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Passports and Parasites: An Extraordinary Journey of Adventure, Resilience, and Healing
Ever wondered how a passport can be a rollercoaster of emotions?
"Passports and Parasites" is a mesmerizing memoir that invites you to embark on a remarkable journey with Vashti, an intrepid traveler whose life unfolds across the pages in vivid and unvarnished detail. This captivating narrative takes you on a rollercoaster ride through Vashti's life, from her daring adventures in war-torn regions to the serene shores of Curaçao.
Throughout the pages of this book, you will experience the full spectrum of human emotions—the exhilaration of exploration, the depths of despair when faced with unforeseen challenges, and the unbreakable spirit that drives Vashti to overcome adversity. Alongside her, you will grapple with unexpected adversaries—parasites—and confront the harsh realities of infertility and the profound joys of motherhood.
But "Passports and Parasites" is more than just a memoir; it is a source of inspiration and resilience. Vashti's journey serves as a beacon of hope, offering practical insights that will resonate with readers from all walks of life. Whether you're seeking adventure, grappling with health issues, or simply looking for a fresh perspective, this memoir is your passport to newfound inspiration and unwavering resilience.
Join Vashti on this extraordinary expedition, and let her story ignite your own indomitable spirit. Grab your copy today!
"Passports and Parasites" is a mesmerizing memoir that invites you to embark on a remarkable journey with Vashti, an intrepid traveler whose life unfolds across the pages in vivid and unvarnished detail. This captivating narrative takes you on a rollercoaster ride through Vashti's life, from her daring adventures in war-torn regions to the serene shores of Curaçao.
Throughout the pages of this book, you will experience the full spectrum of human emotions—the exhilaration of exploration, the depths of despair when faced with unforeseen challenges, and the unbreakable spirit that drives Vashti to overcome adversity. Alongside her, you will grapple with unexpected adversaries—parasites—and confront the harsh realities of infertility and the profound joys of motherhood.
But "Passports and Parasites" is more than just a memoir; it is a source of inspiration and resilience. Vashti's journey serves as a beacon of hope, offering practical insights that will resonate with readers from all walks of life. Whether you're seeking adventure, grappling with health issues, or simply looking for a fresh perspective, this memoir is your passport to newfound inspiration and unwavering resilience.
Join Vashti on this extraordinary expedition, and let her story ignite your own indomitable spirit. Grab your copy today!
- GenresNonfiction
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2023
1 person is currently reading
624 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 9, 2023
Passports and Parasites had me hooked from page one! Not only does Vashti do an incredible job of taking us along on her exhilarating journey around the world, but each and every story she tells throughout the book is beautifully honest and uplifting. Even amidst all the heartbreak and health struggles Vashti and her family endured over the past 15 years, Passports and Parasites is an inspirational story about finding health, healing, and resilience in the most stressful and chaotic of times. Vashti’s writing shows us that healing is possible from practically anywhere in the world.
Passports and Parasites also does an excellent job of showing us (rather than simply telling us) how so many autoimmune diseases and other complex chronic illnesses tend to develop (typically, it’s a combination of environmental factors, genetics, and intestinal permeability/leaky gut). It was also super eye-opening and interesting to gain a better understanding of Foreign Service life and learn about other countries and cultures around the world. Reading Passports and Parasites was such a learning experience for me!
Because I’ve also battled persistent Lyme, environmental illness, Hashimoto’s, and EBV, Vashti’s health journey felt so relatable to my own. Knowing she was able to heal (and feel better than ever) gives me hope that I, too, can get there.
Passports and Parasites is a memoir that will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions: amusement, laughter, sadness, and admiration. Vashti’s descriptive storytelling had me laughing, crying, and silently praising the author for her unwavering strength throughout what must have been some of the most difficult times in her life.
I highly recommend reading Passports and Parasites and sharing it with anyone in your life who’s struggled with mystery health issues; suffered one or more miscarriages; or has watched their child, spouse, or other loved ones struggle with a health issue. Passports and Parasites will give them hope that health and healing are possible!
Passports and Parasites also does an excellent job of showing us (rather than simply telling us) how so many autoimmune diseases and other complex chronic illnesses tend to develop (typically, it’s a combination of environmental factors, genetics, and intestinal permeability/leaky gut). It was also super eye-opening and interesting to gain a better understanding of Foreign Service life and learn about other countries and cultures around the world. Reading Passports and Parasites was such a learning experience for me!
Because I’ve also battled persistent Lyme, environmental illness, Hashimoto’s, and EBV, Vashti’s health journey felt so relatable to my own. Knowing she was able to heal (and feel better than ever) gives me hope that I, too, can get there.
Passports and Parasites is a memoir that will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions: amusement, laughter, sadness, and admiration. Vashti’s descriptive storytelling had me laughing, crying, and silently praising the author for her unwavering strength throughout what must have been some of the most difficult times in her life.
I highly recommend reading Passports and Parasites and sharing it with anyone in your life who’s struggled with mystery health issues; suffered one or more miscarriages; or has watched their child, spouse, or other loved ones struggle with a health issue. Passports and Parasites will give them hope that health and healing are possible!
November 28, 2023
I couldn’t put this book down! While this isn’t my normal genre it was fast paced, well-written, and filled with entertaining anecdotes. The diplomatic life is no joke and definitely not for the faint-of-heart. I loved reading about all the places she lived and traveled and have added some to my bucket list. This was a moving recounting of Vashti’s resiliency, courage, and determination. I’d much rather read about medical mysteries than have one of my own, and Vashti’s perseverance in the face of complex chronic illness was inspiring. Her journey brought home the importance of fighting for your health, to keep fighting for it even when the odds are stacked against you, and to also support loved ones on their health journey too. Because as she learned many times, having a village of trusted people is imperative.
