Pittsburgh to Cadiz - What's the Difference? Part One

by Mitchell Phillips McCrady

The first book of series, the adventure leaves from Pittsburgh, PA. The year is 1998, (just before cell phones and social media). Long days mean nothing when there’s a reason. After painting all summer, Mitch and his coworker Kevin head to Europe. With one-way tickets, the only way to commit, they wait a couple days at Kevin’s buddy’s flat in NYC, before at last landing in Luxembourg. After getting lost in Amsterdam, they then wait for the final leg in Manchester, England. Contracted to harvest Christmas trees, of all things, Mitch's twenty-seventh birthday is on the same day they leave for the Highlands of Scotland. A hard, cold place. A dark humor, with stark personalities, Mitch battles with his traveling partner, the weather, and his penchant for drugs and alcohol. He’s searching for the difference in life and the real meaning of art. He has a guitar, a camera, a snowboard—nothing out of the ordinary. Everyone does this, right?

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2016

Reviews

[Todd Rapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first glance, this appears as just one more book detailing another person's travels and personal conflicts. I'm quick to discover that the Author, Mitch McCrady, is unlike any person I've met, or read about. He interjects a great deal of humility into his own story. He is remarkably tolerant to others, but will offer you a scold if need be. He sees things that others don't, both in people and in the environment. He keeps his personal conflicts to himself, for the most part. His descriptions and views of others offer insight into people that I've never sought before. This is a very refreshing taste of another human being's existence, one which everyone can find common ground with, but at the same time, learn an entirely different side of sociology. This book is an example that no matter where you are or what you are doing with your life, an open mind will see you through each day, and help you fight through adversity.

[Chelsea Girard · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Intelligently riveting”

McCrady brings adventure and destiny along the journey of a lifetime. A one way ticket can change everyday opportunities but also break one's mentality and trust along the way.

The journey into Mitchell Phillips McCrady world really gives the reader the true sense of getting to know him within this coming of age story. I found myself smiling while enjoying this novel as this travel log type of story really ties down to life's biggest challenges and facing them straight on rather than turning a blind eye.

I felt as if I was travelling alongside McCrady as his perspective targeted every sense in which the reader can vividly imagine the surroundings and characters expressions. I loved the humor and realness behind this novel as I felt McCrady left no stone unturned and really made this book his own.

McCrady gives a blunt side to his writing style as he swears persuasively to draw attention to an important moment within the book or to break tension which really gave me a good laugh during some of the bickering between characters in the book, especially Rob, Paul and Jed.

Through the book, I loved how every place was described to really give the reader the look into where life took him and how he became who he is today.

[Lisa Siegel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the way the characters where brought to life on the pages. I could hear their accents, smell the beer and cigarettes, I was lost in the chapters and found myself being part of the story, traveling through airports to discover new places.

[Daniela · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book! I was skeptic at the beginning but then it just turned out to be one of the best books I read lately. Totally recommend!
Thank you!

[William Bitner Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pittsburgh to Cadiz - What’s the Difference? (Part One, Book One)
By Mitchell Phillips McCrady

Genre - Nonfiction
Category - Travel/Life Experience/Literature/Photography
Pages - 226
Publication Info - Kind Lines Publishing; 1 edition (October 14, 2016)
Format - Kindle
Rating - 📙📙📙📙📙

Before I get started let me first note that if you want to fully appreciate the digital format of this fantastic book and view the photography in full color, you may want to read this on a device that allows for color images. My Kindle Paperwhite does not allow for that option so I decided to read this on my Kindle Fire and I’m so glad I did. (This is not a sales pitch, merely an observation). Also just a quick note as to how I came across this book. I won a digital copy on Goodreads.com. As I have familial ties to Western Pennsylvania and the Pittsburgh area in particular I was of course automatically drawn to it.

If you are familiar with and have read any of “The Beat Generation” authors such as Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, or William Burroughs you may find, as I did whilst reading Pittsburgh to Cadiz - What’s the Difference (Part One, Book One) by Mitchell Phillips McCrady that you are in very familiar territory. Mitch tells his story with such honesty and unapologetic truth. If you don’t like what he has to say or how he conducts his life that’s pretty much on you the reader. He doesn’t spend a lot of time dwelling on the past or making excuses for mistakes...they are in the past and there really isn’t much you can do about it! I read this as a person who has had some of the same experiences. I’ve lived in Europe for a few years and found myself drinking and doing recreational drugs pretty much on a daily basis. It was also a time of finding out and figuring out who I was. It’s not who I am today, but it certainly had a part in who I am today. Clean and sober for 15 years (November 5th is my sobriety birthday), I read this with a lot of understanding.

