Bob Riel

What other people are saying about Two Laps Around the World ...

A sample of reviews from the book's Amazon.com page:

“Fascinating cross-cultural insights”

"I found this book filled with fascinating cross-cultural insights...Two Laps Around the World is an entertaining read. I recommend it for any actual or armchair traveler interested in how we fit in the broader world."

“A book to revisit often”

"Bob and Lisa lead us to a deeper level in their global journeys. They seek to meet and talk to the people, to understand the culture, religions, and then reflect so beautifully on the differences--and sameness. They indeed challenge us to break out of the safe "tourist bubble." I enjoyed the Life Lessons and Global Rules noted throughout the book. This would be a great gift for any traveler… and a book to revisit often."

“More than a travelogue”

"It's a fun and easy read - but this book is radical and I hope high schoolers, college students, blue collar workers, and white collar workers read it...Because it's more than an interesting and accessible travelogue of a young couple's adventures traveling around the world twice. It shows that world travel is not just for the rich and super rich. It brings forward the radical concept that regular people need to spend time away from life in these United States and experience people and places in other parts of the world. Take a break from the forward march of school and job? Yes! Read this book and see if that idea makes sense to you."

“Refreshing and informative”

“Bob and Lisa always seem to hit the highlights as well as some interesting off the beaten path destinations. The insight they provide into the customs and cultures they visit is refreshing and informative.”

Comments from some fan letters:

"I am hooked and reading everything"

"Bob, Your 'Two Laps Around the World' is wonderful!!! ... I am hooked and reading everything. Your book is much more than a travelogue, as you have brought your cultural awareness and observations with each step. I am savoring your book!" - Mary Jo S.

"Up past 2 a.m., not wanting to put the book down"

"I thoroughly enjoyed the book! There were a few nights I found myself up past 2 a.m., not wanting to put the book down as I was excited to learn about your next journey." - Paul R.

"A joy to read"

"What a joy to read. You have captured for me what I felt so many years ago on my first travel adventure...It did my heart good to know you had picked up on many different philosophies that I found." - Stan and Ned P.

"Bravo, bravo, bravo"

"Bravo, Bravo, Bravo. Great book. Now I'm a little disappointed, because I have nothing to read when I come to work early...Great job, really enjoyed it! - Scott G.

And notes from some reviewers:

"Riel has a painter's eye"

"As a writer, Riel has a painter’s eye for the color and mood of life on the road. Here, for instance, is his description of an African sunset: 'It began with streaks of light shooting down from thick clouds. As if the heavens had opened and hundreds of golden Masai spears were thrust down into the pale green dusk of the plain. Then a sunset exploded across the sky in streaks of mango and purple.'

"As a result, veteran travelers will enjoy revisiting favorite places through his prose, while other passages can serve as a primer for your wish list of destinations. A freelance writer and consultant, Riel lets his own story unfold slowly through the book, which correspondingly ‘grows’ on you with a series of anecdotes and vignettes. If you love that sub-genre of armchair travel that involves stories of everyday adventurers circling the globe, then Two Laps Around the World is a keeper." - reviewer on Rolf Potts' Vagabonding website

"This is a good book"

"This is a good book...There's a lot of social insight in this book: I liked his pointing out that Singapore (and China and Japan) has a 'group' mentality, unlike Americans who are fiercely independent. And I really loved the chapter called 'Cafe Culture.' " - judge from the Writers Digest Book Awards

"Clear that the author loves to travel"

"The book's content is excellent. The author does a great job describing interesting and exotic places. More importantly, the author is able to deliver depth by helping readers understand the deeper reasons for travel...The book's emotional power comes through because it is clear that the author loves to travel. The passion is evident throughout the manuscript and allows the reader to share in the excitement. The author clearly enjoys embracing and learning about the local culture wherever he happens to be...The author also does a wonderful job with the final chapter, which wraps up the author's views on travel. This is the kind of writing that will make readers want to read the author's next work." - manuscript reviewer from the publishing company