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It's A Lot to Unpack
"Here I am waking up in the city that never sleeps. The sounds of Brooklyn are in the background, the reveille of distant sirens and the voices of old Italian ladies on their way to church, an argument in front of the bodega. I’m in a sunny bedroom. The man from Thanksgiving is next to me. It is a Sunday. The two boys are still asleep. Everything is about to change.
And that’s where this story begins."
Dina Honour never imagined a life outside of New York City, but with one momentous decision, she trades her independent Brooklyn life for a life that feels worth a little...less. As she and her family move from country to country, she unpacks--not just the boxes and the books but her ideas about what it means to find yourself in unexpected places. Honour writes with poignant honesty about the loss of identity she experienced when she moved abroad. Using physical landscapes, snippets of history, and cultural observations as stepping stones, she sets out to pave a road back, if not to New York, at least to herself.It’s a Lot to Unpack is about one woman’s determination to write herself back into the story amid all the moving parts that make up a life. From the author of There’s Some Place Like Lessons of a Decade Abroadwww.DinaHonour.com
And that’s where this story begins."
Dina Honour never imagined a life outside of New York City, but with one momentous decision, she trades her independent Brooklyn life for a life that feels worth a little...less. As she and her family move from country to country, she unpacks--not just the boxes and the books but her ideas about what it means to find yourself in unexpected places. Honour writes with poignant honesty about the loss of identity she experienced when she moved abroad. Using physical landscapes, snippets of history, and cultural observations as stepping stones, she sets out to pave a road back, if not to New York, at least to herself.It’s a Lot to Unpack is about one woman’s determination to write herself back into the story amid all the moving parts that make up a life. From the author of There’s Some Place Like Lessons of a Decade Abroadwww.DinaHonour.com
269 pages, Paperback
Published November 22, 2023
6 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Dina Honour
5 books15 followersDina Honour left New York City in 2008 and has been dreaming Big Apple dreams ever since.
Along the way she's navigated culture shock in Nicosia, fallen in love with a fairy tale in Copenhagen, and ran head first against the brick wall of herself in Berlin.
When she's not raising her family, she writes books, essays, and excellent birthday cards. Much of her work centers around women, identity, and our ideas of home.
Along the way she's navigated culture shock in Nicosia, fallen in love with a fairy tale in Copenhagen, and ran head first against the brick wall of herself in Berlin.
When she's not raising her family, she writes books, essays, and excellent birthday cards. Much of her work centers around women, identity, and our ideas of home.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 11, 2023
“I’m the thing that holds us all together”. If you have ever moved states, moved countries or moved from being a paid professional to being the unpaid Family Manager, this book is for you. Honour touches on all the aspects of navigating these tricky emotional depths and does it with humor and grace. This book made me laugh and cry, it made me feel seen. Highly recommend this for anyone and everyone who finding their way.
January 23, 2024
This is such a beautiful story which throws back the curtain on expat life, with all the joy that brings, but also the heartache, loneliness, and that whole identity crisis that you suffer on that journey.
The way that Dina takes the observational and situational references and then places that in the story is wonderful and makes those experiences really tangible and very funny.
A great read and would throughly recommend.
The way that Dina takes the observational and situational references and then places that in the story is wonderful and makes those experiences really tangible and very funny.
A great read and would throughly recommend.
April 15, 2024
This is a very witty, candid memoir of Dina’s journey with her family across three countries outside her birthplace and formative years in the US. There are wonderfully articulated ‘aha’ moments and frank references to her feelings of resentment and struggles coping with the dramatic changes the life of an expat involve:
“Intellectually, I know that the resentment I feel when we move is not fair. Emotionally that doesn’t make it any less real.”
While the first part of the book did dwell a bit repetitively on the New York lifestyle and how other places didn’t meet the high bar it set from Dina’s perspective this did not hamper the overall flow of the book.
Dina’s observations and coming to grips with how she saw herself are relatable to anyone finding themselves in a position of a dependence (although notably with additional challenges when thousands of miles from home and faced with another culture).
