Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Experience the world–without seasickness!

Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2018

Format: Perfect Paperback

This is a beautiful book. Like the others in the series, it contains wonderful photographs that really capture the destinations and the people. This book is the longest in the trilogy because it covers four seasons of the Hofmanns’ circumnavigation that take you almost halfway around the world. I’m not a big traveler myself, so enjoying the world vicariously through their travels is as close as I’ll ever get to the lands of Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, and other exotic places. Hofmann’s writing immerses the reader in the scene. You get not only descriptions, but you feel like you are there–inching the catamaran up a crocodile-infested Australian river after midnight, climbing up ancient ruins in Ephesus, sitting under twisted olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane in Israel. Each chapter is divided into multiple little stories with subheads so you can travel along, experience by experience. As a teacher, I really love the way Hofmann sprinkles in bits of history with her narrative to give the background of each place. The book is also filled with fascinating sidebars and spreads that acquaint you with each country and some of the more unusual aspects of its history, economy, or lifestyle. I’ve learned more about the world through Hofmann’s books that I would have any other way. And I got to do so without seasickness, in the comfort of my own home, by reading her intriguing stories and enjoying her lovely pictures.

5.0 out of 5 stars You don’t have to be a sailor

Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2018

Format: Perfect Paperback

You don’t have to be a sailor to enjoy “The Long Way Back.” You can be an armchair traveler like me. I enjoyed this book thoroughly. I traveled along with Lois and Gunter and felt their excitement and interest the whole time. I loved their derring-do and can-do attitudes. And the pictures that accompany their travel tales, are fabulous. The book is really a visual feast. One of my favorite parts of the book, besides the pictures, are the “Did You Know,” segments. Very informational and snippet-size, perfect to share with others. I highly recommend you travel with Lois and Gunter on their long way back. You’ll be glad you did! I know I am.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Long Way Back by Lois Joy Hofmann is an enthralling

Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2018

Format: Perfect Paperback

The Long Way Back by Lois Joy Hofmann is an enthralling, educational and conversational coffee table book that I’m pleased to display in my home! What an amazing tale of beauty, strength, wisdom and danger on the high seas – complete with beautiful pictures taken from around the world. I highly recommend this book – and in fact, the Trilogy – for anyone interested in or learning about travel, sailing and adventure by sea and by land.

5.0 out of 5 stars Rich with beautiful full-color photos and well written text

Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2018

Format: Perfect Paperback

I purchased this book from the author as a gift for my mother, who loves to read about real people and their adventures. My mother treasures it. And I loved reading as well. Rich with beautiful full-color photos and well written text detailing their travels. If you’ve ever wanted to take an adventure like this, you can – through this lovely book. Highly recommended!

Shay5
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book!
Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2018
Format: Perfect Paperback
What an amazing book to read. I have always dreamed of going on an adventure like this. It was such a joy to read of Lois’s adventure through her eyes. The stories are great and the pictures are beautiful. It’s a must read for anyone into sailing, adventure or just a great story