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кауч
“кауч" – это трэвелог, состоящий из ста историй о людях из Couchsurfing – глобального сообщества путешественников, которое помогает остановиться у местных жителей или принять гостей у себя дома.
В книге запечатлен период backpacking путешествий автора с 2014 по 2022 годы по разным странам, таким как США, Индия, Таиланд, Gulf Countries, а также по разным уголкам Европы – от Лиссабона до Саратова. Примерно треть историй из книги повествуют о том, как автор сам хостил путешественников, как в Пензе – своей родной русской провинции – так и в Берлине, городе, в котором автор нашел чувство дома.
Основное внимание в книге уделяется людям и их культурному разнообразию. В конечном итоге читатель узнает из этой книги не только о том, как путешественники общаются с хозяевами и как функционирует как хостинг, так и серфинг – но и о бесконечных перестановках, от братаний до конфликтов.
В книге запечатлен период backpacking путешествий автора с 2014 по 2022 годы по разным странам, таким как США, Индия, Таиланд, Gulf Countries, а также по разным уголкам Европы – от Лиссабона до Саратова. Примерно треть историй из книги повествуют о том, как автор сам хостил путешественников, как в Пензе – своей родной русской провинции – так и в Берлине, городе, в котором автор нашел чувство дома.
Основное внимание в книге уделяется людям и их культурному разнообразию. В конечном итоге читатель узнает из этой книги не только о том, как путешественники общаются с хозяевами и как функционирует как хостинг, так и серфинг – но и о бесконечных перестановках, от братаний до конфликтов.
170 pages, ebook
First published May 20, 2022
1 person is currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Misha Chinkov
2 books30 followersSelf-publishing author living and working in Berlin.
Bilingual author, writing in Russian and English. Published my first book in 2022, and writing has been a big part of my life ever since. From non-fiction essays to novels about life in modern society, from art performances to charity events.
Bilingual author, writing in Russian and English. Published my first book in 2022, and writing has been a big part of my life ever since. From non-fiction essays to novels about life in modern society, from art performances to charity events.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 27, 2022
Мне понравилась книга. Самое главное и крутое, что я вынес из рассказов это то, что можно не быть миллионером, чтобы увидеть мир, а быть просто парнем из Пензы. И это, конечно, поражает. Отличная книга на один-два вечера. Идеально подходит для чтения в дороге.
August 28, 2022
Although many blogs and online commentary exist about the well-known hospitality platform Couchsurfing, Misha Chinkov has taken the analysis of hospitality networks to a higher level with his engaging work simply titled "couch". Here we learn not only about how travelers connect with hosts and how the hosting as well as surfing function — but also about the endless permutations ranging from incredible success to horrible failure. All along the way Misha weaves a compelling narrative that chronicles his own life stages and career trajectory alongside that of the hosts and surfers he encounters. As Misha moves around from country to country — and changes his own country of residence — we are treated to all sorts of stories about the nature of existence. Some of the stories are tantalizing, others are hilarious, and still others are rather harrowing. In some senses this work evokes classics of both the western and eastern traditions, and in other senses it's truly a rich pantheon of millennial / Gen-Z experiences in the pre- and post-covid world. Also it's very much a chronicle of the full range of human behavior on display — the good, the bad, and the ugly. We learn that not everyone who invites strangers into their homes is decent or even sane — and Misha relates all these experiences in a matter-of-fact manner of it-is-what-it-is that recalls some of the best travel writers of the 20th century. Well worth reading!
October 7, 2022
I first got to know the author through his Telegram channel (Paranoid Android) where he writes short texts. This book seems to be a logical result of his writing activity coupled with his rich life experience collected through traveling. Even though he mostly focuses on people he met during his journeys, one can still gauge what kind of a person the protagonist (the author of the book) is, which was the most interesting thing for me among many. He appears as a passionate youngster who has just started his independent life and lives it to the fullest. This is very impressive as most people at the age of 19 are not so bold in their actions. The focus on other people is also not so trivial as young people tend to be more self-absorbed, which is clearly not the case in this book.
The stories are written with flair and panache. There's room for both wit and deep thought. I couldn't stop smiling and laughing every time I was reading the book. It is indeed an easy read and is perfect for the road. At the same time the author invites the reader to ponder a more serious side of the world - a political one, which is an inevitable part of traveling we all know about. This makes the book more complex and gripping.
I'd really recommend it to everyone, but especially to those in their 20s who are still figuring everything out! :)
The stories are written with flair and panache. There's room for both wit and deep thought. I couldn't stop smiling and laughing every time I was reading the book. It is indeed an easy read and is perfect for the road. At the same time the author invites the reader to ponder a more serious side of the world - a political one, which is an inevitable part of traveling we all know about. This makes the book more complex and gripping.
I'd really recommend it to everyone, but especially to those in their 20s who are still figuring everything out! :)
June 24, 2024
First of all, I found the idea that anyone with any background can write a book rather inspiring. I got it from the shelf in one Berlin bar and gave it a go.
Second of all, what I found really good about this book is how it brought me back to my Couchsurfing experience. I also started remembering the stories and even thought of getting back to the community.
Now, to the review.
The book is an easy read, and it's separated by stories about every couch or person that Misha could find or meet. Usually, the stories are just stories, there is nothing unusual or extraordinary about them or the people/places they are about, sometimes I felt like I was simply reading someone's diary because I was like 'ok, what's the point of this one?'. Maybe it was intended so, idk.
In some parts of the book there was a bit of imperialistic language used, for example, when speaking about Estonia, he said something like: “Seems like nobody cares about the essence of this country with a weird language” or "They live in a small provincial country". I mean...
In two other parts of the book he makes some rather offensive comments towards gay people that he met on Couchsurfing. It being something like: "Being open minded for LGBT people means to be open to sex with them". In the other part there was another rather rough and unreasonable generalization used. I mean: if you ever face some people that do something unappropriate, please don't try to find the community to which they belong which you would label in any way based on those people only. But, I'm sorry for the experience that you had anyway.
Lastly, I think that some stories can be fully understood either by Russians or Berliners or Russian Berliners. Maybe that’s the target audience of the book. There are some stories about Russia and the words are just transcribed to English without any footnote explanations. Same things about Berlin, where some things only can be understood or maybe people who travelled to Berlin.
I usually don't write such long reviews on goodreads, but in his book Misha asked to review his book in order for him to develop his writing skills, and out of the respect to all the effort he put into writing this book, I thought it's not much asked from me. I also didn't buy the book, I got it from one of Berlin bars, where I will return it in the next days.
Second of all, what I found really good about this book is how it brought me back to my Couchsurfing experience. I also started remembering the stories and even thought of getting back to the community.
Now, to the review.
The book is an easy read, and it's separated by stories about every couch or person that Misha could find or meet. Usually, the stories are just stories, there is nothing unusual or extraordinary about them or the people/places they are about, sometimes I felt like I was simply reading someone's diary because I was like 'ok, what's the point of this one?'. Maybe it was intended so, idk.
In some parts of the book there was a bit of imperialistic language used, for example, when speaking about Estonia, he said something like: “Seems like nobody cares about the essence of this country with a weird language” or "They live in a small provincial country". I mean...
In two other parts of the book he makes some rather offensive comments towards gay people that he met on Couchsurfing. It being something like: "Being open minded for LGBT people means to be open to sex with them". In the other part there was another rather rough and unreasonable generalization used. I mean: if you ever face some people that do something unappropriate, please don't try to find the community to which they belong which you would label in any way based on those people only. But, I'm sorry for the experience that you had anyway.
Lastly, I think that some stories can be fully understood either by Russians or Berliners or Russian Berliners. Maybe that’s the target audience of the book. There are some stories about Russia and the words are just transcribed to English without any footnote explanations. Same things about Berlin, where some things only can be understood or maybe people who travelled to Berlin.
I usually don't write such long reviews on goodreads, but in his book Misha asked to review his book in order for him to develop his writing skills, and out of the respect to all the effort he put into writing this book, I thought it's not much asked from me. I also didn't buy the book, I got it from one of Berlin bars, where I will return it in the next days.
March 6, 2023
Couch follows the adventures of Misha Chinkov, a Russian national who between 2014 and 2022 took to couch-surfing during his national and international travels through Russia, the Baltics, India and the USA. In this book, couch-surfing refers to homeowners offering spare rooms, sofas, beds etc. for what is usually a heavily discounted price compared to a hotel room. It is particularly popular with young people and travellers.
