Adventures On The Road, Imagine: A Vagabond Story

Traveler and author Grant Lingel was kind enough to send me a copy of his new book Imagine: A Vagabond Story. You can read more about Grant Lingel and preview the book on his website. Be the first person to comment on this post and I’ll send you a copy to read as well.

Grant Lingel was 7 credits shy of graduating college he decided to see what else was out in the world as many backpackers do. The book is an honest chronicle of New Yorker Lingel’s first trip as a vagabond down to Mexico and beyond. With little money to his name he just goes – setting the tone for the entire story. Imagine: A Vagabond Story is a slice of time in Lingel’s life and a familiar story for many perpetual travelers.

Initially it’s the drugs and sex that draw you into the story, but despite the occasional jolts along the way, the book falls into a flow and takes you along for the ride. Characters drift in and out of the picture. Corrupt Mexican police, a Texan with a taste for joints, and a beach full of Norwegian women. Events change without reason and plans are made on a whim. There isn’t a point or final destination, it simply is.

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Imagine: A Vagabond Story is honest, without being presumptuous or pompous. Lingel is new to this type of travel and his naivety is refreshing and you’ll feel like you’re constantly putting yourself in his shoes. It’s a vivid scene brought to life through the intricate descriptions and details of each hostel, trip, and person Lingel encounters. As the story progresses however it makes you want to step out and get a grasp on Lingel in the ‘outside’ world. What his conversations with his parents were like the days after almost getting arrested or what his college friends back home are up to come to mind.

Lingel provides an excellent insight into a wild world that isn’t so mystical. Imagine: A Vagabond Story is Lingel’s backpacking adventure, without a set plan or permanent characters, save two. Partying, sex, and drugs are all part of Lingel’s backpacking trip as are some odd jobs along the way and one person whose prescience is felt throughout. Imagine: A Vagabond Story is a fun story with familiar elements for most travelers and some new adventures for others.

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9 Comments

Ryan on October 13, 2009 at 9:25

Having known Grant from school back in the day, and having had the chance to live out of a backpack and travel the world as well, it’s always nice to hear another traveler’s story and compare experiences. Haven’t had a chance to read this book yet, but hope to soon. Congrats to Grant on his experiences and his success with the book thus far.

Anil Polat on October 14, 2009 at 10:18

Hi Ryan, you’re in luck since I’m sending a copy of the book to the first person to comment, which is you 🙂 If you’d like a copy I’ll send you one, just shoot me an email: http://foxnomad.com/contact
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James on October 13, 2009 at 9:32

I like the idea of reading a travel book by someone who doesn’t pretend they have it all figured out. This book sounds more like an adventure than an instructional manual. It’s great to hear more stories of people taking risks abroad and coming out the winner, versus the usual hype you hear on the news condemning foreign travel. No swine flu, no drug wars, just a kid in the sunshine meeting other folks who know how to enjoy life. Great review, can’t wait to read the book

Anil Polat on October 14, 2009 at 10:22

Thanks James. Grant’s honesty and attitude really were elements I enjoyed about the story. It’s just what happened – he made a decision and they story that followed is a good one. Many people reading the back cover would probably think it’s all going to end in disaster and be a constant struggle, etc. Always easier to go with the flow than to fight it.
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