Collywobbles: Tales of Travel, Life, and Anxiety
JeannetteI enjoyed the book. It was very informative and entertaining. I enjoyed her prospective as a “wandering Jew”. It is not for the prudish as there is an entire chapter on the phallus. Faye is very blunt and honest about her experiences. I know the author.
ReneeThis book is a quick and fun read. Learn all about the Collywobbles that come with traveling with anxiety!
CarolynA masterful storyteller, Faye Brenner transports readers on intriguing journeys while battling bouts of anxiety, a condition she cunningly refers to as collywobbles. As one of Faye’s former travel partners on European excursions with high school students, I marvel at how insightfully she recounts the intricate details of trips taken decades ago. Equally praiseworthy is the meticulous research behind this book, which allows readers to experience the captivating intrigue of Machu Picchu, the gargoyles of Notre-Dame de Paris, the subterranean tunnels of Edinburgh, the unforgettable haunted cemetery, Greyfriars Kirkyard, as well as other sites. Throughout this memoir and travelogue, the author’s clever wit shines through invented words like Jewdar instead of radar and plesbian instead of part-time lesbian. Despite the author’s reoccurring fear of heights and regardless of the jitters she endures from descending into subterranean tunnels, Brenner continues to be addicted to travel and longs for a future trip to Bhutan, Nepal, or Tibet as soon as the COVID-19 pandemic subsides. In the interim, she appeases her travel addiction by writing compelling narratives, such as COLLYWOBBLES, that are lucid and scintillating while bringing readers a plethora of joy
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WendyThe author gives an entertaining lived perspective on what could be a paralyzing amount of anxiety combined with a passion to travel the world. Obstacle after obstacle gets in her way and each time you want to turn the pages to see how the issues are dealt with.
MarilenaThe book is about Faye's courageous life journey with anxiety and her love of travel. The chapters are candid, revealing, and endearing, as she manages her struggles but loves the life of an engaged world traveler. Her anxiety doesn't stop her adventures traveling alone or as a travel guide. The chapter on the toilets alone had me laughing out loud. Who hasn't been in search of a rest room while traveling?
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DavidThoroughly enjoyable and informative. Faye Brenner offers her unique perspectives on getting to and touring many diverse locales ranging from famous ones you thought you knew to off-the-grid places you wished you knew. She tells her stories in a very funny and entertaining voice throughout. The book is a great way to visit places we can't get to today and identify interesting ones to visit once we can. I recommend this book highly,
LisaEver since I’ve known the author, Faye Brenner (a former colleague and friend, she has been a huge traveler, taking multiple international trips a year. In Collywobbles, Tales of Travel, Life, and Anxiety, written during the pandemic when travel became impossible, she begins and ends with a discussion of her anxieties – acrophobia and claustrophobia as well a general anxiety that manifests itself in worry over getting lost, being assaulted and missing connections. The chapters are thematic and she weaves in anecdotes that illustrate both how these anxieties at times hampered her travel and how she gradually overcame them or, at least, held them at bay. She proves herself brave to attempt so many adventures which often create a sense of panic, try many exotic foods (when I would take a pass), and lead tour groups even when she has a terrible sense of direction. I appreciated the genuine honesty that Faye brings to the book and her willingness to share her vulnerabilities with the reader. What makes the book truly engaging are the anecdotes that drop the reader into cooking classes in Vietnam, the ruins of Pompeii (where she notes the many phallic scenes on the statuary), and a thwarted pickpocket attempt in the Beijing Silk Market, to mention a few. It’s a book that reminds us that there is a wonderful world out there waiting for us once we are all inoculated and able to fly again, and travel – despite its challenges, both personal and external – is exceedingly worthwhile.
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Author Chats
TonyIt was a pleasure to hear Faye share her personal experiences through the reading, as well as the follow-on discussion at the Book Talk. You can hear the authenticity in your voice, and hear through her writing! The story telling of her angst in traveling, is married so well with her sense of humor – showing the reader that they can overcome the many challenges of traveling the world. Thank you again for sharing yourself with us, your readers.
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Book Clubs
MarilenaThe discussion in our book group was uplifting, lively and entertaining. She has a terrific website with photos, chronology of travels and the Wandering Jew section is worth the time.
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