The Places in Between Audiobook

" An incredible journey shared with simple but gripping detail. Steward is truly an impressive individual. "

" Amazing story of a guy who walked across Afghanistan shortly after the fall of the Taliban. "

" About a reporter walking across the mountains of Afghanistan. Lots of history interspersed with his personal account. You learn a lot about the oral culture and customs of the people, and it makes you realize why we've been screwing up our diplomacy with our cultural insensitivity. sigh "

" This is a great story of what a totally different part of the world is like. It is fascinating to hear a completely different perspective. "

" An interesting look at Afghanistan from a man insane enough to walk across it in winter. Without using gore tex or packing freeze dried food. Or even decent boots. Don't get attached to the dog. "

" I first started this book with high expectations and at first was let down but then it made up for it in the end. I was excited to read a book about a man who walked across Afghanistan, I mean come on! How crazy is that?! It was hard for me to get into though, possibly because there were big chunks of time in between reading it (at first) or maybe because all of the names of people and places were so foreign to me, probably both. I then committed to it and really began getting into it. I would have liked more details though, because I am a detail person. I was hoping for more insightful conversations with the people he met. There were some, I just wanted more. But I guess there were reasons for this (i.e. language barrier, dangerous situations, time, etc.). I was impressed though that the author actually took this journey and that he seemed to know so much about the culture and history going into it, usually more than the people who lived there. He even knew some of the languages. Impressive. I came away from the book with a slightly increased knowledge of the area and people. I say slightly only for the fact that my brain has troubles retaining certain facts and really any information in general! I think you will have a deeper appreciation of the area and its people after you read it, along with a frustration for them as well. One of the frustrations I had was the total disregard for preserving history that most of them seemed to have. (You will have to read it to see what I mean.) But I guess that did go to show the different needs/wants of the people (Maslow's hierarchy) compared to my own. It was news to me at how divided that country really is. The different regions fighting against each other for years and years and years. Some of the people liked the coalition forces there, others didn't. Some want to progress, others don't. That was another eye-opening fact. You really think that everyone would like and deserve a kind of world that we live in, right? A world where we have rights and choices and freedom to do so many things. I think everyone deserves that right, but does everyone really want it? And how far do we go to 'push' it onto others? This book made me consider my stance on that issue. Wow! I really wrote a long review about this book! I should stop now before it tells me there is no more space to write more! Read the book, it was interesting. I am almost wanting to rate it as 4 stars, but will keep it at 3 for now. "

" Overrated. Rory Stewart comes across as incredibly arrogant, foolish and self-absorbed as he puts himself and others in danger in his hardheaded decision to cross Afghanistan on foot in the months following the US invasion. He demands his keep and accommodation wherever he goes, shamelessly name-drops to gain entry and is terribly put out when he is banished to a stable or a mosque. The man seems devoid of any common sense or self-moderation, yet he now serves as a member of the British Parliament. Figures. "

" If you are interested in the Middle East, this book gives a good taste of what life is like there. "

" Enjoyed the feeling of "place" transmitted by the author "

" LLLs' April book choice by Pam C. "

" A very non-political, humanizing look at Afghanistan post US invasion. "

" Incredible story of a man's journey across Afghanistan during a tumultuous time. "

" Topical information about life in Afganistan. For hikers and adventuresome travelers. "

" Well-written and entertaining but I was looking for a central theme or a deeper meaning that would be a presumable goal of walking through Afghanistan and I didn't get it. "

" This book completely changed my understanding of Afganistan -- the country, its people, the Taliban. Rory Stewart is a great writer and a really amazing person. It's too bad that people like him don't have more to do with policy making. The world would be so much better for it. "

" I love how this book shows the humanity of the Afghani people rather than making them into monsters. This country is more than what the media portrays. "

" Apparently this was my week for journeys. Stewart walked across Afghanistan in 2002 following the route taken by Babur, the first Emperor of Mughal, India. Battling political unrest, snow and dysentery, he still manages to meet interesting people and see unusual things. "

" This is an interesting tale about Rory Stewart's walking journey across Afghanistan in 2002. I finished the book, but I found myself losing interest after I was several chapters into it. "

" Excellent narrative of Stewart's walk across Afghanastan 3 months after the Taliban fell. Amazing. "

" Don't expect a great story or easy to remember names. However, it was interesting in a non-fictiony sort of way. Made me want to eat naan bread. "

" Really good read about his walk across Afghanistan. "

" Was interesting to see a glimpse into the Afgan hard life, but not much else. Why did he walk across and can you really get to know the people in one night at each place you stay? Not really. "

" A very engaging and informative read. Afghanistan is an awful and untenable place for any human to live because of the nature of its...humans. Especially if you're a woman. They will still be fighting each other 100 years from after all the foriegners have left. "

" Inspiring story about Stewart's journey across Afghanistan and what we can learn simply by going to unknown places and observing those whose lives are infinitely different from ours. Human nature crosses all borders. "

" Very interesting. Dad, you should totally read it. "

" Funny--made me feel I should read more travel writing. "

" Even with the recent controversial concerns, I think I would recommend Three Cups of Tea instead of this book if someone wants to better understand or get a sense of life in this region of the world (Afghanistan/Pakistan). "

" Thoughtful, somber, and in some places, a bit plodding. Overall, it confirmed something I knew already: I'm really really really really really glad I wasn't born in Afghanistan. "

" A long book about somebody who seeks out the toughest places on earth. "

" Enlightening, entertaining read detailing the author's walk across Afghanistan in 2002. The perfect example of educational, yet engaging, nonfiction. "

" One of the best books I've ever read. Well written - a facinating insight into Afghan history and culture. "

" This fellow walked across Afghanistan in 2002. I think he was completely crazy to want to do that, but he tells a fascinating story about the people all along the way, as well as their history. "

" Rory Stewart treks through Afghanistan in 2002, right after 9/11. He is pretty gutsy and has some good insights into the country, and the quagmire known as our intervention in Afghanistan. "

" Log of a long walk through Afghanistan shortly asfter the Russians are defeated. Intersting and readable. "

" very pedestrian prose, but an interesting glimpse into a land we'll never know "