Backpacks and Bra Straps

This is the second volume in Savannah Grace's rendition of what started as her family's year long trip around the world. The book jumps right into the action as the family reaches Russia by train. There's a bit of flashback information to get you up to speed, and readers who skipped the first book (dealing with China and Mongolia) will find chapter 5's discussion of where they've been interesting. After Russia they stop briefly in Khazahkstan and Kyrgyzstan, then cross back into China and trough it to Tibet and Nepal. The book ends with their trek to the top of Kala Patthar, 263 meters above the Mount Everest base camp

The book is full of fascinating cultural observations and travel details (mostly via her brother Ammon's guidebook lectures). It's interesting to read how different things are handled in different parts of the world. The long wait times and even longer bus rides show the challenges of this type of travel even as Savannah points out the benefits of seeing things as a native and meeting new people.

As the trip wears on tempers wear thin and the last third of the book involves a lot of family drama. It's interesting, though probably more detailed than I needed.

The descriptions remain vivid and really make you want to book your own trip to these places (well, some of these places). The book is quick paced and the writing smooth.

I beta read the manuscript and so didn't see the photos that accompany the text.

If you like travelogues and/or biographies, this one is worth the read.