All Over the Map is out in paperback! Even though I love the hardback as an object–the cover is beautiful–it’s probably best as a paperback, a great read to take along on a summer trip to the beach (or to the couch).
I’ve been delighted and humbled by all of the responses I’ve gotten from readers. One recently told me that the book has a quality of euphoria that is hard to find in life–and that it swept him away.
Another fan wrote: “I stayed up later than I should have night after night, eating each chapter like a chocolate truffle. I loved the way you expressed, in words I’ve never been able to formulate, why I travel (to discover something that I didn’t even know I was looking for). And the reason that I love learning languages (because to speak Spanish, I have to be a little bit Mexican, or Castillian, or Argentine…). Your book was everything I love in a memoir: brave, honest, insightful.”
A doctor from Florida wrote: Finished your latest book this morning and it was a wonderful experience. I probably should say right off the bat that I haven’t read any of your work before. The other day I was in the library with my children, while they were looking for books I was glancing through the new arrivals section. Your book “All Over the Map” caught my eye and I checked it out (I promise I will buy “An Italian Affair”). Reading the jacket sleeve I was hooked by the words romance and adventure. You see my wife and I have travelled to Mexico and climbed Iztaccihuatl and exchanged wedding vows on the top of Temple 2 in Tikal Guatemala. We love those countries as well as Portugal and Greece. We have been toying with the idea of taking our children this summer to a Spanish language immersion program. What better way to instill a passion for travel and a tolerance and understanding for other peoples cultures then to travel to foreign lands. Once again I want to say how much I enjoyed your book and thank you for sharing your experiences. It reinvigorated and reenergized me in my determination to open different paths to different cultures for my kids.”
From a reader in Maryland: “I just finished All Over the Map and I was sorry to reach the end of the book. Another 100 pages, and I would have been your house guest in San Miguel de Allende, say maybe tomorrow? My life has taken a different course but I’ve arrived at an age and a time where I could see myself standing where you are. I was inspired. Thank you.”
I love it when people take the time to drop me a note, like this one: “Hi Laura, I am reading All Over the Map and I love it. I hope it never ends.”
And I’m so touched when people send notes like this: “I’ve loved many books but never taken time to send the author a fan letter in gratitude for
the lovely experience. All Over The Map was so delicious that I had to get An Italian Affair because I needed to know how your story began…Your books woke me up from a two year funk after hubby died. All my pleasures kind of
froze and then while in my favorite book store [ Capitola book cafe ] I was drawn to Map because of the graphics . What an absolute treat ! I was so taken away . . . . . thank you for your story, dear lady. Just what my shrink should have ordered !”
Thanks to all of you who took the time to write to me! Please recommend All Over the Map to your book group. There’s a reading guide here from O, the Oprah Magazine.
I am also available to chat with book groups via Skype or phone.