What drew me to this book was its premise. The cover imagery of a neglected sofa and common interpretation of couch (or, in the UK, sofa) surfing is that it is more something brought about by hardship. It is not clear in this book what Chinkov's motives are for couch-surfing, is it due to a lack of money or a desire to avoid hotels? The writing focus tends to be placed on the increasingly disturbing hosts, including an American called Richard who hosts exclusively foreign travellers and insists on making lodgers sleep naked, "as clothes damage the air mattress". During scenes like these I find it hard to comprehend why our narrator is continuing to couch-surf.
Most of this book's issues can be traced back to author voice. From the frequent spelling mistakes and poor grammar it is apparent that English is not Chinkov's first language. Writing in another language is admirable but not forgivable. The F bomb is dropped excessively and Chinkov's tone of voice is insensitive and bitter. Following a scene where, after been driven for an hour to Suzdal by his hosts, "I give the guys a hundred [rubbles], which can afford you nothing but a cup of tasteless coffee," it is hard to feel sympathy toward Chinkov when he later struggles to find accommodation.
In one short book Chinkov crams in every couch-surfing experience, resulting in lots of fragmented sections that focus on brief interactions and leave readers starved of detail. What did the houses look and smell like? If India truly is "the land of dances and spice" then show us through words!
The premise could have potential if it were to be given a major overhaul and rewritten. Until then, Couch remains a questionable read, in more ways than one.
AEB Reviews
What drew me to this book was its premise. The cover imagery of a neglected sofa and common interpretation of couch (or, in the UK, sofa) surfing is that it is more something brought about by hardship. It is not clear in this book what Chinkov's motives are for couch-surfing, is it due to a lack of money or a desire to avoid hotels? The writing focus tends to be placed on the increasingly disturbing hosts, including an American called Richard who hosts exclusively foreign travellers and insists on making lodgers sleep naked, "as clothes damage the air mattress". During scenes like these I find it hard to comprehend why our narrator is continuing to couch-surf.
Most of this book's issues can be traced back to author voice. From the frequent spelling mistakes and poor grammar it is apparent that English is not Chinkov's first language. Writing in another language is admirable but not forgivable. The F bomb is dropped excessively and Chinkov's tone of voice is insensitive and bitter. Following a scene where, after been driven for an hour to Suzdal by his hosts, "I give the guys a hundred [rubbles], which can afford you nothing but a cup of tasteless coffee," it is hard to feel sympathy toward Chinkov when he later struggles to find accommodation.
In one short book Chinkov crams in every couch-surfing experience, resulting in lots of fragmented sections that focus on brief interactions and leave readers starved of detail. What did the houses look and smell like? If India truly is "the land of dances and spice" then show us through words!
The premise could have potential if it were to be given a major overhaul and rewritten. Until then, Couch remains a questionable read, in more ways than one.
AEB Reviews
October 6, 2022
Couch is a collection of beautifully penned travel stories from Couchsurfing. It's an extraordinary experience that cannot be expressed in words.
This is an intriguing work of the author's own wide array of experiences and knowledge while recording and mapping his sequentially organized travels. They aren't always sweet but he also navigates through bitter experiences.
Talking about different countries, locals and the overall atmospheric vibe, he delves into more than a hundred stories. These are short yet profound accounts that opens up the routes of discoveries.
Moving from one country to another, these are more than just destinations they are the memories and that's why it is written in such an extensively personal manner. Encapsulating a plethora of emotions, situations and hosts, this book conveys the profound and undisputed understanding that the world is a huge place and exploration of the same can at times go south but there will be moments of fulfillment and happiness in many of those encounters. If you are a reader with the soul of a traveller and seek the varied undertakings and adventures then a book such as this one will satiate your curiosity and wanderlust.
Couch is a perfect book for those who love to travel to different scenic destinations while curating an album of memorable moments.
This is an intriguing work of the author's own wide array of experiences and knowledge while recording and mapping his sequentially organized travels. They aren't always sweet but he also navigates through bitter experiences.
Talking about different countries, locals and the overall atmospheric vibe, he delves into more than a hundred stories. These are short yet profound accounts that opens up the routes of discoveries.
Moving from one country to another, these are more than just destinations they are the memories and that's why it is written in such an extensively personal manner. Encapsulating a plethora of emotions, situations and hosts, this book conveys the profound and undisputed understanding that the world is a huge place and exploration of the same can at times go south but there will be moments of fulfillment and happiness in many of those encounters. If you are a reader with the soul of a traveller and seek the varied undertakings and adventures then a book such as this one will satiate your curiosity and wanderlust.
Couch is a perfect book for those who love to travel to different scenic destinations while curating an album of memorable moments.
March 11, 2023
In general, I liked it. I read it in one go. It was interesting to dive into the kaleidoscope of events and the panopticon of characters. At times, however, I cringed at the homophobia, racism and a lot of profanity that slipped into the book. But since the author himself reflects on these topics, it added depth, so there was no negativity from my side.
I believe the author nailed the theme of the book and basically exhausted it. However, a desire to learn more about author's personally was not satisfied. Since all the stories in the book are very superficial, they do not leave room for more detailed reflections. I didn't have enough of that. There are few occasions in the book that open a door to the rabbit hole of author's soul. Especially when he describes his psychological states. This combination of what's happening around him and inside of him creates a very interesting character that I'd like to get to know better. But in the context of this book, I can't do that. I'd like to read something else from this author that reveals in more detail the nature of what's going on inside of his head. Especially giving the fact that some scenes that author describes in the book are very disturbing, and the way how Misha handles it (or, more often, not at all) is concerning. Yeah, I'd like to learn more about him, and would love to read more of his books. Looking forward to it!
I believe the author nailed the theme of the book and basically exhausted it. However, a desire to learn more about author's personally was not satisfied. Since all the stories in the book are very superficial, they do not leave room for more detailed reflections. I didn't have enough of that. There are few occasions in the book that open a door to the rabbit hole of author's soul. Especially when he describes his psychological states. This combination of what's happening around him and inside of him creates a very interesting character that I'd like to get to know better. But in the context of this book, I can't do that. I'd like to read something else from this author that reveals in more detail the nature of what's going on inside of his head. Especially giving the fact that some scenes that author describes in the book are very disturbing, and the way how Misha handles it (or, more often, not at all) is concerning. Yeah, I'd like to learn more about him, and would love to read more of his books. Looking forward to it!
October 1, 2022
Great read.
This is a book that will make you travel through the pages of the book.
Misha Chinkov's backpacking stories from 2014 to 2022 have been vividly penned and captured in this travelogue titled "Couch."
Expanding on the global community of travelers called Couchsurfing, he introduced us to a world of travels, hosts and surfing. Ranging from all sorts of experiences he has written short and crisp accounts that give the readers a glimpse of what his ventures have shown him.
Meeting with different people, understanding their unique perspectives, other countries know how and much more. It's a book that speaks volumes to hodophiles. Because those who have tasted the flavours of traveling the world, seeing different destinations highlights can understand how heavenly it can be.
Stories from U.S, India, Thailand, Gulf Countries and other countries, the author has shared hundreds of them. Each one is just as unique as the previous account. Recommend this to everyone who needs to let stress out and experience the travel.
This is a book that will make you travel through the pages of the book.
Misha Chinkov's backpacking stories from 2014 to 2022 have been vividly penned and captured in this travelogue titled "Couch."
Expanding on the global community of travelers called Couchsurfing, he introduced us to a world of travels, hosts and surfing. Ranging from all sorts of experiences he has written short and crisp accounts that give the readers a glimpse of what his ventures have shown him.
Meeting with different people, understanding their unique perspectives, other countries know how and much more. It's a book that speaks volumes to hodophiles. Because those who have tasted the flavours of traveling the world, seeing different destinations highlights can understand how heavenly it can be.
Stories from U.S, India, Thailand, Gulf Countries and other countries, the author has shared hundreds of them. Each one is just as unique as the previous account. Recommend this to everyone who needs to let stress out and experience the travel.
October 25, 2022
Five Stars
One of the best books I have read this month!
Highly recommend it! I only leave positive feedback and reviews when I love the book.
Feel free to ask anything regarding this book.
A must read for sure.
I'd recommend this book to everyone who would like to read an amazing book.
The book is written in a very interesting way .
A must read for sure
One of the best books I have read this month!
Highly recommend it! I only leave positive feedback and reviews when I love the book.
Feel free to ask anything regarding this book.
A must read for sure.
I'd recommend this book to everyone who would like to read an amazing book.
The book is written in a very interesting way .
A must read for sure
October 25, 2022
Amazingly woven like an interesting spell. I didn't think this book was going to be this good. It was , as you might expect , engaging , a total different piece of art from every aspect.
It sets a very high bar for whatever he does that comes next.
Must Read
It sets a very high bar for whatever he does that comes next.
Must Read
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews