Tales of a Female Nomad: Living at Large in the World

by Rita Golden Gelman

Book Overview

The true story of an ordinary woman living an extraordinary existence all over the world. "Gelman doesn't just observe the cultures she visits, she participates in them, becoming emotionally involved... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0609809547
• Release Date: May 2002
• Publisher: Crown
• Length: 312 Pages
• Weight: 0.56 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.7" x 5.2"

Customer Reviews

A Tribute to Wanderlust and Humanity

Gelman's book, "Tales of a Female Nomad," is a testament to the human spirit, courage, and to our basic need to connect with others. It is a very personal account of her life as she goes through a divorce and discovers her individual self, without her husband, and through her numerous adventures. She goes to many places: Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Israel, Galapagos Islands, Indonesia, New Zealand, Canada, and Thailand. What surprises me about Gelman's style is her very personal approach. She reveals intimate details, especially about fears and insecurities, which made me I more and more drawn to her story. It is though she is inviting the reader to be a friend and to share her experiences. She travels unconventionally - without much of a plan and not just to capital cities. Her stories of the people she has met warms the heart and reveals a beautiful humanity that is shared among all cultures.This book is wonderful for anyone, but I strongly recommend it to women all ages and walks of life. Shows how one can live their dream and take the road not taken.

Theory on ratings

I bought this book on a Friday evening, gobbled it up except for two chapters, finished it first thing in the morning, and lent it out by that afternoon. I was very interested in the reading the reviews that gave lesser ratings to this book. There were comments on poor or simplistic writing style and insufficient narrative or description of people and places... how utterly fascinating. We all look at the world through different filters; thus the details Rita chose to share were those that were meaningful to her. She spends quite a few pages describing the long endearing antics she went through to avoid eating alone in a restaurant when she first arrived in Mexico... while she compresses 8 or so years in Bali into a chapter or so. This is the journey of a woman who reinvents herself at 48--it is the story of courage, of connection in far away places, of incredible growth, of living "successfully" as a single person. It is about Nicaragua, Bali, the Galapagos etc only as it relates to her story, and since *her* story is the one I needed to hear (as a 31 year old single female), I was very satisfied, inspired and grateful for the sharing.

Armchair Traveler's Review

As I read the book I felt like I had known Rita all of my life. While I couldn't wait to get to the next locale so I could learn about the culture and customs she was experiencing, I didn't want the book to end.Rita Golden Gelman knows how to tell a story - to tell a story so that the next sentence, the next paragraph, the next page and the next chapter, are eagerly awaited. Her simple, friendly style is a breath of fresh air - I found the book to be a real treat and was sorry that it had to end. But I was immensely pleased to find her email address on the last page of the book so that I can actually tell her how great her travels sound!If you're looking for a great way to experience some exotic locations in the world, from the eyes of a seasoned traveler, this is a great book. Rita's spirit, her optimism and her love of people really come through.

This is a must read for summer and a must to pass on to all!

I absolutely loved this book and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who has an appreciation for travelling and the lessons one can learn about themselves from such experiences. Rita's travels and lifestyle change left me in complete awe and filled me with absolute admiration for the guts, courage, and trust that were required of her. This book will not only inspire the reader to embark on travels of his/her own, but will cause some much needed introspection into the routines that so many of us lead in our daily lives. This book serves as a shot in the arm to get out and experience life, others, and other places.In the book, Rita allows the reader to vicariously experience her life with her. The reader cannot help but feel as if Rita Gelman is a good friend by the last page. And once the book is over it is hard to stop thinking about the incredible adventures and gutsy lady that comprise Rita Gelman. Definitely read this book and check out some of her great children's books while you're at it. Rita is a true jewel and anyone who loves to read should be reading her books. I look forward to future books and the book tour!

AMAZING WOMAN, FANTASTIC JOURNEY!

I cannot say enough good things about this book. Rita Golden Gelman is one of the most amazing women one could ever hope to encounter. In a search for self and adventure, little does this gutsy housewife realize that what began as a two month separation from her husband would lead to a fifteen year journey in exotic places around the world. From a Zapotec village in Mexico to Guatemala, Nicaragua, Isreal, Galapagos Islands and eight years in Indonesia, Gelman does what most woman only dream of doing. What may seem to some like a betrayal to family and an escape from reality is, in essence, a story of unbelieveable determination, strength and pursuit of self.Gelman possesses extraordinary interpersonal skills and others, even total strangers, are drawn to her like a magnet. She has an enormous passion for people, life and the unknown, and I found Gelman and her story to be one of the most inspiring, exhilarating and refreshing ones ever written. There are always sacrifices to be made in life. The universe has a way of balancing the give and take. For every door or chapter in life that we close, another opens; Gelman's life is no exception. Her journey and her life are a shining validation that nothing is beyond our dreams if we are prepared to make sacrifices, believe in our goals and in ourself, and have the commitment and courage to make our dreams a reality. I highly recommend this powerful and captivating book, particularly to women since they will probably have a deeper understanding of where the author is truly coming from. It is what is commonly known as "the freedom to do your own thing, in your own time, in your own place." While being a wife/partner and/or mother are significant and fulfilling, I can tell you from my experience as a counsellor that many women, married and single, tend to lose their identity of self, or become an extension of someone's else's identity, if they limit themselves solely to those roles. Hopefully, the reader will find much enjoyment and inspiration in "The Tales of a Female Nomad." Good luck in your search for self, fulfillment and happiness!