for growth. This focus on family dynamics appeals to readers who value stories that celebrate the role of relationships in overcoming life’s challenges.
The catastrophic accident caused by a drunk driver is a pivotal moment in the narrative, illustrating how unforeseen events can derail plans and reshape lives. The author’s ability to recount this experience with honesty and vulnerability sheds light on the long-term emotional and physical impact of such events. By sharing his recovery journey, the author demonstrates the importance of resilience and the power of community and relationships in navigating trauma. Readers facing their own life-altering events will find solace and inspiration in the memoir’s message that growth and healing are possible, even in the aftermath of tragedy. The memoir offers a unique perspective on how life-changing accidents can shift priorities, deepen appreciation for life’s simple joys, and prompt reflection on what truly matters. This insight encourages readers to reevaluate their own lives and find meaning in adversity.
The memoir demonstrates how adventurous pursuits, such as extreme caving, are not just thrilling experiences but opportunities for self-reflection and personal growth. The balance between action-packed narratives and introspective moments sets this memoir apart from purely adventure-focused or purely reflective works. The book subtly teaches readers that growth often comes from embracing both the highs (adventures, triumphs) and lows (loss, accidents). This duality provides a more holistic view of life’s journey. The book encourages readers to embrace the unknown and find beauty in imperfection. It also offers tools for navigating grief, trauma, and personal challenges through the lens of resilience and human connection.
Journey of Resilience surprises readers by blending deeply emotional themes with thrilling adventure narratives, creating an experience that is both thought-provoking and exhilarating. These unexpected elements challenge readers to engage with themes of loss, recovery, and personal growth in ways they might not anticipate. The memoir doesn’t shy away from delving into the pain and complexity of grief, offering an unflinching look at the author’s personal experiences with loss. Readers are drawn into Carrie’s battle with cancer and John subsequent journey of mourning healing, and finding love again with Dory. This honesty sets the book apart from more sanitized or detached accounts of similar topics. The juxtaposition of grief with adventure creates a powerful narrative dynamic. While the caving expeditions showcased resilience and physical courage, the chapters exploring personal loss highlight emotional vulnerability. Readers are prompted to reflect on how the emotional challenges of life can require as much bravery as physical feats. The book challenges societal norms about grief by portraying it not as an endpoint, but as a transformative process that can lead to unexpected growth and renewal. This perspective invites readers to rethink their own experiences with loss and consider how they, too, might find strength in the aftermath.
The vivid recounting of extreme caving expeditions transports readers into a world that few have experienced. From the physical dangers to the psychological challenges of descending into the Earth’s depths, these adventures are as gripping as they are enlightening. Readers gain an appreciation for the technical skills, mental fortitude, and sheer bravery required to explore these uncharted terrains. The caving adventures serve as a metaphor for life’s emotional challenges. Just as the author faces physical darkness and uncertainty underground, he also confronts the emotional depths of grief and drama. This parallel invites readers to draw connections between the physical and emotional aspects of resilience. For readers unfamiliar with caving, the memoir provides a rare glimpse into this extreme activity, making it accessible without oversimplifying its complexities. The detailed descriptions challenge preconceived notions, painting caving not just as a sport but as an act of exploration, courage, and self-discovery. The accounts of navigating tight spaces, facing the unknown, and emerging into the light reflect a profound balance between fear and curiosity. This smears the broader human experience of pushing past fear to achieve growth and understanding.
While the caving and travel narratives are thrilling on the surface, they also carry a deeper emotional resonance. The physical adventures become a means of processing emotional pain and rediscovering life’s beauty after loss. This layered approach challenges readers to think of adventure not just as escapism but as a tool for healing and self-discovery. This memoir subtly introduces the idea of adventure as therapy. Through his explorations, the author finds clarity, strength, and a renewed sense of purpose, providing readers with an unconventional yet compelling perspective on dealing with life’s difficulties.
While the book features grand adventures and extreme challenges, it also highlights smaller, everyday acts of resilience that are just as impactful. For example, recovering from a stroke, rebuilding a life after a traumatic accident, or finding the courage to love again are depicted with the same reverence as the daring caving expeditions. These quieter moments of perseverance resonate deeply with readers, reminding them that resilience isn’t always about big, dramatic gestures—it’s often about showing up for life, even when it’s difficult.
