Author Archives: John Walters

Book Review:  People Like Us: A Novel by Jason Mott

Right at the beginning of this enigmatic, sometimes funny, sometimes tragic, mystifying, and surreal book, the author states that it is at least partially based on fact, but “to keep the lawyers cooling their heels,” the “whole thing has been … Continue reading

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It’s a State of Mind

I have been pondering how nomadic travel has changed over the decades since I first hit the road. “The world is changing,” says Galadriel at the beginning of Peter Jackson’s trilogy of The Lord of the Rings. “I feel it … Continue reading

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During Times like These

It is in times like these that people react not only politically but spiritually. While contemplating the horror story that comprises modern news, I abruptly realized that there are parallels to the state of the country during the era in … Continue reading

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Thoughts on Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller

Another tried and proven book I brought upon the journey to Maine to reread is Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller. To be honest, I found it somewhat disappointing, but in all fairness, Miller’s words have not changed, I have. … Continue reading

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Reviews and Reflections on Books, Literature, and Writing: Volume Four Is Now Available!

My latest collection of book reviews, Reviews and Reflections on Books, Literature, and Writing: Volume Four, is now available in paperback and as an ebook at various online outlets. Links to these are below. As I wrote recently in my … Continue reading

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Thoughts on Jack London: Sailor on Horseback by Irving Stone

As I write this I’m in Orono, a town near Bangor, dog-sitting for my son while he embarks on a scientific expedition in Alaska with some researchers from the University of Maine. My thoughts have turned to Jack London for … Continue reading

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Flight Path

This week in my newsletter The Perennial Nomad: For Those Who Wander with Intent I explore the amazing Museum of Flight in Seattle. According to Wikipedia, the Museum of Flight is “the largest private air and space museum in the world.” It … Continue reading

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Book Reviews as Autobiography

A recent comment on one of my past book reviews points out, somewhat critically, that in the review I talk about myself as much as I do the book. By way of explanation, I offer this essay, which appeared in … Continue reading

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Book Review:  The Maine Woods by Henry David Thoreau

Apart from selected essays, I have never had a strong desire to read any of Thoreau’s books other than Walden, which is a true masterpiece, self-contained, effervescent, powerful, luminous, wholly original, and life-changing. However, recently circumstances have caused me to … Continue reading

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Tools for the Road

This week in my newsletter The Perennial Nomad: For Those Who Wander with Intent I discuss what you’ll need to set out on a road adventure. It’s probably less than you think! We’re assuming that you have the mind and heart of … Continue reading

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