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Dispatches Along the Way: An American Humorist Staggers Across Spain in Pursuit of Happiness, Truth, and a Cold Beer
What do you do when the time comes to answer life's big questions? Something harebrained, of course. And what could be more witless than stuffing a backpack with the essentials, flying across the world, and undertaking a pilgrimage across Spain on the Camino de Santiago? Dispatches Along the Way is the endearing, humbling, and laugh-out-loud story of Prioleau Alexander's walk-about on "The Way of St. James," a pilgrimage route with a history stretching back to the Middle Ages. Along the way Prioleau doggedly pursues the root source of happiness, the truths in theology, and a place serving beer. Does he find the answers he's seeking? You bet. But the answers are not what you'd think.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 28, 2017
8 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Prioleau Alexander
9 books16 followersA native son of Charleston, SC, Prioleau Alexander is a graduate of Porter-Gaud School, Auburn University, and a former Marine Officer. The genre in which he writes is non-fiction humor on topics ranging from personal experience to history.
His new book is entitled Where Have All the Cowboys Gone? Madness, Mayhem, and the Making of America, which is now available on Amazon. It is a laugh out loud survey of American History, from Jamestown to James Brown.
He has created Facebook pages for each of the books, in order for readers to get a feel for the areas the books explore.
For Where Have All the Cowboys Gone? copy and paste this link
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
For You Want Fries With That?
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
For Dispatches Along the Way?
https://www.facebook.com/prioleaualex...
He has another book (different publisher) landing on November 1st entitled: They Don't Call It the Submission Process For Nothing. A Rookie Author's Rookie Year. For that book:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Prioleau can be reached at TypingForBeerMoney@gmail.com
His new book is entitled Where Have All the Cowboys Gone? Madness, Mayhem, and the Making of America, which is now available on Amazon. It is a laugh out loud survey of American History, from Jamestown to James Brown.
He has created Facebook pages for each of the books, in order for readers to get a feel for the areas the books explore.
For Where Have All the Cowboys Gone? copy and paste this link
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
For You Want Fries With That?
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
For Dispatches Along the Way?
https://www.facebook.com/prioleaualex...
He has another book (different publisher) landing on November 1st entitled: They Don't Call It the Submission Process For Nothing. A Rookie Author's Rookie Year. For that book:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Prioleau can be reached at TypingForBeerMoney@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 14, 2018
What do you get when the humor of Adam Carolla collides with the insight of C.S. Lewis against a Spanish backdrop? Yes, you guessed it, Prioleau Alexander’s latest book, “Dispatches Along the Way.”
This book was an unexpected journey for me. When I picked up this book I envisioned comical situations with colorful characters and would have been content with that. This turned out to be so much more.
You do get plenty of humor. Prioleau’s description of “The Running of the Bulls,” was worth the price of the book alone. As I sat outside reading on break at work, I laughed so hard tears were streaming down my face. A co-worker came outside and insisted that I read it to him. By the end, we were both doubled over. Damn, this guy is good with analogies. Let me give you an example,
“For one week, beginning July 7th, a million people descend on the city for a level of drunkenness rivaling a Kennedy family reunion.”
Now that’s some good stuff and it only gets more comical from there.
But here’s the thing, this book had heart. On his journey, Alexander is seeking truth…or the meaning of happiness. Seems easy enough, doesn’t it? But any of us who have really thought about it knows that it isn’t. That’s why self-help and Chicken Soup books sell in the millions. We are all looking for that deep insight that gives our lives meaning. The answers to life’s most profound questions.
Here’s one for you:
“It’s because in Africa, the poor think about how much more they have than nothing. Those of us in good shape think about how much less we have than everything.”
That is something to consider, isn’t it? What does it really mean to “have it all?” If we really do have it all, then why are we so damn unhappy? These are questions to consider as you embark upon the journey with Mr. Alexander.
For what its worth I do not want to overly hype the book, as I believe it does a disservice to both the reader and the author. But, if you are looking for a book with humor and heart, this one fits the bill.
This book was an unexpected journey for me. When I picked up this book I envisioned comical situations with colorful characters and would have been content with that. This turned out to be so much more.
You do get plenty of humor. Prioleau’s description of “The Running of the Bulls,” was worth the price of the book alone. As I sat outside reading on break at work, I laughed so hard tears were streaming down my face. A co-worker came outside and insisted that I read it to him. By the end, we were both doubled over. Damn, this guy is good with analogies. Let me give you an example,
“For one week, beginning July 7th, a million people descend on the city for a level of drunkenness rivaling a Kennedy family reunion.”