While marketed as a memoir, this book transcends the traditional boundaries of the genre. It reads as part adventure story, part self-help guide, and part emotional journey, offering a multidimensional experience that challenges what readers might expect from a typical memoir. The blending of genres keeps readers engaged and often pleasantly surprised. Readers expecting a straightforward narrative are instead presented with a richly layered story that navigates a range of emotions—grief, joy, fear, and hope—with authenticity and nuance. This complexity challenges readers to engage deeply with the text and reflect on their own emotional landscapes. The memoir doesn’t fit neatly into one category, which makes it a standout. Readers looking for something beyond a conventional memoir or adventure story will find themselves captivated by its unique approach.
Journey of Resilience leaves a lasting impression on readers by offering a blend of inspiration, introspection, and adventure. Through its powerful stories and universal themes, the memoir engages readers on an emotional and intellectual level, prompting them to reflect on their own lives and decisions. Readers will feel inspired by stories of resilience. The memoir’s raw and honest portrayal of physical challenges—grieving the loss of a loved one, recovering from life-altering accidents, and adapting to major transitions—offers a compelling narrative of resilience. Readers witness the author’s journey from despair to hope, learning that strength is not the absence of struggle, but the ability to arise after being knocked down. By sharing his stories of survival and renewal, the author empowers readers to view his own struggles as opportunities for growth. The memoir reinforces the idea that adversity, while painful, can lead to greater understanding, deeper connections, and renewed purpose. Through antidotes and reflections, the book provides practical insights into navigating grief, overcoming setbacks, and embracing change. Readers leave with a sense of possibility, armed with tools and inspiration to face their own challenges.
The memoir illustrates how stepping into the unknown can foster self-discovery and growth. Readers are encouraged to embrace risks and uncertainty as pathways to greater confidence and self-awareness. The author’s adventures, from extreme caving expeditions to spontaneous global travel, demonstrate rewards of stepping out of comfort zones. This encourages readers to reflect on their own boundaries and consider how they might challenge themselves to achieve personal growth. The memoir reveals how exploration and adventure can be deeply therapeutic, offering a way to process grief, rediscover joy, and reconnect with life. For readers dealing with emotional wounds, the book highlights adventure not just as escapism, but as a meaningful and restorative act.
The memoir’s candid exploration of universal themes—love, loss, resilience, and renewal— ensures readers can see parts of themselves reflected in the story. By emphasizing with the author’s experiences, readers are reminded of the shared human capacity for endurance and reinvention. The heartfelt moments invite readers to engage emotionally with the text. Many readers will find solace and knowing that they are not alone in their struggles, fostering a sense of connection and community.
The memoir’s exploration of life-changing events prompts readers to reflect on what truly matters in their own lives—whether its relationships, personal growth, or embracing new opportunities. Readers may feel inspired to prioritize meaningful connections and experiences over routine or superficial pursuits. The author’s stories of resilience and adventure encourage readers to take actionable steps in their own lives, such as embarking on a long-delayed journey, pursuing a personal goal, or making peace with past losses.
Readers may develop a deeper understanding of resilience as a process rather than a fixed trait. The memoir showcases that resilience involves acknowledging pain, leaning on support systems, and taking incremental steps forward. The memoir’s adventurous spirit underscores the beauty of embracing the unknown, whether in physical exploration or life’s unexpected turns. This perspective encourages readers to approach uncertainty with curiosity and optimism rather than fear.
Overall impact. Inspiration: readers will leave feeling uplifted by the author’s triumphs over adversity, motivated to tackle their own challenges with renewed determination. Practical wisdom: the memoir provides both emotional and actionable lessons that readers can apply to their own lives, fostering a sensitive empowerment. Lasting impression: the combination of thrilling adventures and heartfelt reflections ensures that the memoir lingers in readers minds, prompting further reflection long after the final page.
