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Tales from the Road...
A stressful and busy life that we live; leads invariably to a wishful thought - 'what if I get a chance to leave all this behind and hit the road!!!' Well ... here we present our next book from our friend and author Aniket Ketkar ... who did precisely that. An all India rank holder Chartered Accountant leaves behind a promising career in a big four and hits the road to pursue his long time passion of turning into a backpacker. Eight months and eight countries later, here is what he experienced... Tejas Book Publishers presents our new book - 'Tales from the Road ...' by Aniket Ketkar
- GenresTravelNonfiction
240 pages, Paperback
First published June 21, 2015
32 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Aniket Ketkar
3 books19 followersI am a Chartered Accountant from Pune, India. And I grew up dreaming about being a backpacker...watching the travel shows on Discovery.
I worked in a financial big four for seven years, before I thought that it was time to realize that childhood dream.
And so I left my job in the December 2013 and started my journey in South East Asia.
The journey that left significant impressions on my mind...those which I want to share with the world!
I worked in a financial big four for seven years, before I thought that it was time to realize that childhood dream.
And so I left my job in the December 2013 and started my journey in South East Asia.
The journey that left significant impressions on my mind...those which I want to share with the world!
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 17, 2015
"Tales From the Road" is a great read. It is a collection of experiences by an accountant turned full-time backpacker as he navigates his way through SouthEast Asia. And behind these experiences is a perceptive mind making a commentary on human nature, thought process of young adults & convincing us why sometimes just having plain fun is good for the soul. :)
It is not a travel book, nor is it a reference book for wannabe backpackers.
Traveling an unknown country with unknown people, barebones planning, self imposed spending limit & still having the time of his life - reading some of his experiences is really intoxicating. The author paints a beautiful picture of different mountains, volcanoes, jungles that he hikes through. He introduces us to the many different characters & fellow backpackers he meets during his journey. It is fun at times to read about his 'escapades' and you can't help but admire how he still manages to stick to his tight financial budget. It is fascinating to read about the thought process, the reasons & the philosophy that backpackers from different countries, different cultures, different backgrounds have.
But beyond all of this, it is a subtle commentary on human nature, the 'artificial bubble' as the author calls it, of ambition, material wants & familiarity of routine life. The author does not just lay down these facts - he 'arrives' at them via his experiences & this personal realization of sorts does not make it preachy at all ! That I believe is a win for this book.
A slight nit-pick I have -
I wish the book had included phonetic pronunciations of names & places. Maybe its just me but it always helps to associate the correct intended sound to the words.
Disclaimer: I know the author, Aniket Ketkar, personally through mutual friends. And after reading this book, my respect for this dude has increased manifold !
It is not a travel book, nor is it a reference book for wannabe backpackers.
Traveling an unknown country with unknown people, barebones planning, self imposed spending limit & still having the time of his life - reading some of his experiences is really intoxicating. The author paints a beautiful picture of different mountains, volcanoes, jungles that he hikes through. He introduces us to the many different characters & fellow backpackers he meets during his journey. It is fun at times to read about his 'escapades' and you can't help but admire how he still manages to stick to his tight financial budget. It is fascinating to read about the thought process, the reasons & the philosophy that backpackers from different countries, different cultures, different backgrounds have.
But beyond all of this, it is a subtle commentary on human nature, the 'artificial bubble' as the author calls it, of ambition, material wants & familiarity of routine life. The author does not just lay down these facts - he 'arrives' at them via his experiences & this personal realization of sorts does not make it preachy at all ! That I believe is a win for this book.
A slight nit-pick I have -
I wish the book had included phonetic pronunciations of names & places. Maybe its just me but it always helps to associate the correct intended sound to the words.
Disclaimer: I know the author, Aniket Ketkar, personally through mutual friends. And after reading this book, my respect for this dude has increased manifold !
November 24, 2018
The author obviously has a great travel tale to tell but it is marred by poor prose. Many run-on sentences, incorrect spellings, idiomatic errors, continuous tenses instead of simple tenses and unnecessary articles. Additionally, some of the detail seemed too trivial to write in such length. For example, in the chapter about visiting Taiwan, he mentions in excruciating detail how the train came onto the platform, doors opened, he got out, the automated gates opened after he deposited the token, blah blah blah. Really tedious.
