Postcards From Ireland

by Michael Harling

In the summer of 2001, Michael Harling goes on a two-week vacation to Ireland. Here, the future author of Postcards From Across the Pond experiences life in Europe for the first time, and discovers he is ill-suited to the challenge. Along the way he finds himself at odds with the Irish climate, traversing treacherous terrain and in desperate need of a Laundromat. But he is on a mission, a pilgrimage of sorts, to uncover the elusive mystique that is the real Ireland. And while this ideal continues to elude him, he finds the one thing he was determined to avoid. Postcards From Ireland is a humorous ramble through the bogs and backlands of Ireland via the bewildered musings of the author who, while displaying his trademark ineptitude at dealing with life beyond the borders of the US of A, is unknowingly being drawn into an even greater adventure.

145 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 2, 2012

Reviews

[Jeni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start with the clever comparison I thought of: "While this book wouldn't be my new BFF, I'd be happy to share a pint of Guinness with it."

The author is a good storyteller -- I was entertained throughout and it was a quick read. At times the writing could've used some more polish and sometimes the big words distracted, making it sound like the author was bragging rather than telling the story.

It would be interesting to read this one again after my first trip to Ireland to compare experiences.

[Angela Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVED it... a real surprise. Warm, laugh-out-loud-funny (embarrassingly so!). Very real and human and conversational. It feels as though you're on a journey with the author, and you are... but not just through Ireland. At the end, you feel as though you could sit down in a pub with the author, chat about life, and be completely at ease. This isn't a romanticized Ireland, it is the everyday one. And speaking of romance, the book also includes a very down-to-earth (and unexpected) one of those. I'd highly recommend it; a lovely afternoon read!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoying an Irish tale

Fun read. Makes me want to try driving around Ireland. Having been to the town's he visited I'm ready to return

[Laurel Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Favorite

This is the third of his books I have read and my favorite. His descriptions put me right there with him. I had a great time!

[Paul Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun read even when the author doesn't have a clue as to what and how to do things in Ireland which makes for much laughter.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This title was recommended to me by a coworker and I am so glad that she did. It's a quick read but you'll definitely get a chuckle or two out of it, especially if you understand why locals always laugh at the "Americans" when they visit a foreign land. I would recommend it you want some quick light hearted reading!

[Robert E. Burkhardt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read

I chose to read this in preparation for a trip to Ireland. The mildly irritating character soon had me hoping he would be successful in his quest. I found I couldn't put the book down. I was already looking forward to my trip,but now I am very excited. His naivety and wonder is engaging.

[Nancy Waldron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great quick read. Loved the 'real' experience of Ireland as well as the male perspective of falling in love.