Detailed Review by Rachel Nair
This memoir gives a heartfelt and honest look into how unpredictable life can be, and how much strength and resilience it takes to keep going when things get really tough. I truly enjoyed reading about the author’s past and the many adventures he undertook. It was a refreshing read that took me on a journey through his extraordinary experiences. At times, the narrative tugged at the delicate strings of my heart, as the emotional depth of his journey was palpable and moving. I could truly empathize with the author’s emotional and physical toll, especially in the wake of his wife’s passing. The raw honesty with which he shared this struggle was both heartbreaking and inspiring. Additionally, I really appreciated the poems and extra pieces included at the end of the memoir. They added a beautiful, reflective layer to the story, offering insight into the author’s inner world and his journey through grief and resilience.
From the beginning, I was intrigued and eager to see how John’s journey would unfold, how he would evolve through the many life-changing events hinted at in the introduction. The way the memoir opened, with glimpses into pivotal moments like the tragic accident that altered his life and the heartbreaking loss of his beloved wife, Carrie, to lung cancer, immediately pulled me in. These snippets sparked a strong curiosity to follow his path and understand the emotional and physical resilience that shaped his story. It was inspiring to witness how he navigated life’s tumultuous turns, dealing with various trials and hardships, yet always managing to recover and push through with sheer resilience and the support of his family. What stood out to me were his adventures, especially his travel and hiking experiences, which were not only exciting but also refreshing to read.
John’s ability to embrace both the joys and challenges of life made him a truly engaging character throughout the memoir. The most engaging characters for me were definitely John’s wives Carrie and Dory. Their presence was still deeply felt throughout the memoir., in particular, stood out good or her strength and the deep emotional connection she shared with John, especially in the face of her battle with cancer. Her impact on his life, both during their time together and after her passing, resonated in every part of his journey. Dory provided him with stability and love, helping him rebuild his life after such profound loss, while Carrie’s strength and emotional connection with John left lasting impact on him throughout his journey. I thoroughly enjoyed reading John’s endeavors, and his emotions, feelings, and connections with others all felt genuine and relatable. The way he navigated his adventures and relationships added to the authenticity of the memoir, making it easy to connect with his journey.
The ending for me was bittersweet, especially with the inclusion of the poems. Life had undoubtedly tested John and his family, but through share resilience and unwavering support of his loved ones, he had endured it all. He had a beautiful life with Carrie and Dory, and he was able to witness the joy of his children and grandchildren. Through it all, he remained deeply connected to Dory, still in love after all the years. The memoir left a lasting impact on me, especially since it highlighted how life continued to throw challenges at John and his family. It was powerful and raw journey, told from his perspective, and it truly tugged at my soul. His ability to keep moving forward despite the trials was inspiring, and it made for an incredibly moving and reflective conclusion.
I was emotionally invested in the author’s journey, especially given the rawness of the experiences he shared. Moments that truly resonated with me, particularly when he dealt with the loss of his first wife, Carrie, and took the toll it took on him. His resilience and the support from his family were inspiring. I also felt deeply for him when he described his accident and the aftermath of it—the physical and emotional challenges he faced as he tried to rebuild his life. That was a pivotal moment in the memoir that truly captured the depth of his struggle. This book is about truly living your life, no matter what challenges come your way. Resilience is a powerful force; it helps you navigate through tough times and keep going. This memoir serves as a reminder that no matter what life throws at you, there is always a way to persevere and find meaning in the journey.
Detailed Review by Abbie Connor
My overall impression of this memoir was a very positive one. I felt like it was action-packed and very fascinating. It’s amazing to see how many travels and adventures John has experienced, and how they are shared with those he loved such as Carrie, and his son, and then Dory. These adventures meant there were elements of danger, such as harrowing hiking trails, the Everest trek, falling in streams, and even experiencing an avalanche. Overall, this passion for new experiences and culture created a tense and atmospheric memoir that merged danger and beauty of the natural world. Additionally, the memoir was also one of emotional intensity, and touched on difficult topics such as grief really well. John’s loss of his wife, Carrie, was particularly touching, and the memories they shared really made for an authentically raw yet beautiful story, which I felt was overall very sentimental. Therefore, I felt like this memoir was a touching way to preserve their love and commemorate the saturated and fulfilling life they lived.
I really enjoyed the tense and adventurous nature of the narrative. I like reading about John and Carrie’s travels together and the beautiful places they visit. It allowed me to get glimpses into different cultures. Something I really like that felt unique to this memoir was the integration of poetry, particularly in its ability to convey John’s love for Carrie. The poem Carrie’s Cancerwas particularly sentimental and raw. The lines “I suspect the side effects are better than a wife with lifelessness and a life with life wifelessness,” felt painfully honest and reflective of how difficult life would be enduring such a painful illness. The tone felt soft, yet authentic, and revealed not only the side effects Carrie experienced, but also subtly touches on his care and consideration for his wife through the gentle eloquent form.
Overall, I truly love the way the memoir balanced emotional pain, grief, love, and danger in such an effectively direct and beautiful way. It fully embodied the harrowing and fluctuating nature of the human experience. I really resonated with John’s resilience and ambition. The line “Dreams, dreams. I’m full of them,” really epitomized the richness of John, as he experiences life with such a fullness and goes on so many different adventures and therefore is very admirable. Additionally, he has a deep sense of love and empathy. The line “You clearly have the capacity to truly love,” stated by Dory really represented this. He appears very passionate, still carrying his love for Carrie, but also not being afraid to live his life and seek new relationships. This made him feel very authentic and engaging. I also like Dory. She comes across as rather adventurous, loved to travel, and wanted a relationship with some intellectual and humorous, someone to balance her own richness. I really liked her with John., Carrie, and John all battle with their mental health and trauma and make them very easy to relate to.
I really love the line “Birth. Death. Rebirth. Happiness. Grief. These are the cycles of life, and the moments in our hearts and in the heavens.” As an opening to the final chapter, it really epitomized the essence of the memoir, the complexities of life experiences, but also the richness. The ending was honest and eloquently conveyed, highlighting the resilience of John and all he has experienced. I also really loved that he ended the epilogue with poetry. The poetry was beautiful and a unique way to end the memoir.
The sections about Carrie’s death definitely feel emotionally intense, and therefore I could feel the author’s voice emerging. There was a deep sense of sadness, and raw pain, but also a sense of softness and richness in terms of cherishing the love he experienced. Overall, the balance between intense exciting travels, and his grief and his accident later definitely made his voice feel authentic. It was deeply layered with lots of emotion and experiences, and therefore felt more fully dimensional, honest, and real. His voice is what kept may gripped and made me want to learn more about his life. I was very much invested in the author’s journey. The tragic life events and grief made me emotionally attached and feel a sense of empathy that made me resonate with him. Therefore, when Carrie dies and John meets Dory, I was just as excited, in terms of hoping to see him happy and full of love. Additionally, after the car crash, I yearned for the same happiness.
The line “Although life can be stressful and extremely challenging, we can still take one life day at a time.” was definitely a key takeaway, as the memoir was fueled with strength and resilience. John seemed to experience a lot of hardship and trauma, but many positive memories and moments to be proud of. The essence of the narrative: the fulfilled richness of the human experience, whether that be positive and negative, left me with this message that life is full of new experiences, and that grief and love are natural processes, inevitable aspects of the human experience, and therefore something to be cherished.
Vickie Tate
I found this a really enjoyable read and became interested in the book quickly. It is an interesting memoir of a life lived to the full despite many setbacks. It had so many fascinating details about adventuring, caving, hiking, science, astronomy, and family life. The author has a relaxed, straightforward style of writing, which carried me easily through the book. I also like the humor that crept in even during the worst of the author’s experiences. I found the author a very likable person to read about! The introduction presented a taste of what was to come and with a timeline that gave cohesion to the rest of the text. I definitely had no trouble getting into this book! I very much like the writer’s tone. By the end of the book, I very much liked him and feel he would be the sort of person that I could have an interesting conversation with. He is a warm-hearted, family man who kept his humor despite some devastating setbacks. I very much admire his courage as it came through as I read his memoir. I really enjoyed the groaners and the short antidotes that finished off the book. There was a nice conclusion that let us know where the author is now and how things are with his family now that he is the patriarch. The book ended well. I felt anxious for the author when he was in a perilous point in his adventures, felt his grief when his wife died and his joy of finding love again. His pride for his children shone through in several places. Although the writing was succinct and factual at times, it was also emotional. I very much enjoyed the author’s humor.
