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Life Travel And The People In Between: A Memoir
In 2006, Mike Nixon worked as a hotel receptionist. Having thousands of encounters with guests from all over the world, he dreamed of living a life as exciting as those hotel guests. But dreaming is a lot easier than making that fantasy a reality. He struggled to bring his plans to life…until he met a friend who set his life on a different course. This book is about Mike’s journey to stay on that path.
In this fun memoir about following one’s passion for adventure, Mike provides an honest and realistic approach to becoming a world traveler and tells fascinating stories about unexpectedly passing through the lives of others. But as much as the memoir discusses travel, it also explores the idea of living a meaningful life. Mike’s memoir is heartwarming, hilarious, and, at times, a severe reminder of what it means to be human. It’s an enthralling rollercoaster ride that keeps readers entertained until the last page.
In this fun memoir about following one’s passion for adventure, Mike provides an honest and realistic approach to becoming a world traveler and tells fascinating stories about unexpectedly passing through the lives of others. But as much as the memoir discusses travel, it also explores the idea of living a meaningful life. Mike’s memoir is heartwarming, hilarious, and, at times, a severe reminder of what it means to be human. It’s an enthralling rollercoaster ride that keeps readers entertained until the last page.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 23, 2022
When author Mike Nixon was younger, in 2006, he worked as a desk clerk at the Comfort Inn. He encountered people from all over the world from whom he learned many things about their different cultures. For a while, that was Mike’s dream job; but over time, his desire to be like these travelers and experience the world for himself became his dream. This is a memoir of Mike’s path to explore the world and travel as much as possible, because it lit a flame inside of him that would not be satisfied in any other way. In Nixon’s own words: “Meeting a person is more than just encountering a physical being who can speak, make us laugh, and keep us company. It's coming into contact with someone made from millions of experiences, someone who feels and exists, and someone who is more than what we see on the outside—and definitely more than what they show us…Traveling is a great way to discover your passion…Travel as much as you can. The purpose of travel is to get away from what you’re used to. Travel is about exposing yourself to people, environments, and situations you normally wouldn’t consider. Doing so will open you up to new ideas, unique ways of seeing the world, and different ways of experiencing life. Likewise, you’ll gain skills, knowledge, and values that’ll assist you in facing everyday challenges.” This book is the memoir of Nixon’s various jobs and travels, and the friendships, “family,” experiences, places, cultures, values, food, and more he experienced along the way.
I am a person who believes that to learn about and appreciate different cultures, to see each other not as strangers but as humans experiencing this life together, is a true blessing in life. We may have different styles, colors, languages, etc., but we still are all beings with the same basic human needs, exactly same under the surface, if you will. I believe that Mike’s experiences serve to prove my point. The more we learn about those we perceive as different, the less fear we will experience. I believe it is the fear of those who are different which is the root cause of prejudice and humans wanting to hurt each other. Quoting Shakespeare from “The Merchant of Venice” (Act III, scene I): “If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die?…” While a little repetitious in some chapters, this was a very enjoyable read about one man’s experience learning about the places where he travelled and people he met and befriended from each region. It’s a beautiful story about humankind, and well worth the time it takes to read; I would recommend it to all who love travel, people, and learning about other cultures.
I’d like to thank BookSirens, Mike Nixon, and Palmetto Publishing for the ability to read and review this ARC.
I am a person who believes that to learn about and appreciate different cultures, to see each other not as strangers but as humans experiencing this life together, is a true blessing in life. We may have different styles, colors, languages, etc., but we still are all beings with the same basic human needs, exactly same under the surface, if you will. I believe that Mike’s experiences serve to prove my point. The more we learn about those we perceive as different, the less fear we will experience. I believe it is the fear of those who are different which is the root cause of prejudice and humans wanting to hurt each other. Quoting Shakespeare from “The Merchant of Venice” (Act III, scene I): “If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die?…” While a little repetitious in some chapters, this was a very enjoyable read about one man’s experience learning about the places where he travelled and people he met and befriended from each region. It’s a beautiful story about humankind, and well worth the time it takes to read; I would recommend it to all who love travel, people, and learning about other cultures.
I’d like to thank BookSirens, Mike Nixon, and Palmetto Publishing for the ability to read and review this ARC.
January 7, 2023
Officially my last book read of 2022! And a good one to close out the year, Mike left me with some inspiration and words for thought to bring in the new year!
I will update my review with more of what I thought and liked about the book soon.
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Update:
This was a great read! Mike was open, vulnerable, and funny. I could relate a lot, particularly to pre-traveled Mike, and he definitely inspired me to get out of my comfort zone - although I don't think I could be quite as bold as he has been! I definitely recommend this memoir to anyone who likes travel stories. The only thing I think could have made it even better was if it had included some of the pictures he took on his adventures!
(Cross-posting on Amazon to help an indie author!)
I will update my review with more of what I thought and liked about the book soon.
----
Update:
This was a great read! Mike was open, vulnerable, and funny. I could relate a lot, particularly to pre-traveled Mike, and he definitely inspired me to get out of my comfort zone - although I don't think I could be quite as bold as he has been! I definitely recommend this memoir to anyone who likes travel stories. The only thing I think could have made it even better was if it had included some of the pictures he took on his adventures!
(Cross-posting on Amazon to help an indie author!)
June 18, 2024
I have mixed feelings about this book. The reading was mostly pleasant, and some parts were interesting, but it felt like a draft sometimes, and it went to too many directions. I really enjoyed the first part, showing another way to include traveling in your life, not just the typical "I'm going backpacking around the world for a year" kind of thing. It showed it's more accessible than most people think, and there are many possibilities even if you don't have much money. That's how I live my life, too. But then, at some point, it became just a travel guide listing attractions to visit in a few countries. It felt too long sometimes, when other parts felt too short. Some countries were just mentioned with no more information whatsoever or anything. It felt like "Oh shit I took too much time talking about the previous adventure, listing the temples and restaurants, so I don't have time for this one anymore, oops, let's skip it, nobody will care". It felt flat a few times. In terms of feeling like some information was missing, the military and his girlfriend turned wife are such big parts of the book, and still, it just mentions the surface. In a book talking about traveling and meeting people... Maybe dating a foreigner should be a tiny bit explored? Then it's randomly dropped in a sentence they got married at some point, and that's it. I'm not saying it should have included numerous personal details or whatever, but just talked a tiny bit about international relationships maybe, then getting married to a foreigner; I have friends who got married to foreigners and there were some cultural aspects, administrative aspects, etc. that I would have expected to read in this book considering he was mentioning his girlfriend very often. And the military part... Again, not asking for a detailed description of whatever they were doing and everything, but it just felt like he was on vacation all along, not doing anything. Half a chapter describing this a bit more wouldn't have been too much, in my opinion.
I also thought that sometimes the chronology of the events was so messy that I was lost multiple times in the narration.
I find it interesting to write, "Choose kindness as much as you possibly can." after having, just a few pages before, written about PETA as dictators and with a clear negative vibe, then listing all the living beings he killed for his pure pleasure and satisfy his curiosity. Then reducing veganism to granola and wrongly mixing it with gluten-free... When basically veganism is advocating for kindness, for all kinds. That's actually the kindest choice you can possibly make, so... It should have probably said, "Choose kindness as much as it's convenient for you", or something like that.
I ended up doubting the exactitude of the information in the entire book when I read in the last few pages that it didn't stop to animals because he also ate insects, then included spiders in the insects list. Insects are animals, actually. But spiders are not insects. Two consecutive mistakes. But maybe it was the only wrong info, and the rest is accurate, mistakes happen. It just made me doubt the rest, the things I could only take his words for thinking he made the good research because I don't know anything about it.
Talking about mistakes, I did like the fact that he was talking about the "stupid" things he did, like getting poisoned, making questionable decisions with investments, etc. It makes it more accessible for people, more relatable, and more genuine.
I could relate when he was describing how bad he felt with people taking advantage of him in India, I've never been there but have experienced this in other countries.
He has met amazing people, and is talking about ways to get out of your comfort zone to live fully, so it can be inspiring for some people who are hesitating to make some big changes in their lives, etc. Maybe you can take notes and apply some of his lessons and experiences in your own life, so that's good.
So overall, I enjoyed the first part of the book and some other aspects of it here and there, and the rest was bearable. It was a light read that I wouldn't really recommend to anyone, but still, you don't have much to lose by giving it a chance. If this book calls to you in a way, go for it. There were some nice points of view on things sometimes, I do have some things in common with the author, even if on some subjects I could totally feel I couldn't get along with him. In the way he said some things about women, for example, it made me feel uncomfortable reading, in a way. But it was a very minor thing still, so overall, it's ok. I hope he keeps traveling till this day and he's happy.
I also thought that sometimes the chronology of the events was so messy that I was lost multiple times in the narration.
I find it interesting to write, "Choose kindness as much as you possibly can." after having, just a few pages before, written about PETA as dictators and with a clear negative vibe, then listing all the living beings he killed for his pure pleasure and satisfy his curiosity. Then reducing veganism to granola and wrongly mixing it with gluten-free... When basically veganism is advocating for kindness, for all kinds. That's actually the kindest choice you can possibly make, so... It should have probably said, "Choose kindness as much as it's convenient for you", or something like that.
I ended up doubting the exactitude of the information in the entire book when I read in the last few pages that it didn't stop to animals because he also ate insects, then included spiders in the insects list. Insects are animals, actually. But spiders are not insects. Two consecutive mistakes. But maybe it was the only wrong info, and the rest is accurate, mistakes happen. It just made me doubt the rest, the things I could only take his words for thinking he made the good research because I don't know anything about it.
Talking about mistakes, I did like the fact that he was talking about the "stupid" things he did, like getting poisoned, making questionable decisions with investments, etc. It makes it more accessible for people, more relatable, and more genuine.
I could relate when he was describing how bad he felt with people taking advantage of him in India, I've never been there but have experienced this in other countries.
He has met amazing people, and is talking about ways to get out of your comfort zone to live fully, so it can be inspiring for some people who are hesitating to make some big changes in their lives, etc. Maybe you can take notes and apply some of his lessons and experiences in your own life, so that's good.
So overall, I enjoyed the first part of the book and some other aspects of it here and there, and the rest was bearable. It was a light read that I wouldn't really recommend to anyone, but still, you don't have much to lose by giving it a chance. If this book calls to you in a way, go for it. There were some nice points of view on things sometimes, I do have some things in common with the author, even if on some subjects I could totally feel I couldn't get along with him. In the way he said some things about women, for example, it made me feel uncomfortable reading, in a way. But it was a very minor thing still, so overall, it's ok. I hope he keeps traveling till this day and he's happy.
October 25, 2022
Out of uncertain times comes inspiring and creative thinking. The COVID-19 quarantine inspired many to follow their passions. Mike Nixon took advantage of this time and launched his book Life, Travel and the People in Between. As Nixon states, “Why not take chances.”
Nixon was working behind the desk at a Comfort Inn, and the hotel guests he met sparked his desire to travel. But he didn’t know where to start. Following a friend’s advice, Nixon took the opportunity to study abroad in the Dominican Republic. Afterward, the travel bug bites Nixon hard, and the adventures begin.
The book chronicles Nixon’s travels around the globe and highlights the friends he meets along the way. The first third of Life, Travel and the People in Between covers Nixon’s upbringing and experience. The book then discusses his worldwide travels, with the last section focusing on what life is like after traveling and if he can juggle travel with work and financial obligations.
I enjoyed this travel and coming-of-age story. It was admirable that Nixon could overcome growing up in a low-income, high-crime St. Louis area and find a successful path using his will, dreams and support of friends and family. His enthusiasm for people, cultures and experiencing new destinations is infectious.
Nixon seems experienced beyond his years, and his advice on travel and life is meaningful and memorable. As Nixon states, “don’t measure time by money but rather the experiences.”
This book had me from the beginning. Nixon’s backstory kept me wanting more. However, when the story shifts from the backstory to daily travel, my enthusiasm waned a bit. Although the destinations are fascinating, the journalistic style that makes up most of the traveling memories fell dry. Unless you are preparing to travel to one of the destinations described in the book, the stories may not be exciting.
However, if you are dreaming of doing something more with your life and getting out to explore corners of the world, this book is for you. Nixon goes for it and encourages others to do the same. And as Nixon proves, you don’t have to have pockets full of money or vacation days to do it. The uplifting and heartwarming theme Nixon exhumes throughout is that he finds the common good in most people. As Nixon states, “It’s interesting how sharing special occasions with other humans makes life all the more worthwhile.”
Nixon was working behind the desk at a Comfort Inn, and the hotel guests he met sparked his desire to travel. But he didn’t know where to start. Following a friend’s advice, Nixon took the opportunity to study abroad in the Dominican Republic. Afterward, the travel bug bites Nixon hard, and the adventures begin.
The book chronicles Nixon’s travels around the globe and highlights the friends he meets along the way. The first third of Life, Travel and the People in Between covers Nixon’s upbringing and experience. The book then discusses his worldwide travels, with the last section focusing on what life is like after traveling and if he can juggle travel with work and financial obligations.
I enjoyed this travel and coming-of-age story. It was admirable that Nixon could overcome growing up in a low-income, high-crime St. Louis area and find a successful path using his will, dreams and support of friends and family. His enthusiasm for people, cultures and experiencing new destinations is infectious.
Nixon seems experienced beyond his years, and his advice on travel and life is meaningful and memorable. As Nixon states, “don’t measure time by money but rather the experiences.”
