I just read the new book Amazing Adventures of a Nobody, a memoir by Leon Logothetis. This was the perfect book for me to read this week. I spent some of New Year’s Eve in the emergency room after a stomach virus left me dehydrated and in pain.
I haven’t been seriously sick in four years and now I hit the ER twice in a month.
The thought of the medical bills are enough to make me queasy all over again. At least I lost six pounds. I think if I get the flu I can fit back in my skinny jeans!
So, during my diseased holidays the escapism of Amazing Adventures hit the spot for me and really lifted my spirits.
In the book, Logothetis leaves his job and cushy life in London to emulate the freedom he sees in the movie “The Motorcycle Diaries”. His goal is to travel from Times Square in New York City to the Hollywood sign in California on five dollars a day and the kindness of strangers. Can he do it?
The rules he sets for himself are strict: the five dollars can’t roll over to the next day and he can only accept gifts of food, transportation and accommodations, not cash. Logothetis makes a bet with himself that strangers will help him out just because he asks. The English accent and good manners help.
A production crew with a video camera captured the experience and access to the resulting show is available on the author’s website. I thought several of the stories were far-fetched, but I can see the footage that backs up his claims. Truth is stranger than fiction!
I’ve been provided with a fresh, clean, un-coughed on copy of the book to give away. Just leave me a comment below to tell me if you think you could cross America on five dollars a day a favors gained by telling a good story.
I’ll draw a winner next Tuesday using random.org.
If you simply must have your own copy right away, check out the book on Amazon.
I liked the bright, conversational style of the writing. I loved the travel stories of Logothetis discovering America and Americans. Not everyone he meets is kind, but everyone was at least interesting. The author feels like a friend and you will enjoy taking this trip with him.
So, could you travel across the United States on five bucks and a smile?
I was provided with two complimentary copies of this book for the purpose of review and this giveaway. No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.
EDITED TO ADD: Congratulations to Allison, the winner of this giveaway!
I’m glad you are feeling better. Two times in the emergency is too much! Let’s hope for 0 times in 2012. The book sounds intriguing – I plan to check out the author’s website.
Stay healthy and have a wonderful new year!
I hope you are feeling better!
I loved the movie “The Motorcycle Diaries” and have showed it in Spanish to my students. This book would be really intriguing. Five dollars a day? That would not cover my chocolate needs. 😉
I absolutely could not do it. I wouldn’t even make it to the other side of town. It sounds fascinating though!
Glad you’re on the mend, and I thought you weren’t going to Blissdom? But you have the button over there. Change your mind hopefully?
I am going to Blissdom! I bought my ticket the first day. I hope to see you there, Liz. I really enjoyed meeting you at EVO.
Glad to hear you’re feeling better!
The premise reminds me of a book that was popular back in the 70’s, “Walk Across America” or something similar. I couldn’t do it. I’d be too chicken to start!
It reminds me of Forrest Gump a little.
I don’t think I could make it across the country on $5 a day. I don’t think I could do it on $20/day. I would love to read the book, though!
$5 a day…….probably not! Nor would I want to! But I think I would enjoy reading someone else’s adventures – put me in the drawing!
And there have GOT to be easier ways to get to the skinny jeans, Anne, Hope you have a healthy 2012!
I don’t think I’m brave enough to ask people for things or to live that spontaneously. I’d rather read about someone else trying it!
I’ve been meaning to come enter your giveaway for a couple days now.
This books sounds very interesting. I definitely wouldn’t be able to survive on expecting help. Just couldn’t do it. I’ve got issues. 🙂
I love Leon – I’ve been following him for less than a year and he’s been to more places during this time than I’ve seen in a lifetime. Yes, I could live on $5 a day, because on some days I live on less, but I don’t know if I could do it AND reach the West Coast – that’s amazing . . . I did run around for 6 weeks in my youth with no cash and was invited to stay with strangers and was fed meals in exchange for my volunteer work, but Leon brings this concept of relying on the goodness of society to a whole new height! I haven’t read his book, but if I had a copy I would definately read it, and then pass it on. Thanks Anne and thanks Leon!!!
I definitely think it is possible to travel on $5 a day. My travel experience has shown that most people are more than willing to help travelers out!
It is amazing what one can live without. I could easily do it across the US (or Canada, or anywhere, you just have to want to and make a choice), and even though I’m a single Dad, I am so happy that I have ‘found another way of living’ and that is, ‘without.’ It is freeing. My youngest is reaping the benefits of what is important, and what is not. What to re use, what to give away, how to innovate. We lived in the past with excess, and now we don’t, and we are richer for it.
Hi Anne,
Wow, that’s amazing. I haven’t heard of this book. My cousin and her husband were trying something similar on plain bicycles, but had a major wipeout that eventually ruined the bike trip, sadly. It was fascinating to read their adventures and to hear their stories of the kindness of strangers.
Drop my name in the hat for that book, please. 🙂 So, is the $5 a day with or without kids?!
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com