The Vancouver Sun

 

Anthology of travel stories by Canadian women - Saturday, November 05, 2005

 

 

 

 

TORONTO-- Thirty-two Canadian women have contributed real-life stories to the new anthology Outside of Ordinary, writing about how travel has changed their lives.

 

 

Some explore "the healing power of nature," says the book's introduction. Others discover a sense of inner strength while retracing their family roots or "breaking away from confining roles or situations."

 

 

The stories span the globe. Sharon Butala travels to Italy, Lorna Crozier to Chile, Jane Eaton Hamilton to Mexico, Ellen Jaffe to Russia, Alison Lohans to Iowa and Carole TenBrink to Vietnam. Other women write about the southern United States, New Zealand, Indonesia, Nepal, Peru, Taiwan, Papua New Guinea, Nicaragua, China, Eritrea and Spain.

 

 

Along the way they reveal "deeply personal thoughts on their relationships, health, families, ancestors," say the editors.

 

 

Outside of Ordinary, edited by Lynn Cecil and Catherine Bancroft, is published by Second Story Press.

 

 

---

You may find yourself looking to their stories for your own travel inspiration.

---

The collection doesn't present travel, adventure, and introspection as activities reserved for adolescents.

---

The common thread linking these tales is a thoughtfulness that makes them engaging and compelling to read.

---

What each piece shares is a sense of how quickly the familiar slips away when we're not at home.

---

…rife with amusing bits of conversation and unexpected images, and through their eyes, the glory of travel is illuminated.

---

One of the most charming characteristics of many of these stories is the humour.

---

There aren't any real duds among the stories, and Outside of Ordinary contains a few gems.

---

Inspiring and empowering perspectives on women who go beyond their comfort zones to learn about themselves and the world.