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erikariehigano22's review against another edition
3.0
At first, the first half of this book felt tedious. I did not felt compelled enough with Robyn's character and the whole purpose of her journey to cross the Australian outback with 3 camels and her dear pet dog. Perhaps this is because I was asked to watch the movie adaptation first? Whether it was a bad idea or not, I might never know.
But thankfully I endured and finished this book until the end. I get to witness Robyn growing not only as a person finding her place as a woman who acknowledges her privilege in what was then racist Australia but in being able to find inner peace through solitude and connecting with nature. Her quest had helped her and the reader to be educated about the internal struggles faced by Aboriginal people throughout history that persist in modern day Australia. Her deep passion and attachment with her camels Zeleika, Goliath, Dookie and Bub are one of the most touching and heart-warming descriptions I have ever read relating to a relationship between human and animal.
Though I may not see myself reading this again, I am sure I can remember Tracks for its deeply personal and bold nature of calling out flaws into the structure of society Robyn has lived into. This book helped me further see the intricacies and simple things in life that should not be taken for granted but to aspire in making it the best for all.
But thankfully I endured and finished this book until the end. I get to witness Robyn growing not only as a person finding her place as a woman who acknowledges her privilege in what was then racist Australia but in being able to find inner peace through solitude and connecting with nature. Her quest had helped her and the reader to be educated about the internal struggles faced by Aboriginal people throughout history that persist in modern day Australia. Her deep passion and attachment with her camels Zeleika, Goliath, Dookie and Bub are one of the most touching and heart-warming descriptions I have ever read relating to a relationship between human and animal.
Though I may not see myself reading this again, I am sure I can remember Tracks for its deeply personal and bold nature of calling out flaws into the structure of society Robyn has lived into. This book helped me further see the intricacies and simple things in life that should not be taken for granted but to aspire in making it the best for all.
alyssapusateri's review
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Excrement, Racism, Racial slurs, Animal death, and Animal cruelty
Moderate: Alcohol and Blood
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Child abuse, Rape, and Vomit
she_reads_'s review against another edition
Got this book after reading Wild. The story is very good, but the audio version is not that good the narrator has spoiled this book for me. Had to try in another version to complete the book.
frogggyyyyy's review against another edition
2.5
With Wild by Cheryl Strayed being one of my favorite books recently and having recently moved to Australia, I was excited to read about another female journey in an area I'm learning more about. Was fully expecting a 5 star read out of this. Unfortunately, this one does not hold up today. Constant descriptions of animal abuse that are brushed off as no big deal (common theme through the whole story somehow disguised as love for animals?). Also no background on why or how she came to the conclusion of wanting to do this trip (not that an explanation is need but it made it hard to care about/connect with her). The commentary on race and political problems surrounding the Aboriginal communities by the author seemed to have good intentions but poor execution.
jesslolsen's review against another edition
4.0
Quote: “The question I’m most commonly asked is ‘Why?’ A more pertinent question might be, why is it that more people don’t attempt to escape the limitations imposed upon them?”
An amazing trek and summed up in an inspiring way. The writing is natural and gritty and seemed more real than something polished and perfect.
A constant theme through out the story seems to be the writers struggle with privacy and sharing the journey with others, which sometimes came across in a negative voice, but I’m so glad this story (and accompanying photos) was able to be read.
The respect for the land was so evident and how could you not fall in love with it through her eyes?
An amazing trek and summed up in an inspiring way. The writing is natural and gritty and seemed more real than something polished and perfect.
A constant theme through out the story seems to be the writers struggle with privacy and sharing the journey with others, which sometimes came across in a negative voice, but I’m so glad this story (and accompanying photos) was able to be read.
The respect for the land was so evident and how could you not fall in love with it through her eyes?
danileighta's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
Once the narrator set out on her journey, I was hooked on this book. A single woman trekking across Australia on camels is badass, no matter how you swing it. Her adventures and insights about those adventures made this well worth the read. And, she's funny, in a dry way. Prior to the journey, there was too much animal cruelty and bigotry for me. I do appreciate that she was progressive for her time (the journey took place in the 70s), but she stayed unaware of her colonial mindset, then she continued to stay relatively unaware in her postscript from 2012.
This book has inspired me to look deeper into Aboriginal culture, though, and I'm thankful for that.
Once the narrator set out on her journey, I was hooked on this book. A single woman trekking across Australia on camels is badass, no matter how you swing it. Her adventures and insights about those adventures made this well worth the read. And, she's funny, in a dry way. Prior to the journey, there was too much animal cruelty and bigotry for me. I do appreciate that she was progressive for her time (the journey took place in the 70s), but she stayed unaware of her colonial mindset, then she continued to stay relatively unaware in her postscript from 2012.
This book has inspired me to look deeper into Aboriginal culture, though, and I'm thankful for that.