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Undress Me In The Temple Of Heaven (2009)

by Susan Jane Gilman(Favorite Author)

3.75 of 5 Votes: 2

ISBN

0446578924 (ISBN13: 9780446578929)

languge

English

genre

Memoir & Autobiography

publisher

Grand Central Publishing

review 1: 3.5 stars. Two acquaintances from college decide to take a 'round-the-world backpacking trip, starting in China (soon after China was opened for this sort of thing).Overall, an enjoyable read, although perhaps not what I expected. There wasn't really a whole lot of focus on the sights and sounds of China (at least not as much as I would have liked). The book is more about the girls' handling of the experience (which didn't go well, it really didn't) and how they managed to get back home.
review 2: This book is the closest I've come to an honest recounting of what it was like to travel as a young woman in the late 80s. Although my adventures weren't nearly as dramatic and harrowing, Gilman reveals the trauma and unravelling identity that goes along with culture ... moreshock. And more importantly how that process can make some individuals stronger, while leaving others damaged. Her descriptions of backpacking camaraderie and competition were right on the mark, reminding me how wanting bragging rights led me to seek out exceptional experiences rather than authentic ones, and usually got me into trouble. The girls were annoyingly entitled and obnoxious throughout the book. I kept waiting for the fictional satisfaction of a "learning moment" where at least one of them grows up, and I'm relieved it never came. Those single moments of enlightenment are such crap. Instead, much-needed warm and fuzzy moments come through in the kindness and support of many strangers who could not walk away from helplessness and need, even if it came in a hysterical and selfish form. Having been on the receiving end of such decency and generosity, I see that as the real truth of this book and the real gift of travel. less

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