On second thought, it's not the author's fault. He is a traveller, not a writer. But the editor of this book has done a piss poor job. This book can really use a good, nay, even a half decent editor. There is a great story inside that can be brought out so much better by someone with word crafting skills.
That said, I will likely pick up the sequel because the author's story itself is very interesting. I hope it has been edited better though.
On second thought, it's not the author's fault. He is a traveller, not a writer. But the editor of this book has done a piss poor job. This book can really use a good, nay, even a half decent editor. There is a great story inside that can be brought out so much better by someone with word crafting skills.
That said, I will likely pick up the sequel because the author's story itself is very interesting. I hope it has been edited better though.
August 25, 2015
When I think of travel book, I think of either Lonely Planet or some kind of travel log.
These are generally full of information about the place, but hardly entertaining. Tales from the Road by Aniket Ketkar was something unexpected. This book about his experiences is not just entertaining, but a page-turner.
It's a well structured book. There are some beautiful quotes from travellers and excerpts from his notes in the beginning of each chapter. Each chapter has a perfect length. I didn't find any chapter unnecessarily stretched or lengthy.
I'm sure a lot of us think of going to different places. Naive that we are, we call it travelling. After reading this book, I understood what real travelling means. Travelling is not about going to different places and clicking pics to post it on social networking sites. It's about experiencing a new culture, not just meeting locals but "being" local.
This book is for people who think of travelling as 2 weeks holiday. It's for people who want to travel but are afraid to take first step. It's also for people who are not really interested in travelling but like interesting stories.
Read it!
These are generally full of information about the place, but hardly entertaining. Tales from the Road by Aniket Ketkar was something unexpected. This book about his experiences is not just entertaining, but a page-turner.
It's a well structured book. There are some beautiful quotes from travellers and excerpts from his notes in the beginning of each chapter. Each chapter has a perfect length. I didn't find any chapter unnecessarily stretched or lengthy.
I'm sure a lot of us think of going to different places. Naive that we are, we call it travelling. After reading this book, I understood what real travelling means. Travelling is not about going to different places and clicking pics to post it on social networking sites. It's about experiencing a new culture, not just meeting locals but "being" local.
This book is for people who think of travelling as 2 weeks holiday. It's for people who want to travel but are afraid to take first step. It's also for people who are not really interested in travelling but like interesting stories.
Read it!
July 30, 2020
Every chapter of the book opened up new doors of experience from the author's travel journey. Aniket does inspire the reader to take off with a backpack and no fixed sightseeing plan made in advance. What sets this book apart is that it doesn't serve as a mere travel guide. It provides an unfiltered version of actual events that happen during solo travel. A great read overall, except for some typos in some chapters.
October 30, 2020
4.5 Stars
So this is the book of an Accountant who quit his job after 7 years & went on backpacking to south east asia. Aniket has jolted down his travel experience in a interesting way. He has mentioned how does it feels to be on the road, how you meet good people during travel & how make you many friends which are kind of family during your travel.
I haven't read many travel books but reading this one made me to plan for next travel. Though i dont intend to travel month's on roads but yes now i look forward for my next trip. Another best thing was the quotes provided by him in start & each of every chapter. This are mainly taken from co traveler's he met en-route & i'll say they were best part about this book.
So this is the book of an Accountant who quit his job after 7 years & went on backpacking to south east asia. Aniket has jolted down his travel experience in a interesting way. He has mentioned how does it feels to be on the road, how you meet good people during travel & how make you many friends which are kind of family during your travel.
I haven't read many travel books but reading this one made me to plan for next travel. Though i dont intend to travel month's on roads but yes now i look forward for my next trip. Another best thing was the quotes provided by him in start & each of every chapter. This are mainly taken from co traveler's he met en-route & i'll say they were best part about this book.
March 26, 2023
Beautifully written, I could actually feel the goosebumps n emotions rising in me while reading this book where the author relates his experiences or explains the sun rising at 3 brothers or the Bob marley songs at mengong, its awesome.. All these times I have been reading self help or fiction, but this kind of genre really amazed me. Keep travelling Aniket ji n give us the glimpses of all the beauties that Nature has to offer. All the best!!
February 22, 2022
Really enjoyed reading this one. The writer has described all his experiences so well that you will feel like you are travelling too.
Once you start reading it you will not want to stop until its finished.
Once you start reading it you will not want to stop until its finished.
December 6, 2015
In a modern lifestyle where we all find weekend getaways to replenish our energies, this book give me a sneak into life of a bagpacker.
The writing style is basically a collection of short essays that pull together good mix of culture, history, food, personalities, events and experiences. The author does a great job bringing the landscapes to life and his experiences are elaborate without making them stretchy. The book is written in simple fluid English.
We are so brain washed by the glamour associated with traveling, I know blame the travel mags. But this book is so down to earth that it reminded me of everything that makes life beautiful.
Although I grew up in India, I never knew so much about the South-eastern countries apart from my geography class. I personally enjoyed his journey and found myself mapping the places he visited. The author's personality comes through his writing style and I enjoyed seeing the world from his lens. I never wanted the mushroom diaries chapter to end. It is not only a window to his perspective but also a revelation of the simple life treasures that we seek as human beings.
The writing style is basically a collection of short essays that pull together good mix of culture, history, food, personalities, events and experiences. The author does a great job bringing the landscapes to life and his experiences are elaborate without making them stretchy. The book is written in simple fluid English.
We are so brain washed by the glamour associated with traveling, I know blame the travel mags. But this book is so down to earth that it reminded me of everything that makes life beautiful.
Although I grew up in India, I never knew so much about the South-eastern countries apart from my geography class. I personally enjoyed his journey and found myself mapping the places he visited. The author's personality comes through his writing style and I enjoyed seeing the world from his lens. I never wanted the mushroom diaries chapter to end. It is not only a window to his perspective but also a revelation of the simple life treasures that we seek as human beings.
September 21, 2015
Amidst the chaos of so called travel blogs, travelogues and travel pics everyday , there comes a genuine , refreshing and straight from the heart tale of a true traveler which inspires , entertains us and makes us believe in dreams and passions.
The book is simple and non preachy which makes it really easy to connect with it.
The book is simple and non preachy which makes it really easy to connect with it.
August 23, 2021
The book is about the author's travels through South-East Asia. Unlike most other Indian travel books which are disconnected short stories, the entire book is one single journey of 8 months. The book is supposedly a solo travel journey. I say 'supposedly' because the author seems to pickup a new girl (mostly European) every chapter and travels with her. The author has highlighted quotes from some of the women he travels with!
The author does the opposite of what Paul Theroux says, 'Read the guidebook and go in the opposite direction'. The travels are mainly through the backpacker hotspots of SE Asia, and therefore most of his interaction is with European backpackers not south-east Asians. The author does manage to have some adventures though.
The place has changed a lot since I used to travel through south-east Asia in the 1990's. Siem Reap seems to have become a Bangkok. It's become easier to travel to Taiwan with an Indian passport, which was a notoriously difficult visa back then.
A map of the author's travel would have been nice.
The book is a nice, fast paced, fun read.
The author does the opposite of what Paul Theroux says, 'Read the guidebook and go in the opposite direction'. The travels are mainly through the backpacker hotspots of SE Asia, and therefore most of his interaction is with European backpackers not south-east Asians. The author does manage to have some adventures though.
The place has changed a lot since I used to travel through south-east Asia in the 1990's. Siem Reap seems to have become a Bangkok. It's become easier to travel to Taiwan with an Indian passport, which was a notoriously difficult visa back then.
A map of the author's travel would have been nice.
The book is a nice, fast paced, fun read.
September 8, 2019
I stumbled across this book while browsing through the Kindle unlimited offerings. The book takes you through the journey that Aniket undertook while being on the road. I happened to had undertaken my first solo trip and almost during the same time came across this book.
It's an honest book, which takes you along with his journey. There are parts which could have been written in better fashion, but that is not the objective of the book.
I believe that if after reading this book, you start thinking about the life you are living and the life of you can live by travelling, the book would have done it's job.
Don't think much, pick it up and give a read.
It's an honest book, which takes you along with his journey. There are parts which could have been written in better fashion, but that is not the objective of the book.
I believe that if after reading this book, you start thinking about the life you are living and the life of you can live by travelling, the book would have done it's job.
Don't think much, pick it up and give a read.
April 12, 2018
Genuine tale of the road
this book is not for those who are seeking something happening or exciting..these are genuine real life experiences with not a lot of twists. Being a travel freak myself, i always struggled writing down my experiences.But this book has taught me the way we should tell the tales..
excellent flow of the book is another strong point.i just couldnt keep it aside.so many locations and so many fellow travellers..i could connect my experiences with travellers to this book..Definitely a light hearted book.
this book is not for those who are seeking something happening or exciting..these are genuine real life experiences with not a lot of twists. Being a travel freak myself, i always struggled writing down my experiences.But this book has taught me the way we should tell the tales..
excellent flow of the book is another strong point.i just couldnt keep it aside.so many locations and so many fellow travellers..i could connect my experiences with travellers to this book..Definitely a light hearted book.
September 6, 2019
the tales of the road is truly a travelogue where the author describes each and every detail of the place giving minutest of it. this reflects the observation capabilities of him. the thing is its not a literary piece and even the author mentions this clearly in the beginning but it's a vivid description that a traveler gives when he comes back home. being a travel bug myself this book genuinely made feel I am traveling along with him.
November 12, 2018
What a brilliant read this was!
It's a travel memoir and not a travel guide to Southeast Asia and the author writes about his journey through the region, sharing the tales and thoughts that stayed with him. The writing is honest, the stories interesting, the observations thought-provoking. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
It's a travel memoir and not a travel guide to Southeast Asia and the author writes about his journey through the region, sharing the tales and thoughts that stayed with him. The writing is honest, the stories interesting, the observations thought-provoking. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
August 5, 2020
The most exciting travelogue
First I had gone through the sample, some how I felt the urge to read the whole book, then I bought it as a e book on Kindle, and man I don't regret it all. It's as if I am moving around with Aniket. I had a feeling of Lao, Cambodia, Vietnam, Taiwan in me..
Well that's what travelogues are meant to be...
Thanks Aniket for such a fantastic book
First I had gone through the sample, some how I felt the urge to read the whole book, then I bought it as a e book on Kindle, and man I don't regret it all. It's as if I am moving around with Aniket. I had a feeling of Lao, Cambodia, Vietnam, Taiwan in me..
Well that's what travelogues are meant to be...
Thanks Aniket for such a fantastic book
July 22, 2018
An earthy honest narrative
Here is a guy from a typical Pune 'koknastha brahmin' family who dares to follow his dreams. Aniket brings to life his travels in South East Asia with his simple easy style with which you instantly connect.
Here is a guy from a typical Pune 'koknastha brahmin' family who dares to follow his dreams. Aniket brings to life his travels in South East Asia with his simple easy style with which you instantly connect.
December 12, 2018
This is my first book related to travelling.
The definition of travelling and real traveller was completely different than I imagined. The writing style of writer is very unique and it was a fun read.
The definition of travelling and real traveller was completely different than I imagined. The writing style of writer is very unique and it was a fun read.
December 24, 2018
Backpackers tale.
It was amazing to learn an experience of a backpacker and you start wishing to hit the road as Aniket. It's new experience for an Indian by an Indian.
It was amazing to learn an experience of a backpacker and you start wishing to hit the road as Aniket. It's new experience for an Indian by an Indian.
October 19, 2015
It was during the period that I was waiting to implement the change of lifestyle that I had decided on that this book was recommended to me. The recommendation came from a friend of a friend, whose friend had done something of the sort that he thought I was about to do. I looked up the book and was a little surprised at finding only a Kindle edition. At that time I did not own a Kindle and was, as I still am, a paperback fan. But once I did get a Kindle, it was not long before I went back to the book
and ordered it.
The book is a memoir of the experiences of the author while he was on the road. There is a disclaimer right in the beginning of the book which warns the reader not to nitpick grammatical errors. Ketkar gives a brief introduction of himself in the opening pages and tells us that he is (or was) a charted accountant by profession and his aim in the book is to tell the story, rather than aim at establishing himself as a master of the language. But language contributes as much to making a book engaging as it's story. And the fact that Aniket Ketkar managed to write such an engaging book with such a simple language makes his story-telling all the more laudable. What appeals most in this travelogue is the personal touch that the author has added to it, but it's a right balance of personal emotions and travel information.
Aniket was a charted accountant in a big multi national firm but he always had a penchant to travel. And travel he did, but in a way that most of us Indians do : on a limited leash. On one such vacation, in Mongolia, he was reminded of his childhood dream to be a traveller. He then decided to take up travelling more seriously, quit his job and hit the road. The book is a product of the eight months he spent exploring various parts of south-east Asia.
I quite liked the book. It was thoroughly enjoyable and quite a light read. I read it slowly, a morsel at a time. There were many points on which I could relate to the author, there were many incidents where I was amused at how his experiences matched mine. There was quite a lot of information in the book that I explored further. I will definitely look forward to Ketkar's next set of experiences.
and ordered it.The book is a memoir of the experiences of the author while he was on the road. There is a disclaimer right in the beginning of the book which warns the reader not to nitpick grammatical errors. Ketkar gives a brief introduction of himself in the opening pages and tells us that he is (or was) a charted accountant by profession and his aim in the book is to tell the story, rather than aim at establishing himself as a master of the language. But language contributes as much to making a book engaging as it's story. And the fact that Aniket Ketkar managed to write such an engaging book with such a simple language makes his story-telling all the more laudable. What appeals most in this travelogue is the personal touch that the author has added to it, but it's a right balance of personal emotions and travel information.
Aniket was a charted accountant in a big multi national firm but he always had a penchant to travel. And travel he did, but in a way that most of us Indians do : on a limited leash. On one such vacation, in Mongolia, he was reminded of his childhood dream to be a traveller. He then decided to take up travelling more seriously, quit his job and hit the road. The book is a product of the eight months he spent exploring various parts of south-east Asia.
I quite liked the book. It was thoroughly enjoyable and quite a light read. I read it slowly, a morsel at a time. There were many points on which I could relate to the author, there were many incidents where I was amused at how his experiences matched mine. There was quite a lot of information in the book that I explored further. I will definitely look forward to Ketkar's next set of experiences.
March 5, 2016
Though I finished the book within a couple of weeks of its publication, I am a bit late to write the review. But remember, this 'coming back to write a review' is suo moto. The best thing I liked about this book is that the travel experiences mentioned have lingered on my mind even after a year. I feel lucky to know the author personally. Its one thing to blurt to do something out of the box (often when high) and its another to actually go and do it. The gutsy, enthusiastic experiences this author has shared, not just teach what a traveller is (and what a tourist is!) but also compels you to think if you can also, someday in your life, give it a shot. Looking forward to read more of your experiences.
June 26, 2015
Gives you a peek into the heart of a real traveler, an explorer and most importantly, a common human being doing uncommon things. Teaches you lots of things, but never becomes preachy. A fast-paced, honest and thoroughly refreshing book.
Definitely recommended especially to all young middle-aged friends out there !
Definitely recommended especially to all young middle-aged friends out there !
October 19, 2018
‘Tales from the Road ‘ is a great book that makes u experience the places the author go’s , feel the emotions he feels and know the people he meets ... also lots of insight of the culture , food and locals of Vietnam , Taiwan ,Thailand and Indonesia 😊 it’s light and amusing and real ... makes u fall in love with traveling and all its ups and downs even more .
November 21, 2017
This narration by Aniket of his solo travel takes you through a enriching journey. It is not a travel guide, though it does give you insights into a destination from 'traveller's' point of view and not 'tourist's'. But by journey I mean journey of pursuing your passion, coming out of your comfort zone and simply doing what you like.
I know Aniket through common friends and knew about his 'the decision' of leaving job and traveling around the world and about this book. When I had bought it I thought I would envy him after reading it for taking such a bold step.
But this book gave me different perspective. Through all the experiences he has shared which had given him passion kick, I realised my work too gives me same satisfaction and high.
So do read this book to introspect on your real passion. I am sure you will find it through his journey.
Now I am waiting for his next one.
I know Aniket through common friends and knew about his 'the decision' of leaving job and traveling around the world and about this book. When I had bought it I thought I would envy him after reading it for taking such a bold step.
But this book gave me different perspective. Through all the experiences he has shared which had given him passion kick, I realised my work too gives me same satisfaction and high.
So do read this book to introspect on your real passion. I am sure you will find it through his journey.
Now I am waiting for his next one.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews