Conversations Across America | Kari Loya | Book Review | A Father and Son, Alzheimer’s, and 300 Conversations Along the TransAmerica Bike Trail that Capture the Soul of America

Conversations Across America by Kari Loya is a vividly written travelogue and emotional memoir of his and his father’s last bike trip across the TransAmerica Bike Trail. A book that talks of relationships especially a father-son’s, the impact of Alzheimer’s on not only the patient but his family too, and brings the beauty of America to a reader. So, read the book summary, release date, genre, age rating, and book review of Conversations Across America by Kari Loya in this post below.

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About Conversations Across America by Kari Loya:

No. of Pages: 276

Publication Date: July 18, 2022 by XK Productions

Genre: Travel, Memoir, Relationships, Non-Fiction, Health

Reading Age: 18 years and above

Can be read as a standalone? YES

Buy From: AMAZON

Conversations Across America by Kari Loya Book Summary:

Merv Loya was diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer’s, and this shocking development brings about chaos in his and his family’s lives. This book chronicles his last bike ride adventure with his son, Kari Loya, and how they adapted to these new changes in their lives. And also talks of relationships especially a father-son’s, the impact of Alzheimer’s on not only the patient but his family too, and brings the beauty of America to a reader. So, this is a book that will touch your heart, leave you more motivated to live each moment fully, and also take you on a memorable adventure.

"Conversations Across America by Kari Loya promised an emotionally rich, vividly enchanting, and enlightening experience for the readers. And I am so happy to say that it lived upto all my expectations!" #BookReviewbyNjkinny #BookReview… Click To Tweet

Conversations Across America by Kari Loya Book Review:

The first thing that attracted me towards this book:

So, the first thing that attracted me towards this book was the fact that it was the author’s own story, and that it was based on his last adventure with his, recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, father. From the book synopsis, this book promised an emotionally rich, vividly enchanting, and enlightening experience for the readers. And I am so happy to say that it lived upto all my expectations!

Book Title and Book Cover:

Right from the book title to the book cover, this book manages to capture our attention, especially if you are a travel buff or interested in learning about new places. 

Writing style:

The writing style is simple, and easy to understand. This book is like a diary with the daily accounts of the author’s bike adventure across the TransAmerica Bike Trail. It also contains colourful photos of the author, his father, the places they visited, the people they met along the way, and even maps of the trail they took. Then readers also get to read the individual stories of people they talked to along the way. So, in short, this is a splendid coffee table book that took me on an adventure to new places, new people, and new experiences all from the comfort of my home.

The last adventure:

This book is the author’s last adventure, and a sort of the start of a goodbye to his Alzheimer’s patient father. We also get an inside take on the author’s mental state, his determination to make each moment with his father count, and to live as normally as possible even in the face of such life-altering developments. My heart broke, and I cried at what was happening to the Loya family. But then also applauded their perseverance, and will power that kept them positive, and that inspires readers to seize-the-day!

America is featured in a new light:

I saw America in a new light through this book. The raw insight into the daily struggles, the triumphs, and challenges of common people, and the places they call home is so realistically brought to life that I felt part of the adventure. So, I felt each shift in the air, terrain, and weather conditions as if it was I who was biking along side the author and his father!

This book is to be savoured, mulled over, and then picked up to read again and again. Everything from the beautiful pictures, to the inspiring stories of the people featured as well as the author’s personal story, and the thrilling descriptions of their biking journey will definitely have you picking this book time and again to read.

Things that could be better:

While I absolutely adored reading this book, I also distinctly felt at a loss because of the kindle version I was reading. The kindle book is not formatted properly. So, it doesn’t give the readers the features of kindle books like font adjustment, themes, highlights, text containment etc. So, it was very difficult to read the small font that broke when I tried increasing it. Then the images were out of alignment, and page turning was a nightmare. The only motivation behind my perseverance to read this book was that I was totally engrossed. Also I didn’t have the luxury of buying a paperback as it is unavailable in India.

So, I would highly recommend that you buy and enjoy reading this splendid book in any of the physical formats. The current kindle version of this book is not easy to read.

Conclusion:

"This book is to be savoured, mulled over, and then picked up to read again and again." #BookReview Conversations Across America by Kari Loya #NonFiction #Memoir #Travel #NjkinnyRecommends Click To Tweet

All in all, Conversations Across America by Kari Loya is a powerful memoir that will keep you turning the pages eagerly. I adored the photos, the adventure, and the connection I made with strangers with varied lifestyles and cultures through this book. Then I was moved by the author’s personal story that broke my heart. Suddenly finding your father suffering from a disease like Alzheimer’s is traumatic, and overwhelming. But the way in which the author tried to make the remaining days with his father memorable is applaudable. So, this book not only inspired me but also has left me thankful for the blessings in my life. While at times I felt like skipping the mundane daily details, this book definitely gave me food for thought. And left me more cognizant of the struggles of families with members afflicted with diseases like Alzheimer’s. 

So, if you are looking to go on an adventure, experience untapped places with real life conversations with people from varied cultures and lifestyles while also gaining a new perspective on life and living then this is the book for you. So, 4 out of 5 stars to it and Njkinny recommends this beautiful book. I am taking away one star from my rating because of my experience with reading the kindle book. Otherwise this is a memorable and must read book that makes a perfect book gift. So, go read and gift this true story to your loved ones.

Buy From:

AMAZON

Meet Author Kari Loya:

Kari Loya is an educational leader, storyteller, and adventurer.
Follow him on Linkedin

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