Now that’s some good stuff and it only gets more comical from there.
But here’s the thing, this book had heart. On his journey, Alexander is seeking truth…or the meaning of happiness. Seems easy enough, doesn’t it? But any of us who have really thought about it knows that it isn’t. That’s why self-help and Chicken Soup books sell in the millions. We are all looking for that deep insight that gives our lives meaning. The answers to life’s most profound questions.
Here’s one for you:
“It’s because in Africa, the poor think about how much more they have than nothing. Those of us in good shape think about how much less we have than everything.”
That is something to consider, isn’t it? What does it really mean to “have it all?” If we really do have it all, then why are we so damn unhappy? These are questions to consider as you embark upon the journey with Mr. Alexander.
For what its worth I do not want to overly hype the book, as I believe it does a disservice to both the reader and the author. But, if you are looking for a book with humor and heart, this one fits the bill.
March 12, 2018
I started reading this book for the Dave Barry like humor I found in the early pages then was surprised to discover rich and profound observations of Truth and wisdom in one man's search for the meaning of happiness
Joining Prioleau on his personal pilgrimage walking the Camino was one of the best things I have done for myself in a long time. His hilarious observations of the world allow you to stop and consider the absurd comedy of 21st century man's quest for happiness in acquiring "stuff." His insights bring to mind your own doubts and questions about God and the meaning of life. His "take" on it all is funny and real. I thoroughly enjoyed the humor and was amazed at the wisdom this journey gave him and that he, in turn, passed on to me. I think Prioleau may have discovered "truth" and the real secret to happiness. Read this book and see if you don't agree!
Joining Prioleau on his personal pilgrimage walking the Camino was one of the best things I have done for myself in a long time. His hilarious observations of the world allow you to stop and consider the absurd comedy of 21st century man's quest for happiness in acquiring "stuff." His insights bring to mind your own doubts and questions about God and the meaning of life. His "take" on it all is funny and real. I thoroughly enjoyed the humor and was amazed at the wisdom this journey gave him and that he, in turn, passed on to me. I think Prioleau may have discovered "truth" and the real secret to happiness. Read this book and see if you don't agree!
January 24, 2018
Great book. I read it in one sitting and couldn't put it down. It is a hilarious book with a sprightly tone and also presents the author's takes of life's existential questions. Alexander offers his conclusions but, just as interesting, raises questions that should make every reader should ask themselves. It is very well written, expertly paced, and it was both very funny and very insightful. I loved Alexander's first book, You Want Fries With That?, but I liked this one even more. I hope he has more books coming our way.
December 31, 2017
A journey to humanity
The author takes you with him on a wonderful journey through Spain while walking the Camino. Using tales from the journey , a very Charlestonian satirical and self-deprecating style, the author steers you on a path to find simple truths of living in simple truths of spiritual beliefs.
The prose both induce you want to keep reading and at the same time to contemplate what you have read.
The author takes you with him on a wonderful journey through Spain while walking the Camino. Using tales from the journey , a very Charlestonian satirical and self-deprecating style, the author steers you on a path to find simple truths of living in simple truths of spiritual beliefs.
The prose both induce you want to keep reading and at the same time to contemplate what you have read.
February 2, 2018
This book was outstanding!! Mr. Alexander (can't spell the guys first name) did a great job with humor that kept me laughing the entire book while giving great perspective on his journey. He also does a superb job of his understanding of God in a relaxed , not preacy way. The best book you'll read this century.
March 20, 2018
A F AS
Laughed Outloud
I started reading this book in bed but kept waking my husband up because the bed was shaking as I was trying to stiffle my laughing. I just ordered four paperback copies to send to my adult children. There are many thought provoking ideas that have stayed with me concerning faith and important values of everyone's life.
Laughed Outloud
I started reading this book in bed but kept waking my husband up because the bed was shaking as I was trying to stiffle my laughing. I just ordered four paperback copies to send to my adult children. There are many thought provoking ideas that have stayed with me concerning faith and important values of everyone's life.
May 4, 2024
I highly recommend this book to 1. Anyone thinking about walking the Camino but more importantly 2. Anyone questioning their faith, pondering our crazy world and wondering why am I here? This book illuminates answers to all these questions. In a laugh out loud I’ve got to meet this guy sort of way. Sure wish I had known him while we attended the same college.
March 19, 2023
I'm glad I read it
Some good, and some great, perspectives here. Not really meant as research into 'how' to travel the Camino, but a good 'mental digestion' of the Camino.
Some good, and some great, perspectives here. Not really meant as research into 'how' to travel the Camino, but a good 'mental digestion' of the Camino.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews