Today is release day for a wonderful memoir I had the pleasure of narrating: Braver Than You Think by Maggie Downs (Brilliance Audio). The story is about the author’s year long, solo trip around the world, inspired by her mother who had Alzheimer’s. She travels to the farthest, most off the beaten path places and has some wild experiences. Maggie’s writing is just wonderful: accessible, easy and flowing but also smart, funny and gorgeously wordsmithed.
I’m often amazed at the similarities and connections between my own life and the books I’m hired to narrate, and this one is no exception. My dad passed away from Alzheimer’s two years ago, after a nearly ten years decline, and I, too, backpacked alone when I was younger. I just love the thrill of travel, giving yourself over to the moment and being open to whatever happens. I had many unique experiences that way, and so did she, which she shares in vivid, and often humorous detail. This book captures the strange sweetness of it all so well: the crazy, the amusing, the scary, the hard to believe.
I really enjoyed this one, and recommend it as a nice escape, especially right now – a perfect antidote to being homebound!
