Passport Diaries: A Novel [Hardcover]

Tamara Gregory (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2, 2005

Kia Carson, a Los Angeles district attorney with beauty, brains, taste, and style, is about to turn thirty-five. There's just one problem with her picture-perfect life -- she's not got one eligible man in sight. Well, thank God she has her career . . . at least until she gets suspended from her job. To regain her sense of purpose, she plans a restorative girl's night out -- all the way to Europe.

In this fresh and funny Los Angeles Times bestseller, Kia embarks on what becomes a defining journey to London, Paris, and Greece, where she finds a little bit of trouble, a whole lot of laughs, and what she didn't even know she was looking for -- herself.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Hollywood producer Gregory's fun-filled debut introduces stylish L.A. lawyer Kia Carson, who always tries to do the right thing, though she often disagrees with the political agenda of her boss, DA Holden. Burned out after three years prosecuting homicide cases, Kia is ready for a well-deserved vacation. However, traveling alone to Europe wasn't her preference; unknown to Kia's friends and family, her six-week holiday is a coverup for her job suspension after yet another clash with the DA. Kia is in for a wild ride as she opens herself to new experiences orchestrated by a variety of tour guides in such places as London and Paris. Greece, the last stop of her adventure, holds special intrigue following a chance encounter with a stateside friend, who just may hold the key to happiness and true love. This contemporary romance with an African-American slant is perfect for passing the time on a lazy summer day.
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Review

“Whether you’re sitting by the pool or ont he beach, it’s the perfect summer read. I couldn’t put it down.” (--Gabrielle Union, actress )

“This contemporary romance with an African-American slant is perfect for passing the time on a lazy summer day.” (Publishers Weekly )

“An irresistible can’t-put-it-down ride for every girl yearning for self-discovery!” (Lyah Beth LeFlore, co-author of Cosmopolitan Girls )

“This cool, bubbly romance is the next best thing to being upgraded to first class.” (--Veronica Chambers, author of Miss Black America and Having it All: Black Women and Success )

“Travel first class next to Kia without ever leaving your couch.” (Essence )

“Romance, discovery, intrigue, a little taste of Sex in the City... Passport Diaries is the best trip of your life.” (Trisha R. Thomas, author of Nappily Ever After )

“Stunning debut...Sassy, sophisticated, and laugh-out-loud funny. Gregory is a fresh original voice full of style and grace.” (--Travis Hunter, author of Hearts of Men and Married but Still Looking )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Amistad (August 2, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060789271
• ISBN-13: 978-0060789275
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,858,714 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More Like 4.5 stars: Romance, Intrigue, Discovery, October 15, 2005

By 

Yasmin Coleman (PENNSYLVANIA, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Passport Diaries: A Novel (Hardcover)

Set against the legal backdrop of Los Angeles and the cosmopolitan setting of Europe, Passport Diaries by Tamara Gregory is an entertaining and intriguing read. After being suspended from work, and dissed by her vacation partners, Kia Carson sets off solo to Europe for a much-deserved vacation. Scared and slightly trepid regarding traveling alone, yet anticipating the chance to visit France, England and Greece, Kia is about to experience the vacation of a lifetime.

After all, there are some advantages to traveling alone: she gets to set her own agenda, view sights that she enjoys, she does not have to pretend to be happy when she is not, she does not have to be personable or talkative with anyone else and she will get a chance to spend time meditating, reflecting and journaling without intrusion. Taking the advice of a stranger, she also plans to try something new in every country-some antics will be so scandalous that what is done in Europe should stay in Europe. When she gets to her last destination (Greece), she is pleasantly surprised and a romance ensues. She might just have found a man who is as loving, supportive, encouraging and stable as her father.

Do not be fooled by the cover and do not allow the scantily clad model to be the impetus for not reading this book. As there is so much more between the covers than what is thinly portrayed via the cover image. Filled with wit, history and inspiration, Passport Diaries by Tamara Gregory is a favorite 2005 read for me. Gregory's voice is fresh and original and she does a good job of quickly capturing a reader's attention and drawing one into her storyline. If one is low on funds, curl up with Passport's Diaries as Gregory's details and descriptions of places visited are so panoramic, vibrant and realistic that you will feel as though you are experiencing the sights firsthand.

Vivid imagery, sassy dialogue and an empowered female protagonist really brought this story to life for me. Passport Diaries has universal appeal and is a storyline that has good crossover potential. It was a sensational reading experience for me and after I finished reading I was ready to grab my passport, make hotel arrangements and flight plans and fly off to make my own memories. I highly recommend this book for those who like storylines that are different, well written and showcase empowered women. APOOO rating: 4.5 stars.

Reviewed by Yasmin
APOOO BookClub

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FUN, SMART, INSIGHTFUL READ, August 4, 2005

By 

Karen Wilson (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Passport Diaries: A Novel (Hardcover)

Finally a story about a woman I would be friends with!!! I have suffered through dozens of books about desperate single women who are either ghetto fabulous, filthy rich or grossly bourgeois with one purpose - wanting a husband. Kia Carson in PASSPORT DIARIES is a smart, sexy, successful flawed woman who wants love but is not in search of it. After being suspended from her job, Kia doesn't wallow in self pity, she bravely books a vacation to Europe. Just like any woman, she initially has reservations about traveling alone then embraces all the possibilities. It was both entertaining and thought provoking to watch Kia learn the history of her people all while being open to new experiences. Tamara Gregory is my new favorite author - this is a must summer read.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Witty and engaging..., August 3, 2005

By 

The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers (RAWSISTAZ.com and BlackBookReviews.net) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Passport Diaries: A Novel (Hardcover)

PASSPORT DIARIES is the debut title of author Tamara T. Gregory, a movie producer known for her work on the films Brown Sugar, The Rock, and Celtic Pride. PASSPORT DIARIES chronicles the travels of Kia Carson during one of the most vulnerable times of her life. Kia is an extreme shoe lover and also the prosecuting attorney with the District Attorney's office, known for not going for the jugular in cases in which it isn't warranted. However, her boss disagrees and suspends her after her latest case. For Kia, it isn't too bad since her suspension parallels the time she has planned to take a vacation.

Not able to convince any of her family or friends to join her, Kia, after being cajoled by Drew, a white coworker, decides to take her European trip solo. Her itinerary includes London, Paris, and Greece. Before she even leaves Los Angeles, she becomes overwhelmed with her emotions and her seating assignment. She locates her seat, the one towards the back of the plane, cramped between an obese man and a woman with a screaming baby. This sends tears flying and Kia tries to abandon her vacation, however a helpful flight attendant directs her to first class, comforts her, and later in the story challenges her to totally enjoy her trip abroad, doing at least one thing in each new place that she wouldn't normally do. Kia takes her up on the offer, getting involved with an experimenting couple, going on a date with an irresistible Frenchman, and then on the last leg of her trip, she decides to bare it all on the beach. With each stop on her trip, she learns more about herself, life, her coworkers, and about her relationships with her booty-call-stand-in. She becomes in tune with her body and the realization that she wants love and to be loved. As love stares her in the face, she has to balance preconceived notions against her feelings, and decide once and for all what she wants.

Please don't be fooled by the book's title, as I was when I selected it to read. The book is so much more than what the term diary implicates. PASSPORT DIARIES is an in-depth look towards discovering self. Gregory's writing is witty, fast-paced, and emotional. From character to character, and scene to scene, I loved the comebacks, the remembrances, the romance, the adventures and practically everything about PASSPORT DIARIES. It left me feeling full and satiated. For those who love a bit of romance, like to travel, or have an addiction to shoes, you should check this book out. For those on a path towards understanding yourself, you must.

Reviewed by Tee C. Royal
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers