Bestselling travel writer Mark D. Walker has announced that his latest travel e-book, The Guatemala Reader: Extraordinary Lives and Amazing Stories, will be available for download at no charge September 24 through September 26 at Amazon. The ebook achieved bestseller status in the Guatemala History and the Guatemala Travel Guides categories.
With over 50 years of study and writing about Guatemala, Walker delves into the extraordinary lives and stories of its people. At a time when Guatemala faces a crisis of democracy and persistent turmoil along its borders, understanding these human realities is more crucial than ever.
In a recent review, Midwest Book Review wrote, "Embark on a journey of a lifetime as you delve into the pages of The Guatemala Reader, penned by the exceptional author Mark D. Walker. With his seasoned writer's perspective, Walker understands the transformative power of exploring exotic destinations that leave an indelible mark on your soul. His vivid descriptions, along with those of local authors and historians, bring to life the vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes of Guatemala.
"The Guatemala Reader offers a unique and insightful perspective on this mesmerizing country, promising to transport you to a world of wonder and enchantment. Whether you are planning your next adventure to Guatemala or simply yearning to learn more about this captivating destination, The Guatemala Reader is your key to unlocking the secrets and treasures of this remarkable land."
The ebook will be available for download at no charge September 24 through September 26 at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mark-D.-Walker/author/B071CZQZMC.
Guatemala attracts several million tourists per year, with visits often beginning in Central America's largest city before venturing to ancient Mayan ruins and contemporary Maya villages. Over the years, Walker has journeyed to remote areas of Guatemala that remain unseen, even by most Guatemalans. Through his personal encounters with ordinary Guatemalans and his profiles of local Mayan leaders, advocates, writers, and poets, he offers a profound appreciation and nuanced understanding of this vibrant country.
Maps, graphs, fact sheets, and photos support 18 stories to provide insights into the inner workings of Guatemalan society, starting with stories seen through literary and biographical prisms.
The reader can also tap into the "Yin and Yang of Travel Series," which transports the reader to the far-off reaches of the country and includes some of his "saddest pleasures"- horrendous journeys that "gave him eyes." The remaining stories focus on contemporary Guatemala, from the impact of the Peace Corps over the last 60 years to the dynamics leading to the ongoing immigration crisis, ending with an insightful overview of Guatemala's political, cultural, and economic life with a new section at the end about how individuals can make a difference through their actions and philanthropy.
The new travel book has received rave reviews from readers and reviewers. One 5-star reviewer called the book "A treasure trove of things Guatemalan." Another said, "I recommend this book to anyone who seeks a humanistic view of the country and its people not gained except through intimate contact."
Bob Graham, Author of 50-50 at 50 and Founder of the Katalysis Partnership and Namaste Direct, said, "As a 50+ year student of all things Guatemalan, I can enthusiastically say the book is a modern-day classic."
Joe Lurie, Emeritus Executive Director of UC Berkeley's International House, stated, "The Guatemala Reader offers inspiring escape hatches from misleading, oversimplified stereotypes and opens the possibility for enriching personal and humane engagement. As a former Peace Corps volunteer, like Mark, I see his book as an important and increasingly relevant and fulfilling contribution to the Third Goal of The Peace Corps –" 'To help promote a better understanding of other peoples among Americans."
Professor of English Literature at the University of New Mexico, Stephen Benz, said, "The Guatemala Reader is brimming with wisdom, insight, and compassion. Mark D. Walker is the ideal guide for those looking for a deeper understanding of the issues confronting Guatemala and Central America."
Walker was recently interviewed by Voyage Phoenix Magazine, which features some of Phoenix's most inspiring stories. The full interview is available at https://voyagephoenix.com/interview/life-work-with-mark-walker-of-scottsdale.
In his second book, My Saddest of Pleasures: 50 Years on the Road, he describes how as a young Peace Corps Volunteer with no overseas travel experience, the world was his oyster, and he figured he could go anywhere if he set his mind to it—with little or no money. Then he married a Guatemalan lady and had to think more about "our" needs; three children meant additional requirements and responsibilities. Later, as a professional fundraiser, he set up donor visits to program areas where the organizations he represented needed funds. This meant considering the needs of up to fifteen individuals of all ages, including children and some donors in their 70s and 80s. He's become a savvier trekker, although he was still prone to the occasional snafu. The book is part of the "Yin & Yang of Travel" Series."
His first book, a memoir, Different Latitudes: My Life in the Peace Corps and Beyond, was recognized by the Arizona Literary Association for Non-Fiction. More than 20 of his articles were published in journals, including Ragazine, Literary Yard, Literary Travelers, Quail Bell, and WorldView Magazines. He is a contributing writer for Revue Magazine, Literary Traveler and the Wanderlust Journal. He has a column in the Arizona Authors Association newsletter, "The Million Mile Walker Review, What We're Reading and Why." His reviews can also be found on the Midwest Review Book Shelf, GoodReads and his website. "Hugs not Walls, Returning the Children" was an essay winner for the Arizona Authors Association 2020 Annual Literary Awards. Another article from his "Yin & Yang of Travel" series, which is also included in his new book, was recognized in the Solas Literary Awards for Best Travel Writing.
More information is available at his website: https://millionmilewalker.com.
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