I loved this memoir and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in traveling vicariously or wanting to stay motivated in their own health journey.
I loved this memoir and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in traveling vicariously or wanting to stay motivated in their own health journey.
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November 21, 2023"The whacking of helicopter blades surrounded me as I sat in my jump seat; body armor and helmet on, seatbelt fastened, the door gunner at the ready."
"Poolside was a mix of bikinis and burkinis, cocktails and mocktails."
"I raced after them, but they were gone. I was standing in the middle of our street yelling, “My baby, my baby.”
“Vashti,” she said, “you tested positive for Lyme, reactivated EBV, parasites, your thyroid needs help, and you have adrenal fatigue.”
"The truly tricky business of healing is that it’s not a straight line."
What struck me most while reading this memoir was the authenticity with which Vashti shares her experiences, as the narrative quality feels like you’re being let in on a secret tale by a dear friend who’s willing to tell it like it is. -Readers Favorite
I enjoyed every bit of Vashti Kanahele's adventure-packed book: a blend of narrow escapes, memorable travels, wholesome moments, and an inspiring -Readers Favorite
This book taught me so much about countries and cultures I doubt I’ll ever be able to visit. However, it’s not just a travel memoir - Vashti is so refreshingly open about challenges she experienced that we may all face in life regardless of where we live. From infertility, to living in a war zone, to giving birth abroad, and raising a family around a world, this book has it all. I can truly recommend this book not just to the expat community, but also to any woman and mother trying to find her place in the world. This book is a perfect Christmas gift for your friends and relatives, or makes a very eye opening find for your next book club meeting. -Amazon Review
Available in paperback and Kindle pre-order https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLB1G2P4
"Poolside was a mix of bikinis and burkinis, cocktails and mocktails."
"I raced after them, but they were gone. I was standing in the middle of our street yelling, “My baby, my baby.”
“Vashti,” she said, “you tested positive for Lyme, reactivated EBV, parasites, your thyroid needs help, and you have adrenal fatigue.”
"The truly tricky business of healing is that it’s not a straight line."
What struck me most while reading this memoir was the authenticity with which Vashti shares her experiences, as the narrative quality feels like you’re being let in on a secret tale by a dear friend who’s willing to tell it like it is. -Readers Favorite
I enjoyed every bit of Vashti Kanahele's adventure-packed book: a blend of narrow escapes, memorable travels, wholesome moments, and an inspiring -Readers Favorite
This book taught me so much about countries and cultures I doubt I’ll ever be able to visit. However, it’s not just a travel memoir - Vashti is so refreshingly open about challenges she experienced that we may all face in life regardless of where we live. From infertility, to living in a war zone, to giving birth abroad, and raising a family around a world, this book has it all. I can truly recommend this book not just to the expat community, but also to any woman and mother trying to find her place in the world. This book is a perfect Christmas gift for your friends and relatives, or makes a very eye opening find for your next book club meeting. -Amazon Review
Available in paperback and Kindle pre-order https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLB1G2P4
December 7, 2023
Life of an Adventurer
Some books come along & leave a deep impact on your heart & this was truly one of them. As a world traveler, 85 countries to date, I have a deep respect for the author. She describes the countries she visits in a meaningful & accurate way. She has empowered me to continue to seek out adventures in foreign lands & learn from these experiences. I highly recommend this book! It will leave an indelible mark in your heart
Some books come along & leave a deep impact on your heart & this was truly one of them. As a world traveler, 85 countries to date, I have a deep respect for the author. She describes the countries she visits in a meaningful & accurate way. She has empowered me to continue to seek out adventures in foreign lands & learn from these experiences. I highly recommend this book! It will leave an indelible mark in your heart
December 18, 2023
I recommend this book to any woman trying to find her place in the world. What an interesting read about a life in the military (sorta-read the book to see) and the countries and cultures visited. But, it’s not just a travel memoir, it's much more. The author is open about challenges she experienced, from infertility, to living in a war zone, and to raising a family around a world.
FYI: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
FYI: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 21, 2023
The author takes us on a journey of adventure and self-exploration in Passports & Parasites. She courageously shares her experiences of living a diplomatic life, traveling all over the world while facing her personal challenges and navigating the growth of her family. You immediately get swept up in her fascinating story as it is very different than the one most of us chose to lead.
November 27, 2023
Passports and Parasites offers an authentic and engaging read about the experiences of a foreign service family. Vashti's honesty about the ups and downs of the experience as well as her candid details about the difficulties her family experienced with foreign healthcare were eye-opening. Not only does it make one grateful for their service, it makes one question our acceptance and dependence on western medicine explanation/protocol in general. As another autoimmune warrior, I applaud Vashti's efforts and courage in taking charge to question and advocate for herself. I am also grateful for her willingness to share her experiences to educate others. This is a must read for any lover of travel and also for anyone who understands what it is like to struggle to find the root cause of health issues in a system that likes to treat the symptoms.
December 1, 2023
This book brought me closer to knowing Vashti as a friend. Her book plunges you into excitement and intrigue. It is a page turner for sure! I appreciated her reflections about the sowing of seeds into her health journey as it outlines that our dietary and lifestyle choices over many years does play a part in our overall health status. Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews