The Backpacker Lifecycle
Brendyn Zachary
Independently Published (2022)
ISBN: 978-1-738705801
Reviewed by Leigh Kimberly Zoby for Reader Views (01/2023)
“The Backpacker Lifecycle” follows author Brendyn Zachary as he undertakes a breathtaking journey spanning decades as he travels the world and grows into his true self. One hilarious adventure after another, the reader tags along as the author shares the ups and downs of cultural differences, backpacking, and community bunkhouses.
After years of travel, something feels askew. Hopeful to experience more than the typical tourist hot spots, Brendyn Zachary ventures off the beaten path of sightseeing to submerge himself into the cultures of the destinations. Meaningful relationships thrive as the tourist persona fades away. Whether it’s the everyday challenge of language barriers or the extraordinary circumstance of being targeted by thieves, “The Backpacker Lifecycle” tackles the subject with knowledge and humor.
“The Backpacker Lifecycle” is written in a manner that made me feel like I was listening to a long-lost friend tell tales around a campfire. The stories jump around the globe as well as timelines. The ease with which stories unfold is phenomenal. I could not help but form a relationship with the characters. I laughed so hard as Brendyn described how he sabotaged hostel bunkmates’ in order to get a good night’s rest. Amazing how a pair of crusty, sweat-ridden socks can silence a room of snoring men. Some stories bring the dangers of foreign travel to light when, in a drunken daze, Brendyn gets lost and mugged in the red-light district. Air travel in a lightning storm is never a good idea. The list of adventures goes on and on to keep the reader wondering what the next page brings.
“The Backpacker Lifecycle” is sure to evoke a restless feeling and the need for deeper relationships in its reader. Adventure awaits those brave enough to step away from the traditional tourist trap destinations and discover the beauty of different cultures. I could not help but compare the author’s tale-spinning of “The Backpacker Lifecycle” to Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations. The reader’s drawn into a page-turner of hilarious events, dangerous situations, and embarrassing moments. This book is more than a travel guide. It is a travel experience second to none.
“The Backpacker Lifecycle” is hands down one of my favorite books I have read in a long time. I can easily see it on the bestseller list and possibly a made-for-television mini-series. I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes nature, travel, exploring different cultures, or needs a good laugh.
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