Crossing Borders (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Cultural misunderstandings, crazy and dangerous situations, inter-cultural friendships, love and disappointment and the excitement of exploring. "Crossing Borders" tells the story of living and becoming an adult in a foreign country away from friends and family. This narrative is not a simple travel log of pondering curiosities, it unites the weirdest, most interesting and funniest experiences from twelve years living abroad. The story starts out with the author's experiences of his first adventure in the heart of Europe-in German speaking Austria. Dreams of going to study at the Viennese Academy of Music go up in smoke when the protagonist fails the entrance exam. The protagonist not only ends up living in a mountain village in the Alps, but also discovers traits and virtues in his new Austrian friends that he never thought possible. From almost getting shot in Cairo, having his bride kidnapped on their wedding day, to getting blackmailed by a Moroccan snake charmer, each chapter takes the reader on an extraordinary cultural trip, a book for anyone who likes to travel, whether in their mind or reality.

Product Details

• Paperback: 132 pages
• Publisher: Virtualbookworm.com Publishing (April 15, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1602643733
• ISBN-13: 978-1602643734
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #484,406 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Book, April 29, 2009

By	Michelle George (Boston, MA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Crossing Borders is a captivating book that was so hard to put down. Michael Ferris takes you on an amazing journey of his life experiences oversees. An inspirational story from his struggles and cultural mishaps to achieving his dreams. I would highly recommend this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars I am the author and I would like to tell you thanks in advance for reading!, October 3, 2009

By	Michael Ferris "Michael" (Austria) - See all my reviews

This book was widely enjoyed by everyone I know that has read it. Crossing borders is, without a doubt, a piece of my heart and soul. Should you choose to buy the book, I would like to thank you very much and would love your feedback on it! Just go to a search engine and put in my name and you will find my website, Ferris Guitar, where I can always be reached. Looking forward to hearing from you Take Care!

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice read, September 1, 2009

By	Bracket paradox "Bracket paradox" (Österreich) - See all my reviews

Michael Ferris' book is a nice and easy read, particularly if you are interested in the situation described (an American studying in Austria, only to stay there for good, finding friends and a partner and learning about different types of intercultural contact - American, Austrian, Arabic mostly). As an Austrian regularly meeting people from abroad I enjoyed reading about the outsider's perspective on Austrian culture. The book combines narration and reflection and the author manages to create stereotypes - something impossible to avoid when talking about foreign cultures - and to destroy them at the same time, undermining the role of the supposedly unbiased outside observer. The subtle humour the author adds to his narration - an American mother bringing baking mix for making cakes for her son's wedding in Austria, which claims to be the centre of pastries, is probably the funniest scene - makes the book even more charming.