Joyce
Brooks Travel
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If you have read the book and would like to make a comment, please email me at jbrooks@centex.net or mail to P.O. Box 280, Evant TX 76525.
After reading the first chapter of your travel book, Around the World in the Middle Seat, I could not put it down. Your book is a joy to read, and it inspired me to travel as you opened up a whole new world out there for me explore. Especially, I like your lighthearted stories involving your tour group, and how you were able to solve many difficulties that could have derailed the whole tour. It gives me a lot of insight on the roles of the tour guide and I have a lot of respect for tour guides now. Some of your stories made me feel like I am right there with your tour group, and your tips were very helpful. Ken Nguyen Owner, www.NaturalAngler.com, Matagorda Vacation Rental
Just finished Around the World in the Middle Seat.
"Around the World in the Middle Seat" is a delightful
book that is often laugh-out-loud funny and full of practical advice - all told
first hand in Brooks' wry, no-nonsense style. Joyce Brooks' books - don't leave
home without them!
I just want to tell you how much I enjoyed your books.
You have truly traveled the world. I can see why you won the essay contest in
high school. You write very well.
Ruth Lange
Round Rock, TX
"Around the World in the Middle Seat" is informative and inspirational. If you want to get into Group Travel, this is a great primer; if you are already established as a Group Leader, it will reinforce what you are doing and is fun to read. Charles A. Presley, President
"Travel opens the door to the world and Joyce Brooks kept that door swinging! It was a treat to read about her many adventures, trials, and tribulations as she and her bank travel groups explored the world. As Joyce painted her pictures with expert prose I felt I was along for the ride, whether she was soaking wet in San Antonio or knee-deep in mud in Costa Rica. I've led groups for 13 years for my company and I'm sure Joyce will agree that once that travel bug bites, you've got to grab your sense of adventure and your sense of humor and GO! Great job Joyce ... let's hear more!" Sandy Stemen
"Around the World in the Middle Seat" is an in-depth portrayal of travel and life as a group travel coordinator. Certain to captivate readers, Joyce Brooks' book is born of many years of experience as a successful group leader, and illustrates real-life stories of the excitement and challenges travel offers. Daniel J. Sullivan, Jr. President & CEO Pawtucket, RI
I would recommend your book to
anyone! It is a very good learning tool for all group leaders and I think
all should buy it. I think the value and insight and information is
worth much more than the cost of the book.
Your web site messages makes us read again and again. What a wonderful fight for life! Your long years of struggle ending up in a happy memory read by world-wide population will be a sample of how to bring an ambitious goal into reality. A poor village girl equipped with a hard work effort, never surrendered, but kept looking forward to see the world.
Jimmy Wahantouw Ujung Pandang, Sulawesi, Indonesia
I finally finished reading your book which I purchased at the Memphis, TN, GLAMER Show. I don't know how you keep your wits about you in so many situations. Travel clubs with the banks are a great way for people to get together and see places that they may not be able to see any other way. This is also a fantastic way to get to know customers on a more personal basis. Our bank travel club is starting our 13th year and it just keeps getting better! Thanks for writing such a great book.
Barbara Harmon
Just wanted to tell you how much I
have enjoyed reading both of your books "Around the World in the Middle Seat"
and "Seven before Seventy".
I enjoyed your book. Barbara Harmon
with Piggott State Bank lent me her copy.
I've enjoyed going through your book and seeing world travels through your eyes. But especially, I've loved seeing photos of people just being people even though from different countries and different traditions. Those smiles are truly an international language!
Claudia
Finnegan
I received your book on Friday and
finished reading it over the weekend. I greatly enjoyed your experiences with
group travel, some of which I have also experienced. It's amazing all of the
"hats" we are required to wear as group leaders, from Medical Doctor to
Historian, to Comedian, to Psychiatrist. Its nice to know I am not alone in some
of the wacky experiences I've encountered in my 4.5 years as a leader.
Thankfully most of them have been enjoyable! Your book is a must read for any
group leader!
I have read your book and it was so good. I cannot imagine being in some of your situations, but you had a solution for everything.
I can't wait to read your upcoming book "Seven Before Seventy: One Woman's Quest for the Seven Continents".
Peggy LaCounte
I truly enjoyed reading your book, although at times I was forced to put it down because I grew too anxious reading about the difficulties you faced in unbelievable situations. The truth in your stories made me realize the wild and crazy problems that could actually happen while on tour! Of course, I did pick up the book again to see how you resolved your next problem.
Linda Johnson
I just finished your book and enjoyed every page. While not as well traveled as you, we have visited 78 countries, so you can imagine how your book brought back lots of happy memories for us. And I think it is absolutely wonderful that you have done the Big Seven! You are a lucky lady, for sure. I will look forward to your next book.
Ellen Furtkamp
I found your site on the internet search engines. You are so lucky to go to so many places all the time.
Anessa Chothia
Your book is very interesting and full of humorous tales of your trips. I laughed and laughed at some of your stories.
