Top reviews from the United States
Chicago K, 5.0 out of 5 stars. "Turkish Delight" (Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2011)
I read this book while visiting Turkey and was pleasantly surprised. It is a wonderful memoir of travel in Turkey over nearly two decades. Mr. Brosnahan's writing is exceptional, informed, and entertaining. His many stories provide unique insights into Turkish culture and history. There are also memorable accounts of friends, dignitaries, and characters met during his travels. I'd highly recommend this book if you have any interest in Turkey or if you'd like to learn from a seasoned traveler. The book also provides an interesting glimpse into the travel industry. I'm recommending the book to a couple of college professors who are leading a group of students to Turkey for a semester abroad. I can't imagine a better introduction to the country!
Meg, 4.0 out of 5 stars. "Nice look at Turkey" (Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2009)
The author was stationed in Turkey in the Peace Corps when he was young and green. He lovingly describes the country, the people, the food. Then he decides to write a travel book about Turkey which he has to figure out how to do (he's long been a writer for Lonely Planet so obviously he found out how to do it). It's a sweet, engaging book which I read before I went to Turkey. I found it helpful and truthful.
Jesska Goodwyn, 5.0 out of 5 stars. "I took my book to Turkey!" (Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2013)
I loved this book; the author is witty and it is true that I felt like he was really being our personal guide. I love reading the background of the places he writes about and me visiting the place. I found myself more interested and certainly knowledgeable, thanks to Mr. Broshnahan. I love his love story even and the little boy that always comes out of nowhere to serve the tea at the Great Bazaar. Mr. Broshanan's personal experience and travails in Turkey made it for one of the most if not the most amazing travel books I have read. I intend to keep the book in my collection. More power to Tom and yes, Jane!!!
Kevin Kwan, 5.0 out of 5 stars. "Great book for a curious traveler" (Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2013)
Wonderful write-up on a nation most Americans are mostly ignorant about - the other travel books I purchase tells me what is there, but Tom tells me why it is there, and how it should be treasured - he is truly the man who has "gone bamboo" and painted a vivid mental image of a land steeped in an oriental past and marching to a future yearning for both European prosperity and middle eastern hospitality. For a more rounded experience, read his website - I actually did the recommended ferry and train ride from Istanbul to Izmir - it was the only way to see the people, the land and the depth of its cultural roots.
BHen, 5.0 out of 5 stars. "Terrific" (Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2012)
Yes, this author knows how to write a terrific travel book. His formula seems to be to combine his in depth knowledge of Turkey with a sense of what a practical traveler can and cannot do comfortably while in Turkey and with endless anecdotal information to inform the reader a lot about what to expect while visiting Turkey.
After I read his hilarious experiences flying with other Peace Corp Volunteers to Turkey I was hooked and read it almost non stop to the end. And, by the way, be sure to visit his turkeytravelplanner.com after you read the book.
The Public Press, 5.0 out of 5 stars. "Delightful on Many Levels" (Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2014)
A charming, well-written memoir on many levels--historical, political, and personal. I felt that I experienced Turkish culture through someone whose life experience has been as someone whose life I can easily relate to. The writer is personable, good humored, passionate, and insightful. I read this in preparation for a trip to Istanbul this October, but give it high marks for the sheer reading enjoyment it provided.
Pat, 4.0 out of 5 stars. "Great Little Read" (Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2012)
This is not a guide book, but a charming meandering through Turkey with a guide book author. The descriptions of the people, places and things is wonderful. I enjoyed every page but must now find a guide book to help with our upcoming trip to this fascinating country.
Joanne, 5.0 out of 5 stars. "A must have reference/background book for Turkey" (Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2015)
The king of books on insight to Turkish Culture in my opinion. This book piqued my curiosity on Turkish culture. I had a map of Turkey and used it to follow his road trip across the country. Although the events take place in the past, the locations and the personality of Turkey still exist to some extent.
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Top reviews from other countries
Sand, 4.0 out of 5 stars. "from the author of Lonely Planet, Turkey and many other guide books" (Reviewed in India on October 1, 2018)
Enjoyed reading Brosnahan's stories about his discovery of Turkey and its people. Finished reading the book a few days before my flight took off to Istanbul. overall it s a good read. Recommended.
Јеlena, 3.0 out of 5 stars. "Three Stars" (Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 27, 2016)
Good as a starting point
