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Looking for the Lioness: A Safari to Myself
Did you ever want to run away from home?Feeling battered by multiple losses, including her parents, her husband, and her job, Mary needs a change. She doesn't just want another job, she wants another life. Carrying the baggage of anxiety and low self-esteem, she moves to Africa to heal her bruises and rediscover her strength and purpose. She is captivated by the people, the land and the animals, but nothing seems to go right and disaster threatens.
How will Mary overcome adversity and unleash the power of her inner lioness to fulfill her childhood dreams?Looking for the Lioness is an intriguing memoir of a difficult time when Mary Morrison abandoned everything to start a new life as a volunteer teacher half way around the world. If you like vivid descriptions, fighting against the odds, and learning to believe in yourself, then you’ll love Mary Morrison’s epic adventure. Buy this book today!
2020 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards Gold Medal Winner
"Sometimes you have to give a little push, one way or the other, to get past the depression, low self-esteem, unhealthy relationships, procrastination, or whatever is holding you back from living your best life." Mary Morrison
How will Mary overcome adversity and unleash the power of her inner lioness to fulfill her childhood dreams?Looking for the Lioness is an intriguing memoir of a difficult time when Mary Morrison abandoned everything to start a new life as a volunteer teacher half way around the world. If you like vivid descriptions, fighting against the odds, and learning to believe in yourself, then you’ll love Mary Morrison’s epic adventure. Buy this book today!
2020 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards Gold Medal Winner
"Sometimes you have to give a little push, one way or the other, to get past the depression, low self-esteem, unhealthy relationships, procrastination, or whatever is holding you back from living your best life." Mary Morrison
- GenresMemoirAfricaNonfiction
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 22, 2019
77 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Mary Morrison
2 books6 followersMary Morrison got the travel bug early. She haunted the travel section of her local public library in California and wrote to the New Zealand consulate at age 12 to ask about immigrating there. They sent her a poster, which stayed on her bedroom wall for several years. She has traveled to over 100 countries seeking connection to people and places. She currently lives in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains of Western North Carolina and travels often to volunteer and enjoy new people and experiences
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 23, 2020
3,75 sterren - Free Amazon English Ebook 🦋🦋🦋
A book about a sixty year old lady from Californië who goes to Africa as an English teacher. Nothing keeps her in the USA. She needs to do some self development and thinks that that is the way to do it. Page by page you read her experiences. I enjoyed it but it is not the best book I ever did read. 🌹🌹🌹
A book about a sixty year old lady from Californië who goes to Africa as an English teacher. Nothing keeps her in the USA. She needs to do some self development and thinks that that is the way to do it. Page by page you read her experiences. I enjoyed it but it is not the best book I ever did read. 🌹🌹🌹
January 3, 2020
Engaging and Inspiring
I love how this book was written. I felt as if I was also in the author’s journey to Africa and felt her experiences of pain and joy and the realizations of her inner strength. There are several information a reader can get about Africa especially for the tourists. The book has a continuation, but I love that the author shared her courage to face her fears and inspired the readers going through the same journey. I look forward to her next book. Read this now!
I love how this book was written. I felt as if I was also in the author’s journey to Africa and felt her experiences of pain and joy and the realizations of her inner strength. There are several information a reader can get about Africa especially for the tourists. The book has a continuation, but I love that the author shared her courage to face her fears and inspired the readers going through the same journey. I look forward to her next book. Read this now!
January 2, 2020
Always love to learn from those older and wiser
Loved Mama Mary's story and her rich descriptions of the African culture and reflections on her time in Ngara and seeing those nearby places of historical significance such as Rwanda and how they can apply to today. Have courage to find yourself and be like the river waters: continue to flow and thrive.
Loved Mama Mary's story and her rich descriptions of the African culture and reflections on her time in Ngara and seeing those nearby places of historical significance such as Rwanda and how they can apply to today. Have courage to find yourself and be like the river waters: continue to flow and thrive.
March 18, 2022
Africa, waterfalls, and rainbows. What more do you need? Did you ever dare to dream of running away to Africa? I have, and when Mary’s life falls apart, she does just that. Her colorful descriptions made me feel like I was there with her. From safaris to everyday life as a volunteer teacher, Mary shows us it’s possible to learn to believe in yourself again. Do you need to go all the way to Africa to do this? Maybe not. But you won’t regret joining Mary on her trip in this fantastic inspirational read. Are you ready for an adventure?
June 6, 2022
4,25 stars- English Ebook
Nice story about a woman finding herself again in her late 50’s.
It’s a nice adventure tale that contrasts the differences between life in the West and a place like Africa. I live in the Netherlands, but the descriptions of life where she is compared to whereI live it makes I’m living in luxury.
There are several subtle life lessons in this story as well about the importance of relationships in life and how nature have their for you.
Nice story about a woman finding herself again in her late 50’s.
It’s a nice adventure tale that contrasts the differences between life in the West and a place like Africa. I live in the Netherlands, but the descriptions of life where she is compared to whereI live it makes I’m living in luxury.
There are several subtle life lessons in this story as well about the importance of relationships in life and how nature have their for you.
June 16, 2022
The story of a 58-year-old running away from home to start anew resonated with this 58-year-old. Although I was only 42 when I kicked the rat race to touch and discovered ‘happiness for its own sake’.
I was full of admiration for Mary Morrison as she leaves the tatters of her old life to be ‘homeless and living out of a duffle bag’ in Tanzania, Africa, working for WorldTeach.
This isn’t some middle-class work placement in a nice western hotel. Mary has to contend with floods, filthy water, rats and a total change of diet in her new life. She copes admirably and her beautiful prose shows her falling in love with the people and the place despite the hardships she faces.
This is a well-written memoir of conquering fears, and conquering oneself to find a new strength and resolve. I am looking forward to continuing Mary's journey with her.
I was full of admiration for Mary Morrison as she leaves the tatters of her old life to be ‘homeless and living out of a duffle bag’ in Tanzania, Africa, working for WorldTeach.
This isn’t some middle-class work placement in a nice western hotel. Mary has to contend with floods, filthy water, rats and a total change of diet in her new life. She copes admirably and her beautiful prose shows her falling in love with the people and the place despite the hardships she faces.
This is a well-written memoir of conquering fears, and conquering oneself to find a new strength and resolve. I am looking forward to continuing Mary's journey with her.
February 8, 2020
Slightly reminded me of an African version of Eat, Pray, Love
Nice story about a woman finding herself again in her late 50’s.
It’s a nice adventure tale that contrasts the differences between life in the West and a place like Africa. I live in SE Asia, but the descriptions of life where she is compared to my third world stomping grounds makes it sound like I’m living in luxury.
There are several subtle life lessons in this story as well about the importance of relationships in life and how nature (and life) have their own plans for you.
I enjoyed the read and it would be a great, short book to read through while you’re on a plane or lazying outside on a vacation or warm summer day. Recommended.
Nice story about a woman finding herself again in her late 50’s.
It’s a nice adventure tale that contrasts the differences between life in the West and a place like Africa. I live in SE Asia, but the descriptions of life where she is compared to my third world stomping grounds makes it sound like I’m living in luxury.
There are several subtle life lessons in this story as well about the importance of relationships in life and how nature (and life) have their own plans for you.
I enjoyed the read and it would be a great, short book to read through while you’re on a plane or lazying outside on a vacation or warm summer day. Recommended.
April 11, 2025
This author had so much drive to change her life. She is amazing. Very brave to travel to a foreign country and live in such horrible conditions. Her heart is so unselfish. I truly enjoyed the book.
March 1, 2021
Interesting reading about a volunteer teaching in Tanzania and the trials and tribulations she went through.
July 30, 2020
“Sometimes you have to give a little push, one way or the other, to get past the depression, low self-esteem, unhealthy relationships, procrastination, or whatever is holding you back from living your best life.” Mary Morrison
Mary Morrison was an adventurous young woman who dreamed of traveling to exotic places to help the poor. She was, in 1961, fascinated by John F. Kennedy’s Peace Corps and during her teen years traveled with streams of her peers from Europe to India. When she entered college in Southern California, the world was shifting into the women’s liberation movement. Morrison saw herself as a flower child. She made her own love beads, used a little pot, demonstrated against the Vietnam war and on Earth Day. Life was truly all about peace and love. And then one day the cute guy she loved proposed and she accepted. Joyfully, they married, and soon welcomed a son. As Morrison transformed into family, then work and university commitments, her earlier dreams of travel slipped away.
We enter Morrison’s story at mid-life after she lost her job in the Great Recession, losing her husband and suffering other losses. As she honors her son Matthew’s achievements - “…a college dropout garnering Tony, Golden Globe, and Emmy nominations for his work. He was living his dream,” she looks at her own life: on unemployment, single again, and no dreams in sight.
Morrison revisits her youthful dreams and muses about returning to a Third World country as a volunteer teacher. But is she too old now? What if she gets sick? What if the living conditions are horrific? And many other questions she would not be able to answer until she decided to return to Africa. There, she learns those answers and so much more. Morrison’s safari is a beautiful, courageous, and fascinating adventure that opens the door to lost dreams and finding the lioness within.
I treasured this story throughout as Morrison persisted courageously in the face of very difficult challenges. Her hard-won wisdom was a pleasure to share as each gradually evolved on her journey. Her easy, candid voice evoked a sense of warm companionship. If you enjoy memoirs that show a woman finding her pathway to her best life, I highly recommend Looking for the Lioness, the author's first book. And please know that there are three final words in the last chapter: "...to be continued."
Reviewed for Story Circle Book Reviews by Mary Jo Doig
Mary Morrison was an adventurous young woman who dreamed of traveling to exotic places to help the poor. She was, in 1961, fascinated by John F. Kennedy’s Peace Corps and during her teen years traveled with streams of her peers from Europe to India. When she entered college in Southern California, the world was shifting into the women’s liberation movement. Morrison saw herself as a flower child. She made her own love beads, used a little pot, demonstrated against the Vietnam war and on Earth Day. Life was truly all about peace and love. And then one day the cute guy she loved proposed and she accepted. Joyfully, they married, and soon welcomed a son. As Morrison transformed into family, then work and university commitments, her earlier dreams of travel slipped away.
We enter Morrison’s story at mid-life after she lost her job in the Great Recession, losing her husband and suffering other losses. As she honors her son Matthew’s achievements - “…a college dropout garnering Tony, Golden Globe, and Emmy nominations for his work. He was living his dream,” she looks at her own life: on unemployment, single again, and no dreams in sight.
Morrison revisits her youthful dreams and muses about returning to a Third World country as a volunteer teacher. But is she too old now? What if she gets sick? What if the living conditions are horrific? And many other questions she would not be able to answer until she decided to return to Africa. There, she learns those answers and so much more. Morrison’s safari is a beautiful, courageous, and fascinating adventure that opens the door to lost dreams and finding the lioness within.
I treasured this story throughout as Morrison persisted courageously in the face of very difficult challenges. Her hard-won wisdom was a pleasure to share as each gradually evolved on her journey. Her easy, candid voice evoked a sense of warm companionship. If you enjoy memoirs that show a woman finding her pathway to her best life, I highly recommend Looking for the Lioness, the author's first book. And please know that there are three final words in the last chapter: "...to be continued."
Reviewed for Story Circle Book Reviews by Mary Jo Doig
June 12, 2020
Wow, what adventures! Ms. Morrison paints quite a picture of the good, the not so good, and the giant spiders! I enjoyed reading about her experiences in the classes she taught. Perhaps because I'm a teacher, but also because her descriptions are so vivid I feel like I'm right there with her. And she has some great stories about some of her rides into Rwanda...but I don't want to give too much away.
Mixed in with the grand adventures were insights and introspection, which caused me to reflect on my own life as well. And, yes, I take my hot showers for granted--yikes! Gotta love the motto though... TIA! Well done.
Mixed in with the grand adventures were insights and introspection, which caused me to reflect on my own life as well. And, yes, I take my hot showers for granted--yikes! Gotta love the motto though... TIA! Well done.
August 16, 2022
We are all powerful beings but many of us forget our inner strength and roll over before life’s hard knocks. Mary Morrissey’s book is a wonderful reminder to find our inner strength, give way to what makes us tick and to embrace the stream of life wholeheartedly and without holding anything back.
This book touched me at a very personal level. As a child of Africa, I became incredibly homesick with some of he descriptions. There is much that needs to change in Africa but it is a continent with a unique essence and that energy is a true home for so many of us. Thank you, Mary for showing the courage to share your story and to uplift others in the process.
This book touched me at a very personal level. As a child of Africa, I became incredibly homesick with some of he descriptions. There is much that needs to change in Africa but it is a continent with a unique essence and that energy is a true home for so many of us. Thank you, Mary for showing the courage to share your story and to uplift others in the process.
August 10, 2023
When it rains it pours for Mary. How much more can she take? Her marriage unexpectedly ends and on top of that, she loses her job. That’s a lot to process. But choosing not to wallow in fear or self-pity, she takes advice from her adult son, packs a bag and heads to Africa to teach English to children in a small village in Tanzania. She has no idea what awaits—good thing! But she finds courage, strength, and optimism in dealing with all kinds of third world issues and setbacks. Her story is inspiring and gives me encouragement to face my setbacks and live the life I meant to live. I can’t wait for the sequel!
January 20, 2021
Fascinating tale!
I enjoyed this book because the writer was very frank and open about her struggles with her own identity after her divorce. This is the journey of a woman who at her time of life would be thinking about retirement. Instead the author takes us on journey of a lifetime to teach African students the England show language. The author gives us a full account if her discomforts , trials and her joy in her students and life experiences in Africa. This is a very enjoyable book .
I enjoyed this book because the writer was very frank and open about her struggles with her own identity after her divorce. This is the journey of a woman who at her time of life would be thinking about retirement. Instead the author takes us on journey of a lifetime to teach African students the England show language. The author gives us a full account if her discomforts , trials and her joy in her students and life experiences in Africa. This is a very enjoyable book .
May 17, 2022
A fascinating insight into what teaching abroad is really like.
Starting over in Tanzania as a teacher with her marriage in tatters and her only child all grown up and now a rather famous star of stage and screen, Mary sets out to prove to herself that life hasn’t passed her by.
I admire her courage and perseverance, surrounded by young newly qualified teachers, trying to survive, often with no running water or other basic amenities.
The book is a gutsy and unglamorous reveal of what life can really be like in a different country, with a raw honesty that is both refreshing and fascinating.
Starting over in Tanzania as a teacher with her marriage in tatters and her only child all grown up and now a rather famous star of stage and screen, Mary sets out to prove to herself that life hasn’t passed her by.
I admire her courage and perseverance, surrounded by young newly qualified teachers, trying to survive, often with no running water or other basic amenities.
The book is a gutsy and unglamorous reveal of what life can really be like in a different country, with a raw honesty that is both refreshing and fascinating.
October 27, 2022
Inappropriate terms used
I passed by the first comment about white teeth gleaming out of black faces....
' I woke up on the ground to dark faces bending over me, eyes wide so the whites stood out in contrast'. These comments made me feel rather uncomfortable, I feel as though she views the people she went to 'help' as being very much beneath her.
At this point I just couldn't be bothered to finish the book!;
I passed by the first comment about white teeth gleaming out of black faces....
' I woke up on the ground to dark faces bending over me, eyes wide so the whites stood out in contrast'. These comments made me feel rather uncomfortable, I feel as though she views the people she went to 'help' as being very much beneath her.
At this point I just couldn't be bothered to finish the book!;
February 21, 2020
Very good read
Having lived in Africa for 11 years in the 80's and 90's I know exactly what she means when she talks about it. The feeling you get that never goes away. Also I can empathise with her as a woman in her 60's who has been married for many years. So I found the book very interesting and enjoyable.
Having lived in Africa for 11 years in the 80's and 90's I know exactly what she means when she talks about it. The feeling you get that never goes away. Also I can empathise with her as a woman in her 60's who has been married for many years. So I found the book very interesting and enjoyable.
February 28, 2020
This book captured my imagination immediately and I did not want to put it down! Mary’s story is full of adventures and encounters that demand self-introspection and honesty on all fronts. Beautifully written, her reflections reveal her bravery and her vulnerabilities in a way that is relatable and enjoyable - I enjoyed every moment! Amazing story!
February 28, 2020
Lioness Found?
I think we are close in age and I have also been on a personal search. After doing some lone international travel, this book is pushing my need for more. Not sure I could endure your experience, Mary! I commend you and thank you. I now feel like a Lioness on the prowl!
I think we are close in age and I have also been on a personal search. After doing some lone international travel, this book is pushing my need for more. Not sure I could endure your experience, Mary! I commend you and thank you. I now feel like a Lioness on the prowl!
March 5, 2023
This book is a must read for those needing to recharge and refresh. It is so easy to get caught up in one’s life whether the experiences are good or bad. Then later one is left to wonder what if? The author has had the sheer guts to seek the answer to this question. And while her time teaching in Africa was only six months, it is a life saving six months. Bravo Mary Morrison.
September 2, 2023
Congratulations Mary on re-finding your lioness! You walked an 'outside the box' journey through one of the most challenging seasons in your life, and pushed through even when the circumstances were overwhelming. Sharing your experience may support others who find themselves in need of a reboot. And I'm glad you gave the baboon your lunch!
January 14, 2020
Amazing Adventure
Mary draws you into her adventure in Africa, deftly painting picture after picture with her words. It’s humbling to think how how much we have and take for granted in America. Mary’s journey is inspiring. Can’t wait for book two to find out how it ends.
Mary draws you into her adventure in Africa, deftly painting picture after picture with her words. It’s humbling to think how how much we have and take for granted in America. Mary’s journey is inspiring. Can’t wait for book two to find out how it ends.
March 7, 2020
Exhilarating
Woman seeking self validation travels in Africa while working as a teacher. Wonderful experiences from eating meals in a way only found in Africa to safari in areas with dwindling wild animal populations. Great experience
Woman seeking self validation travels in Africa while working as a teacher. Wonderful experiences from eating meals in a way only found in Africa to safari in areas with dwindling wild animal populations. Great experience
December 11, 2020
A walk on the wild side
This book was a pageturner from first to last. The author's writing makes for easy readinghe storyline made me feel that I was there sharing the experiences. I look forward to her next book.
This book was a pageturner from first to last. The author's writing makes for easy readinghe storyline made me feel that I was there sharing the experiences. I look forward to her next book.
March 3, 2022
A must read
I loved this book about the African culture and how tough their days can be about water, electricity, and food. It is so hard to hear about the animals that poachers have almost wiped out their population. This was enjoyed from start to finish.
I loved this book about the African culture and how tough their days can be about water, electricity, and food. It is so hard to hear about the animals that poachers have almost wiped out their population. This was enjoyed from start to finish.
May 1, 2020
Love this book!
I very much enjoyed reading this book. As an older, divorced woman, I related to Mary's feelings and admired her courage in changing her path. Maybe I could . . .
I very much enjoyed reading this book. As an older, divorced woman, I related to Mary's feelings and admired her courage in changing her path. Maybe I could . . .
January 9, 2022
“Sometimes you have to give a little push, one way or the other, to get past the depression, low self-esteem, unhealthy relationships, procrastination, or whatever is holding you back from living your best life.” ~~ Mary Morrison
Mary Morrison was an adventurous young woman who dreamed of traveling to exotic places to help the poor. She was, in 1961, fascinated by John F. Kennedy’s Peace Corps. Thus, during her teen years she traveled with streams of her peers from Europe to India. When she entered college in Southern California, the world was shifting into the women’s liberation movement. Morrison saw herself as a flower child. She made her own love beads, used a little pot, and demonstrated against the Vietnam war. She also was all about peace and love on Earth Day.
Then one day the cute guy she loved proposed and she accepted. Joyfully, they married, and soon welcomed their son, Matthew. As Morrison transformed into family, work, and work commitments, her earlier travel dreams slipped away.
Morrison’s story opens at mid-life after losing her job in the Great Recession, then lost her husband and other losses. Yet, she honors her son Matthew’s achievements – “…a college dropout garnering Tony, Golden Globe, and Emmy nominations for his work.” As Matthew was living his dream, Morrison took a hard look at her own life. She was on unemployment, single again, and had no dreams in sight.
In time, Morrison revisits her youthful dreams and muses about returning to a Third World country as a volunteer teacher. But is she too old now? And, then what if she gets sick? What if the living conditions are horrific? Along with many other questions she would not be able to answer until she decided to return to Africa. There, she learns those answers and so much more. Morrison’s safari is, indeed, a beautiful, courageous, and fascinating adventure that opens the door to lost dreams. And finding the lioness within.
I treasured this story throughout as Morrison persisted courageously in the face of very difficult challenges. Her hard-won wisdom was a pleasure to share as each step gradually evolved on her journey. Her easy, candid voice evoked a sense of warm companionship. If you enjoy memoirs that show a woman seeking her best life, I highly recommend Looking for the Lioness. This memoir is the author’s first book. And, please know that the final three words in the last chapter are: “…to be continued.”
Author Mary Morrison got the travel bug early. She haunted the travel section of her local public library in California. She also wrote to the New Zealand consulate at age 12 to ask about immigrating there. They sent her a poster, which stayed on her bedroom wall for several years. She has traveled to over 100 countries seeking connection to people and places. She currently lives in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains of Western North Carolina. Yet she travels often to volunteer and enjoy new people and experiences. On her website, www.footloosemary.com, Morrison self-describes as “a serial volunteer around the world.”
Author’s note: this review first appeared on Story Circle Network’s Award-Winning Book Review site in July, 2020.
Mary Morrison was an adventurous young woman who dreamed of traveling to exotic places to help the poor. She was, in 1961, fascinated by John F. Kennedy’s Peace Corps. Thus, during her teen years she traveled with streams of her peers from Europe to India. When she entered college in Southern California, the world was shifting into the women’s liberation movement. Morrison saw herself as a flower child. She made her own love beads, used a little pot, and demonstrated against the Vietnam war. She also was all about peace and love on Earth Day.
Then one day the cute guy she loved proposed and she accepted. Joyfully, they married, and soon welcomed their son, Matthew. As Morrison transformed into family, work, and work commitments, her earlier travel dreams slipped away.
Morrison’s story opens at mid-life after losing her job in the Great Recession, then lost her husband and other losses. Yet, she honors her son Matthew’s achievements – “…a college dropout garnering Tony, Golden Globe, and Emmy nominations for his work.” As Matthew was living his dream, Morrison took a hard look at her own life. She was on unemployment, single again, and had no dreams in sight.
In time, Morrison revisits her youthful dreams and muses about returning to a Third World country as a volunteer teacher. But is she too old now? And, then what if she gets sick? What if the living conditions are horrific? Along with many other questions she would not be able to answer until she decided to return to Africa. There, she learns those answers and so much more. Morrison’s safari is, indeed, a beautiful, courageous, and fascinating adventure that opens the door to lost dreams. And finding the lioness within.
I treasured this story throughout as Morrison persisted courageously in the face of very difficult challenges. Her hard-won wisdom was a pleasure to share as each step gradually evolved on her journey. Her easy, candid voice evoked a sense of warm companionship. If you enjoy memoirs that show a woman seeking her best life, I highly recommend Looking for the Lioness. This memoir is the author’s first book. And, please know that the final three words in the last chapter are: “…to be continued.”
Author Mary Morrison got the travel bug early. She haunted the travel section of her local public library in California. She also wrote to the New Zealand consulate at age 12 to ask about immigrating there. They sent her a poster, which stayed on her bedroom wall for several years. She has traveled to over 100 countries seeking connection to people and places. She currently lives in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains of Western North Carolina. Yet she travels often to volunteer and enjoy new people and experiences. On her website, www.footloosemary.com, Morrison self-describes as “a serial volunteer around the world.”
Author’s note: this review first appeared on Story Circle Network’s Award-Winning Book Review site in July, 2020.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews