Customer Reviews

Straying from the Flock: Travels in New Zealand

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

I finished Elder's wonderful and rewarding New Zealand travelogue this morning over coffee in Fremantle and I enjoyed the account of his journey from Stewart Island in the far south to Cape Reinga in the far north thoroughly. This book is the best kind of travelogue because the writer presents a reasonable look into the country being visited-its foiables and its positives. This is not to say that the description is tedious and overly factual, after completing the book the reader is left satisfied with as reasonable an account of his journey as is possible given the two month time frame allowed for its completion.

I enjoyed Elder's observations about the nature of Australian life as opposed to Kiwi life: its origins, its developement and why, although geographically close, we are so different particularly when seen through the eyes of a visitor. From my perspective here in Australia I found his observations valuable if perhaps overdrawn.

I also found many of his thoughts about the huge differences between his native New York City and the life he found in New Zealand interesting. New Zealand's distaste for tipping and litigation is matched only by our own, however Elder's negative comments have fallen on my deaf ears. As a leftist I also found his conclusions on page 209 as to why New Zealand works so well also fitting our life in Australia: health is taken care of, as is education, old age and unemployment. Politically speaking, if a country as small as New Zealand can accomplish these civilities with its few natural resources then the question must be asked why can't other richer countries. Although coming from, as Elder points out, vastly different bckgrounds our two countries have adopted similar governmental parameters with similar positive results.

Elder's anecdotes about all the pieces of Kiwi culture that he encountered are wonderful reading: people running homestays, fishing guides, airplane pilots, adventure operators and guides-in short, a reasonable look at Kiwi society. We all realize that it is virtually impossible to encounter the totallity of a society on a holiday but Elder presents us with as complete a picture as armchair travellers will find and for this I reccommend the book very highly. You will have a most satisfying read.

I have always wanted to go to New Zealand, after reading this book it almost feels like I went along on the trip with Alexander Elder. He did a great job of describing the country and it's people, the good and the bad. I also really liked how he included bits of historical facts about each location he visited. The photo's on his website that corresponded to each chapter where also a great bonus.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in knowing more about New Zealand.

As a New Zealander who has gained a great deal of wisdom from Alexander Elders trading books I had to read this. I expected some combination of travel and trading like Jim Rogers books (`Investment Biker' and `Adventure Capitalist') which I didn't like that much.

But Elders book is much better, focussing on New Zealand, its people and history. `Straying From the Flock' compares favourably with Bill Bryson's Australian book `Down Under'.

It has to be said though that Bryson has a unique line in self deprecation and is content to accommodate the eccentricities of people he finds. It's these qualities which make his books often so funny. But as a trader Elder has well developed decision making abilities and often moves on before people's eccentricities (often just bad service) really begin to impact on his experience. Elder prefers to dwell on the positive and he obviously loves the country having made many trips here.

It's not to say that Elders book lacks a sense of humour. Both authors `suffer' from a heightened awareness of threats to their personal safety. For Bryson this typically is a morbid fear of exotic wildlife like snakes in Australia or bears in Appalachia. But as New Zealand lacks both, Elder substitutes a lack of guards rail on roads and walking tracks; it's just not as amusing.

Elder is also dismissive of bungee jumping, paragliding and other activities which he perceives have a lack of safety standards. Each to his own but the biggest threat to life here is tourists' occasional inability to adapt to driving on the other side of the road.

This book should appeal to tourists with time, money and a sense of adventure about meeting people, sharing food and wine. It's for people who travel to learn about themselves by exploring the differences in others. It is not a guide for those who want to experience extreme sports activities or for those content to view NZ from a bus eating McDonalds. Trust me, it does taste the same.

With photos this could have been a great coffee table book but in its current form it is well produced and cheap. Photos from Elders travels are accessible from his website which is a nice touch.

One last thought, Elder with a traders sense of timing made his trip to New Zealand when the exchange rate 40 US cents to the NZ Dollar. The exchange rate is currently 71 cents.

The "Book Description" under Editorial Reviews (above) accurately describes the book content with the exception of the included side trips to Australia and the Cook Islands. The Australian side trip caused Elder to provide comparisons between the development of Australia and New Zealand which were very interesting and informative. (I would definitely prioritize New Zealand over Australia based upon Elder's insights, although Australia sounds great also.)

Reading the book will prepare one for a trip to New Zealand or just provide a vicarious experience of adventurous travel. The book includes a map correlating the book chapters to the geographical location, so that one can quickly reference Elder's notes on the area and his experiences. Elder includes "The Practical Traveler" section at the end of the book, giving advice and tips on flying (booking upgrades and fares), avoiding jet lag, what to pack and wear, and a bibliography of additional reading.

Most enjoyable to me were Elder's insights into people and human situations. As a practicing psychiatrist, Dr. Elder looks deeply at the people he meets, and provides good insights into dealing with people and various situations. Upon purchasing a ticket for an uninteresting play or museum, Elder notes that he quickly leaves so as to cut his losses short. (He has already lost the money, why loose the personal time when he could be doing something more rewarding.) Such insights are just good common sense, and embroider the book from beginning to end.

I have to admit; this book is not what I expected.

Dr. Alexander Elder contacted me earlier this month and asked if I might be interested in reading his newest book, the story of a two-month long trip to New Zealand.

Dr Elder, a professional trader, experienced technical analyst and practicing psychiatrist, penned two previous books, both best sellers which have achieved a measure of acclaim in trading circles.

Straying from the Flock, however, breaks new ground for the author. It weaves New Zealand's geography, history, business, culture and above all, its people into a readable, love story. Spend only a few minutes with this book and it will be apparent, Dr. Elder loves New Zealand; he discovered it in the mid-1990s. Tucked away on the other side of the world from his professional life, New Zealand is a country the size of England or Italy, yet it is populated by only three million unique souls and 6 million sheep.

Each chapter recounts another day in his two month visit. He eloquently describes the country's beaches, mountains, fjords and rainforests. He recounts colorful tales that cause many of the island's personable people to spring to life. Yet, also what emerges is a colorful portrait of a newly divorced, professionally secure, with grown children individual with a deep thirst to experience the world around him

Born in Russia, Dr. Elder has a superb command of the English language. All-too-often while reading this, I found myself wishing I had the eloquence with my native tongue that Dr. Elder has with his adopted language.

This is more than a guide book. Dr. Elder has penned a beautiful, intimate portrait of a unique land, its people and one of its favorite fans - Dr. Elder.

This is an engaging book about New Zealand, written in a genial and self-revelatory manner, by an author who approaches the topic from his perspective as a psychiatrist, adventurer and successful financial trader. The author seems to have done everything and seen everything of interest on the Islands, in addition to getting to know a fascinating cross section of its inhabitants. He has accomplished the remarkable feat of capturing New Zealand's essence after a fairly brief but intense stay, developing an easy familiarity with the lay of the land and its history, as well as a good feel for the native people and recent arrivals, commerce and business, all painted in vivid colors, with warmth and affection. There are many subtle touches of humor on the pages of this book, pages which whiz by until one, regretfully, arrives at the last.

Date: Fri, 16 Dec 2005 16:07:04 -0500

From: "Court Travel Ltd." [...]
Dear Dr Elder,
I am a travel agency owner and NZ Kiwi Specialist in NC.
Recently, I was sent a complimentary copy of your latest book Straying from the Flock. I brought it along to read while making a 14 day trans-atlantic crossing aboard the Windstar in November. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed reading about your travels thru NZ. Having spent 5 weeks there in 2003 with my husband, it brought back memories of my own trip as I compared them to your experiences.

You have shed light on several concepts worth mentioning:
* New Zealand is a beautiful, with awe-inspiring scenery
* NZ is large and diverse
* NZ is worth a visit of at least 3 weeks
* New Zealanders are some of the most friendly and welcoming folks around
* Travel is relatively safe even when traveling alone
* Farm or homestays can be wonderful ways to see NZ up close.
Thanks for sharing such a wonderful book with me. I look forward to recommending it to our clients.
Regards,
Nancy L. Cutter, CTC, DS
Court Travel Ltd.
[...]

This is good. Elder is a perceptive, well travelled man,who has chosen EXACTLY the best way to research a book on best enjoying this beautiful country. Rather than booking an itinerary of hotels and motels, Elder decides he'll stay only in what NZers call "hosted accommodation." These are small lodges and B&Bs where the owners themselves look after the guests,

Its means Elder quickly gets much better travelling access -to new friends, to shared meals, and to the best information on what's best locally. He's told nobody he's writing a travel book, and when occasionally he's unhappy with what he finds, his criticism is scathing.

He has an easy narrative style which keeps the pages turning easily, as he travels the length of the country. There's much more here than in conventional "guide books" and its fun. Elder has considerately posted picture from his journey on a website for readers

I have read several of Dr. Elders book on trading in the stock markets and find him a great and intelligent writer. Although this book is somewhat different from his other books it is clearly a book written by a seasoned author. Right from the beginning you get drawn into the book and want to go on the journey around New Zealand with him.

What stands out in this book is that Dr. Elder is clearly interested in the history of places he goes to. And whenever a writer is able to weaver history into a book of this kind, it just becomes so much more interesting.

The book clearly describes the differences between the authors American culture and the New Zealand way of living. It takes us on a very personal journey in a country as big as Italy but with only a little more than 3 million citizens which is therefore bound to be so much different than what most of us are used to. It takes us from beatiful mountains to sandy beaches and along with every location a story of the lodging, the food, the wine, the people and so on. It is different and an indirect travel guide which gives you a great sense of New Zealand, the places and the people that live there.

All in all this a rarely seen but wonderfully honest book about a mans journey through beautiful New Zealand.

Recommended!

I was given Dr. Elder's book by my daughter in anticipation of our trip to New Zealand. I knew it was good when my husband chuckled in bed while reading it. He beat me to it! Anyway, it was an enlightening book about the practical exploration of New Zealand. We stayed at some great bed and breakfasts and I reinforce the idea that New Zealanders open up their homes so the world can come to them! The hosts in New Zealand are extraordinary. I think I will re-read this fun book now that I am home and can relate to all the places and people he met so much better. After reading travel guides, it was so nice to have Dr. Elder "flesh out" this country of gracious people and fascinating vistas. We will go back again and again!