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Man Mission: Four Men, Fifteen Years, One Epic Journey
In college a group of four young men establish a tradition: every year, they come together for a week-long trip in search of adventure and distraction. They travel around the world to go hiking, biking, or kayaking. They call it their Man Mission, a sacred ritual dedicated to new experiences and friendship.
In the course of their travels, they hitch a ride with drug dealers in New Zealand, down kava shots on Fijian beaches, come face-to-face with a roaring lion in South Africa, luxuriate in a resort intended only for Vietnamese Communist officials, trek to Machu Picchu, and go ice climbing in Iceland.
Over the years, they all get married, start families, establish careers, and do all the stuff upright men are supposed to do. But when the challenges of real life come into conflict with the perfect lives they are supposed to be living, the yearly Man Mission becomes more than an annual getaway. It's a source of stability and a place to find redemption.
Part travel narrative and part roman à clef, this novel follows four regular guys as they find adventure together, and seek meaning and purpose, in a world where the traditional rules of "being a man" are no longer clear.
"5 out of 5 stars"
--Foreword Clarion Reviews
"A fast-moving, fresh, multi-faceted story of exploration"
--Louise Herron AM, CEO, Sydney Opera House
"A candid account of a man's viewpoint--4 out of 4 stars"
--Online Book Club
"Lively and well-told"
--Blue Ink Review
In the course of their travels, they hitch a ride with drug dealers in New Zealand, down kava shots on Fijian beaches, come face-to-face with a roaring lion in South Africa, luxuriate in a resort intended only for Vietnamese Communist officials, trek to Machu Picchu, and go ice climbing in Iceland.
Over the years, they all get married, start families, establish careers, and do all the stuff upright men are supposed to do. But when the challenges of real life come into conflict with the perfect lives they are supposed to be living, the yearly Man Mission becomes more than an annual getaway. It's a source of stability and a place to find redemption.
Part travel narrative and part roman à clef, this novel follows four regular guys as they find adventure together, and seek meaning and purpose, in a world where the traditional rules of "being a man" are no longer clear.
"5 out of 5 stars"
--Foreword Clarion Reviews
"A fast-moving, fresh, multi-faceted story of exploration"
--Louise Herron AM, CEO, Sydney Opera House
"A candid account of a man's viewpoint--4 out of 4 stars"
--Online Book Club
"Lively and well-told"
--Blue Ink Review
- GenresFiction
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 23, 2019
15 people are currently reading
673 people want to read
About the author
Eytan Uliel
3 books18 followersEytan Uliel is a wanderer, global traveler, and seriously committed gourmand. After graduating from the University of New South Wales in Sydney Australia, he practiced corporate law for several years, before moving on to a career in investment banking, private equity, and oil and gas finance.
An extensive work travel schedule has taken Eytan to every corner of the globe – over 85 countries, and counting. His successful blog – The Road Warrior – chronicles these journeys through a series of short stories and essays, some of which have been republished in various magazines and newspapers.
Eytan was born in Jerusalem, and has lived in Australia, Singapore, the UK, The Bahamas, and the USA. He currently splits his time between Los Angeles, The Bahamas and Sydney.
An extensive work travel schedule has taken Eytan to every corner of the globe – over 85 countries, and counting. His successful blog – The Road Warrior – chronicles these journeys through a series of short stories and essays, some of which have been republished in various magazines and newspapers.
Eytan was born in Jerusalem, and has lived in Australia, Singapore, the UK, The Bahamas, and the USA. He currently splits his time between Los Angeles, The Bahamas and Sydney.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 24, 2022
Click the link to read the official and published review on onlinebookclub.org: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
I must begin this review by stating that Man Mission by Eytan Uliel is one of the most thought-provoking and evocative novels I have read in years. Going into this, I got the impression that this was going to be autobiographical; however, to my pleasant surprise, it was written more like a work of fiction. The novel stars Eytan as the main protagonist and the sole first-person narrator. It spans a tale told over fifteen years and depicts annual ‘man missions’- trips undertaken by the narrator and his four closest friends, Sam, Alec, and Daniel. Interspersed with several stages of their lives, we see them grow and develop from young adults to middle-aged men with families and careers, while simultaneously going on these testosterone-filled expeditions, each one getting more and more extreme with the passage of time. Though the trips initially begin as a way to express their ‘macho-ness,’ they are often filled with introspection and offer lifelines for each man, helping them to come to terms with themselves, and what it means to be a man in today’s society.
What I loved most about this book was the author’s ability to make me feel as if I was traveling with the four main characters; it was almost like being a fifth member of their group. The descriptions of each country gave life to the words; Uliel’s skill in illustrating the beauty of each place was masterful. From New Zealand to Fiji, from South Korea to Hawaii, I was transposed there through the way they were portrayed, despite the fact that they are all destinations I have never personally visited. I also enjoyed the portrayal of friendship and the feeling of camaraderie between the protagonist, Sam, Alec, and Daniel. The first few “missions” were undertaken by only Uliel’s character and Sam, with the rest eventually drawing in Daniel, and then, later on, Alec. Through each “mission” and through each year, I felt the bond between the friends grow and mature, helping each other through losses and devastations, with little to no judgment.
There were really no major negatives for me in this novel. The only slight issue I had is that I would have liked the length to be a bit longer so that certain parts of the story could have been more developed (for example, Uliel’s divorce and transition to singledom). That part of it felt a bit rushed and underdeveloped. Otherwise, as stated, I had no further disputes.
In the end, I give Man Mission a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. As indicated, I really found this book to be provocative (in a good way), as it inspired me to be more open to the labors of men. It was amazing to follow how the main character developed, and his journey helped me learn about what it means to be a man in today’s society. As a female, in what has often been deemed a male-dominated culture, I had really never given much thought to men’s issues. However, this book was quite eye-opening and has given me the knowledge to be a bit more sympathetic.
I can safely recommend this to young adults and adults, and anyone interested in growing their understanding of the demands that societal norms place on men. Combined with the many humorous moments, and the genuine friendship between the four friends, this novel will entertain you as well as teach you. I would not deem this suitable for younger persons, as there are many instances of major profanity, and some moments of sexual content. It was professionally edited, with very few errors. If I take away anything at all from Uliel’s book, it is that there is much stigma surrounding male emotions and vulnerabilities. It is important for men to feel able to safely express themselves when they feel sad, lonely, upset, or scared. As the protagonist stated, “The manliest of all adventures wasn’t to kayak across a wild ocean, or ride up a steep hill, or trek through an inhospitable jungle. It was to live a whole life, without forfeit or compromise. The most authentic Man Mission of them all was simply to keep moving forward; to make the journey, even when hard and painful.” The best thing about that statement? It can be applied to every person in the world.
I must begin this review by stating that Man Mission by Eytan Uliel is one of the most thought-provoking and evocative novels I have read in years. Going into this, I got the impression that this was going to be autobiographical; however, to my pleasant surprise, it was written more like a work of fiction. The novel stars Eytan as the main protagonist and the sole first-person narrator. It spans a tale told over fifteen years and depicts annual ‘man missions’- trips undertaken by the narrator and his four closest friends, Sam, Alec, and Daniel. Interspersed with several stages of their lives, we see them grow and develop from young adults to middle-aged men with families and careers, while simultaneously going on these testosterone-filled expeditions, each one getting more and more extreme with the passage of time. Though the trips initially begin as a way to express their ‘macho-ness,’ they are often filled with introspection and offer lifelines for each man, helping them to come to terms with themselves, and what it means to be a man in today’s society.