This book had me from the beginning. Nixon’s backstory kept me wanting more. However, when the story shifts from the backstory to daily travel, my enthusiasm waned a bit. Although the destinations are fascinating, the journalistic style that makes up most of the traveling memories fell dry. Unless you are preparing to travel to one of the destinations described in the book, the stories may not be exciting.
However, if you are dreaming of doing something more with your life and getting out to explore corners of the world, this book is for you. Nixon goes for it and encourages others to do the same. And as Nixon proves, you don’t have to have pockets full of money or vacation days to do it. The uplifting and heartwarming theme Nixon exhumes throughout is that he finds the common good in most people. As Nixon states, “It’s interesting how sharing special occasions with other humans makes life all the more worthwhile.”
October 5, 2022
Mike's journey from a young man working his dream job at a hotel to a well traveled man is complex and thought invoking. He talks simply of the friends made and lost along the way. In a genre that is littered with the highlights of one's life and expirences he talks honestly about losing friends, and times of insecurities. Mike has a profound ability to draw in the reader, allowing you to feel like you're in the Dominican Republic, or sitting in Chicago O'Hare. You won't put this memoir down once you pick it up.
Read
January 8, 2023During the pandemic Mike Nixon decided to write a memoir about his extensive overseas travel. Nixon has indeed been to a lot of places, mostly in Asia and South America, with much of it connected to his military service and humanitarian volunteerism. I enjoyed the stories Nixon tells about unique things that happened to him and the relationships he developed. At the same time, I found his travels a little hard to relate to because the contexts of Nixon's access points are so different from what I could expect to experience. Thanks to Goodreads Giveaways for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 26, 2022
Nixon's memoir is the real deal... real life, real travel, real people and great stories. If you enjoy travel memoirs, you'll love this one. This book will make you want to travel and get to know people along the way. I highly recommend it!
January 2, 2023
A deeply personal and touching memoir from a friend. Definitely worth a read, especially if you're someone who wants to travel and needs a little inspiration.
September 17, 2022
Fantastic memoir dedicated to a life filled with travel passion. Mike Nixon takes you from a journey from the streets of St. Louis to the markets of Paraguay. You will laugh, reflect, and cherish the memories of your travel experiences through this story. This is a “Must Read!”
May 2, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining book about Mike's life and willingness to do anything to see the world. This book is a Must Read!
September 15, 2022
A good read about the various places Mike Nixon has traveled. More importantly, he details the life lessons learned along the way. Very informative about the different cultures in different countries. Caution though: this book may create a wanderlust in you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2022
What an interesting life Mike Nixon created for himself. His writing style may not have the finesse that more experienced writers might have but he was out living the life, not just writing about it. Anyone who enjoys the travel lifestyle will enjoy this read.
April 21, 2023
This is a great book for anyone who has ever dreamed about traveling! The author shares many unique travel experiences and inspiration that will encourage readers to take risk and pursue adventurous lives.
April 14, 2023
Mike Nixon is a great storyteller. This book is honest and vulnerable, peppered with humor and doses of wisdom. If you enjoy travel, this is a great read. You’ll feel like you’re on his adventures. Even if you aren’t an avid traveler, this book may still be enjoyable; it’s also about the author pursuing his dreams and overcoming challenges.
January 15, 2023
As a fellow hard-core explorer, I resonated deeply with Mike's story. And as someone who has also published a travel memoir, I inherently know the challenges of putting our deeply personal experiences and learning lessons from abroad into a coherent thought. Mike did a marvelous job of sharing his story from behind the front desk of a hotel to being on the other side with his own tales to tell so many years later. He also brought the book home powerfully with a beautiful letter he would write to his past self.
But the best part of the book was exactly what is mentioned in the title: The People In Between! Every single hardcore traveler will tell you the same thing: That people all around the world are good and have a heart to help. Yet, every single non-traveler will tell you the opposite: That people are bad and the world is evil. Of course, it isn't so black and white in real life, and it would be naive to dismiss the world as being a utopian paradise. But the difference is that Mike has SEEN, firsthand, the good of humanity and it had a powerful impact on his life and how he views the world.
Bro, go travel! Right now. The world has proven time and time again to be our greatest teacher! And Mike proves that yet again with real-world experience, common sense, and a little faith in humanity. Thank you for sharing your story with the world!
But the best part of the book was exactly what is mentioned in the title: The People In Between! Every single hardcore traveler will tell you the same thing: That people all around the world are good and have a heart to help. Yet, every single non-traveler will tell you the opposite: That people are bad and the world is evil. Of course, it isn't so black and white in real life, and it would be naive to dismiss the world as being a utopian paradise. But the difference is that Mike has SEEN, firsthand, the good of humanity and it had a powerful impact on his life and how he views the world.
Bro, go travel! Right now. The world has proven time and time again to be our greatest teacher! And Mike proves that yet again with real-world experience, common sense, and a little faith in humanity. Thank you for sharing your story with the world!
October 26, 2022
An honest, candid memoir of an American bitten by the travel bug! Nixon invites the reader to share in some of his most astonishing adventures, while also leaving tips and tricks as bread crumbs for his readers to follow, inviting them to pursue their own adventures in lands unknown.
October 16, 2023
refreshing and enjoyable
I love travel memoirs; but this book is different than the usual middle class up sticks remodeling expat screed. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about travel from a completely different perspective than mine. I especially liked his letter to his younger self.
Thank you Mike for this book, and your service.
The only (slight) criticism I have was the lack of a description of Kaori, character wise I feel like she was maybe more of an influence than some other characters that got better billing. (So to speak) maybe another book exploring the adjustments made by those in a cross cultural relationship? I’m looking forward to it! 😉
I love travel memoirs; but this book is different than the usual middle class up sticks remodeling expat screed. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about travel from a completely different perspective than mine. I especially liked his letter to his younger self.
Thank you Mike for this book, and your service.
The only (slight) criticism I have was the lack of a description of Kaori, character wise I feel like she was maybe more of an influence than some other characters that got better billing. (So to speak) maybe another book exploring the adjustments made by those in a cross cultural relationship? I’m looking forward to it! 😉
December 8, 2024
Very Enjoyable
Mike Nixon has a very engaging manner with which he relates his many travel adventures. I chose this book thinking that I was just going to read a travel memoir. However, this book is much more, even though I’m a white female at least 30 years older than Nixon, are related to him and identified with many of his hopes and desires.
I found this book to be very thought provocative. I love the way. He relates his travel adventures to the travels through life. I highly recommend this book not just to those interested in travel, but just those who want to read a good book.
Mike Nixon has a very engaging manner with which he relates his many travel adventures. I chose this book thinking that I was just going to read a travel memoir. However, this book is much more, even though I’m a white female at least 30 years older than Nixon, are related to him and identified with many of his hopes and desires.
I found this book to be very thought provocative. I love the way. He relates his travel adventures to the travels through life. I highly recommend this book not just to those interested in travel, but just those who want to read a good book.
March 3, 2025
This is a very different kind of travel story, and one I think I might have enjoyed more as an audio book because he was an excellent story teller. This followed Nixon non-chronologically from his time working at a hotel through his time doing study abroad, working in Paraguay and Nicaragua to his time in the Navy where he was stationed in Japan. Definitely different kind of. travel writing. I enjoyed his stories very much, especially as I don't think I've ready any writing from returned Peace Corps volunteers. I enjoyed the stories of the people he met, his colleagues, his guides and all around him.
February 13, 2023
Author Mike Nixon shares his inspiring life story in this award winning book. From losing one of his best friends to gun violence as a teenager and changing schools five times before high school to world traveler who shares his wisdom accrued from visiting over 30 countries, the author will inspire you to go after the life you were meant to live and overcome any obstacles standing in your way. This story is a testament to human potential and a life well lived.
January 2, 2024
This is a great book for people needing a push to travel. It was okay overall but I had to really push myself to finish it.
Mike's best realization, which I discovered early in my travels, is that for the most part humans are all the same. We differ in looks and culture but our needs are the same universally. We all have much more in common than we have differences. Travelling opens your eyes to that truth.
Mike's best realization, which I discovered early in my travels, is that for the most part humans are all the same. We differ in looks and culture but our needs are the same universally. We all have much more in common than we have differences. Travelling opens your eyes to that truth.
March 11, 2023
4.5 stars
A fun and inspiring read from a new author! Mike Nixon's stories of his travels around the world are entertaining, insightful, and effective in providing the reader with the motivation to book their next trip.
A fun and inspiring read from a new author! Mike Nixon's stories of his travels around the world are entertaining, insightful, and effective in providing the reader with the motivation to book their next trip.
June 4, 2024
What an amazing read
This has to be the most interesting, easy but at the same time profound book I have read recently.
It helps you see the importance of the simplest things in life that we take for granted.
Travel, people, food, and ourselves.
This has to be the most interesting, easy but at the same time profound book I have read recently.
It helps you see the importance of the simplest things in life that we take for granted.
Travel, people, food, and ourselves.
August 13, 2023
Mildly entertaining, but his basic writing style is distracting. "She wanted to go to Bali. Bali is a part . . . " Is your target audience children or people that aren't native English?
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