Patricia Avery
This memoir presents a captivating glimpse into the life and loves of a man who had accomplished much and overcome significant challenges. It is a journey into John Ryskamp’s mind, heart, and soul. I was eager to discover how this man, who has lived a life in various roles, not just as an adventurer, but also as an eminent nuclear scientist engineer and family man, managed to balance his adventurous spirit with his career and the demands of family life. What I appreciated most about Journey of Resilience was the sheer breadth and detail of John Ryskamp’s experiences. His account of balancing a high-pressure career in nuclear science with a demanding family life and a thirst for adventure is truly remarkable. The book offers a fascinating insight into the dedication and sacrifices involved in pursuing such diverse and challenging paths. His varied adventures, from scientific projects to daring expeditions, showcased a remarkable life lived to the fullest.
John Ryskamp, the subject of this memoir, is undeniably a man of remarkable talents and accomplishments. His significant contributions to nuclear reactor design, research, and analysis are well documented, and he holds impressive academic credentials, including multiple degrees. While his professional achievements are a substantial part of his identity, the book surprisingly focuses more on his passion for the outdoors. A skilled caver, climber, skater, and skier, he excelled in the adventurous pursuits he embraced.
Without a doubt, Carrie is the most engaging character. The author’s description of their first encounter reveals an immediate and profound connection. This affection shines through in his portrayal of her. I could easily visualize her as he paints a picture of a kind, intelligent, and deeply religious woman who had never traveled internationally. Despite their seemingly disparate background, they forged a deep bond through a shared passion for the outdoors, spending their weekends skiing, backpacking, caving, climbing, canoeing, and camping before their marriage. Carrie even inspired the scientist to write poetry. When the author wrote, “I didn’t just find a good one, I found a great one. The best. And married her,” it resonated deeply. After only 18 months of marriage, Carrie embraced John’s dream of seeing the world, venturing far beyond her comfort zone. The narrative of their love was particularly poignant, especially when Carrie’s illness took hold. The inclusion of his emotions and feelings during this period created a strong emotional connection, making Carrie’s character all the more engaging.
Vikas Mittal
I would describe the story in three parts. The first part is a summary of life events. The middle part is wonderful and gripping—one feels they are part of the writer’s journey and feels his pain. The last part contains random, independent thoughts. His compelling human drama and pain and moving forward all are really good. The author has an implied grit in his character and thus in his story. He seemed like a genuinely good person, whom fate decided to be unkind at times. I became emotionally invested by the time we learned about Carrie’s cancer. The most memorable takeaway is John’s commitment to himself and who he is as a person. His wife died, he persevered. He was in a bad car accident, he persevered. And his perseverance was not at the cost of his love for his son, Dan, or his love of the outdoors.
Clare Ivers
John has lived a very full, adventurous, eventful life, and despite the setbacks, illnesses, and bereavements, he emerges a happy, content and well-rounded person. He managed to turn his life around after the tragedy, extreme bad luck, and unfairness. He doesn’t appear bitter or evangelical, which is a great testament to him. The memoir is full and fast-paced and kept me wanting to read. He has an interesting, fascinating life, and he applies his scientific knowledge and brain to everyday life and situations. It was interesting that he used his journals to give an accurate account of events from the 70s and 80s.
This book has a thrilling opening, repelling high above the ground, and it set the scene for someone who has really lived a full life. The memoir was also a tribute to his late wife, who died very young. There is a lot more within the book about his upbringing, family, and his new family after his wife passed away. He went to so many places, and when he described sunsets, sunrises, the temperatures, the nature, animals, the little details around culture and society throughout a big part of the 20th century, it was fascinating. The takeaway is to be resilient, adaptable, and enjoy life. We have one chance at life, it’s short and precious, so we must make the best of it whatever our circumstances. It was a good read, and in these times, uplifting and positive, which is very much needed.
Rachel Froelich
The writing style was witty and engaging. I enjoyed the humor, even during the sad parts of the story. I appreciated the comic relief and the sense of humor all the characters possessed. The prose and poems offer a close intimate look into each character at different points in the story. I enjoyed the authenticity and realness in each chapter. I also felt like I learned a lot about the world by reading this book, and that is always the most appealing thing about memoirs for me.
I enjoyed John’s wit and humor. Carrie’s character stood out to me in this memoir. Her devotion to God, her humor even in the most challenging times, and her love for her family made me very interested and invested in her character. Reading about her fight against cancer was inspirational. Dan’s character development as he grew up was a great feature of this story. I also really enjoyed all of the funny childhood stories, like the cross-country ski race that he didn’t realize was a race at first. I enjoyed the progression of Dory and John’s relationship and how the two were able to fit together so nicely. They both came together at the perfect time in one another’s lives. Vulnerability and feeling shared between the two really added a lot to the story and were a great way for readers to learn more about Dory.
This story should appeal to a wide range of audiences, including those who are interested in travel, adventure sports, and other wilderness adventures. I found the costs of travel from ‘back in the day’ to be really interesting, and I appreciated the insight into what it was like to travel the world years ago. I think a lot has changed! This is a story about travel and adventure, but also about love. People of all ages and with a wide variety of interests will enjoy this story.
Lisa Oviatt
The author’s ability to keep such detailed travel journals through arduous trekking is impressive. The chapter on Carrie’s illness and death is heart-wrenching, yet uplifting because of her deep faith. John’s ability to grieve then accept such a great loss and move forward with life is inspiring. His match.com description of himself was so thorough. I don’t know anyone who knows himself as well as John does, and he is able to describe himself so clearly. John has a wry sense of humor that I love. I admire John for knowing who he is and his ability to convey his essence through his writing. What is very remarkable to me is his ability to live life fully, even after all the heartbreaking loss and trauma he has endured. His descendants certainly will know who he was and what a remarkable life he has lived.
Nicholas Smart
This book is a quick and interesting read. The author explains his adventures clearly, passionately, and with great enthusiasm. The author gave a brief summary at the beginning, so I had an idea of what was coming in the book. Alongside the many highs, there are also lows, which made for a well-rounded story. The author is interesting and engaging throughout the book. Stories about crossing the equator and the way the sun travels “back-to-front” or the constellations being upside-down are also interesting. The book felt very authentic. The author has his own voice and writing style. It was quite conversational, and I could imagine him telling me some of the stories in person.
Bruce Schnitzler
I now feel like I know the author better than I know my own brother. And I can say the same about Dory and Carrie, too. What a lot of detailed experiences they shared! I was really impressed by the Himalayan trekking and the New Zealand trekking. The author was nothing but energy on the prowl!
Adrian Soucek
I loved the book! I learned so much about the author, his family, and his awesome love stories by reading this book. Thank you for taking the time to write and compile all of these memories. They are a treasure.
Groaners
Just Squeeze It!
Isaac Newton said, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade."
Johnny Neutron said, "When life gives you melons, you're probably dyslexic."
Excerpts from Journey of Resilience
First Excerpt
During the time I worked on the project, they built ten units of eight apartments each. On one occasion, when one of the units was almost completed, the electricians were getting set to turn the electricity on for the first time. I was in the upstairs hallway, sweeping the floor, right near the big red fire alarm. Suddenly I jumped, my ears filled with a raucous, “Ding! Ding! Ding!”
I turned and looked at the alarm to see smoke coming out of it followed by flames a minute later. Thank God for a short that immediately shut down the electricity. I asked the electrician about it later that day. Apparently, someone had hooked up the twelve-volt fire alarm to the 240 voltage. My workmate and I had a good laugh at the irony."
Excerpts from Journey of Resilience
Second Excerpt
Near the end of the year, I borrowed my parent’s station wagon, and seven of us set out for Mexico in two vehicles, taking turns driving all the way. The first day, we drove through the night all the way to Austin, Texas, where we bought five carts of groceries including six bottles of Kaopectate to stave off dreaded diarrhea. We didn’t want to take any chances with pooping while dangling from a rope hundreds of feet above the ground. It would be bad for us, but worse for our friends below.
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