What I loved most about this book was the author’s ability to make me feel as if I was traveling with the four main characters; it was almost like being a fifth member of their group. The descriptions of each country gave life to the words; Uliel’s skill in illustrating the beauty of each place was masterful. From New Zealand to Fiji, from South Korea to Hawaii, I was transposed there through the way they were portrayed, despite the fact that they are all destinations I have never personally visited. I also enjoyed the portrayal of friendship and the feeling of camaraderie between the protagonist, Sam, Alec, and Daniel. The first few “missions” were undertaken by only Uliel’s character and Sam, with the rest eventually drawing in Daniel, and then, later on, Alec. Through each “mission” and through each year, I felt the bond between the friends grow and mature, helping each other through losses and devastations, with little to no judgment.
There were really no major negatives for me in this novel. The only slight issue I had is that I would have liked the length to be a bit longer so that certain parts of the story could have been more developed (for example, Uliel’s divorce and transition to singledom). That part of it felt a bit rushed and underdeveloped. Otherwise, as stated, I had no further disputes.
In the end, I give Man Mission a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. As indicated, I really found this book to be provocative (in a good way), as it inspired me to be more open to the labors of men. It was amazing to follow how the main character developed, and his journey helped me learn about what it means to be a man in today’s society. As a female, in what has often been deemed a male-dominated culture, I had really never given much thought to men’s issues. However, this book was quite eye-opening and has given me the knowledge to be a bit more sympathetic.
I can safely recommend this to young adults and adults, and anyone interested in growing their understanding of the demands that societal norms place on men. Combined with the many humorous moments, and the genuine friendship between the four friends, this novel will entertain you as well as teach you. I would not deem this suitable for younger persons, as there are many instances of major profanity, and some moments of sexual content. It was professionally edited, with very few errors. If I take away anything at all from Uliel’s book, it is that there is much stigma surrounding male emotions and vulnerabilities. It is important for men to feel able to safely express themselves when they feel sad, lonely, upset, or scared. As the protagonist stated, “The manliest of all adventures wasn’t to kayak across a wild ocean, or ride up a steep hill, or trek through an inhospitable jungle. It was to live a whole life, without forfeit or compromise. The most authentic Man Mission of them all was simply to keep moving forward; to make the journey, even when hard and painful.” The best thing about that statement? It can be applied to every person in the world.
April 14, 2019
I found this really entertaining to read. It was an intriguing look into the ups and downs one man’s life and how an annual “Man Mission” with his buddies played a part.
I thought it was an intriguing look into a man’s perspective on life. There is so much honesty here, I really enjoyed how this was written. It’s a soul-baring and fascinating story.
Between the action, the comedy and the honesty of this novel, I highly recommend checking it out!
*I read this book as part of a blog tour with Sage's Blog Tours. All opinions are my own.*
I thought it was an intriguing look into a man’s perspective on life. There is so much honesty here, I really enjoyed how this was written. It’s a soul-baring and fascinating story.
Between the action, the comedy and the honesty of this novel, I highly recommend checking it out!
*I read this book as part of a blog tour with Sage's Blog Tours. All opinions are my own.*
April 8, 2019
I love the soul-baring honesty of Uliel's character as he travels through the stages of his life, always having his core group of friends as a touch stone. Inhale -- go through another stage of the human experience; exhale -- hang out for a week with close friends and just have fun. And it is such a fun journey. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a good read to dive into. By the way, I was the story editor for this book. Even so, I was struck by the brutal honesty of some of Eytan's self reflections. Refreshing!
February 20, 2019
A delightful novel which masterfully chronicles one man's journey through the ups and downs of life intertwined with annual road trips to exotic destinations, spanning 15 years with three of his best mates. The juxtaposition of the tribulations of daily life with the often clumsy, sometimes hilarious mishaps that these men on mission encounter, makes it a thoroughly enjoyable read, both thought-provoking and thoroughly entertaining at the same time.
July 28, 2022
Tons of places and loads of adventure.
However, I don't want to say it sometimes tended to border on toxic masculinity, but I did get that feeling at times, and I'm still not sure whether it was sarcastically on purpose or honestly meant.
It was quite poetic at times when it came to describing the locations. Not so much though, when it came to describing what it means to be a MAN.
However, I don't want to say it sometimes tended to border on toxic masculinity, but I did get that feeling at times, and I'm still not sure whether it was sarcastically on purpose or honestly meant.
It was quite poetic at times when it came to describing the locations. Not so much though, when it came to describing what it means to be a MAN.
August 9, 2020
Man Mission by Eytan Uliel is a story told over fifteen years and lets you see the world through the eyes of Eytan, a man who is eager to explore the great outdoors, seek new thrills, and find himself. Over fifteen annual “man missions”, Eytan and his ragtag group of friends push the limits in testosterone-fueled adventures, navigate their advancing adulthood, and learn to accept life as it comes.
This novel is unique in that is a combination of a travelogue and fiction. Uliel effortlessly combines the fact and fiction to make the reader as though they were along for the ride (the bike ride, in particular) with Sam and Eytan, and later Daniel and Alec. Surroundings and destinations were all skillfully depicted, and the scenery described in the pages made you feel like you were looking at a travel guide book.
Many of the descriptions of the Man Mission locations will tempt you to visit the locales yourself (though likely you’ll opt not to attempt the ultra-rugged hikes and bike excursions the group put themselves through). Personally I’m dying to try a Melona bar from South Korea and to ride a catamaran in Thailand. There is an innumerable amount of hilarious mishaps the men find themselves at the mercy of, making the reader truly wonder where the desire to return for another round the following year is coming from.
Eytan goes through major development throughout the book, living through many drastic changes in his life. He’s forced to figure out who he is, and what he wants from life, not just what he’s been told to want. He grows as a man and learns more about what it means to be a man in today’s society. Whether you’re female or male-identifying (or neither), this book will be eye-opening to the experiences of what it’s like to be a man today. The demands of society put on men can be stifling and overwhelming, and there is a great deal of stigma surrounding male emotion. It is important for men to feel able to safely express themselves when they feel sad, lonely, upset, or scared.
Uliel demonstrates this concept through characters and is personally my favorite part of the book as a whole. When Eytan eventually learns to open up and communicate with his friends and his family regarding his feelings and emotions, it was clear that there is hope for our generation and future generations to have more open conversations about male emotions.
Overall I would give this book a 3 out of 4 stars. I felt this was an appropriate rating because there were parts of the story that felt rushed over and undeveloped that deserved more attention, which was my least favorite part of the book. The length of the story might contribute to that fact, but it could’ve been addressed (I wouldn’t have been upset with a longer length novel). This book would appeal to an older audience that enjoys contemporary lit, and travel-centric fiction. This book does have a fairly decent amount of profanity and a few moments of sexuality that could offend some people, which should be taken into account as well.
This novel is unique in that is a combination of a travelogue and fiction. Uliel effortlessly combines the fact and fiction to make the reader as though they were along for the ride (the bike ride, in particular) with Sam and Eytan, and later Daniel and Alec. Surroundings and destinations were all skillfully depicted, and the scenery described in the pages made you feel like you were looking at a travel guide book.
Many of the descriptions of the Man Mission locations will tempt you to visit the locales yourself (though likely you’ll opt not to attempt the ultra-rugged hikes and bike excursions the group put themselves through). Personally I’m dying to try a Melona bar from South Korea and to ride a catamaran in Thailand. There is an innumerable amount of hilarious mishaps the men find themselves at the mercy of, making the reader truly wonder where the desire to return for another round the following year is coming from.
