I usually stick to the same genres when I purchase a book, but with Her Perilous Journey I ventured into new waters, and I’m glad I did. Lorena Cassady is a talented writer and after I finished her book, I have read more of her work, which I also recommend.
Lorena Cassady was born in Greenwich, Connecticut, and she now lives in Oaxaca, Mexico, a beautiful place that teems with traditions and history. Visiting Oaxaca is still on my bucket list. But, back to the book now, its setting is a little farther north, in the US.
Synopsis
It’s the tale of a young woman throughout three decades of some turbulent US history, such as the Vietnam War, political assassinations, race riots, and the sexual revolution. In this background, Regina searches for the meaning of life, while running into some wrong and right people and facing harrowing and also hilarious situations. Her family and friends add some extra spice with her left-wing mother and her right-wing father, her Episcopalian reformation class, and her somewhat interesting choice of boyfriends.
My Review
Her Perilous Journey introduces some quirky and interesting characters. Regina, the main character, is a strong, independent woman who tells us the story of her young life, her adventures, the people she meets, her first husband, and her eccentric family members.
Regina tells her story with poignancy and wit, and many times I burst out laughing, because the situations she described were just too hilarious. The vivid descriptions made me feel as if I was there, and whenever I had to put the book down for some mundane interruption (you know, household chores like washing the dishes, etc) I was always eager to get back to reading.
I went from chapter to chapter, really enjoying this book. Regina is confident and funny and you simply cannot resist her charms, even if she sometimes makes the wrong choices. But we all do that sometimes, right, make the wrong choices? That’s what makes this story so real.
What I really loved were the descriptions of emotions and certain opinions. They were so beautiful and vividly real that I sometimes stopped to re-read them. They really struck me sometimes. There were also some great quotes which I wrote down, because I wanted to remember them. (I didn’t take notes of the ones I posted here, they are just funny ones I wanted to share)
Luckily, there will be a sequel to Her Perilous Journey, and I am looking forward to reading that one, because despite the first hazardous journey, Regina decides to go on a new adventure. It will be interesting to see what she’s up to in the next installment.
Do I Recommend Her Perilous Journey?
Oh yes! This book touched me, taught me a little about US history, made me think, and it made me laugh. A book that can achieve all that is one I wholeheartedly recommend. If you like coming-of-age stories, critiques on society, laugh-out-loud moments, and pageturners, then Her Perilous Journey is definitely for you.
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Thank you for this book review. It sounds like a book that is both humorous and thoughtful. I know what you mean about how some books can really draw you in and make you want to keep on reading it. I’m sure I would appreciate the historical context as well as the critique on society.
You have peaked my interest and I may very well get this book after I finish my current reading list. Thank you!
You’ll enjoy it. If you like historical context and critiques on society, a thoughtful and humorous book, then A Perilous Journey sounds just right for you 😉
Hi Lila! A friend was reading the kindle edition of Her Perilous Journey, and she described it just as you have here on your post. She hadn’t finished the book yet and I saw her so excited that I decided to look that book up. Your review has encouraged me even more to read it.
I always enjoy books that have a bit of US history in them. Thanks for recommending this one!
Wonderful! That’s great that your friend is reading and loving it. I’m glad you decided to look up this book.
Hi Lila,
You have described this book wonderfully, and have definitely sold me on reading it. The small snippets you have added are absolutely hilarious, especially the one about the opium and gin, jeez, if that doesn’t work, nothing will huh? haha.
I get what you’re saying about not being able to put a book down. I’m like that… if I find something that captivates me enough.
Thank you so much for sharing your review 🙂
Lol, we should try the opium and gin treatment, right? ??
I hope you get the book. It’s a great read.
Thank you for this review! I am happy to see that people are enjoying it. I have a new one, quite different (but plenty of humor) about my brief life as a Buddhist nun, “Every Buddha, Same Price,” out January 15 on Amazon. Will be looking for reviewers for that one too! What a great community of readers you have here! If anyone needs a review, please let me know.
I’m looking forward to Every Buddha Same Price! I’m sure it will be a great read as well! ?
Her Perilous Journey is a little gem of a story. The realisation of just
how effective the author is in her ability to show the arrogance and
ignorance of youth did not hit me until I had nearly finished the book.
The conversation between Regina and her estranged brother hit me like a
ton of bricks. Regina’s life is put before us to absorb and you really
never see it from another’s point of view, so when it is presented from
her brother’s point of view you see his point of view and it suddenly hits you.
Hi Lucas,
A gem of a story is a great way to describe it. I absolutely enjoyed Regina’s journey and I would read it again. I’m happy you read the book 🙂
Hi Lila,
I love reading book reviews and yours was no exception. Her Perilous Journey seems such a nice book. I hope it was as interesting as u had wanted because a lot of time is spent reading a book and if it is good, the memories linger forever.
I am such an avid reader too. I love classics and have probably read them all. I also like authors such as Eric Sehgal, Ayn Rand, and Richard Bach, to name a few.
Thanks for a good book review.
Aps
Hi Aparna,
Thank you!
I hope you get this one too, it is such an enjoyable read 🙂
Thank you for your comment!