Lois Martin
Your book is terrific and I SO admire
your courage to sit all that time in the middle seat! Marian Noakes
I have just finished reading your "un-put-downable" travel book, "Around the World in the Middle Seat". I found your variety of accounts of your experiences to be both quite fascinating and amusing. I shall dip into it often, as I fount it so entertaining on my first "Tour" of its contents.
Luceen Greenhorn
Around the World in the Middle Seat" was so well written that since Keith was in the Window Seat, I felt like I was on your other side in the Aisle Seat along on all those trips."
Rosellen Utterback
What a great read! Of course, I could relate to so many of your experiences, having in many similar situations myself.. You tell your stories with great style, wit, and sensitivity.
Carolyn Jackson
Read this review from www.texasauthors.com
Monty and I think of you and Keith so often and talk about the wonderful trips we took with you. We measure time by those trips, so thanks for including the dates of all the trips in your book - comes in handy. We so enjoyed your book - a lot of it amazed us at your ability to go to those places and organize it all. One sure thing was your travelers were in good hands.
Dottie and Monty Monaghan Austin, TX
I have thoroughly enjoyed your book which I have read several times. It is great!! Everyone in the travel industry should read it!!
Connie Fortanbary DSM The Carolinas Collette Vacations
I have read your book cover to cover, including reading portions aloud to my husband. We could identify with much of it. We have threatened to write a book: "Hospitals around the World that We have Known". You get my drift. Most of our passengers are also elderly, though we do not deal with wheelchairs on a regular basis. I immediately fell in love with your book as my two favorite destinations are Paris and Kenya. I have now handed the book to my husband to read.
Carol Heckman Leader of Detroit Metro Travel Club Troy, Michigan
Joyce - just wanted to let you know I finished your book and enjoyed it very much. I laughed at some of your stories because they are so true. My husband read it before I had a chance and he enjoyed it too.
Jane Jones Abilene, Texas
My son bought your book at B&N and I stole it from him, read it that night, and had the best time! You're not afraid of much, are you? I still don't know how you knew to do so many of the things you had to do, but I guess it is like being a mother to the whole crew you had. Bravo to you and hooray for such a great book.
Donna McMullen Waco, Texas
Joyce, I enjoyed reading your bio page. I just wanted to tell you I love your spunk!! and sense of adventure!! Your story is inspirational to me.
Carolyn Frahm Powhatan, Virginia
I'm the other Joyce Brooks that you met at the Poteet Strawberry Festival. I finished your delightful book. I envy some of your travels, but wild horses couldn't drag me on others. It was fun to meet you.
Joyce Brooks San Antonio, Texas
I LOVED your book!! Can't tell you
how much I enjoyed all your stories (really giggled at the bird-shit island).
But, boy, if I ever had ANY thoughts of becoming a tour leader, I sure don't
now! I wouldn't have gone/done half the things you did...guess I'm not the
adventurer after all. But I'd have gone with you on the Sea Cloud.
Just finished reading "Around
the World in the Middle Seat" and loved it. I can certainly identify
with the middle seat - been there many times. Your book is full of great
description, humor and valuable
Joyce-
Cindy Baldwin
The book is interesting reading as well as information for a possible career change. What a wonderful book you have written! It was a fun, adventurous and smooth reading. I now feel like I have known you and Keith for twenty years! If you ever write another book, drop me a line - I have to get it!
Dee Holmes
Your book is a delight! You surely must be made of iron and steel to have put up with what you had to endure. You are amazing (and Keith, also). We thoroughly enjoyed our trips with you.
Mary Lou Brown
I started to read your book on the
plane back to California from Bank Travel. I am enjoying every page.
I could add a few stories of my own after 18 years in the business. Thanks
for some laughs.
Joyce Brooks gives a very personal and insightful look into life as a group tour leader. She describes humorous observations about travel and people who travel. Her account of difficult and rewarding situations along with useful advice about leading group tours make for chuckles and frequently a glimpse of the human side of tourism. Her dedication and compassion to her follow travelers make one yearn to go along for the trip. This book is highly recommended for those who travel and find enjoyment and amusement in the day to day aspects of group travel.
Janet Barber Melanesian Tours Papua New Guinea
I really enjoyed reading your book, and want to see Bora Bora now that you describe it so "deliciously". It would take a really confident, people-loving person to be a good tour guide as your book describes. Thanks for writing it, I enjoyed every page.
Beverly McPherson Dallas, TX
Joyce, your writing skills have a mark of education, yet a mark of humanism. I was with you all the way from first to last. A well-traveled person can relive it - a non-traveler can see all the delightful sights, people and experiences he has missed. The unbelievable facet of the picturesque accounts of events is that any human being could experience all the problems and pleasures that you confronted with such wisdom and finesse, and lived through them. You had to be a combination of Florence Nightingale, Pavola and Salome to care for the ill, be agile and sly enough to keep up with all the doings of such a variety of societies for so many years.
June Shannon Author and Joyce's childhood music teacher Stephenville, TX
I enjoyed your book very much. I had forgotten about the "belly dancers" I laughed aloud when I read that part.
Marilyn Miller Austin, TX
I am sitting here with Adri Boka and Darwin Sumang (our guide and driver in Central Sulawesi) after just looking at your web site. Congratulations on writing the book - something many people want to do but never muster the energy for.
Duncan Neville Director Nature Conservancy Palu, Sulawesi
Your book was just great - had a lot of good laughs while reading it.
Janice Culp Austin, TX
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Book! Recognized some places we went with you and Keith, and laughed at many of the anecdotes. Looking forward to the next book.
Jane Bloor Austin, TX
Really enjoyed the book - I am just happy I wasn't on some of those trips. We miss traveling with you.
Dottie Gaudin Austin, TX
How I loved your travel book! It brought back some mutual travel experiences.
Dorothy Walters Waiahae, Hawaii
I enjoyed the return to Vietnam and Cambodia via your website.
Molly Schiff Geeta Tours and Travels Chicago, IL
Joyce, your book is really interesting. I wondered if you had help-notes of all those humorous details or if you were just a good writer!
Joyce Hoover Austin, TX
GOOD JOB on the book!. I found me in a few places.
Bill Bomar Austin, TX
We thoroughly enjoyed your book. Found interesting about our tour to Costa Rica where on Mother's Day we were all given flowers.
Veronica and Joe Goss Austin, TX
Your book about your travels and experiences was wonderful. The whole family enjoyed reading it.
Brig. Gen. Morton Mc D. Jones Austin, TX
I enjoyed your book. I can certainly relate to that middle seat!
Dorothy Hamilton Austin, TX
We love your view from the "Middle Seat".
Gladys and Don Gresser Austin, TX
I have known Joyce and Keith for over
25 years and while reading this collection of adventures, I could visualize
every gesture and look on Joyce's face. I could "see" Keith as
the stalwart companion, always ready to step in when needed. I thoroughly
enjoyed the book and have passed it on to my children, who also have known and
loved this dynamic duo." Judi Hewett
I LOVED the book. It was such enjoyable reading, and so many interesting stories! I forgot about almost being left behind in Macchu Pichu!
I've just finished your delightful
book. Thanks so much for recalling many pleasant times we had together!
I bought your book at the Texas Book
Fair. You are "that special person". I would never
survive as a group leader. After reading your book I see that I am a guest and
not a guide. I thoroughly enjoyed your book. Loved your adventurous
attitude.
"I would like to be grateful for your website where you put my picture. I have sent also your website address to my friends and colleagues in Europe. I hope they buy your book. We hope the situation of the world will better soon in order to we can meet again for the next trip. There is now No Problem for American and other nationalities in Central Sulawesi. May God bless you and hopefully give you health and long life in order to we can meet again one day." Adri F. Boka (Our guide in Sulawesi)
Joyce. we love the book. What an accomplishment! I’m very flattered to be in the book. Terry and Mitch Mitchell Milwaukee, WI
Enjoyed your book very much. I could almost put myself in some of the trips and recognize others. Had a few laughs and also enjoyed the many trips you took to places I would not have chosen. You told the story so well - I almost felt I had been along. As I read the suggestions for future tour guides, I was reminded just how much time and energy to be good at this, and you were. V.A. Bowling Austin, TX
It was a great book. takes a real special person to handle it as you and Keith did. Interesting from beginning to the end. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to share some of your travels with you. Joe and Flo Web
Thanks for the wonderful voyages I made with you - I never got to travel very much in my later years being a dedicated career woman who couldn't leave her job - but on the 5 trips I took - oh what a wonderful time. They were like precious gifts to myself. Now I can reread all the wonderful trips made by all in your exquisite book. Joann Utterback Phillips Austin, TX
Some of the stories I've heard from you, but it was such fun reading about them. All I can say is - I don't know how you continued. I would have thrown in the towel, lacking your patience and stamina. Guess those are rare qualities that made you such a good leader.
Diana Zumwalt Austin, TX
I have read your delightful book "clean through" and enjoyed every line of it! I think the title was inspired! Anne Durrum Robinson
Your book is wonderful and you are so smart to have kept such details of all your trips. You have traveled more than I knew would be possible. I was with you only one trip, but it would have been an honor to go with you on many others. Gladys Longoria
Joyce Brooks travel memories, the good, the bad, the Sour Puss - are a terrific read. So many destinations and such varied experiences. Ms. Brooks generously offered tips to those who may wish to become travel mavens are useful to any entrepreneur. Essentially, she says to do your homework, keep the customers happy, find and cultivate good resources, and you can't beat free advertising. I've read many business books that didn't pack as much useful information in the whole book as she does in that one chapter. Becky Milner
When I wish to be someplace else, I look at one of my
trip albums and
Nella and I both have just finished reading your book, and we want to commend you for a job well done! It was easy reading, informational, interesting, amazing and well written. ... Also, we just visited your web site this morning and started to view your fine collect of pictures. What a nice way to share your travels! I think it is better to read the book before you view your pictures. Best regards, Harlan Blount Louisville, KY
Just finished your book, and touring the world with you again, Some stories recalled many happy memories of places and things we did. Others, enjoyed reading about and glad we weren't there. Love, Willie Mae Pfulger Pfulgerville, TX |