Eytan goes through major development throughout the book, living through many drastic changes in his life. He’s forced to figure out who he is, and what he wants from life, not just what he’s been told to want. He grows as a man and learns more about what it means to be a man in today’s society. Whether you’re female or male-identifying (or neither), this book will be eye-opening to the experiences of what it’s like to be a man today. The demands of society put on men can be stifling and overwhelming, and there is a great deal of stigma surrounding male emotion. It is important for men to feel able to safely express themselves when they feel sad, lonely, upset, or scared.
Uliel demonstrates this concept through characters and is personally my favorite part of the book as a whole. When Eytan eventually learns to open up and communicate with his friends and his family regarding his feelings and emotions, it was clear that there is hope for our generation and future generations to have more open conversations about male emotions.
Overall I would give this book a 3 out of 4 stars. I felt this was an appropriate rating because there were parts of the story that felt rushed over and undeveloped that deserved more attention, which was my least favorite part of the book. The length of the story might contribute to that fact, but it could’ve been addressed (I wouldn’t have been upset with a longer length novel). This book would appeal to an older audience that enjoys contemporary lit, and travel-centric fiction. This book does have a fairly decent amount of profanity and a few moments of sexuality that could offend some people, which should be taken into account as well.
April 12, 2019
This is the first time I’ve ever been given an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of a book to promote as part of a blog tour (thank you, Sage!) and I’m really glad that this was my first choice!
Man Mission, is Eytan Uriel’s true coming of age story told through a recounting of fifteen years of ‘guy trips’ that he took with his three best friends. Not only is the book well-written (you’ll be in awe of the descriptions of the amazing places to which these guys travelled) it’s emotional and thought-provoking.
We meet Eytan, Sam, Alec and Dan in college…they are embarking on their independent lives and exhibiting all the signs of early 20s young men; they are full with both hope and hubris. Over the next fifteen years, we get 15 chapters (one representing each year of the Man Mission trips they take) interspersed with stories surrounding the trips: they find careers, get married, have children and find their own struggles.
The trips that the 4 men take are as ridiculous as they are amazing: they are completely unprepared to do things like arduous hikes in New Zealand and sail in Thailand but the descriptions of their tenacity and the landscapes around them are incredible!
More incredible, perhaps, is the fifteen-year bond that develops between the 4 men and the insights into their hearts and minds that we are given by Uliel. As a woman, wife and ‘boy mom,’ I was fascinated by the men’s camaraderie, behaviors and perceptions of themselves. I learned a tremendous amount about the pressure that men place on themselves and their notions of what it means to be a man.
Along the path, I was often frustrated by the chauvinistic, chest-thumping activities the men engaged in but appreciated Uliel’s willingness to portray himself and his friends in an unvarnished way. The story, with all of the men’s sensitivities and flaws, rang true in a way that kept me reading to the end.
I found myself rejoicing in each man’s triumph’s and cringing at each man’s struggles. There were certainly triggers for me around some of the heartless, misogynistic behavior that is portrayed in the book but I considered it a fair trade-off for a glimpse inside these men’s hearts and minds.
The framework of a fifteen-year tradition was a great construct for allowing the reader to watch these 4 men grow up. I was especially taken with Uliel’s tongue-in-cheek ‘statistics’ at the end of every chapter. For example, these from Spain where one of the men discovers that his father has passed while he is on the trip:
MM VII Vital Statistics
Country: Spain
Location: White Villages of Andalusia
Mode of transport: Hiking
Distance covered: Sixty miles
Tine taken: Six days
Accommodation: Guesthouses
Injuries sustained: Sunburn and grief
If you have a love of travelogues and memoirs, this book provides the best of both worlds. As I mentioned, I read an ARC and it did not include any photos but if the final copy includes any photos of these ‘blokes’ and their adventures, I can only imagine that those would be great fun as well!
I highly recommend Uriel’s debut, Man Mission, for its look at the world: the ones both beyond our gaze and behind our eyes!
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2U3R11J
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eytan.uliel
Twitter: https://twitter.com/eytanuliel
Website: www.eytanuliel.com
www.manmissionthebook.com
July 11, 2019
“The pick-up truck hurtles down a dirt road in rural New Zealand. In the back it’s just me, four loaded guns, and some kilo of drugs. I’m going to die, I think. And not for the first time today.”
Well, that’s one way to grab my attention. It’s also the opening of the book Man Mission-Four Men, Fifteen Years, One Epic Journey-a bloke version of Eat, Pray, Love, but also a complete anti-thesis.
Written by seasoned traveler and writer Eytan Uliel, Man Mission is an exotic stew with hearty heapings of fiction, travel guide and possible memoir. And it’s also an eye-opener for anyone whose idea of roughing it is no room service and believes a week of adventure is a vacation at the local water park.
Man Mission is about four young men, still in college and about to start life in the “real world.” Because of their friendship and their love of travel, these four mates will get together to travel to one country per year and will deal with the good, bad, and ugly as only they can (or think they can). They continue to do this even as they embark on careers, marriage and family life. All four friends find challenge in both the humdrum of domesticity and the excitement of their “Man Mission.”
Man Mission is divided into three parts, simply called part one, part two, and part three; and it packs it up at the end with an epilogue called Home.
Some of the countries these mates traverse include Vietnam, Thailand, Fiji, South Africa, Iceland, Spain, Peru, and the good, old US of A. Included with the Man Mission is their manifesto, which includes such gems like going beyond one’s limits and no luxuries allowed.
A certain pink bracelet also is part of the Man Mission, a dude’s version of “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.”
Over the course of 15 years these mates straddle a high wire of challenges of their vacations with the challenges of careers and domesticity (and like I mentioned, often the last two seem more challenging than the actual adventures).
The travels are definitely crazy and audacious. And the dialogue among the men is very rich and detailed, filled with both macho bluster and candid vulnerability. It certainly gave me a look into the male mind. Men, are both simple and complex (in other words, human).
If I have one quibble when it comes to Man Mission, I do wish Uliel would have painted the women in Man Mission with a more colorful brush. To me, they came across with all the depth as a shot of tequila when I would have preferred a full margarita (FYI-raspberry margaritas are my fave).
But at the end, Man Mission is a fast-paced, comical, and riveting book. I think it would make one heck of a movie. Hugh Jackman, call your agent!
Originally published at the Book Self:
https://thebookselfblog.wordpress.com...
Well, that’s one way to grab my attention. It’s also the opening of the book Man Mission-Four Men, Fifteen Years, One Epic Journey-a bloke version of Eat, Pray, Love, but also a complete anti-thesis.
Written by seasoned traveler and writer Eytan Uliel, Man Mission is an exotic stew with hearty heapings of fiction, travel guide and possible memoir. And it’s also an eye-opener for anyone whose idea of roughing it is no room service and believes a week of adventure is a vacation at the local water park.
Man Mission is about four young men, still in college and about to start life in the “real world.” Because of their friendship and their love of travel, these four mates will get together to travel to one country per year and will deal with the good, bad, and ugly as only they can (or think they can). They continue to do this even as they embark on careers, marriage and family life. All four friends find challenge in both the humdrum of domesticity and the excitement of their “Man Mission.”
Man Mission is divided into three parts, simply called part one, part two, and part three; and it packs it up at the end with an epilogue called Home.
Some of the countries these mates traverse include Vietnam, Thailand, Fiji, South Africa, Iceland, Spain, Peru, and the good, old US of A. Included with the Man Mission is their manifesto, which includes such gems like going beyond one’s limits and no luxuries allowed.
A certain pink bracelet also is part of the Man Mission, a dude’s version of “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.”
Over the course of 15 years these mates straddle a high wire of challenges of their vacations with the challenges of careers and domesticity (and like I mentioned, often the last two seem more challenging than the actual adventures).
