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Gui Ren: Extraordinary Stories of Ordinary People
Gui Ren is a written Chinese phrase that encompasses the synchronicity of people entering your life with purposeful timing to help guide you through difficult challenges. Erin O'Neil graduated from college with a plane ticket across the globe and her dream job in hand. She had all the building blocks in place for a successful post-graduate career and a thrilling adventure. But when all fell tumbling down on her, and she found herself stranded in Shanghai, China, unemployed and heartbroken, she knew she had a decision to make. Gui Ren is about a young woman's mission to prove that there is always a choice; that it's possible to perceive a devastating loss as an opportunity to grow. It's about the synchronicity of adventure and the people who impacted her life along the way. Erin began to discover meaningful connections and unanticipated friendships as she traveled through China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Gui Ren is about travel, love, vulnerability, and transformation. It is about the places that left her breathless and the people who changed her life forever.
350 pages, Paperback
Published August 9, 2019
4 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 10, 2020
What is it about travel that makes you so willing to trust strangers and try new things? Author Erin O'Neil puts into words the unexpected openness that travel begets and inspires people to seek their own 'gui ren' both at home and abroad. This warmhearted memoir reminds us that the best souvenir we can take with us are memories of the people we connected with.
This is a travel book for sure, as Erin travels throughout much of China and Southeast Asia, but what makes this book different is that it focuses on the random people that travelers inevitably come across, the strangers that do you a favor for no reason at all, the acquaintances you pour your heart out to, the new friends that share life with you even if its only for a short time.
Gui Ren is light on travel itineraries or details about destinations but is rich in inspiration to travel, respect for Asian cultures, and positive reflection on humanity.
This is a travel book for sure, as Erin travels throughout much of China and Southeast Asia, but what makes this book different is that it focuses on the random people that travelers inevitably come across, the strangers that do you a favor for no reason at all, the acquaintances you pour your heart out to, the new friends that share life with you even if its only for a short time.
Gui Ren is light on travel itineraries or details about destinations but is rich in inspiration to travel, respect for Asian cultures, and positive reflection on humanity.
July 21, 2020
Quotes (conversations with Tamara Holder) from the chapter entitled ‘Life Lessons & Chocolate Martini’s’ gave me phrases I feel exuberant to now have in my vocabulary.
One of the many: “Never, ever, EVER, give anyone permission to tell you whether or not you're worth it. NEVER give someone the power to dictate your abilities. No one has the right to determine your success, so don't even give them the opportunity to do so. You are so much better than that."
Yep ... I needed to read that.
I recommend the book, not every part of it is going to be for you .... however, if you are like me when you find a part that is, your breathing will alter, your perspective will constructively change, and you will say, “Yeah. This.”
One of the many: “Never, ever, EVER, give anyone permission to tell you whether or not you're worth it. NEVER give someone the power to dictate your abilities. No one has the right to determine your success, so don't even give them the opportunity to do so. You are so much better than that."
Yep ... I needed to read that.
I recommend the book, not every part of it is going to be for you .... however, if you are like me when you find a part that is, your breathing will alter, your perspective will constructively change, and you will say, “Yeah. This.”
December 27, 2019
Wonderful book about travel, life choices and inspiration. It is the kind of book that makes you want to get off the couch and travel the world. It is written so simply and honestly.
December 28, 2019
I love this book. It's like me and the author are sitting together over dinner and she is telling me this awe inspiring tale. Her story moved me so many times. Beautifully written.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews