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Don't Eat the Puffin: Tales From a Travel Writer's Life
Previously published as Takoradi to the Stars (via Huddersfield) by Jules Brown
It's the job of his dreams. Get paid to travel and write about it.
Only no one told Jules that it would mean eating oily seabirds, repeatedly falling off a husky sled, getting stranded on a Mediterranean island, and crash-landing in Iran.
The exotic destinations come thick and fast – Hong Kong, Hawaii, Huddersfield – as Jules navigates what it means to be a travel writer in a world with endless surprises up its sleeve.
Add in a cast of larger-than-life characters – Elvis, Captain Cook, his own travel-mad Dad – and an eye for the ridiculous, and this journey with Jules is one you won’t want to miss.
It's the job of his dreams. Get paid to travel and write about it.
Only no one told Jules that it would mean eating oily seabirds, repeatedly falling off a husky sled, getting stranded on a Mediterranean island, and crash-landing in Iran.
The exotic destinations come thick and fast – Hong Kong, Hawaii, Huddersfield – as Jules navigates what it means to be a travel writer in a world with endless surprises up its sleeve.
Add in a cast of larger-than-life characters – Elvis, Captain Cook, his own travel-mad Dad – and an eye for the ridiculous, and this journey with Jules is one you won’t want to miss.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2018
161 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Jules Brown
59 books34 followersI've been a pro travel writer for over 30 years, writing Rough Guides and other stuff, and living in places from Sicily to New Zealand. You might even have had one of my guidebooks along for the ride in your travel bag - in which case, happy to have helped!
I also blog at www.julestoldme.com, sharing travel stories, travel-writing tips, videos and inspiring destinations - see you there, and happy travels.
I also blog at www.julestoldme.com, sharing travel stories, travel-writing tips, videos and inspiring destinations - see you there, and happy travels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 8, 2021
Takoradi to the Stars (via Huddersfield) Is the most delightful personal travel story collections of the many I have read.
“Delightful” needs expansion. Jules Brown’s professional work has required he travel the world over. Yes, literally ALL over! Each of the 30+ short chapters takes you to either one of the most beautiful places in the world that features on everybody’s wish list or to a place you have never heard of but will now become a priority for you. And if you have been to any of the places he writes about, I guarantee that you will see it with new eyes and even greater satisfaction.
Jules Brown has an Englishman’s whimsical sense of humour, a German’s eye for detail, an Italian’s love for the beauty of architecture and landscape, a Frenchman’s taste for food, and a capacity for both the present and the past that would do credit to the best observer of the whims and caprices of our fascinating world.
Jules Brown unites these essential virtues of the accomplished writer with the best short-story teller’s skill of encapsulating the essence of place and person into a few exact and compelling paragraphs. Takoradi to the Stars (via Huddersfield) transports you to his side, allows you to see with his eyes and gifts you his insights and wisdom.
I read this book with the greatest of pleasure. You will too!
“Delightful” needs expansion. Jules Brown’s professional work has required he travel the world over. Yes, literally ALL over! Each of the 30+ short chapters takes you to either one of the most beautiful places in the world that features on everybody’s wish list or to a place you have never heard of but will now become a priority for you. And if you have been to any of the places he writes about, I guarantee that you will see it with new eyes and even greater satisfaction.
Jules Brown has an Englishman’s whimsical sense of humour, a German’s eye for detail, an Italian’s love for the beauty of architecture and landscape, a Frenchman’s taste for food, and a capacity for both the present and the past that would do credit to the best observer of the whims and caprices of our fascinating world.
Jules Brown unites these essential virtues of the accomplished writer with the best short-story teller’s skill of encapsulating the essence of place and person into a few exact and compelling paragraphs. Takoradi to the Stars (via Huddersfield) transports you to his side, allows you to see with his eyes and gifts you his insights and wisdom.
I read this book with the greatest of pleasure. You will too!
May 2, 2021
I was intrigued by the title of this book but after reading it I realise it's perfect. Jules Brown takes us on a virtual world tour starting from Takoradi in Ghana where he was born, to Huddersfield his home then onwards from there across the world., final destination - the stars. Each chapter is a delight and will make you see places you have perhaps visited with fresh eyes and inspire you to visit places you may not even have heard of. Mind you I’m not entirely sure I want to go on a sledge pulled by huskies after reading that particular episode.! It did, however, make me laugh.
Jules is a wonderful writer and his conversational style and sharp observations are a joy to read. I appreciate the historical details and also the advice he gives to us would be travellers. I particularly enjoy his quirky sense of humour which really appeals to me. Many chapters end with a link to his ‘Jules Told Me’ YouTube videos which are well worth a watch – you just have to, in fact.
The final chapter is a touching tribute to his father who inspired him and who himself was a great traveller. It’s a fantastic read for anyone who enjoys travel and for those who, at the moment, are armchair travellers. Thanks Jules.