The travels are definitely crazy and audacious. And the dialogue among the men is very rich and detailed, filled with both macho bluster and candid vulnerability. It certainly gave me a look into the male mind. Men, are both simple and complex (in other words, human).
If I have one quibble when it comes to Man Mission, I do wish Uliel would have painted the women in Man Mission with a more colorful brush. To me, they came across with all the depth as a shot of tequila when I would have preferred a full margarita (FYI-raspberry margaritas are my fave).
But at the end, Man Mission is a fast-paced, comical, and riveting book. I think it would make one heck of a movie. Hugh Jackman, call your agent!
Originally published at the Book Self:
https://thebookselfblog.wordpress.com...
September 5, 2019
Rant to come
April 27, 2019
This was a surprisingly good read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
February 28, 2019
Imagine venturing on a trip each year to an exotic location and experiment.
“Dull entry-level work was the way to start” and it led to the creation of the Man Mission.
Sam, Daniel, Alec, and Eytan were friends since the beginning of time. Even though jobs and family got in the way, they never strayed from their friendship, which is why they always went on an adventurous trip each and every year.
“We were living life, doing guy things, and being real men.” (LOC 228)
“Ego mixed with adrenaline will drive men to do crazy things.” (LOC 303)
This epic journey was well-written and thought-provoking. It was an exhilarating reminder of why I aspire and continue my own travels, not just being “tied to the clock and hourly billings.”
As the years progressed and the men settled more into jobs, marriage, and family, the trips were more challenging to take, especially with nagging wives on you’re a#s. The ruggedness of these excursions weren’t always too appealing, but the author certainly expressed them with synthetic wit and inept humor. Story was a brotherly bond through manly idiotic excursions.
Also, the narrative awkwardly skips back and forth, causing slight confusion regarding the proper order of events. Scenes abruptly cut off and then go to another part in time, which was unsettling to me.
An intense adventure of soul-searching and brotherhood. It was just men trying to be men and do some stupid things.
“Dull entry-level work was the way to start” and it led to the creation of the Man Mission.
Sam, Daniel, Alec, and Eytan were friends since the beginning of time. Even though jobs and family got in the way, they never strayed from their friendship, which is why they always went on an adventurous trip each and every year.
“We were living life, doing guy things, and being real men.” (LOC 228)
“Ego mixed with adrenaline will drive men to do crazy things.” (LOC 303)
This epic journey was well-written and thought-provoking. It was an exhilarating reminder of why I aspire and continue my own travels, not just being “tied to the clock and hourly billings.”
As the years progressed and the men settled more into jobs, marriage, and family, the trips were more challenging to take, especially with nagging wives on you’re a#s. The ruggedness of these excursions weren’t always too appealing, but the author certainly expressed them with synthetic wit and inept humor. Story was a brotherly bond through manly idiotic excursions.
Also, the narrative awkwardly skips back and forth, causing slight confusion regarding the proper order of events. Scenes abruptly cut off and then go to another part in time, which was unsettling to me.
An intense adventure of soul-searching and brotherhood. It was just men trying to be men and do some stupid things.
April 4, 2019
A delightful and an unusual read about a man's perspective in life. How he views marriage, fatherhood, teenaged, ambitions, etc. I can assure that any reader will highly enjoy this action-packed, adventurous, comical and philosophical read.
August 4, 2023
Being a man is not about being tough. It's about being honest, even when it's hard. In Man Mission:Four Men, Fifteen Years, One Epic Journey" by Eytan Uliel, readers are taken on a captivating adventure filled with laughter, self-discovery, and deep friendship. This travelogue and coming-of-age story follows the lives of four friends, Eytan, Sam, Daniel, and Alec, as they embark on an annual adventure trip together. Through fifteen chapters, each representing a different year of their journey, Uliel beautifully captures the essence of their experiences, exploring the true meaning of manhood along the way.
Uliel's storytelling is both lively and well-told, engaging readers from the very first page. The author effortlessly creates vivid descriptions of the friends' global escapades, immersing readers in the thrill and excitement of their adventures. From adrenaline-pumping challenges to moments of profound introspection, each chapter presents a unique blend of humor, heart, and personal growth.
What sets Man Mission apart is its exploration of the meaning of manhood. Uliel fearlessly challenges traditional notions of masculinity, delving into the complexities and nuances of what it truly means to be a man. Through the eyes of the four friends, readers are invited to reflect on the significance of friendship, vulnerability, and self-discovery. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each bringing their own perspectives and growth to the narrative.
The book's candid account of a man's viewpoint offers readers a refreshing and honest portrayal of masculinity. It addresses the difficulties men face in a society that often expects them to be stoic and unemotional. Uliel's writing encourages men to embrace their vulnerabilities, to seek self-understanding, and to support one another in their journey towards personal growth.
In addition to its captivating content, it is worth mentioning that Man Mission is a testament to the author's meticulous editing and proofreading. Throughout the entire book, I did not encounter any notable errors or inconsistencies that would disrupt the reading flow. The polished nature of the writing further enhances the overall reading experience, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the story without distractions. The attention to detail in the editing process is commendable and showcases the author's commitment to delivering a high-quality book.
However, the book does have a couple of notable shortcomings. One major drawback is the lack of depth regarding the friends' lives beyond their annual adventures. Readers may find themselves yearning for a deeper understanding of the characters and their individual growth outside of the trips. It is also important to note that the use of profanities throughout the novel hindered my engagement with the story. While aiming for authenticity and rawness, the frequent inclusion of explicit language became a barrier, preventing me from fully immersing myself in the narrative and establishing a strong connection with the characters.
All this considered I rate Man Mission 3 out of 5 stars
Overall, Man Mission: Four Men, Fifteen Years, One Epic Journey is a hilarious, heartwarming, and thought-provoking book that will resonate with readers long after they finish reading it. Eytan Uliel's ability to capture the essence of friendship, adventure, and the true meaning of manhood is commendable. Whether you seek a thrilling travelogue, a captivating coming-of-age story, or a fresh perspective on masculinity, this book will not disappoint.
July 19, 2019
Partially a memoir, partially travel/adventure non-fiction….entirely addictive and mind-blowing, Man Mission by Eytan Uliel is about the author and his friends' men-only yearly trips, combining their need for unconventional (mis)adventures and good, local food.
Eytan and Sam met at law school and immediately got along so well that they remained friends even after graduating. Then life happens and 3 years pass. One day, Eytan and Sam reckoned about their plan of a men-only trip somewhere unfamiliar, where to test themselves and forget about the routine for a few days. To quote Bilbo Baggins, they wanted "to go on an adventure”…and they did! Not even two weeks later, the two friends are on a plane to New Zealand, wanting to hike the Harper’s Pass trail. Too bad they’re not physically trained, equipped nor prepared for a 4/5 days experience in the wild nature, miles and miles away from the first town. The trip turned out to be tragicomic, injuries and doubtful meetings included.
This first disastrous Man Mission, anyway, is followed by others, first with just Eytan and Sam participating, then the duo is joined by Alec and Daniel (who are also friends from the college days). These four reckless young men take us all around the world in 15 years: from Japan and South-East Asia to Europe and America, then Peru, South Africa and, of course, their home country as well, Australia. They’ll share laughter and tears, make new friends along the way and discovers almost magical sides of our beautiful planet.
I suspect the author took some creative licenses because some events feel like overly exaggerated (just read the 1st chapter, you’ll understand what I mean). I rated Man Mission 3 out of 4 stars because of this, but mainly because I didn’t like the editing style: the stories of the trips are intertwined with the protagonists lives events back at home...this 'back and forth' style might please some readers, however I found it confusing and not well organized.
Even so, I immediately felt a connection with the author’s longing for something ‘out of the box’, new experiences and escape the daily routine, even if just once a year. I found it amazing and heartwarming that these 4 friends managed to keep up to their promise and find time for their trips, which happened to be a way to bond and to share life’s struggles, insecurities, and doubts, all combined with funny encounters and events. I everything written in this book is the pure truth, Eytan & Co. should consider themselves extremely lucky to still be alive!
I lived in Asia for a while and I felt so happy to visit once again some of my favorite countries (Japan and Taiwan, for instance) with Eytan's point of view; it was like going back to a blank slate and discover everything all over again, which made me feel glad I read this book.
I'd suggest it to travel enthusiasts, explorers who love to go un-walked routes...even to people who're too scared to do it themselves, but still want to know what it feels like to just go and try.
Eytan and Sam met at law school and immediately got along so well that they remained friends even after graduating. Then life happens and 3 years pass. One day, Eytan and Sam reckoned about their plan of a men-only trip somewhere unfamiliar, where to test themselves and forget about the routine for a few days. To quote Bilbo Baggins, they wanted "to go on an adventure”…and they did! Not even two weeks later, the two friends are on a plane to New Zealand, wanting to hike the Harper’s Pass trail. Too bad they’re not physically trained, equipped nor prepared for a 4/5 days experience in the wild nature, miles and miles away from the first town. The trip turned out to be tragicomic, injuries and doubtful meetings included.
This first disastrous Man Mission, anyway, is followed by others, first with just Eytan and Sam participating, then the duo is joined by Alec and Daniel (who are also friends from the college days). These four reckless young men take us all around the world in 15 years: from Japan and South-East Asia to Europe and America, then Peru, South Africa and, of course, their home country as well, Australia. They’ll share laughter and tears, make new friends along the way and discovers almost magical sides of our beautiful planet.
I suspect the author took some creative licenses because some events feel like overly exaggerated (just read the 1st chapter, you’ll understand what I mean). I rated Man Mission 3 out of 4 stars because of this, but mainly because I didn’t like the editing style: the stories of the trips are intertwined with the protagonists lives events back at home...this 'back and forth' style might please some readers, however I found it confusing and not well organized.
Even so, I immediately felt a connection with the author’s longing for something ‘out of the box’, new experiences and escape the daily routine, even if just once a year. I found it amazing and heartwarming that these 4 friends managed to keep up to their promise and find time for their trips, which happened to be a way to bond and to share life’s struggles, insecurities, and doubts, all combined with funny encounters and events. I everything written in this book is the pure truth, Eytan & Co. should consider themselves extremely lucky to still be alive!
I lived in Asia for a while and I felt so happy to visit once again some of my favorite countries (Japan and Taiwan, for instance) with Eytan's point of view; it was like going back to a blank slate and discover everything all over again, which made me feel glad I read this book.
I'd suggest it to travel enthusiasts, explorers who love to go un-walked routes...even to people who're too scared to do it themselves, but still want to know what it feels like to just go and try.
July 9, 2023
Title: "Man Mission" by Eytan Uliel
Rating: 4 out of 5
Review: Paulo Pereira
"Man Mission" by Eytan Uliel is a disappointing and underwhelming novel that falls short of its potential. While it promises an exhilarating sci-fi adventure, the execution of the plot, the lackluster characters, and the inconsistent writing style prevent it from reaching the heights expected from a book in this genre.
The story follows Jake Anderson, who embarks on a dangerous mission in a futuristic world. However, the plot feels disjointed and fails to engage the reader fully. The pacing is uneven, with long stretches of monotonous exposition followed by hurried action sequences. This imbalance disrupts the flow of the narrative and leaves the reader feeling disconnected from the story.
Unfortunately, the characters in "Man Mission" lack depth and fail to evoke any emotional investment. Jake Anderson, the protagonist, is portrayed as a generic and unremarkable hero without any distinguishing qualities. The supporting characters are equally one-dimensional, with minimal development or memorable traits. As a result, it becomes challenging to care about their fates or become invested in their journey.
The world-building in "Man Mission" also leaves much to be desired. While the concept of a futuristic society with advanced technology is intriguing, the execution lacks originality and fails to captivate. The descriptions of the world and its technology lack detail and fail to paint a vivid picture in the reader's mind. This lack of immersive world-building hampers the overall reading experience and prevents the story from coming alive.
Additionally, the writing style in "Man Mission" is inconsistent and often feels amateurish. The prose is riddled with clichés and awkward phrasing, making it difficult to become engrossed in the story. The dialogue feels stilted and lacks natural flow, further hindering the development of the characters and their interactions.
Thematically, "Man Mission" touches upon important ideas such as the ethics of scientific advancements and the consequences of our actions. However, these themes are not explored in a meaningful or thought-provoking manner. They are merely mentioned in passing, without any significant depth or analysis. This missed opportunity to delve into thought-provoking concepts diminishes the overall impact of the novel.
In conclusion, "Man Mission" by Eytan Uliel fails to live up to its potential as an engaging sci-fi adventure. The weak plot, shallow characters, lackluster world-building, and inconsistent writing style prevent it from being a satisfying read. While the premise may be intriguing, the execution falls flat, leaving the reader disappointed. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend "Man Mission" as a noteworthy addition to the genre. I like travel stories and I rate it 4 out of 5.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Review: Paulo Pereira
"Man Mission" by Eytan Uliel is a disappointing and underwhelming novel that falls short of its potential. While it promises an exhilarating sci-fi adventure, the execution of the plot, the lackluster characters, and the inconsistent writing style prevent it from reaching the heights expected from a book in this genre.
The story follows Jake Anderson, who embarks on a dangerous mission in a futuristic world. However, the plot feels disjointed and fails to engage the reader fully. The pacing is uneven, with long stretches of monotonous exposition followed by hurried action sequences. This imbalance disrupts the flow of the narrative and leaves the reader feeling disconnected from the story.
Unfortunately, the characters in "Man Mission" lack depth and fail to evoke any emotional investment. Jake Anderson, the protagonist, is portrayed as a generic and unremarkable hero without any distinguishing qualities. The supporting characters are equally one-dimensional, with minimal development or memorable traits. As a result, it becomes challenging to care about their fates or become invested in their journey.
The world-building in "Man Mission" also leaves much to be desired. While the concept of a futuristic society with advanced technology is intriguing, the execution lacks originality and fails to captivate. The descriptions of the world and its technology lack detail and fail to paint a vivid picture in the reader's mind. This lack of immersive world-building hampers the overall reading experience and prevents the story from coming alive.
Additionally, the writing style in "Man Mission" is inconsistent and often feels amateurish. The prose is riddled with clichés and awkward phrasing, making it difficult to become engrossed in the story. The dialogue feels stilted and lacks natural flow, further hindering the development of the characters and their interactions.
Thematically, "Man Mission" touches upon important ideas such as the ethics of scientific advancements and the consequences of our actions. However, these themes are not explored in a meaningful or thought-provoking manner. They are merely mentioned in passing, without any significant depth or analysis. This missed opportunity to delve into thought-provoking concepts diminishes the overall impact of the novel.
In conclusion, "Man Mission" by Eytan Uliel fails to live up to its potential as an engaging sci-fi adventure. The weak plot, shallow characters, lackluster world-building, and inconsistent writing style prevent it from being a satisfying read. While the premise may be intriguing, the execution falls flat, leaving the reader disappointed. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend "Man Mission" as a noteworthy addition to the genre. I like travel stories and I rate it 4 out of 5.
August 3, 2022
Man Mission is a quest for self-discovery and self-realization, written by Eytan Uliel. It follows four friends: Eytan, Sam, Daniel, and Alec. These friends are out for fun and adventure as an escape from reality. They tour the world, experimenting with different bizarre meals and fun activities. These activities encompass cycling, hiking, and kayaking. Their adventure soon becomes an annual ritual for the next fifteen years. These four friends soon realize how much of each other they need to remain sane.
Initially, when I saw the name Man Mission, I felt it would be like those superhero villain types of books. But reading this book showed me life from another angle. It revealed a forthright account of a man’s opinion on issues ranging from career and relationship to fatherhood. It is like viewing the world from a man's perspective. Furthermore, It is a story of self-discovery and assiduousness. It is an attempt to explain the exquisiteness of the working of the adult male mind.
The theme of this book is friendship. These four men enlightened me that camaraderie is the smile of encouragement when the path seems hard. Friendship is the helping hand when the burden becomes unbearable.
I liked the addition of maps. Each chapter of the book has a label, and these labels gave a see-through of what each chapter addressed. The author follows their thrilling adventure while integrating these tours of incidents in their lives.
The voyages of these friends were to comprehend what else there is to life. It imposed them to take the foolhardy step of living a whole life without penalty or compromise. Certainly, Man Mission guarantees a tale of a lifetime.
I appreciate the well-constructed dialogues. It captured the competitive candor of boys having fun. The first-person narrative used in the writing of this book gave it a unique, personal touch. The character development was also impressive.
Eytan Uliel portrays each scenery with the narrative authority of a man who has been there and done it all. His descriptive prowess made me feel as though I traveled alongside the characters of this book. The narration was very realistic.
Even though the author's narration was clear, I felt he should have added some pictures to enhance the imagination of each location explored. Nevertheless, the book was exceptionally well-edited and had no errors. Because of the profanities, I would not recommend this book to a younger audience. I would rate Man Mission 5 out of 5 stars because it was spurting with action and laughter. I recommend this book to buffs of adventure and travel.
I submitted this review for OBC as well and can be found here: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
Initially, when I saw the name Man Mission, I felt it would be like those superhero villain types of books. But reading this book showed me life from another angle. It revealed a forthright account of a man’s opinion on issues ranging from career and relationship to fatherhood. It is like viewing the world from a man's perspective. Furthermore, It is a story of self-discovery and assiduousness. It is an attempt to explain the exquisiteness of the working of the adult male mind.
The theme of this book is friendship. These four men enlightened me that camaraderie is the smile of encouragement when the path seems hard. Friendship is the helping hand when the burden becomes unbearable.
I liked the addition of maps. Each chapter of the book has a label, and these labels gave a see-through of what each chapter addressed. The author follows their thrilling adventure while integrating these tours of incidents in their lives.
The voyages of these friends were to comprehend what else there is to life. It imposed them to take the foolhardy step of living a whole life without penalty or compromise. Certainly, Man Mission guarantees a tale of a lifetime.
I appreciate the well-constructed dialogues. It captured the competitive candor of boys having fun. The first-person narrative used in the writing of this book gave it a unique, personal touch. The character development was also impressive.
Eytan Uliel portrays each scenery with the narrative authority of a man who has been there and done it all. His descriptive prowess made me feel as though I traveled alongside the characters of this book. The narration was very realistic.
Even though the author's narration was clear, I felt he should have added some pictures to enhance the imagination of each location explored. Nevertheless, the book was exceptionally well-edited and had no errors. Because of the profanities, I would not recommend this book to a younger audience. I would rate Man Mission 5 out of 5 stars because it was spurting with action and laughter. I recommend this book to buffs of adventure and travel.
I submitted this review for OBC as well and can be found here: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
October 4, 2023
With his friend Sam, Eytan Uriel established a tradition of exploration. Daniel and Alec joined them shortly after. They coordinated themselves to travel to a different location for a sporting excursion once a year for 15 years. They visited locations including Australia, Taiwan, Peru, and other places in this fashion. They engaged in sports like hiking and cycling. This yearly contest is called Man Mission, but this tale is not just about thrilling trials and macho customs. It describes the challenges that males face in their daily lives and the pressure that comes with being the head of the family. The protagonists' lives are gradually filled in with facts by Eytan Uriel, allowing us to observe how they develop and alter through time.
The excitement and real-world scenarios in Man Mission are the ideal match. The narrative shows us the joyful moments within our own successes and trials and makes us lament trying circumstances like divorce. The author reminisces on such adventures while narrating as though you were a buddy. Man Mission shows that despite the challenges we face, life can still be enjoyable and fun. And I think this realism adds a valuable, thoughtful touch.
Unfortunately, there is a lot of vulgar language in this narrative. I believe the goal is to make the story seem realistic. However, because the editing is flawless, it does not diminish the worth of the story. The formatting was done with great care by the author. Everything is also well arranged. I make it clear that this work contains sexual material that some readers may find offensive. It is not particularly awful either because it properly suits the story's premise and because it is important to understand some situations' specifics. Although the qualities I have mentioned are not unfavorable, I am unable to suggest Man Mission to all audiences.
I rate Man Mission 5 out of 5 stars for its exceptional storyline and ability to manage such a complicated subject with superb structure. This story is amazing because it understands how to describe the passage of time effectively without becoming stale or boring. We get to know the four buddies quite well because they each have their own circumstances. I thought Man Mission was a brilliantly balanced plot because of this.
I recommend Man Mission for mature audiences. Although it deals with serious subjects, the author has a great sense of humor and understands how to use irony effectively. As a result, the narrative is enjoyable and has a friendly feel to it. Although it is written from a male perspective, the topics are excellent and will appeal greatly to women. This narrative is for you if you enjoy adventure and stories set in exotic locales with a wonderful dash of realism.
September 2, 2022
Man Mission di Eytan Uliel è un libro piacevole e a tratti commovente che parla di vulnerabilità e fratellanza. Narra la storia di quattro amici che danno origine a una tradizione: ogni anno organizzano quello che loro definiscono "Man Mission", ossia una missione da uomini, nella quale partono per un luogo esotico e selvaggio al di fuori del sentiero battuto e si spingono ad uscire dalla propria zona di comfort cogliendo l'opportunità di provare cose nuove e di sfidarsi in prove di coraggio e resistenza. Dall'esterno sembra un giochetto da ragazzini, ma si rivela essere molto più di questo. È un ritrovo speciale che aspettano tutto l'anno. È una via di fuga temporanea dalle loro vite, dove da loro ci si aspetta che siano sempre forti, che sacrifichino sempre se stessi e i propri bisogni per il bene di coloro che amano, e dove piangere non gli è concesso. Durante questi viaggi annuali possono finalmente essere loro stessi, e comportandosi come bambini alla fine imparano cosa significa davvero essere un uomo, al di là degli stereotipi. E quando tornano a casa, riflettono sulle lezioni imparate, e diventano persone migliori una missione alla volta. C'è una profonda connessione tra le sfide emotive che affrontano nella vita di tutti i giorni, e quelle fisiche che cercano viaggio dopo viaggio. Il bisogno di sentire di avere il controllo è infatti molto presente nel corso della storia.
È una bella storia di amicizia e dei cambiamenti della vita, e che mostra come tutti commettono errori; ciò che davvero conta è imparare da essi. Seguendo le disavventure dei personaggi, impariamo che essere un "vero uomo" non significa essere forte, impavido, e audace. Significa vincere i ruoli di genere e mostrare le proprie fragilità. Questo è coraggio. Ho apprezzato il senso dell'umorismo dell'autore ed il suo stile, molto diretto.
Purtroppo ho trovato un po' fastidioso il continuo saltare avanti e indietro negli eventi all'improvviso, trovo che crei grande confusione. Inoltre, man mano che si va avanti con la lettura, le avventure diventano sempre meno originali. Non noiose, però rispetto alle prime che ho trovato particolarmente esilaranti, le ultime a confronto risultano un tantino deludenti.
Consiglio ugualmente questo libro a chi ama i viaggi avventurosi dove non manca però la ricerca interiore e un pizzico di divertimento.
November 2, 2023
"Man Mission by Eytan Uliel " is a remarkable fiction novel that defies traditional stereotypes of masculinity while taking readers on a globetrotting adventure. This book carries the vibe of a rom-com, intertwining it with a soul-searching journey from a man's perspective.
The story revolves around four friends who embark on a life-altering annual adventure for fifteen years, starting in their late 20s. The book offers a vivid portrayal of their escapades, which is sure to leave readers yearning for their own thrilling adventures.
"Man Mission" is not a weekend read; it is quite lengthy, but the length serves as a testament to the depth and complexity of the characters and their journeys. Along the way, the protagonists navigate the expectations of adulthood—marriage, career, and family life. As they face the challenges and conflicts of real life, their friendship and the annual mission become a source of stability and redemption, providing a unique perspective on the evolving definition of masculinity.
"Man Mission" offers a fresh take on the traditional narrative of self-discovery through world travel. It defies conventions by presenting this journey from a masculine perspective, shedding light on the complexities of modern manhood and the search for meaning and purpose.
The story's unconventional approach is refreshing, as it challenges stereotypical expectations associated with men and the quest for self-discovery. Author's narrative beautifully captures the essence of friendship and self-exploration against the backdrop of thrilling adventures.
While the book's length might deter some readers looking for a quick read, the content more than makes up for it. For those who appreciate a deep dive into the human experience, this book is a treasure. If "Man Mission" were divided into multiple instalments, it could potentially enhance the reading experience. Nevertheless, with its unique perspective, intriguing characters, captivating adventures and professional editing, this book deserves a strong 4/5 stars and is a must-read for those seeking a thought-provoking and entertaining journey.
The story revolves around four friends who embark on a life-altering annual adventure for fifteen years, starting in their late 20s. The book offers a vivid portrayal of their escapades, which is sure to leave readers yearning for their own thrilling adventures.
"Man Mission" is not a weekend read; it is quite lengthy, but the length serves as a testament to the depth and complexity of the characters and their journeys. Along the way, the protagonists navigate the expectations of adulthood—marriage, career, and family life. As they face the challenges and conflicts of real life, their friendship and the annual mission become a source of stability and redemption, providing a unique perspective on the evolving definition of masculinity.
"Man Mission" offers a fresh take on the traditional narrative of self-discovery through world travel. It defies conventions by presenting this journey from a masculine perspective, shedding light on the complexities of modern manhood and the search for meaning and purpose.
The story's unconventional approach is refreshing, as it challenges stereotypical expectations associated with men and the quest for self-discovery. Author's narrative beautifully captures the essence of friendship and self-exploration against the backdrop of thrilling adventures.
While the book's length might deter some readers looking for a quick read, the content more than makes up for it. For those who appreciate a deep dive into the human experience, this book is a treasure. If "Man Mission" were divided into multiple instalments, it could potentially enhance the reading experience. Nevertheless, with its unique perspective, intriguing characters, captivating adventures and professional editing, this book deserves a strong 4/5 stars and is a must-read for those seeking a thought-provoking and entertaining journey.
February 25, 2025
If I were asked to summarize this story in two words, it would be loyalty and adventure. The book Man Mission by Eytan Uliel tells the story of four friends bonded by loyalty, adventure, friendship, and love. They would rather risk their lives for the thrill of an adventure than live by the barest minimum. These friends spent over 15 years traveling and exploring the continent for the thrill of an adventure. The love and brotherhood shared by these four friends are breathtaking, and the most fantastic part is that they do this with a sense of humor beyond comprehension.
No matter how thrilling these experiences are, their lives are no longer about them alone, as they have to deal with the challenges of having wives and children and make necessary adjustments to their new phases of life. The fact that these men make serious situations look like jokes is also a mystery. The entire narrative was funny to me. It was almost as if I were present in the scenes.
It is intriguing how authors can describe other cultures and the topography of different countries and ideally bring them to life. The setting of this story took place in more than just one country. The author carefully incorporated different cultures into the story; countries like South Korea, South Sudan, and Spain were mentioned, and the author did a fine job describing them.
I noticed two things that affected my love for the book. First, there was excessive use of profane words. The author would still have passed his message ideally if he had reduced the number of profane words he used. The second aspect is that some aspects of the book needed to be shorter. The book remains a work of art. It is nothing short of a masterpiece. Because of these reasons, I rate the book five out of five stars.
Despite being wordy and containing many profane words, I found the book to be perfectly edited, and it did not have a single error. I recommend this to people interested in trying new things and taking on new adventures.
No matter how thrilling these experiences are, their lives are no longer about them alone, as they have to deal with the challenges of having wives and children and make necessary adjustments to their new phases of life. The fact that these men make serious situations look like jokes is also a mystery. The entire narrative was funny to me. It was almost as if I were present in the scenes.
It is intriguing how authors can describe other cultures and the topography of different countries and ideally bring them to life. The setting of this story took place in more than just one country. The author carefully incorporated different cultures into the story; countries like South Korea, South Sudan, and Spain were mentioned, and the author did a fine job describing them.
I noticed two things that affected my love for the book. First, there was excessive use of profane words. The author would still have passed his message ideally if he had reduced the number of profane words he used. The second aspect is that some aspects of the book needed to be shorter. The book remains a work of art. It is nothing short of a masterpiece. Because of these reasons, I rate the book five out of five stars.
Despite being wordy and containing many profane words, I found the book to be perfectly edited, and it did not have a single error. I recommend this to people interested in trying new things and taking on new adventures.
November 25, 2023
** 4 stars **
I took me a long time to finish this book because initially the story sounded like a combination of a travelogue and man-bonding journals. It took about five man-missions for me to truly engage with the book and the characters.
The story centred around the annual adventures of four men who were childhood friends. Through these annual meetings, we follow the men from their formative years to young adulthood through to their middle-age. The readers were able to explored many sensitive topics such as the highs & lows of corporate career, death of a parent, vasectomy, personal bankruptcy, collapse of a marriage, through the eyes of these men.
The narrative gave the reader an insight into what it is like to be a man in the modern society and how easily it is to crumble under the pressure of expectations. Behind the facade of seeming success, financial security and stable marriage we were offered glimpses of insecurity, loneliness, fear and self-doubt. The most destructive was allocation of gender role where a man is seen as the provider; the one to sacrifice his own ambition for the safety of his family. Thankfully the stigma of admitting to having emotions as a man is lessening in today's society and it is now more prevalent to see men support groups.
In the end I found myself experiencing the man missions with the four friends. I got to know them and saw them developed and grew as people over the fifteen years. The adventures and the sites covered by the missions were adrenalin-filled and breathtakingly bad-ass. I have enjoyed the vicarious pleasure.
I took me a long time to finish this book because initially the story sounded like a combination of a travelogue and man-bonding journals. It took about five man-missions for me to truly engage with the book and the characters.
The story centred around the annual adventures of four men who were childhood friends. Through these annual meetings, we follow the men from their formative years to young adulthood through to their middle-age. The readers were able to explored many sensitive topics such as the highs & lows of corporate career, death of a parent, vasectomy, personal bankruptcy, collapse of a marriage, through the eyes of these men.
The narrative gave the reader an insight into what it is like to be a man in the modern society and how easily it is to crumble under the pressure of expectations. Behind the facade of seeming success, financial security and stable marriage we were offered glimpses of insecurity, loneliness, fear and self-doubt. The most destructive was allocation of gender role where a man is seen as the provider; the one to sacrifice his own ambition for the safety of his family. Thankfully the stigma of admitting to having emotions as a man is lessening in today's society and it is now more prevalent to see men support groups.
In the end I found myself experiencing the man missions with the four friends. I got to know them and saw them developed and grew as people over the fifteen years. The adventures and the sites covered by the missions were adrenalin-filled and breathtakingly bad-ass. I have enjoyed the vicarious pleasure.
August 1, 2019
Over the course of fifteen years, four best friends tackle life head on. They seem to survive the daily grind with the promise of an epic adventure once a year. The story is told through the eyes of Eytan, perhaps the least adventurous of the four.
We read of the good, the bad, and the ugly side of human nature. The characters go through all the typical joys and trials of life, from graduation, employment, marriage and families to divorce, injuries, joblessness and malaise.
The travel adventures are very well described. I felt like I was immersed in the man missions with these four best friends. The characters each had well-defined roles in the trips that seemed to correlate with their life skills. The female characters don’t have a lot of dialogue in the story but they figure prominently in the character development of the males.
The following paragraph sums up the story quite well: The manliest of all adventures wasn’t to kayak across a wild ocean, or ride up a steep hill, or trek through an inhospitable jungle. It was to live a whole life, without forfeit or compromise. The most authentic Man Mission of them all was simply to keep moving forward; to make the journey, even when hard and painful.
I recommend this book to adventurous people, whether of body or soul, as well as readers who love to delve into human nature.
We read of the good, the bad, and the ugly side of human nature. The characters go through all the typical joys and trials of life, from graduation, employment, marriage and families to divorce, injuries, joblessness and malaise.
The travel adventures are very well described. I felt like I was immersed in the man missions with these four best friends. The characters each had well-defined roles in the trips that seemed to correlate with their life skills. The female characters don’t have a lot of dialogue in the story but they figure prominently in the character development of the males.
The following paragraph sums up the story quite well: The manliest of all adventures wasn’t to kayak across a wild ocean, or ride up a steep hill, or trek through an inhospitable jungle. It was to live a whole life, without forfeit or compromise. The most authentic Man Mission of them all was simply to keep moving forward; to make the journey, even when hard and painful.
I recommend this book to adventurous people, whether of body or soul, as well as readers who love to delve into human nature.
July 23, 2019
This is a beautifully written story that follows a group of young friends as they follow each other into the world of adulthood. Eytan, Daniel, Sam, and Alec successfully create a way to get away from their every day lives every year and to bond. Their yearly trips help them to explore, rejuvenate, heal, and become better people in general. Their love of the adventure may be what helps them bond but it's the incredible ups and downs they go through that bring them together even more. I loved their journey! This is a fabulous read for anyone who needs an escape from their own reality and follows the men's journies and becomes part of the mission. An escape is sometimes needed and the adventure is therein each one. From travels, quotes, notes, antics, and relatability makes me feel just a little bit more. I really enjoyed the story. I applaud them for being able to make their dream a reality and truly create incredible memories.
August 14, 2023
This book was provided to me by OnlineBookClub, and here is my official review: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
I gotta say that I loved this book from the beginning. I love adventurous travel stories, and this was a very good choice for me. It's a story about four friends living their everyday lives and once a year escaping for a little bit dangerous, very exciting, and very original adventure.
There was so much wisdom and real-life stories and thoughts. I felt like I knew exactly how the characters felt because I deal with similar things sometimes. And I knew that if I won´t try hard, a similar future might be there for me. From this book, I learned many things about men, about life, and about choices. Some of it will serve as a warning, and some of it will just be a fact.
This book also made me envious and made me dream. One day, I want to have a mission, "Woman Mission", with my friends.
I gotta say that I loved this book from the beginning. I love adventurous travel stories, and this was a very good choice for me. It's a story about four friends living their everyday lives and once a year escaping for a little bit dangerous, very exciting, and very original adventure.
There was so much wisdom and real-life stories and thoughts. I felt like I knew exactly how the characters felt because I deal with similar things sometimes. And I knew that if I won´t try hard, a similar future might be there for me. From this book, I learned many things about men, about life, and about choices. Some of it will serve as a warning, and some of it will just be a fact.
This book also made me envious and made me dream. One day, I want to have a mission, "Woman Mission", with my friends.
December 11, 2023
The story not only focuses on the adventures the friends embark on but also discusses their lives. They must juggle these adventures with the demands of everyday life, including decisions about the types of jobs to pursue, finding the right woman to fall in love with, getting married, having children, and navigating the challenges of maintaining a marriage that is falling apart. There were moments when friends openly shared their embarrassing feelings, discussed their mistakes, and acknowledged the struggles in their failing marriages. These raw and authentic revelations allow readers to deeply connect with the book as it explores how different friends offer unique forms of support,showing the distinct contributions each individual brings to the table.
August 16, 2019
I wasn't sure I would like this book but I found it absolutely enjoyable.
The storyteller takes you on his and his friends incredible journeys, cycling through many different countries including North Korea. Their journeys are filled with insights not only into the places they visit but also themselves.
The storyteller also takes you on his own personal journey of pure happiness with the marriage and birth if his children, his complete disappointment with his career path and an understanding of himself.
In the end the storyteller found peace and understanding and personal growth.
The storyteller takes you on his and his friends incredible journeys, cycling through many different countries including North Korea. Their journeys are filled with insights not only into the places they visit but also themselves.
The storyteller also takes you on his own personal journey of pure happiness with the marriage and birth if his children, his complete disappointment with his career path and an understanding of himself.
In the end the storyteller found peace and understanding and personal growth.
August 22, 2019
A Good Book For Guys
Man Mission is about four men, who partake in an annual ritual of high adventures in exotic locations. It is also a story about how the men change and grow as they get older.
The author does a great job intermingling the current year's man's mission with events that happened during each year. He also does a wonderful job of describing each location the mission takes place at.
The main character, whose name is not mentioned through out the book is a very annoying crybaby, but this book is still a good read.
Man Mission is about four men, who partake in an annual ritual of high adventures in exotic locations. It is also a story about how the men change and grow as they get older.
The author does a great job intermingling the current year's man's mission with events that happened during each year. He also does a wonderful job of describing each location the mission takes place at.
The main character, whose name is not mentioned through out the book is a very annoying crybaby, but this book is still a good read.
August 15, 2019
Push past the misogyny for a story of self revelation
Push past the misogyny and chest beating bravado and there’s a jaunty tale of 4 friends traipsing the globe in search of themselves, even if they don’t know it, yet. The story’s at its best when the main character exposes the pain of his marriage and his vulnerability when coming to grips with what it means to be a male tethered to traditional stereotypes.
Push past the misogyny and chest beating bravado and there’s a jaunty tale of 4 friends traipsing the globe in search of themselves, even if they don’t know it, yet. The story’s at its best when the main character exposes the pain of his marriage and his vulnerability when coming to grips with what it means to be a male tethered to traditional stereotypes.
August 16, 2019
I absolutely loved this journey. The storyteller gave a wonderful account of the journeys he took with his friends through the years. While making h is weeklong trips yearly, he also made an internal journey that brought conflict, resolution and finally understanding through his journey. He finally found much of what he was seeking on that personal journey.
August 26, 2019
The story of one man's journey through life alone and with friends
Man Mission is the story of four friends and their journey through adulthood together. They travel on man missions each year and through life together. It is also , the story of one man's journey to accept himself and find happiness
Man Mission is the story of four friends and their journey through adulthood together. They travel on man missions each year and through life together. It is also , the story of one man's journey to accept himself and find happiness
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