Along with a masterfully told story are some pretty incredible photographic images taken by the author throughout the book and throughout his journey in the late 90’s. The combination of the two puts this book in a category of its own.

From the western Pennsylvania dialect (youns who are from that part of the country know of what I speak) to the Scottish and English brogue this tale is a very exciting and international tale. I must admit I’m am a bit confused by the title, Pittsburgh to Manchester - Not Much Difference!, would have been a more apt title, but that’s just my opinion. If not for the fact that I have a life to live I could have stayed in the pages of this book non-stop. But alas, one must allow for the daily routine of the day and put down your reading and take care of things. But before to long I found myself right back in it. This is a very descriptive journey, one that will transport you to different locations around the world. It’s also a journey of the heart, mind and soul - and told with pure and raw emotion rarely experienced in today’s literature. It was a breath of fresh air and one of the most thought provoking bits of literature I’ve read this year. A highly recommended read. I look forward to the next chapters.

From the back cover: The first book of series, the adventure leaves from Pittsburgh, PA. The year is 1998, (just before cell phones and social media). Long days mean nothing when there’s a reason. After painting all summer, Mitch and his coworker Kevin head to Europe. With one-way tickets, the only way to commit, they wait a couple days at Kevin’s buddy’s flat in NYC, before at last landing in Luxembourg. After getting lost in Amsterdam, they then wait for the final leg in Manchester, England. Contracted to harvest Christmas trees, of all things, Mitch's twenty-seventh birthday is on the same day they leave for the Highlands of Scotland. A hard, cold place. A dark humor, with stark personalities, Mitch battles with his traveling partner, the weather, and his penchant for drugs and alcohol. He’s searching for the difference in life and the real meaning of art. He has a guitar, a camera, a snowboard—nothing out of the ordinary. Everyone does this, right?

About the author (Amazon Bio): Mitchell Phillips McCrady was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and now lives in South Florida. He has worked on the beach as an ocean lifeguard since 1989, save for the eight years or so he spent traveling abroad and working various jobs. From house painting to unloading trucks, dragging Christmas trees to baling hay, Pedicab to traveling with a rock band, his experiences and common sense are evident in his writing.Mitchell has a distinct blue collar style. He has been writing and rewriting, from a longhand journal to a typewriter, from a borrowed laptop to an iMac ... For over twenty years, Mitch has increased his vocabulary by the simple act of looking up words and writing out the definitions. The telling of a story is innate.

This is the first novel to be printed on hemp paper in over 75 years!

[JesRed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pittsburgh to Cadiz - What's the Difference?

An avid supporter of art, music, and other creative endeavors in the local South Florida scene and known to be an avid reader, I was approached by a dear friend of mine and longtime local, Lifeguard Jim McCrady. Jim asked if I would read a book written by his brother, Mitch McCrady, (officially Mitchell Phillips McCrady), and if liking could lend my support through word of mouth, a review, or any other promotional opportunity that came my way. And so it was that “Pittsburgh to Cadiz, What’s the Difference, Part I” crossed my path. Groaning inside (oh God please don’t let this be a piece of shit writing I have to slog through), I promised to read it. Honestly a few months went by, but I said I would read it and you do for your good friends as promised. So hoping for the best, I finally started the book. I did have some curiosity and excitement about “Pittsburgh to Cadiz” knowing Mitch McCrady and myself had tread some of the same turf, our hometown sandy beaches, and the excitement and rumble on the rim of a frenzied “Load” mosh pit at their live jammed packed shows on a South Florida night! So, after some delay, intrigue and curiosity overruled and with a promise to be fulfilled, I began “Pittsburgh to Cadiz, What’s the Difference, Part I.”

In no time I was totally immersed and transported! This book captured me! McCrady has crafted this thought provoking, layered, often raw to the bone, tremendously touching, funny, hysterical, and hysterically-funny, auto-biographical account of his travels and a young man’s breaking away from home. Launched from the sandy beaches of Fort Lauderdale he trades in on the party life to see the world on a self-exploratory road which leads him far away to cold, dark, and hard places. A coming of age journey, as much as a journey across continents and cultures. A personal, physical, and mental journey through a most unusual and not often traveled part of the world.

McCrady brings a true story. The mistakes and blunders, the painful and the triumphant. Expressed well, his feelings are sown deep touching the most tender part of the heart and pain in growing, all is laid bare. As a writer, McCrady is fearless. Multi-layered in atmosphere, in emotion, the characters varied and real come alive through great dialogue written in a brogue easily read with your eyes and heard in your ears. That technique takes you right there with him through the wilds of Scotland and the cold and damp of England, the temptations off Amsterdam. This is not the glamorous life. Its the reality of working your way, hard labor style through in an often dangerous existence, living the life of the locals of far away, learning their customs side by side in a cold hard wilderness. McCrady’s odyssey to the dark and exotic wilds of Scotland unfolds. He finds himself a part of the life of the hard working north men in the land of wind and snow whipped mountains of Cadiz. So much more than the story of a young man and his travels. Much more than a “travel” book. “Pittsburgh to Cadiz” becomes a journey and so much more than I ever expected.

McCrady embraces a young man's angst, wanderlust, anger, love, alone-ness and oneness as he exposes the existence of the "the Outlier." The story progresses and takes an even deeper hold of you. Rough, tender and thoughtful, sometimes startlingly brilliant. You take front seat along on this unforgettable journey crafted so well you don’t just read it – you ride shotgun, breath held, as this new writer finds his Old Soul and allows it its first peek out at us. I relished it and I devoured it!

A gift is at work here as you’re transported through the topography of continents, as well as of the mind and heart. Emotion rarely revealed so pure and raw as in “Pittsburgh to Cadiz”. A young man's journey becomes its own song. And my bet - the journey of a soon to be highly acclaimed American Writer.

Delighted to find so much in these pages, the unexpected depth in the writing itself, the interesting characters, the humor, unimaginable events and the journey itself leading to fascinating lands and a look at the inner life of others and their existence. A really great read I highly recommend. Still savoring the taste and pondering the first leg of McCrady’s journey while waiting impatiently for the next leg! McCrady take us further down the road!

Jessica Kross

Note to Reader:
After reading “Pittsburgh to Cadiz” I jumped at the chance to meet the Author. I met with Mitch McCrady at a favorite Fort Lauderdale eatery Hot ‘N Soul. I wanted a signed copy of the First Edition of his book for myself and the chance to interview him as a writer. Also I was picking up a signed copy of the book which he donated to a fund raiser for a musician friend fighting Cancer. I was aware the book was printed on 100% Hemp. I was looking at it as he signed it and thinking – this is the Hard cover copy? It looked too soft too…. floppy to be a hard copy! I asked him about it as he handed the book to me and I immediately noted the book itself feels amazing and appears most beautiful like a fine linen or the very highest quality business card material. McCrady told me how this is the first publication of a book done on 100% Hemp in about 100 Years! ASTOUNDING. Let's hope that Mitchell Phillips McCrady not only continues to write with his unique and outstanding individual style, but that this becomes a PRECEDENT for the publishing of all books! That it took a "beach bum" punk loving, hard partying, green-minded, Pittsburgh born to Fort Lauderdale resident and Life Guard and inner circle member of the "LOAD" family to finally do this! I have commend Mitchell and wish I could buy an ad on the front page of wherever this could reach the most people in the world! Amazon, Kindle, everyone, spread the word here, not only is the writing ground breaking, so is the COMMON SENSE and environmentally sound printing of "Pittsburgh to Cadiz, What's the Difference, Part I" on 100% HEMP!! Thank you Mitch for meeting with me and bringing your lovely family and for the donation of your book to a charitable cause! In addition, Mitch McCrady’s photographs which appear in the novel are displayed at Hot ‘N Soul and they are really something to see – and can be purchased if you want an original!

[Clint Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The search for authenticity.......Some live and die for it, others do not even contemplate their experience from a third party perspective. Drugs and self discovery was big part of my own personal journey, and I got to relive that part of my life through Mitchell Phillips words on Hemp paper, by Kindlines Hemp publishing! Pittsburgh to Cadiz, What's the difference? Part One is not for for the faint of heart, it has some heavy shit in the story line. If you have never gone through some tough times in your life, you might not relate to the Author's contemplative diatribe.

"Once again, I've forced my plans into bien'. I've giving myself no other option. Once again, it's the hard way, always the hardest f***ing' way!" page 310

"Fire it in lad!" Mickey Demands, his tone ever rising, "Ye ave ta be quick aroon err." page 110

Mitchell Phillips prose of the working class dialect of the English and Scottish is spot on! So many well though out clever angles to this story, I can not list them all. Now that I have finished the book, my own piece of depressions is setting in waiting for part 2.

[Maria Fann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Looking forward to the next one.

Pittsburgh to Cadiz reads like a travel journal with teeth. The story brings the reader on the journey that McCrady took during his adventures overseas in the largely unknown trade of Christmas tree harvesting in the Scottish wilderness. Insightful, beautiful and at times, painful, the novel lets you in on the author's world, the triumphs, the trips, the injuries, and simple pleasures of butter on bread. Peppered with the all familiar existential dread and complete disinterest in the 9 to 5 and prepackaged lifestyle, I could certainly identify with many of these themes that McCrady wrote about. Capturing the characters with their native tone and vernacular was a treat- you could certainly place the faces to the names with the descriptions and almost hear their voices as you read through each chapter. Very engaging and easy to read, this book was a perfect companion during my recent travels. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and can only imagine the challenge of writing about yourself and honestly putting it all out there, and I am grateful for it. Very much looking forward to the next addition to the series. Read it for yourself and keep hemp alive.

[Marcus Goolsby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not much of a reader, but I decided to pick up "Pittsburgh to Cadiz."
I was very delighted to find that this was a very well written read. I especially
enjoyed the travels involved throughout the book. Scotland, Amsterdam...it has
inspired me to plan a trip of my own! I also enjoyed the beautiful color illustrations
and the cool, earthy texture of the book itself, made with natual Hemp paper.
A strangely inspiring adventure of self-discovery that I actually enjoyed reading.
This dreamy yet detailed work by Mitchell Phillips McCrady is also based off of a true story.

[Greg Sepanski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read.

[Christine McCrady · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. I like the way the characters all spoke with their particular accents. The book was a pager turner- funny and at the same time moving. A great read.

[Donald Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read this book found it hard to imagine anyone this gifted in his first offering.
Constantly searching for true experiences with an author capable of relating to his audience was delighted to find this gem.
Mitchell McCrady sought out a trip away from the ordinary when leaving his native US and lived up to the challenges of his contemporaries and their colloquial dialects as he ably depicted not only their personas, but with their British accents to boot. You live with him each day with his challenges, errors and alliances as he aptly defines them. His journeys both challenging and raw to himself as he learns not only about others but himself as well.
A fascinating read whether for escapists or those wishing to dare for themselves.
Despite my stingy reader's nature had to give this one 5 stars.

[Zoard Janko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read I picked up at the time I was beginning my own journey, Mitch motivated me to start my own journal. I like the fact that it came off like nothing was held back in the writing about how he thought or what he was doing . In a world where many strive to take off on their own and create experiences it gives you something to connect with. Also playing the accents in your head gave it a extra spin of entertainment.

[Michele Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in this book and put all other tasks aside until it was finished! Mitch has a style of writing which effectively transports you into the story and has the ability to activate the senses so that you are able to perceive and experience the totality of his perspective on this journey! I was fortunate enough to attend his book signing and he had the photographs from the book displayed on the wall and I could recall each photo to the place in the story, which brought it to life! Well done, Mitch! I look forward to reading the next one!

[Orange Postman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The rite of travel is different for all those who step in a new direction. The traveler, wayfarer, vagabond, hobo, and gadabout take the terra incognita like a parched soul—quenching for drops of pastoral panoramas and clenching with fists of hell-raising ramblings through cities.
If you judge a traveler by the contents of his/her storytelling (candid and creatively in-tuned) and not his or her choice to vacate the law of work-work-work-till-you-drop conformity. Then you’ll appreciate McCrady’s table of contents that entailed his journey.
McCrady’s table of contents geographically set the stage from Pittsburgh to New York to Scotland. At the age of twenty-seven he takes an opportunity to change his social timeline. (A timeline dully noted with references to Cobain, Morrison, and Hendrix who died at the age for his next stage in life). The defining question: “Wanna go to Scotland and harvest Christmas Trees?” is pronounced several times rhetorically and metaphorically with McCrady’s response: “What? F*** yeah! I got nothin’.” One-part storyteller, one-part personal essay, and two-parts travelogue allow this roman à clef narrative to give the reader access into a complete adventure.
In his documentation of events, written and photographed for his journal, McCrady vividly accounts what he is sensing: “Up on the beveled pane of glass, the window is a TV with the channel always tuned to the weather. Today’s forecast: rain, pain, and wind.” The meticulous style to explain the nature of his travel while nurturing the skill to record leads the reader to various subject matters: his testy friendship with Kevin, taking a drug, battling depression, occupational hazards of grinding and grunting in the forest to cut and collect trees like animals stocking up for the winter, the music of phonetically diagrammed dialogue from Pittsburghese and England and the similarities between McCrady and his fellow English workers as portrayed in the chapter titled, The Monkees.
Mitchell Phillips McCrady was deliberate in his effort to retell a period about his social timeline. He was deliberate in his storytelling to express the emotions and actions of a twenty-seven-year-old traveler in Europe. You will not find a fictionalized glossy tale of a backpacker’s account on the back of picturesque postcards. McCrady’s story is better than a summary of landmarks.
Pittsburgh to Cadiz: What’s the Difference? Part One is a travel essay with clear navigation from leaving complacency to complicated situations (satire and serious alike). McCrady informs us from the beginning with a quote that seems practical yet is poignantly on point for his book: “Life can be different, but it takes courage.”

[Ken McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, it is so cool reading a book written not just by someone I’ve met but someone I actually know. As I writer myself who for years has kicked around the idea of writing a novel, I now feel inspired not only that it can be done by a “regular guy” but that it can be done well. I believe more than ever that a story about perhaps an otherwise unassuming person can hold incredible ups and downs to keep a reader captived. Mitchell tells his story in a no-holds-barred, straight forward manner that dares you to doubt he’s shooting it straight. Still, some of his tales are so amazing I had to reach out to him and verify they are first-hand accounts. They are. I think some might try to pigeonhole this book as a coming-of-age story, but it’s so much more than that. Here’s a guy not only trying to figure out his place in the universe but willing to carry you along for every victory and defeat — large and small — along the way. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy. PS: I understand Book 2 is on the way. Can’t wait.

[Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having some roots to the great city of Pittsburgh, I immediately fell deep in to this book. There were so many times throughout the book that I felt that I was the character going through the fun crazy days of Europe and the grueling days of the cold tree work. I had to force myself to put the book down so I could get a few hours of sleep...but maybe that was the plan to live the sleep deprived character of book while reading. Outstanding writing and would recommend this crazy read to anyone interested in an adventure that could only be told by the author himself. Excited for the next read! Thanks Mitch...incredible piece of art you have created here.

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book. This book was an escape from my everyday. I can’t say I relate to the main character and this part of his life but I can say he relayed his story so truthfully and ornately it feels relatable. The fear of not knowing what you’re meant to do in this world is common. I hope the author knows this is his calling. He could be writing about the most mundane instances but the way he words things entraps you. Bonus points (that aren’t even needed) are the pictures! They place you right in the story. Buy this book. I’m a firm lover of Kindle but buy the paperback. It’s worth it. Grab a beer. Escape for a little while.

[Charlie Kleine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mitch's wit shines here not only as he tells the story but also through his characters.

Living in the now and a good bit in the ether, this Pittsburgh boy learns how to eat life and shit art and it is beautiful. His travels are journaled in stunning color photos (printed on hemp pages, which is a movement I wholeheartedly endorse). This book is really is a must-read for artists everywhere.

Knowing Pittsburgheeze is a plus.

[Scott Schaffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure at 1st but it was a great read. I was really pleased how it kept you in the moment throughout the adventure !

[Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I were much younger, I think I would have enjoyed this traveler's tale. I was relieved , at least, to find he wasn't "begpacking" , as so many kids are doing these days. I guess maybe the drugs were a big turn off, too. Not so much into travel for drinking and drugs. It was refreshing to read about his working at actual jobs to pay his way- Kudos! I am sure his story will service ad inspiration for youth to stretch out and broaden there horizons with world travel. I heartily endorse that idea! It's good to get out and travel, even within one's own country, to learn how others live!

[Capt Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pittsburg to Cadiz is a great read by an experienced author. The author skillfully crafts a very desirable adventure for our reading pleasure. Anchored in fact, the author delights his readers with colorful images, and unique and playful events as they unfolded on his life journey. We as reader, embark on adventure after adventure as told through the authors eyes. Be prepared to sail on this vessel through calm and stormy seas. A true life adventure story. Enjoyed immensely. Smooth sailing.

[Mitchell Epstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pittsburgh To Cadiz - What's The Difference? A curiously interesting look into human nature, thought provoking, and well written. Once I began reading it was hard to put down, I fell asleep reading it several times till I finally finished the book in it's entirety.

[De Vonna Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thought provoking look at a man's journey to finding his life's path. I never would've imagined going to a foreign country to work in the woods. I wanted to hug him, shake him, ask him wtf are you thinking, and hug him again.

[Talea · Rating 1 out of 5]

His photography is great, the drugs and alcohol were more than I was expecting. I've helped too many detox and try to get their life back together to get any enjoyment from reading about it.