She raises points on the state of belonging, that never occurred to me as someone who has lived their whole life in one country:
“The shine of living somewhere new had worn off and we were just living everyday lives in a place that we were borrowing.”
She makes wonderfully simple poignant statements that can’t be made too often:
“Things I’ve learned: There’s no point hoarding happiness for a later date or a rainy day. Happiness is fleeting. It needs to be used right away. And there’s no high shelf or box or hiding place that’s going to keep it from disappearing when you least expect it to.”
On a lighter note, Dina’s recounting of driving in Cyprus is cleverly woven with characters from the game of Clue and she aptly relates various events to songs and movies popular in the timeline of her story.
This book is a journey, with fun and quirky details of day-to-day life in other countries that make you smile, segments that make you ponder the highs and lows of your own life and leaves you wanting to hear how the rest of Dina’s story unfolds.
“Intellectually, I know that the resentment I feel when we move is not fair. Emotionally that doesn’t make it any less real.”
While the first part of the book did dwell a bit repetitively on the New York lifestyle and how other places didn’t meet the high bar it set from Dina’s perspective this did not hamper the overall flow of the book.
Dina’s observations and coming to grips with how she saw herself are relatable to anyone finding themselves in a position of a dependence (although notably with additional challenges when thousands of miles from home and faced with another culture).
She raises points on the state of belonging, that never occurred to me as someone who has lived their whole life in one country:
“The shine of living somewhere new had worn off and we were just living everyday lives in a place that we were borrowing.”
She makes wonderfully simple poignant statements that can’t be made too often:
“Things I’ve learned: There’s no point hoarding happiness for a later date or a rainy day. Happiness is fleeting. It needs to be used right away. And there’s no high shelf or box or hiding place that’s going to keep it from disappearing when you least expect it to.”
On a lighter note, Dina’s recounting of driving in Cyprus is cleverly woven with characters from the game of Clue and she aptly relates various events to songs and movies popular in the timeline of her story.
This book is a journey, with fun and quirky details of day-to-day life in other countries that make you smile, segments that make you ponder the highs and lows of your own life and leaves you wanting to hear how the rest of Dina’s story unfolds.
December 9, 2023
Where to start...I just love this fantastic book! There are so many things about this book that I love that I even had to take photos of sections that I want to refer to again as they touched my heart and mind. I laughed out load, I stopped to think and I even shed a few tears as I walked together with Dina's pink boots as she walks/flies/drives/bikes on her journey.
The Copenhagen/Danish stories and observations are spot on and drew many a laugh and nods of agreement. The author does a brilliant job weaving in a bit of history of the places she has lived as well for those looking for that connection in this book.
But mostly I loved the way she writes about being 'a thing' and learning to value herself in a different way and live in the present. 'I had lost access to that part of myself, the one that was not just a thing, but a recognisable thing with value' - this truly resonated with me and will resonate with anyone who has lost themselves a bit.
Another sentence I find myself referring to over and over is 'Sometimes you don't realise how much is hidden by a canopy of leaves until they are gone and one day you wake up and you can see clear through to the other side'.
There's so much food for thought for anyone who has had to give up their careers/dreams/home to follow a partner to a different part of the world as well as to those that just can't find their 'thing'.
The Copenhagen/Danish stories and observations are spot on and drew many a laugh and nods of agreement. The author does a brilliant job weaving in a bit of history of the places she has lived as well for those looking for that connection in this book.
But mostly I loved the way she writes about being 'a thing' and learning to value herself in a different way and live in the present. 'I had lost access to that part of myself, the one that was not just a thing, but a recognisable thing with value' - this truly resonated with me and will resonate with anyone who has lost themselves a bit.
Another sentence I find myself referring to over and over is 'Sometimes you don't realise how much is hidden by a canopy of leaves until they are gone and one day you wake up and you can see clear through to the other side'.
There's so much food for thought for anyone who has had to give up their careers/dreams/home to follow a partner to a different part of the world as well as to those that just can't find their 'thing'.
