Disappointed. It doesnt live up to the comparison

I bought this book on a whim after reading The Emerald Mile by Kevin Fedarko. That book was full of intriguing bits of history and huge, impactful tales of adventure. I read the entire book over the course of two days and was sad to see it end. Throughout the reading I found myself imagining myself to be a great adventurer who could shoot the rapids right alongside the men in the book. So, I saw Mr Wood's book with its captivating cover and immediately bought it. I really wanted to love it the same way that I loved my adventure through the Grand Canyon. I wanted this book to inspire me to dream of walking the Nile. I wanted to feel the danger, learn the history and dream of the bold and thrilling walk taken by Mr Wood. Unfortunately this book did not stand up to the comparison. For me it felt more like a journal than a novel. I realize that it is nonfiction and is told chronologically, but it doesn't tempt me to walk the Nile. It doesn't prod me to buy more books on similar subjects. This book doesn't scream at me from its place in my library to be read again or to be shared with friends. It also doesn't make me angry that I wasted my precious reading hours... so I guess, in my opinion, it is a comfortably average book.

6 people found this helpful

Informative

The book was interesting with regard to the geography the Author walked. Finding out what happened to the people who helped him would have been good.

5 people found this helpful

Beautiful story

An unveiled view of the peoples along the nile. Feels as if you're walking alongside Levinson Wood as he triumphs over his obstacles. recommended read!

4 people found this helpful

Encapsulating

Loved it! The awe and lament of this man's journey is perfectly depicted by perhaps the best narration of which I have ever had the pleasure of listening. From the start I felt as though I blazed the walking trail with Levison. The descriptions are so well articulated I have come away with a whole new perspective of life. Thank you, Levison Wood. Your journey has changed me.

3 people found this helpful

Great adventure for an armchair traveler

Subject reminded me of the nineteenth century stories of entering darkest Africa. Am amazed that Mr Wood was not robbed nor hurt by the climate and terrain. I was expecting more confrontations with wild animals (is Africa snake free now?) His fortitude and bravery are to be admired.

3 people found this helpful

Fascinating and more difficult than expected

For some reason I thought this would be an easier listen--there would be charming stories about wildlife and scenery, complaints about blisters, and interesting meetings with locals. But it was a much more interesting and difficult listen, rightly so.

Walking the Nile means walking through countries with lovely and life threatening landscape and deep and difficult histories. So, yes there was some wildlife and scenery but not always charming. Nature itself, including the weather, could be really dangerous. Meeting local people meant meeting some kind and generous and some troubled and violent people. Sometimes people with both in their history. During the time of this walk Rwanda was still reeling from the genocide, South Sudan was at war, and Egypt was basically a police state after a second revolution. There were many times I held my breath hoping they would all make it through. And many time I wanted to cry. I also learned a lot and kept thinking about the implications of colonization, clashing cultures, and exploration after I was done. I'm glad I listened.

2 people found this helpful

Fascinating story.

Would you listen to Walking the Nile again? Why?

Yes, absolutely. I loved the story, especially the historical and cultural details and already relistened to many passages, not to miss anything.

What did you like best about this story?

It felt very real, alive, I could imagine Africa in a way I could not before and it made me read more, search out more about the continent.

What does Gildart Jackson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I enjoyed his lively presentation. It brought events closer than just reading the book, I think.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I would have liked to, but did not have the time in one sitting. Also, it would have been a pity do be done in only one sitting, I felt like extending the listening time, didn't want it to end.

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend the book.

2 people found this helpful

Idea better than execution

Less than ideal choice of narrator. Subject info was interesting. Narration fails to drag you in.

Narrative on War and Genocide, Not Wilderness

I'm 2 hours in and they've spent about 15 minutes of that time actually discussing the wilderness part of the journey. The rest has been a narrative on the genocide in Rwanda and war and strife in general. It's not the wilderness survival story I was led to believe it was. If I wanted to read about war and genocide, I'd buy a much more detailed and well-researched book on the topic. I'm returning this one.

A journey worth the read

Engaging story of hardship and learning along the Nile. Couldn’t stop listening to the story.