Jules is a wonderful writer and his conversational style and sharp observations are a joy to read. I appreciate the historical details and also the advice he gives to us would be travellers. I particularly enjoy his quirky sense of humour which really appeals to me. Many chapters end with a link to his ‘Jules Told Me’ YouTube videos which are well worth a watch – you just have to, in fact.
The final chapter is a touching tribute to his father who inspired him and who himself was a great traveller. It’s a fantastic read for anyone who enjoys travel and for those who, at the moment, are armchair travellers. Thanks Jules.
May 28, 2021
An inspiration to travellers
This is an intriguing collection of travel stories. It starts with a return to the author’s birthplace in Takoradi, Ghana, then moves on to Huddersfield where he grew up, before heading out on a spiral further and further away until he reaches New Zealand, and then the Universe.
Jules Brown is a long-time Rough Guides author, and this reflects in his vibrant writing style. With him, you take journeys to places you might not have known existed. Through his eyes, you discover many unusual areas of our amazing planet and he inspires you enough to want to visit them yourself.
Links to video clips provide one of the most fascinating aspects of this anthology of adventures. Through them, you listen to the author’s voice and see his excited nature when describing his travels. The bonus was when I resumed reading, I could ‘hear’ his intonations in the written word. It disappointed me when these visual treats dried up as he left Europe.
His writing more than made up for this as I revelled in Jules Brown’s rich descriptions of unusual trips through Canada, the USA, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand, all the time getting further away from Huddersfield (and Takoradi).
The last chapter is a touching tribute to his father, Ken, who died in 2015. This remarkable man had inspired his son in so many ways and this was a fitting end to a very enjoyable read. I felt a sense of loss when I finished the book and an urge to visit those places the author had described.
I recommend this collection as an inspiration to travellers, armchair or otherwise.
This is an intriguing collection of travel stories. It starts with a return to the author’s birthplace in Takoradi, Ghana, then moves on to Huddersfield where he grew up, before heading out on a spiral further and further away until he reaches New Zealand, and then the Universe.
Jules Brown is a long-time Rough Guides author, and this reflects in his vibrant writing style. With him, you take journeys to places you might not have known existed. Through his eyes, you discover many unusual areas of our amazing planet and he inspires you enough to want to visit them yourself.
Links to video clips provide one of the most fascinating aspects of this anthology of adventures. Through them, you listen to the author’s voice and see his excited nature when describing his travels. The bonus was when I resumed reading, I could ‘hear’ his intonations in the written word. It disappointed me when these visual treats dried up as he left Europe.
His writing more than made up for this as I revelled in Jules Brown’s rich descriptions of unusual trips through Canada, the USA, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand, all the time getting further away from Huddersfield (and Takoradi).
The last chapter is a touching tribute to his father, Ken, who died in 2015. This remarkable man had inspired his son in so many ways and this was a fitting end to a very enjoyable read. I felt a sense of loss when I finished the book and an urge to visit those places the author had described.
I recommend this collection as an inspiration to travellers, armchair or otherwise.
August 1, 2020
This is armchair travelling at its best. I love to travel and admit to having itchy feet at the best of times. It looks like it will be a while before I can take off on my travels but luckily, reading Jules Brown’s From Takoradi to the Stars (via Huddersfield) is the next best thing to actually setting off on an adventure of my own. Some places I am familiar with: Whitby, Loch Ness, Giant’s Causeway, Barcelona and China. Others, such as Montenegro, Alaska and Takoradi are there awaiting me still.
Jules Brown is a long time travel writer for the Rough Guides series. His style of writing is informative whilst remaining chatty and intimate, like having a friend telling you of their travel adventures, highlighting both funny stories and disasters. Jules writes with his heart and soul so one can imagine being there too.
Like any good story there are moments of tears (Tianamen square), laughter (an emergency landing in Iran…sorry, that was probably not funny at the time), fear (see emergency landing in Iran) and embarrassment (repeatedly falling off a husky sled). Between the stories are serious messages: Why Jules didn’t climb Uluru (good on yer mate!) and the overt commercialism of some attractions (poor old Nessie). He also talks with love and affection about his travel mentor, his father, and the chapter describing their road trip is one of my favourites amongst many favourites in this wonderfully put together book.
Thank you for keeping me sane until I can once more explore the world and for giving me yet more places to pop on my bucket list.
Jules Brown is a long time travel writer for the Rough Guides series. His style of writing is informative whilst remaining chatty and intimate, like having a friend telling you of their travel adventures, highlighting both funny stories and disasters. Jules writes with his heart and soul so one can imagine being there too.
