It is such a pleasure for me to dedicate today’s post to the launch of the new book by an incredibly talented and fabulous writer Savannah Grace titled Backpacks & Bra Straps.
It is the long-awaited sequel to the award-winning travel memoir Sihpromatum. You probably may or may not remember, but that I featured her in the Reading Corner on the blog a few months ago. If you haven’t, then I invite you to read the fun interview.
Backpacks & Bra Straps is the continuation of Savannah’s fun, unexpected and life changing adventures with her family in Asia. It picks off where it left off in the 1st book.
Thanks to the incredible details of the journey, you become an active participant and become the 5th member of the clan!
Traveling though endless, sometimes unbearable train, bus or wild taxi rides makes your head spin. However reaching each destination is very welcoming, a relief I would say. Each recount is almost as if you’re watching an action-packed movie in full color while you’re actually reading a book!
What I truly enjoyed about this second installment is the fact that you completely dive into the story, see the locations, learn about history, experience culture and can almost taste all the exotic food they eat.
I personally was hooked right from the get go and could not put the book down! Turning each page was even more exciting and didn’t know what to expect but adventure after adventure 😉
Alongside the young Savannah, is her sidekick and older sister Bree who made me cry of laughter with her timely and wildly funny comments! Then there is her positively positive mother Maggie, she is one wise lady who always see the good side of things no matter what. Then there is the group leader, older brother and walking encyclopedia Ammon who knows just about everything!
Although Savannah did not realize it then or perhaps she did later on, she was surrounded by the most interesting, diverse, dynamic and best group of individuals she could have asked for and best of all? They were her family, her rock!
Their day-to-day or minute to minute interaction played such an important role in each one of their lives and the lessons learned in all different locations were absolutely priceless (and unforgettable).
There are a couple of passages that really struck me and one of them is when they board an overcrowded train, try to squeeze in and blend in with their fellow travelers. In spite of the language barrier, they all end up playing cards, exchanging whatever articles they wish to have and before they reach their destination, they seem to be like a big family!
That’s what travel does to you, no matter where you are, people will genuinely bestow their kindness and offer you the little they have with all their heart! It’s one incredible lesson of humility and it reminds you to appreciate what life presents to you 🙂
My absolute favorite line from the book is when Savannah is sitting outside to admire the night sky:
“The endless starlight became brighter and more incredible than I could even begin to describe accurately. Stars reached out to touch the deepest measure of my soul. Unlike the usual wash of whitish flow across the sky, tonight the richness of the Milky Way sparkled like a gazillion diamonds spread across an infinite stretch of exquisite black velvet.”
Wow, that truly left me speechless. What a beautifully written paragraph. I still read it and reread it and can’t believe how amazing it is. Pure genius if you ask me!
If you love adventures, travel though different countries without leaving your chair, I highly recommend you read both Sihpromatum AND Backpacks and Bra Straps.
You will agree with me that Savannah Grace is a naturally gifted and brilliant writer and the story will stay with you long after you finish reading.
EBOOK GIVEAWAY!
Since you are awesome & loyal readers (and very special to me), Savannah is offering YOU the chance to win some EBooks!
2 of the 1st book: Sihpromatum and
2 of the latest installment Backpacks and Bra Straps
Savannah proudly posing with her labor of love at home in the Netherlands
It’s very simple. All you need to do is to share this post and let us know by leaving a comment below!
4 lucky winners will be chosen at random and will be notified via email or private message.
We wish you all the best of luck!
I also invite you to follow Savannah on the following Social Media Channels:
Website: www.sihpromatum.wordpress.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sihpromatum
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/savannah.grace.549
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Savannah-Grace/e/B0090JK5BG/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6520230.Savannah_Grace
Happy travels & enjoy reading!
Until next time.
All the best, Tashi Delek.
Love always,
Karla 🙂
Traveller Soul 
Pingback: SIHPROMATUM
I tweeted this post. Loved the first book. Can’t wait to read the second!
Thank you for sharing it!
The 2nd book is awesome. You’ll love it 😉
I’ve shared this book review to my followers and look forward to reading the book!
Safe travels!
Awesome! Thank you 😉
What I was amazed at about the book was the way the young family braved their way through their journey in different countries with no fixed timetable save one…to see the sunrise over the Himalayas. A fitting ending to an extremely well written & absorbing book. Kudos to the author.
Savannah is quite the natural storyteller and the adventures with her family were exceptional and they helped her become who she is today!
Yes that scene about the sunrise over the Himalayas was incredible that I even felt as if I was right there with them!
I really can’t wait for the third installment.
Thank you for stopping by.