December 16, 2025
I started reading this while writing my own memoir. Had to stop. Dina is a gorgeous crafter of words, and I felt less than.
I picked it up again when I had hit the ‘publish’ button, started stumbling through the first part of her book and wasn’t sure how I felt about it (probably because I had just written about my own problems with having to like a new place and myself in it). But then —woah!—just as her own insecure, stuck and clearly not quite-there-yet expat persona dusted herself off and found her stride, the already beautiful writing became fierce and poignant, whimsical and funny, and I ended up highlighting half of the book.
Nodded along furiously as she‘s on a plane not looking out the window—I, too, know the pain of averting your gaze as your plane descends into a place you don’t feel connected to.
Laughing out loud at “resting Dane face”.
Loving cultural descriptions like the Danish bike lane jungle.
Following along on her journey of acceptance, stopping to resist and ultimately softening into expat life and her true self.
“I wrote to validate the world I was living in, and by extension, myself. I still do.” Yes! And please keep writing (I already bought the new book).
This is not necessarily a book for expats-to-be. But for those of us who’ve been there, who’ve packed and unpacked one too many times? What the hell are you waiting for?! Go read this now.
I picked it up again when I had hit the ‘publish’ button, started stumbling through the first part of her book and wasn’t sure how I felt about it (probably because I had just written about my own problems with having to like a new place and myself in it). But then —woah!—just as her own insecure, stuck and clearly not quite-there-yet expat persona dusted herself off and found her stride, the already beautiful writing became fierce and poignant, whimsical and funny, and I ended up highlighting half of the book.
Nodded along furiously as she‘s on a plane not looking out the window—I, too, know the pain of averting your gaze as your plane descends into a place you don’t feel connected to.
Laughing out loud at “resting Dane face”.
Loving cultural descriptions like the Danish bike lane jungle.
Following along on her journey of acceptance, stopping to resist and ultimately softening into expat life and her true self.
“I wrote to validate the world I was living in, and by extension, myself. I still do.” Yes! And please keep writing (I already bought the new book).
This is not necessarily a book for expats-to-be. But for those of us who’ve been there, who’ve packed and unpacked one too many times? What the hell are you waiting for?! Go read this now.
January 30, 2024
If you ever think about moving abroad with your family or already moved abroad as an expat wife or husband this book is A MUST READ!!!
I soooo wished I had this book when we moved abroad the first time just to confirm that all the emotions - high and lows - I went trough were ok and normal.
Dina knows how to describe these feelings and doubts in a very accurate and precise way. While reading the book it feels like you just moved abroad and experience all the emotions and funny moments yourself......yes this woman just breathes humor.
I wish I would have been able to express and explain myself like Dina cause that was the hardest part for me of being an expat wife. According to my husband (sometimes), friends, family and former colleagues I was the one with the happy and easy life cause expat wifes/husbands don't have to work so it's all fun and games...glitter and glamour which is so not true. Thanks for writing this book Dina cause it reminds me I was not alone....and lucky to be surrounded by a lot of other amazing expat wifes....my DK family....love them ALWAYS! Thank you Dina from the bottom of my heart!
I soooo wished I had this book when we moved abroad the first time just to confirm that all the emotions - high and lows - I went trough were ok and normal.
Dina knows how to describe these feelings and doubts in a very accurate and precise way. While reading the book it feels like you just moved abroad and experience all the emotions and funny moments yourself......yes this woman just breathes humor.
I wish I would have been able to express and explain myself like Dina cause that was the hardest part for me of being an expat wife. According to my husband (sometimes), friends, family and former colleagues I was the one with the happy and easy life cause expat wifes/husbands don't have to work so it's all fun and games...glitter and glamour which is so not true. Thanks for writing this book Dina cause it reminds me I was not alone....and lucky to be surrounded by a lot of other amazing expat wifes....my DK family....love them ALWAYS! Thank you Dina from the bottom of my heart!
February 18, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Sometimes the perfect book arrives in front of you.
Dina's life is uprooted to move abroad and while there the family is prepared for the intellectual challenges, the hidden challenges are what haunt the author. Her life as she knows it becomes unfixed throwing everything into question. She doesn't know where the grocery store is and she doesn't know who she is ethier. While I've never experienced this degree of otherness, I could relate. Having moved to a different place, I could understand. Having my own life spin out to just elements, I too am in the process of putting myself back together, having to understand myself from a different vantage point.
Once Dina starts to find solid ground, community and finds herself back to her writing we can see a shift. Things start to make more sense to her. Her nagging what if questions shift to what is now.
One of the things I love about reading memoir is the glimpse into other lives and how they have tackled challenges. This is that book and I'm so glad to have found it. Beautiful writing (once we get past all the song references).
Dina's life is uprooted to move abroad and while there the family is prepared for the intellectual challenges, the hidden challenges are what haunt the author. Her life as she knows it becomes unfixed throwing everything into question. She doesn't know where the grocery store is and she doesn't know who she is ethier. While I've never experienced this degree of otherness, I could relate. Having moved to a different place, I could understand. Having my own life spin out to just elements, I too am in the process of putting myself back together, having to understand myself from a different vantage point.
Once Dina starts to find solid ground, community and finds herself back to her writing we can see a shift. Things start to make more sense to her. Her nagging what if questions shift to what is now.
One of the things I love about reading memoir is the glimpse into other lives and how they have tackled challenges. This is that book and I'm so glad to have found it. Beautiful writing (once we get past all the song references).
February 2, 2024
This is a wry, honest portrait of a reluctant expat New Yorker, who puts her British partner’s thirst for opportunity and adventure ahead of her love for the city and sense of self so entwined with it. With two tiny children in tow, questions of one’s own aspirations and self image become secondary to navigating Cypriot preschools and the lack of cake mix, and that’s before learning the language of frappés and traffic altercations. The next chapter takes the family to Copenhagen, reinstating some of those familiar urban vibes but continuing the unravelling of what home needs to be, how where you are and its values percolates into that, the importance of friends, and what your agency and worth are when you’re responsible for building that sense of safety and belonging for the people you care most about. As an ex-pat too I loved reading of the trials and tribulations, intrepidness and eventual pride won through navigating this kind of life, told with self-awareness and humour.
May 10, 2024
As a fellow ex-pat, I really enjoyed this book. My experience was different in that I actually wanted to move, was absolutely thrilled to do it as I didn’t feel that connected to home. I had more reasons to want to leave. So I loved hearing a story through the eyes of someone who was so connected to her home. Her journey progressed from the sadness and longing of being away from NYC, to gaining comfort in other counties and cultures, and finally embracing the experience and process of self discovery wholeheartedly. She was honest and forthright about her feelings about each move, each country and culture, and how they affected her personal growth and the relationship with her husband. And I loved the vivid and informative descriptions of each place she lived. Wonderful book not only for expats or those considering moving, but for anyone who faces a new upcoming journey or experience in life.
January 19, 2024
It’s A Lot To Unpack flows in a way that makes you not want to put it down. It reads like a really good, if feature length, Moth story. I can very much envision the author on The Mainstage.
Although a deeply personal documentation of a search for identity after life took a 7000 mile left turn, the author also weaves in threads of history and culture and often, how they clash.
A must read for any expat or expat to be, whether the one with the job or the one that is simply “part of the package” as I was as a child. But also anyone for whom life has taken an identity challenging left turn. Which at some point, is frankly, all of us. Even if it doesn’t land us on the sandy beaches of Cyprus.
One final note to the author. Some readers may be curious as to what Richard’s ”dumb job” actually is, if maybe only as an appendix.
Although a deeply personal documentation of a search for identity after life took a 7000 mile left turn, the author also weaves in threads of history and culture and often, how they clash.
A must read for any expat or expat to be, whether the one with the job or the one that is simply “part of the package” as I was as a child. But also anyone for whom life has taken an identity challenging left turn. Which at some point, is frankly, all of us. Even if it doesn’t land us on the sandy beaches of Cyprus.
One final note to the author. Some readers may be curious as to what Richard’s ”dumb job” actually is, if maybe only as an appendix.
February 24, 2024
It's a Lot to Unpack is a memoir of Dina's life - offering an intimate insight into the places and stages of life she has gone through as a 'trailing spouse'. She vividly brings to life the questions so many women have about balancing career with parenthood, and trying to find a sense of purpose and identity in that process. But in Dina's case - she has to do this while being mobile for her husband's work.
Dina brings to life the many places she has lived - NYC, Cyprus, Copenhagen and Berlin - and offers insights into family life, and into the identity work we all engage in - where am I from, what is 'home' but also what is my purpose and contribution. Although this is a memoir of Dina's life to date, its writing style takes on the feel of a novel.
It was therefore a perfect book for me - honest, insightful, real but also well written and deeply engaging.
Dina brings to life the many places she has lived - NYC, Cyprus, Copenhagen and Berlin - and offers insights into family life, and into the identity work we all engage in - where am I from, what is 'home' but also what is my purpose and contribution. Although this is a memoir of Dina's life to date, its writing style takes on the feel of a novel.
It was therefore a perfect book for me - honest, insightful, real but also well written and deeply engaging.
May 7, 2024
We read this book as part of our book club- a group of expat women in Denmark. It details the authors experience of becoming an expat-wife with two small children in tow. I initially thought it might be a “what to do/what not to do” as an expat but soon realised that this was more a journey of discovery for the author. Struggles with identify, purpose and meaning are the core of this book, which women of all ages could relate to. For those who are on the expat journey themselves, I think you would be able to identify with some of the authors experiences. There are times when the author perseverates on particular subjects and you wonder if she is going to get out of her own way, but I think she writes with honesty and candour. While my own expat experiences have been quite different I can appreciate that others have a harder time. An easy read that I found enlightening.
May 26, 2024
I really enjoyed reading about this author's life, from the busyness of New York city to the laid back life in a small town overseas. Having to get a driver's license so she wasn't stuck at home all the time. The emotions of not being able to work to earn money and contribute to the family expenses.
This book was packed with uncertainty; am I doing the right things for my kids and myself. Why did I have to give up so much for my husbands career aspirations.
"My life preservers were the things I thought would make my life smell, taste, and shine like the things did back home."
"I had to peel the bubble wrap off myself at the same time as the furniture."
"The reality is that I just forget to be as stressed as I used to be because I'm old."
My favorite quote, "It wasn't in my plans, my tea leaves, or my dreams." But she made the best of it and grew in the process.
This book was packed with uncertainty; am I doing the right things for my kids and myself. Why did I have to give up so much for my husbands career aspirations.
"My life preservers were the things I thought would make my life smell, taste, and shine like the things did back home."
"I had to peel the bubble wrap off myself at the same time as the furniture."
"The reality is that I just forget to be as stressed as I used to be because I'm old."
My favorite quote, "It wasn't in my plans, my tea leaves, or my dreams." But she made the best of it and grew in the process.
February 1, 2024
I've loved Dina Honour's writing about expat life for a long time, since discovering her blog and reading her previous book, 'There's Some Place Like Home'.
'It's a Lot to Unpack' tells the story of a city-loving New Yorker who meets an English guy and ends up living halfway across the world with him, moving around Europe as an expat spouse. Along the way, she deals with culture shock, motherhood, and letting go of her identity as an independent NYC girl.
The author's voice is compelling and honest, and she describes her journey with so much humour and self-awareness. Anyone who's experienced a globally mobile life, or even anyone who's searched for their sense of identity and purpose among life's challenges, will find something of themselves in this funny, wise, and endearing book.
'It's a Lot to Unpack' tells the story of a city-loving New Yorker who meets an English guy and ends up living halfway across the world with him, moving around Europe as an expat spouse. Along the way, she deals with culture shock, motherhood, and letting go of her identity as an independent NYC girl.
The author's voice is compelling and honest, and she describes her journey with so much humour and self-awareness. Anyone who's experienced a globally mobile life, or even anyone who's searched for their sense of identity and purpose among life's challenges, will find something of themselves in this funny, wise, and endearing book.
December 12, 2023
Entertaining, relatable and inspiring!
I so enjoyed reading Dina‘s journey from being a young NYC mom to becoming an expat and taking on the challenges of settling into her new surroundings again and again. Dina‘s witty writing will have you laughing, and her honesty and insightfulness will not only make you reflect on many occasions throughout the book but will have you saying „Oh, that‘s so me!“. As much as Dina may want to return home after their current posting, I selfishly hope they won’t and that there will be a sequel with a few more postings! I loved reading about the places and may just plan a family holiday to Cyprus where I‘ll have lots of frappes!
I so enjoyed reading Dina‘s journey from being a young NYC mom to becoming an expat and taking on the challenges of settling into her new surroundings again and again. Dina‘s witty writing will have you laughing, and her honesty and insightfulness will not only make you reflect on many occasions throughout the book but will have you saying „Oh, that‘s so me!“. As much as Dina may want to return home after their current posting, I selfishly hope they won’t and that there will be a sequel with a few more postings! I loved reading about the places and may just plan a family holiday to Cyprus where I‘ll have lots of frappes!
March 17, 2024
I rarely do this but with this book I actually read the Authors Note and that in itself was brilliant, so I knew I was starting something special. Dina has this talent of being extremely insightful, knowledgeable, pretends to be losing her mind all the time but really has it together way more than most countries selected officials. All while delighting us with her unpacking and repacking to various countries with all her boys. It’s a terrific read, I laughed out loud on the subway here in New York daily while reading it. So if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be an expat this is the book to read
March 24, 2024
It isn't just a memoir—it's an intimate conversation with a friend who knows the raw, unfiltered depths of your own journey. Honour's storytelling resonates on a deeply personal level, often feeling like she's unraveling the threads of your own life story.
Each page brims with authenticity and vulnerability, inviting readers to not only witness her journey but to also reflect on their own paths and the significance of staying true to oneself amidst life's myriad twists and turns. Dina doesn't just recount her adventures—she extends a guiding hand, offering a roadmap for embracing change and reclaiming the lost fragments of one's identity.
Each page brims with authenticity and vulnerability, inviting readers to not only witness her journey but to also reflect on their own paths and the significance of staying true to oneself amidst life's myriad twists and turns. Dina doesn't just recount her adventures—she extends a guiding hand, offering a roadmap for embracing change and reclaiming the lost fragments of one's identity.
April 8, 2024
Review: It’s a Lot to Unpack by Dina M Honour 4.5⭐️ This is such a beautiful expat memoir - Dina masterfully details the ties one feels living in different places, ones that feel like home and ones that absolutely don’t. She is sharp and witty and doesn’t skirt around her honest feelings of losing her sense of identity when leaving all she knows behind. This book is a gift to all of those “trailing spouses” no matter where they are in their journey. I highlighted so many sections of this book, knowing that I’ll come back for Dina’s humor, relatability, and spirit when I’m having a difficult time during the many ups and downs of international moves.
March 9, 2024
I loved this book! It is an honest read about all of the ups and downs of expat life. I remember living abroad and complaining about the constant wifi / electricity issues when a friend back in the states said ‘no one feels bad for you; you get to live abroad’ . Dina’s real life emotions and stories paint the real picture of expat life! Yes: it is fun and exciting and Yes: it is hard and messy - all at the same time.
Her writing made me feel like I was in each place with her and her family and was just so relatable.
Cannot wait for the next book as we experience life in her most recent stop!
Her writing made me feel like I was in each place with her and her family and was just so relatable.
Cannot wait for the next book as we experience life in her most recent stop!
May 21, 2024
Dina follows her husband to Cyprus after he gets a new job. He said it was for two years then they could go back with money in the bank. She leaves behind her mum, friends and her independence and a life she loved.
The two years ends up being fifteen this book is about the trials & tribulations of living in different countries feeling like you don't belong and losing your own independence while following your husband’s dream. Add children to the mix and loads of travelling this is what reality of being an expat is all about.
The two years ends up being fifteen this book is about the trials & tribulations of living in different countries feeling like you don't belong and losing your own independence while following your husband’s dream. Add children to the mix and loads of travelling this is what reality of being an expat is all about.
December 21, 2023
Dina Honour has lived an interesting life, but not one that makes headlines. Yet her telling of the story of self-discovery through her travels is so well told that you will find yourself unable to stop reading. Honour’s writing is the real star of the show. Easy to follow yet full of intertwining themes, vivid images and deep emotions. The chapter titles are so clever and had tunes stuck in my head for days. A truly captivating and delightful book!
December 30, 2023
I savored each word of this beautiful book. It felt like connecting with a friend over a frappe, glass of gløgg, or a beer each time I flipped to my marked page and began reading. Dina is a brilliant storyteller, compelling me to giggle often and even cry a few times throughout her journey and envision myself in each setting she molded into her family’s home. I am inspired by her resilience, appreciation for diverse cultures, and self discovery.
March 22, 2024
I loved this book by Dina, as it resonated very much with my past and present experiences as a trailing spouse. The emotions were raw and heartfelt. I laughed and chuckled my way through her lens when looking at new cultures and being berated by locals when still in the process of figuring out what you can and can’t do. And finally I sang my way through each chapter! You’ll see what I mean when you read it! 😜
May 21, 2024
Dina Honour writes in an intimate and humorous style that keeps the reader close to her experience. We can feel her story unfold and develop as she takes us through her adventure. For those who have chosen (or not) to live far from home, there is a lot to relate to in this memoir. I would definitely recommend this book to all those who live abroad or have ever thought about trying to spread their wings beyond home.
December 3, 2023
Fantastic, φανταστικός, fantastisk, fantastisch! Honour manages to marry wit and humor with snark and sarcasm, combining history with herstory, all while spinning a sort of romance novel! Applause and praise for this memoir that will leave you completely sated, even if no one has ever made you a vanilla & chocolate espresso cake.
December 19, 2023
This book captures a relatable journey as an expat partner, mother, and friend. The story unfolds easily with humor and references to what life is like as our families grow up and who we are ultimately changes. The author keeps you eager to find out what happens next while laughing along. I loved it and I also want everyone to know that the plants are doing just fine in Copenhagen!
December 25, 2023
I've been following Dina Honour on social media since 2018 and I always hoped for her to write a book, she's written two!
'It's A Lot to Unpack' is a compelling memoir capturing the challenges and experiences of a wife/mother/human navigating life changes while on the move between continents.
Honour's vivid writing style makes this book a joy to read. Highly recommend.
'It's A Lot to Unpack' is a compelling memoir capturing the challenges and experiences of a wife/mother/human navigating life changes while on the move between continents.
Honour's vivid writing style makes this book a joy to read. Highly recommend.
February 22, 2024
The author has had a fascinating life and I enjoyed her insight from her numerous moves abroad. It's a neat exploration of what "home" really means and the importance of making a place your own. It was a bit repetitive at parts. I started to enjoy it a lot more once I got past what I considered too much bemoaning about how a place isn't New York. Did you know Cyprus isn't Brooklyn and it's very different? This is reiterated approximately 100 times. But Honour's observations are still funny and authentic between all that.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 5, 2024
This book was a joy to read! I felt like I was on the journey with Dina through the uncertainty & excitement, the anxiety and relief! From observations on places I’m familiar with to insights on places I have yet to experience, all of it is described in vivid detail to make it come alive.
May 27, 2024
This is a beautiful book following the trials of a family moving countries with all the ups and lows that follow. It is beautifully written and at times you really feel for them . For those of you wanting to move countries I would read this first .
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