Like any good story there are moments of tears (Tianamen square), laughter (an emergency landing in Iran…sorry, that was probably not funny at the time), fear (see emergency landing in Iran) and embarrassment (repeatedly falling off a husky sled). Between the stories are serious messages: Why Jules didn’t climb Uluru (good on yer mate!) and the overt commercialism of some attractions (poor old Nessie). He also talks with love and affection about his travel mentor, his father, and the chapter describing their road trip is one of my favourites amongst many favourites in this wonderfully put together book.
Thank you for keeping me sane until I can once more explore the world and for giving me yet more places to pop on my bucket list.
July 21, 2020
What a wonderful tour across the world and on to infinity. I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of travel adventures starting in Africa, via West Yorkshire and many points east. The author's wry humour is evident and I appreciated his attention to detail and fact verification, especially where Australia was concerned. Things I decided I didn't want to do: ride the Flying Fox near Corinth, New Zealand; buy food from the Frog Lady in Hong Kong or sled with a husky team in Ontario. Things I decided I'd really like to do: visit Boston again; ride the train in Montenegro and bike through Budapest. This is a book you can dip in and out of but I read it in one sitting. You choose. Oh and thank you, sir, for not climbing Uluru.
August 30, 2021
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review - thank you Jules!
Don’t Eat the Puffin is a wholesome and witty collection of travel anecdotes taking us from Ghana, where Jules (or should I say Thursday) was born, through Huddersfield where he lived as a child and off via Europe to a scary, unexpected plane landing in Iran, and on to USA, Canada and China, finally ending up in New Zealand. Many surprising details are included – I didn’t know you could see seals in Norfolk in such abundance and will definitely file that away under “things to do once travel ban is lifted and I can get back to England”. I did know that Loch Ness is mostly disappointing and that there are many better locations to visit in Scotland.
I enjoyed the description of Jules’ touristy trip to Boston, MA. I live in the suburbs and can attest to many occasions of hearing shouts of “The British are Coming!” whenever anyone local overhears our accents. I also enjoyed the handy guide to being pulled around Canada at ground level by huskies. Keep your mouth closed – I wonder why that might be? 💩😱🤢. This chapter had me giggling and having to explain why to my perplexed family members.
The thought of traveling by wire over a river in New Zealand to get to the hotel had my mouth hanging open in awe!:
“…a bit of old wire strung between two poles, from which dangles a rudimentary cage with a bench – one that swings in the wind high above a churning river. You bang a gong to attract someone’s attention, and over comes the contraption which has bicycle pedals set into the floor, “for when the power fails.” You climb in – there’s just room for two – and away you go, swaying gently and resisting the temptation to yell profanities into the two-way radio provided for emergencies.”
Captain Cook’s story was interesting – my mother-in-law lives near Great Ayton and we often visit Whitby when staying with her in Guisborough.
As a result of reading this book I have added a fair few places to my “would like to visit” list and a couple to my “would like to eat here” list and even some to my “don’t bother going here” list. Maybe you will too! If you want to find out whether or not Jules ate the puffin, you will have to buy this book!
Don’t Eat the Puffin is a wholesome and witty collection of travel anecdotes taking us from Ghana, where Jules (or should I say Thursday) was born, through Huddersfield where he lived as a child and off via Europe to a scary, unexpected plane landing in Iran, and on to USA, Canada and China, finally ending up in New Zealand. Many surprising details are included – I didn’t know you could see seals in Norfolk in such abundance and will definitely file that away under “things to do once travel ban is lifted and I can get back to England”. I did know that Loch Ness is mostly disappointing and that there are many better locations to visit in Scotland.
I enjoyed the description of Jules’ touristy trip to Boston, MA. I live in the suburbs and can attest to many occasions of hearing shouts of “The British are Coming!” whenever anyone local overhears our accents. I also enjoyed the handy guide to being pulled around Canada at ground level by huskies. Keep your mouth closed – I wonder why that might be? 💩😱🤢. This chapter had me giggling and having to explain why to my perplexed family members.
The thought of traveling by wire over a river in New Zealand to get to the hotel had my mouth hanging open in awe!:
“…a bit of old wire strung between two poles, from which dangles a rudimentary cage with a bench – one that swings in the wind high above a churning river. You bang a gong to attract someone’s attention, and over comes the contraption which has bicycle pedals set into the floor, “for when the power fails.” You climb in – there’s just room for two – and away you go, swaying gently and resisting the temptation to yell profanities into the two-way radio provided for emergencies.”
Captain Cook’s story was interesting – my mother-in-law lives near Great Ayton and we often visit Whitby when staying with her in Guisborough.
As a result of reading this book I have added a fair few places to my “would like to visit” list and a couple to my “would like to eat here” list and even some to my “don’t bother going here” list. Maybe you will too! If you want to find out whether or not Jules ate the puffin, you will have to buy this book!
