Disclaimer: Grant Lingel, author of Imagine: A Vagabond Story, was recently kind enough to email me a PDF version of his book. He offered to send the book itself, but since I move as much as I do I felt content with a PDF.
If I had seen Imagine: A Vagabond Story in a book store without having heard of the book, I would have instantly picked it up. Madge Duffy, who designed the book cover, did a splendid job. The yellow font stating ‘IMAGINE’ and ‘A Vagabond Story’ in black, cursive letters underneath blend perfectly with the blue sky, the palm trees, the path of sand leading to the water, the row of patched houses, the blue stamp from immigration in the bottom left corner and, right in the middle, the guy (Grant Lingel himself?) who faces the ocean. The book cover succeeds in letting us know that we will experience this journey through the eyes of Grant . So far, so good.
They say everything happens for a reason. When Grant finds out he misses seven credits to graduate from college, that eventually causes him to travel to Mexico rather than finishing school. A courageous decision considering he only bought a one-way ticket and no more than $300.
In a town near Playa del Carmen, where an old friend lives, he gets a job in guest entertainment at a five-star resort. Later, he joins some other backpackers on a road-trip to Belize and Guatemala, volunteers at hostels, and meets new people that will forever change his outlook on life.
On the whole, the book is an uncensored view on the social hostel and backpacker scene, partying, drugs, women, sex, adventures and various mishaps. More than anything, Grant shows no lack of honesty and admits that you can really feel alive through a life on the road with no inhibitions. Not everyone would have the guts to reveal almost having gotten arrested by a Mexican cop after engaging in sex with an 18-year-old girl on the beach, using drugs on a nightly basis, or breaking down at work — partly because of doubt of what lies ahead.
Grant’s open mind and passion for adventure shine through in his writing and, even though the prose at times leaves more to wish for, it’s an entertaining read. I particularly enjoyed the chapter involving the house of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, La Casa Azul, in Mexico City. (I have wanted to visit the museum ever since I saw “Frida” with Salma Hayek a few years ago.) And the story has its humorous moments, like when Grant says he felt pregnant as usual after all the food he ate at dinner.
Throughout the book, a lot of different characters come and go and I never feel I get to know anyone — save for one person that comes to impact his life more than he could have imagined. The sections where she was present became my favorites. And the last chapter, in which they’re about to part, actually made me a bit teary.
First, after numerous nights of drinking and partying, Grant states that he had no intentions of getting drunk as he rather wanted to spend time with the woman whom he felt he’d known his whole life.
I connected with her on a deep and beautifully different level than anyone else in my life. It was a connection I knew would last a lifetime, and I knew that she would always be in my mind and heart.
I love the wise words she tells him when he’s about to leave for New York:
We are here once, so enjoy it. Don’t be sad because of anything from the past. Use your past to guide you into the future. We will see each other again. Who knows where, and who cares? Just keep glowing with positive energy, and good things will happen. Life is crazy. You gotta love it.
And, in the end, Grant comes to a realization of his own:
I never thought about how great it is to meet somebody so significant that his or her absence could bring pain.
The last chapter specifically shows that it’s often the people you meet on the road, not the places you visit, that matter the most.
If you’re the least interested in the backpacker lifestyle, I do recommend this book. You can order your copy via vagabondstory.com, where you’ll also find a photo gallery and sample chapters.
About Grant Lingel (via the official website for Imagine – A Vagabond Story):
Grant was born February 16, 1983 in Rochester, New York. He was raised there, in the epitome of suburbia, before moving to Buffalo, New York for college. After four and a half years in university and nearly 23 years in Western New York, Grant decided it was time to head out on the open road. Though his travel experiences had been few and far between growing up, he was raised to be open-minded, curious and questioning of life and the people around him. What he wants to do now that his eyes have been opened to the world is continue the journey. One day he hopes to open hostels and pay forward the warmth and hospitality he always received while abroad. Grant currently lives in New York City.
Possibly related posts:
Wow, the cover looks absolutely amazing! Good review, you have atleast convinced me to buy the book!
Ben | Backpack Australia´s last blog ..Different ways of Backpacking Around Australia
Hi Ben, I’m glad to hear my review convinced you to order a copy. And yes, the book cover does look amazing. It’s without a doubt one of the best covers I’ve seen this year.