February 10, 2019
'Takoradi to the Stars (via Huddersfield)' is a hard book to pin down; a bit of a mix between short essays and travel narratives with a little guidebook mentality thrown in. The stories are full of humor and the author’s easy-going, informative voice. The title is bit misleading, as there is only one story that takes place in Takoradi and one in Huddersfield. The rest of the stories are all about interesting places, but I found each chapter a bit short to really be able to get into the story. Perhaps not surprising for an author who has mostly written guidebooks, it sometimes reads a bit like a guidebook full of advice, though certainly a well-written guidebook. The brief essays made me chuckle and smile but I was hoping for more story and insights. Still a good read to get ideas of places to travel from a traveler who has been many places. A quick, fun read, full of laughs and advice.
January 10, 2023
Firstly, before I receive any hate, the reason it took me so long to finish this book is because I needed to be in a certain headspace in order to wholly appreciate it. I prioritised reading this in the right place, with the right mindset. So, during these designated time slots, I was committed to ONLY the book and that allowed me to enjoy it to the max! Rant over.
The style of journalling it what stood out for me. It wasn't necessarily a chronological timeframe, instead, every chapter was a highlight! This was unfamiliar but truly captivating because I knew there wouldn't be a dull chapter. Don't Eat The Puffin is such a goodread (hehehe), and it takes the cake for the most concise and effortless travel book to read. Jules Brown is definitely the wittiest travel writer that I have encountered so far (sorry Bill Bryson!) and I am really looking forward to reading 'Never Pack an Ice-Axe' by him too.
The style of journalling it what stood out for me. It wasn't necessarily a chronological timeframe, instead, every chapter was a highlight! This was unfamiliar but truly captivating because I knew there wouldn't be a dull chapter. Don't Eat The Puffin is such a goodread (hehehe), and it takes the cake for the most concise and effortless travel book to read. Jules Brown is definitely the wittiest travel writer that I have encountered so far (sorry Bill Bryson!) and I am really looking forward to reading 'Never Pack an Ice-Axe' by him too.
July 11, 2022
I read my first Jules Brown book Not Cool: Europe by Train in a Heatwave at the end of last year, and loved it so much I bought this book just recently.
I love his writing, because as well as learning about different places around the world, he includes lots of very funny anecdotes about his trips. Oh and sometimes there’s links to his YouTube videos as well if you’re reading the Kindle book.
Some of my favourite chapters were Riding the Bernina Express an amazing train journey in Europe, The Dead Zone all about Halloween in Whitby, North Yorkshire, Alone in Alicudi an island off Sicily, Husky Sledding, Death by Cactus, Piri Piri in Portugal, and so many more.
I started reading this just to myself, but I ended up reading it out loud to my husband so we could both enjoy together. Definitely a book to be shared with others.
Highly recommended if you enjoy travel writing.
I love his writing, because as well as learning about different places around the world, he includes lots of very funny anecdotes about his trips. Oh and sometimes there’s links to his YouTube videos as well if you’re reading the Kindle book.
Some of my favourite chapters were Riding the Bernina Express an amazing train journey in Europe, The Dead Zone all about Halloween in Whitby, North Yorkshire, Alone in Alicudi an island off Sicily, Husky Sledding, Death by Cactus, Piri Piri in Portugal, and so many more.
I started reading this just to myself, but I ended up reading it out loud to my husband so we could both enjoy together. Definitely a book to be shared with others.
Highly recommended if you enjoy travel writing.
June 24, 2021
This was the first time I have read one of Jules Brown's books, but won't be the last. I found his writing style and the subject matter both interesting, informative and entertaining. There was just the right mix of destinations in this collection of travel tales to appeal to most people. There are many laugh out loud moments and times where you are thinking `no don't do that', but of course he does! I was happy to discover my home town of Windy Wellington mentioned and have added a couple of new places to my `must go there' list. I have also discovered some foods that have definitely been crossed off the `must try' list, Puffin is just one of them! Absolutely recommend this book.
February 1, 2025
What a fabulously well-written and so very interesting read. It’s entertaining and informative. At times there’s some laugh out loud moments. Jules has travelled to many places and lived in some, like Hong Kong and New Zealand, during his lifetime. He gives us snapshots, stories and anecdotes about his life’s travels and his time working as a travel writer around the world. Most people won’t have heard of the town he was born in, but will know the country. His father worked abroad in multiple countries, and his mother refused to return to the Uk for Jules’ birth. Mr Brown Sr. continued to travel after he retired; there’s a touching end chapter in recognition. Highly recommend this fascinating book. Now for the next in series.
October 14, 2020
Jules Brown is a veteran travel writer, working for Rough Guide. In Takoradi to the Stars, Brown blends his love of travel with a memoir, revisiting 35 destinations, including his home town in West Africa.
Brown is not only a great traveler, he’s a brilliant storyteller. Each destination is described with a unique and honest story of his experiences. I’m a live-like-a-local type traveler so I really enjoyed the “off the beaten path” destinations explored in this book. Brown does a wonderful job of blending humor and reverence, where appropriate. I’m an avid traveler, myself, and missing it greatly due to the pandemic. This was a welcome escape.
This is travel writing at its best.
Brown is not only a great traveler, he’s a brilliant storyteller. Each destination is described with a unique and honest story of his experiences. I’m a live-like-a-local type traveler so I really enjoyed the “off the beaten path” destinations explored in this book. Brown does a wonderful job of blending humor and reverence, where appropriate. I’m an avid traveler, myself, and missing it greatly due to the pandemic. This was a welcome escape.
This is travel writing at its best.
March 24, 2019
I read Jules' blog and really enjoyed this book. He has a quirky, humourous writing style that makes his prose very easy to read. Ciao, Cristina
September 6, 2020
In times such as these, the book is a splendid gift for armchair travelers. I went on a round trip across the world and wished there was more to read.
May 16, 2021
A delight of a read. Jules, an experienced writer of lonely planet and other travel guides, has a deftness and lightness of style which draws you into his lucky dip of travel vignettes. With an economy of his writing effort you feel as if you are with him as he hikes trails, eats sizzling piri-piri chicken or gets stuck on remote islands. A book that by turns makes you gently smile, laugh and also sometimes pause to reflect on his more poignant episodes and ultimately leaves you refreshed and wanting another volume.
August 13, 2020
Armchair travelling at its finest
The author’s skill as a writer really shines through this book. We travel from his birthplace in a small village in Ghana, and then to his hometown of Huddersfield, before travelling into Europe, and then on to the rest of the world. Each chapter covers a different country or place, however what really brings this book to life are the small details that the author really notices about a place. Whether he is alarmed on a flight that suddenly detours with a suspicious package on board, to eating suspect meat, or enjoying the delight that is piri-piri chicken in the Algarve, this is a book to savour and enjoy. Each chapter stands alone, and there are links to videos for some of the locations too. Unlike many travel books, you really feel that the author has really visited each place that he talks about, he has caught the bus, walked the streets and eaten the food. The tips that he shares makes you think that you could follow his footsteps with ease. A delightful book to enjoy.
The author’s skill as a writer really shines through this book. We travel from his birthplace in a small village in Ghana, and then to his hometown of Huddersfield, before travelling into Europe, and then on to the rest of the world. Each chapter covers a different country or place, however what really brings this book to life are the small details that the author really notices about a place. Whether he is alarmed on a flight that suddenly detours with a suspicious package on board, to eating suspect meat, or enjoying the delight that is piri-piri chicken in the Algarve, this is a book to savour and enjoy. Each chapter stands alone, and there are links to videos for some of the locations too. Unlike many travel books, you really feel that the author has really visited each place that he talks about, he has caught the bus, walked the streets and eaten the food. The tips that he shares makes you think that you could follow his footsteps with ease. A delightful book to enjoy.
November 16, 2020
Wonderful Travel Book
Jules writes in a quirky, fun and inspiring way, he is a wonderful story teller. I love his touching tribute to his Father from whom he inherited his love of travel.
We follow Jules on his travels from his birthplace in a small village in Ghana to his hometown of Huddersfield in Yorkshire. He then takes us through Europe and the rest of the world where each location is allocated its own chapter, some of which have links to his YouTube account where you can join in his travels. Each chapter includes short stories of his travels along with details of the places visited, also funny little tales from his travels, people he meets along the way and some of the foods he has eaten. Indeed some of these were rather strange.
This is a well written and amazing travel book, thank you for the journey Jules, I need a rest now.
Jules writes in a quirky, fun and inspiring way, he is a wonderful story teller. I love his touching tribute to his Father from whom he inherited his love of travel.
We follow Jules on his travels from his birthplace in a small village in Ghana to his hometown of Huddersfield in Yorkshire. He then takes us through Europe and the rest of the world where each location is allocated its own chapter, some of which have links to his YouTube account where you can join in his travels. Each chapter includes short stories of his travels along with details of the places visited, also funny little tales from his travels, people he meets along the way and some of the foods he has eaten. Indeed some of these were rather strange.
This is a well written and amazing travel book, thank you for the journey Jules, I need a rest now.
January 20, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. My favorite stories were the dog sledding, Tehran, hiking in Italy and the bike in Budapest(?). This is not the first thing I've ever read on dog sledding but I thought it was a great description of the total experience. A group of friends and I have agreed that we think you have to do something in a place and spend a night to count it. I would also count Tehran. I loved that the innkeeper wouldn't let them go hike when it was sunny and made them wait for a cloudy morning and how well it turned out. I found the writing to be very satisfying. There are good descriptions of the experiences but I feel like it really touches a spot in my heart.
June 6, 2021
An assortment of travel treats with a touch of the personal
I thoroughly enjoyed this book of short travel tales with hints of the writer and his life. It’s the jaunty, cheerful voice that first drew me in and pulled me along for the ride. The stories are fun and colourful, but also nostalgic and emotive as you’ll see right from the opening chapter. It is quality writing — as you’d expect from a professional — but also imbued with real warmth, empathy, and a strong sense of how to structure a narrative for full effect. It’s funny, in a natural way, that makes you feel like he’s talking directly to you, but it’s also not short of detail that’s woven into the narrative so as not to be didactic and dry.
This is not just a travel guide, nor only a humorous book, it’s a memoir about the author, his life as a travel writer, and also about place and time. He shows how places have affected him and gives the reader an impression of how they’ve made him the person he is. I was very interested in the personal and how the places (and his career) had made and changed him and — even though we get this at the start and end — I would have liked more interspersed throughout. This is not a criticism but a personal preference.
I also appreciated the length of the chapters as I could read one whenever I liked without worrying about needing to re-immerse myself in the world of the narrative. It is the first full book I’ve read on a Kindle (well, Kindle app on my iPhone) and the structure, chapter length, and style made it perfect for my first ebook reading experience.
One of the best skills of this writer is how he bring things together — in summation — and rounds off a tale in a satisfying way, which is perfectly shown in the final chapter about his dad. Poignant, moving, but without sentimentality. A lovely tribute to an obviously loved and cherished father.
I’d highly recommend this book to those interested in travel as much as to those interested in personal life stories — the balance tips more to the former but there’s just enough of the latter to pique your interest in this highly skilled and interesting travel writer.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book of short travel tales with hints of the writer and his life. It’s the jaunty, cheerful voice that first drew me in and pulled me along for the ride. The stories are fun and colourful, but also nostalgic and emotive as you’ll see right from the opening chapter. It is quality writing — as you’d expect from a professional — but also imbued with real warmth, empathy, and a strong sense of how to structure a narrative for full effect. It’s funny, in a natural way, that makes you feel like he’s talking directly to you, but it’s also not short of detail that’s woven into the narrative so as not to be didactic and dry.
This is not just a travel guide, nor only a humorous book, it’s a memoir about the author, his life as a travel writer, and also about place and time. He shows how places have affected him and gives the reader an impression of how they’ve made him the person he is. I was very interested in the personal and how the places (and his career) had made and changed him and — even though we get this at the start and end — I would have liked more interspersed throughout. This is not a criticism but a personal preference.
I also appreciated the length of the chapters as I could read one whenever I liked without worrying about needing to re-immerse myself in the world of the narrative. It is the first full book I’ve read on a Kindle (well, Kindle app on my iPhone) and the structure, chapter length, and style made it perfect for my first ebook reading experience.
One of the best skills of this writer is how he bring things together — in summation — and rounds off a tale in a satisfying way, which is perfectly shown in the final chapter about his dad. Poignant, moving, but without sentimentality. A lovely tribute to an obviously loved and cherished father.
I’d highly recommend this book to those interested in travel as much as to those interested in personal life stories — the balance tips more to the former but there’s just enough of the latter to pique your interest in this highly skilled and interesting travel writer.
April 25, 2019
On the surface, Jules Brown’s book is a travelogue that takes us on a journey to popular, as well as, obscure lands across the world. In reality, it’s a “love letter” to the joy of travelling and the craziness that arise as a result of it.
Packed with anecdotes from his life, Takoradi to the Stars is a breezy read that will make you want to drop everything and head on out for an adventure of your own.
I particularly loved Jules’ comic timing, and his writing has a natural style to it that walks a thin line between a blogpost and a professionally written travel article.
If there’s one thing I would want more, it would be for the book to be longer. The stories themselves are perfect. Short, sweet, and full of interesting bits and bobs that are charmingly eccentric. As a book through, it finishes a little too early.
Takoradi is a must read for travel enthusiast, especially those who want to make a life out of travelling and writing.
Note: Jules was nice enough to send me the book after we had a chat in the comments section of his blog. I was not asked to review the book. Thus, all of this is on my own accord.
Packed with anecdotes from his life, Takoradi to the Stars is a breezy read that will make you want to drop everything and head on out for an adventure of your own.
I particularly loved Jules’ comic timing, and his writing has a natural style to it that walks a thin line between a blogpost and a professionally written travel article.
If there’s one thing I would want more, it would be for the book to be longer. The stories themselves are perfect. Short, sweet, and full of interesting bits and bobs that are charmingly eccentric. As a book through, it finishes a little too early.
Takoradi is a must read for travel enthusiast, especially those who want to make a life out of travelling and writing.
Note: Jules was nice enough to send me the book after we had a chat in the comments section of his blog. I was not asked to review the book. Thus, all of this is on my own accord.
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June 30, 2022A delightful book to start off the summer with a perfect blend of relatable travel adventures, humor, and travel inspiration. I chose this because I really have wondered what life as a travel writer is like, and I appreciate that the author writes for the Rough Guide, known for their saucier style and a greater focus on lesser-known travel gems.
His story about an eleven-hour train ride from the Montenegrin port of Bar to the Serbian capital of Belgrade that "all true train aficionados should do at least once in their life" is a good example of the type of adventure he shares: "There's no advance booking, so you'll need to put your trust in the Train Gods, who don't always smile upon you, and it's a rattling, frill-free ride that's a tad uncomfortable and slightly hair-raising at times. But it's oh-so-cheap and oh-so-magnificent..."
I like that the author frequently included links at the end of chapters to YouTube videos he created to illustrate the text. It brought the stories to life. Each chapter is a new travel story, so this makes for pleasant, light reading such as on vacation (or when dreaming of vacation).
His story about an eleven-hour train ride from the Montenegrin port of Bar to the Serbian capital of Belgrade that "all true train aficionados should do at least once in their life" is a good example of the type of adventure he shares: "There's no advance booking, so you'll need to put your trust in the Train Gods, who don't always smile upon you, and it's a rattling, frill-free ride that's a tad uncomfortable and slightly hair-raising at times. But it's oh-so-cheap and oh-so-magnificent..."
I like that the author frequently included links at the end of chapters to YouTube videos he created to illustrate the text. It brought the stories to life. Each chapter is a new travel story, so this makes for pleasant, light reading such as on vacation (or when dreaming of vacation).
July 19, 2023
Spending much of his professional life writing, and traveling, for Rough Guides, Brown has the knack, as the most engaging of the guidebook writers do, of mixing what might otherwise be useful but less than stimulating facts with amusing observations that will leave you unlikely to forget, for instance, that when hiking in England’s Lake District, “If you can’t see the mountains it’s raining, and if you can see them it’s going to rain.” He has the knack, too, whether traveling in Africa, where his Ghanaian birth certificate was signed by the local registrar, Basil Raymond Robinson Rainbow, or in the Balkans, where he observes, “I say taxi drivers, I mean pirates. I’m sure they are all very nice to their mothers, but [they] might as well wear eye-patches and brandish cutlasses,” of doing what the best travel writers do best, which is to reveal to the rest of us that travel isn’t so much about discovering countries, but discovering people, and ourselves. And as for the Puffin? Let’s say, without giving too much away, that not everything tastes like chicken.
June 8, 2021
What a fabulous book! Jules Brown, born in Ghana and brought up in England’s north, inherited his love of travel from his father and spent thirty years exploring the world as a writer for Rough Guides. These stories are his recollections of some of his many adventures. They are fascinating, often funny and very well written. As a lover of the ‘did you know that?’ odd facts about places, I especially enjoyed the quirkier corners he leads the reader into. The selection is incredibly diverse and we travel with him from Canada to New Zealand via China and beyond. But, at the beginning of each chapter, we are always reminded of where he comes from, which is a lovely cohesive device and the glue that holds this anecdotal memoir together. My favourite? Just for the sheer humour, I LOVED the chapter about Ontario; I laughed till I cried. Brilliant! Altogether, a highly recommended book for anyone, but especially travel lovers.
September 30, 2022
Don't Eat the Puffin:
Tales From a Travel Writer's Life
by Jules Brown
I'm very conflicted about how to review this. If I were traveling or spending a holiday at someone's house, and I needed a light, easy-to-pick-up, easy-to-put-down book to carry with, this would be perfect. The chapters are short, each dealing with the author's trip to a different destination. They are very amusing and sometimes very funny. But....
You knew there had to be a but coming, didn't you? But I went ahead and reserved the sequel to this book before starting the first one. I was taking a trip and needed to fill up my Kindle with books before I left the home WiFi. So now I've finished the first book and am ready to start the sequel, but I'm not sure that I want to. The first one, while amusing, just didn't grip me and drag me in like I hoped.
Later note: turns out, the sequel I thought I'd reserved was not one and wasn't even by the same author. So, if there is one, my apology.
Tales From a Travel Writer's Life
by Jules Brown
I'm very conflicted about how to review this. If I were traveling or spending a holiday at someone's house, and I needed a light, easy-to-pick-up, easy-to-put-down book to carry with, this would be perfect. The chapters are short, each dealing with the author's trip to a different destination. They are very amusing and sometimes very funny. But....
You knew there had to be a but coming, didn't you? But I went ahead and reserved the sequel to this book before starting the first one. I was taking a trip and needed to fill up my Kindle with books before I left the home WiFi. So now I've finished the first book and am ready to start the sequel, but I'm not sure that I want to. The first one, while amusing, just didn't grip me and drag me in like I hoped.
Later note: turns out, the sequel I thought I'd reserved was not one and wasn't even by the same author. So, if there is one, my apology.
January 15, 2023
Jules Brown has a few tips for those seeking advice on becoming a professional travel writer. First up, you’re going to need adventurous parents. Be born in a place in Africa nobody has heard of. Grow up in a northern town in England (that no tourist would go to on purpose), except Whovians, curious to find ‘uddersfield’, near the birthplace of Dr Who star Jodie Whittaker.
There are exotic locations aplenty in Don’t Eat the Puffin, one of which I’ve done and many that will go on my ‘must do’ list. But it’s the writer’s skill at describing and observing the accidental destinations and his warmth, wit and interest in people—which were the highlights for me. My favourite chapter is the trip Jules takes with his dad, where he pays tribute to the man from whom he inherited a curiosity about the world.
There are exotic locations aplenty in Don’t Eat the Puffin, one of which I’ve done and many that will go on my ‘must do’ list. But it’s the writer’s skill at describing and observing the accidental destinations and his warmth, wit and interest in people—which were the highlights for me. My favourite chapter is the trip Jules takes with his dad, where he pays tribute to the man from whom he inherited a curiosity about the world.
August 22, 2021
I am not a fan of short stories, but I had been given this book and, most importantly, had read another book by Jules Brown which I thoroughly enjoyed. Now, I am so glad I read this one!
Jules has an engaging style of writing, often making me feel I was there too, and we seem to share the same sense of humour.
This book takes you all over the world, and all from the comfort of your favourite armchair. I love his reason to visit his birthplace in Ghana, but I think my favourite chapter was set in Yangshuo, China, where Jules stayed in a backpackers hostel for a couple of days. It is such an evocative chapter for me.
Jules has an engaging style of writing, often making me feel I was there too, and we seem to share the same sense of humour.
This book takes you all over the world, and all from the comfort of your favourite armchair. I love his reason to visit his birthplace in Ghana, but I think my favourite chapter was set in Yangshuo, China, where Jules stayed in a backpackers hostel for a couple of days. It is such an evocative chapter for me.
October 10, 2022
Don't quit reading after the first chapter
I really had no clue where Jules Brown was going with this book in his first chapter. However, I'm glad I carried on along with him on his travels. This is my first I've read of his travels.
I'll start his next one as soon as I finish this deservedly 5 star review.
If you're like me and are infected with that dreaded "wanderlust disease" and can't be on a trail right now just download a book or two of his and you'll be back in the saddle enjoying great adventures with a great guide in no time at all.
May the force be with us all ;-)
I really had no clue where Jules Brown was going with this book in his first chapter. However, I'm glad I carried on along with him on his travels. This is my first I've read of his travels.
I'll start his next one as soon as I finish this deservedly 5 star review.
If you're like me and are infected with that dreaded "wanderlust disease" and can't be on a trail right now just download a book or two of his and you'll be back in the saddle enjoying great adventures with a great guide in no time at all.
May the force be with us all ;-)
December 31, 2021
Informative, delightfully descriptive, written with humour and respect for the environment, the locals and their customs. The author has even embedded You tube links in a few of his stories so readers can get a glimpse of the sights he saw.
In his last chapter he pays a warm tribute to his brave, open-minded father who lived in 49 countries and visited thirty more. I read it one chapter at a time over several weeks, savoring all his adventures – though not all the food he consumes. In spite of octopus, eels, and puffin on the plate, it was well worth the journey!
In his last chapter he pays a warm tribute to his brave, open-minded father who lived in 49 countries and visited thirty more. I read it one chapter at a time over several weeks, savoring all his adventures – though not all the food he consumes. In spite of octopus, eels, and puffin on the plate, it was well worth the journey!
December 31, 2023
Don't Eat the Puffin: Tales From a Travel Writer's Life was a fun book that took me all over the world in short snippets. Jules Brown worked as a travel writer and has written several guides and books. In this book, he has selected many places he has visited and posted about a particular activity or event in each of them. I enjoyed learning about the places and his stories made me laugh. The other thing I enjoyed were the links to take me to his posts on Youtube, so I could see what he had written about. If you enjoy armchair travel, you will love this book.
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December 6, 2021Travels
Well I don't know where some people said the book was very funny, I didn't come across anything funny .This book talked mostly about his travels, some parts I interesting and some not. I still am going to read his other books to see if any have funny parts and who knows it might get more interesting. Sorry I don't want to be to harsh bouTiques this book wasn't the type I really like to read. Well onto the next book.
Well I don't know where some people said the book was very funny, I didn't come across anything funny .This book talked mostly about his travels, some parts I interesting and some not. I still am going to read his other books to see if any have funny parts and who knows it might get more interesting. Sorry I don't want to be to harsh bouTiques this book wasn't the type I really like to read. Well onto the next book.
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