Book Review: Cruising the Mississippi by Al & Sunny Lockwood

 

Climb aboard with Al and Sunny Lockwood as these travel enthusiasts share their time Cruising the Mississippi. 

As you could tell from my First Chapter Review of this book, I planned to dive right in and read it until the end. Mostly narrated by Sunny, this travel memoir shares the couple's first river cruise adventure. Al offers his thoughts along the way with a style that perfectly complements his wife's. 

Two things drew me to this book: I had seen a real paddlewheeler cruising the Mississippi on vacation in 2014, and the book blurb talking about the interesting history they would encounter along the way. Driving on a bridge taller than I had ever seen scared the heck out of me, but once on the other side, the paddlewheeler fascinated me. And, as you know, I love American history.

Throughout the pages of Cruising the Mississippi, the reader is delighted to read of the Lockwoods' experiences on land and river: the delicious foods, the historical lectures, the entertainment, the shops, the historical landmarks, and even a little surprise that I won't spoil for you.

The Lockwoods have a keen eye for detail, which allows the reader to feel like she is experiencing the cruise right along with them. Photos of historical places, along with photos from the ship, give the reader a glimpse into the beauty they found along the way. 

While it is doubtful someone like me who suffers from aquaphobia would ever engage in such a trip, a cruise such as this one is highly tempting. 

If you enjoy travel memoirs or have an interest in American history, you'll want to read Cruising the Mississippi. 

ASIN : B07XVPTNGR

Publisher : Front Porch Publishing (October 1, 2019)

Publication date : October 1, 2019

Language : English

File size : 9275 KB

Print length : 188 pages

ISBN-10 : 1642370789

I received a digital copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

First Chapter Review: Cruising the Mississippi by Al & Sunny Lockwood

I was scheduled to review this book today, but my work schedule has been crazy. Look for my review on Friday. 

BLURB: In crossing another travel adventure off their bucket list, two retirees take a fascinating river cruise and find the heart and soul of the American South. 

Born travelers Al and Sunny Lockwood seized their dreams of exploring America's natural wonders. From hiking Sierra Nevada mountain trails to photographing wildflowers in Death Valley, they've documented their fascinating journeys to critical acclaim.

A serious car wreck changed their lives. They stopped postponing their dreams of ocean cruises.

Now, these veteran travelers embrace a new travel adventure: a river cruise up the magnificent Mississippi.

Join Al and Sunny on the decks of an antebellum paddle-wheel riverboat as they experience the culinary delights, rich architecture, breathtaking vistas, and famous hospitality of southern culture. You'll visit lavish plantation mansions, honor the fallen at Civil War memorials, and be swept away by the magical beat of authentic New Orleans jazz. Before the journey ends, you'll witness how the couple's first impressions are challenged, changing their hearts forever.

In Cruising the Mississippi, you'll discover:

-Fascinating histories of riverside cities

-Little-known facts about famous landmarks

-Personal reflections and insights from their daily experiences

-Tested travel tips and advice for embarking on your own river cruise adventure

-The lifelong benefits of immersing yourself in different customs and cultural experiences

-A detailed tour of the historic paddle-wheel riverboat, and much, much more! 

If you like cultural exploration, American history, practical travel insights, colorful characters, and authentic personal stories, you'll love Al and Sunny Lockwood's illuminating exploration of America's mightiest waterway.

Buy Cruising the Mississippi today and embark on a breathtaking adventure for the young at heart! 

COVER: Having crossed the Mississippi River by car and seeing a real paddleboat, I loved this cover. It depicts the setting of this story perfectly, and the American flag is a nice touch. 

FIRST CHAPTER: After a n engaging introduction by Sunny explaining how they wound up selecting their first river cruise, the first chapter by Al is about his anticipation of this new adventure. He includes a quote about desserts that I say often, so I had to chuckle. 

KEEP READING: Definitely! Both Al and Sunny have an easy, conversational style that draws the reader in. I also appreciated the photograph of the American Queen early on to set the stage for what was to come. I plan to dive in head first on this one this week. 

ASIN : B07XVPTNGR

Publisher : Front Porch Publishing (October 1, 2019)

Publication date : October 1, 2019

Language : English

File size : 9275 KB

Print length : 188 pages

ISBN-10 : 1642370789

ORDER HERE!

This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

The Friday 56 - Jan 15

Maybe this meme is a once a month experience for me. :) The last time I participated was December 18. 

Rules:

• Grab a book, any book.
• Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader
• (If you have to improvise, that's ok.)
• Find a snippet, short and sweet.
• Post it and add the url to your post in the Linky on Freda's post. If you don't link up, we may not know to visit.
• Also join in the fun on Instagram using the hashtags #Instagram56 #Friday56

If you love travel, beauty, history, fabulous food, and genuine old-fashioned fun, you’ll love this amazing paddle wheel adventure along the mighty Mississippi River.

From a vibrant New Orleans’ Jazz concert at famous Preservation Hall, to the largest plantation mansion on the Mississippi (Nottoway Plantation), to eye-opening Civil War battlegrounds, this lively travel memoir brings American history and Southern culture to life.

The paddlewheeler itself is an enchanting antebellum masterpiece. Period furnishings. Tiffany lamps. An authentic steam calliope. And a huge front porch with comfy rocking chairs where you can relax and enjoy the natural wonder of America’s greatest waterway.

Riverside cities offer their own unique attractions, steeped in history and plantation grandeur.

In this warm and personal travel memoir you’ll learn things about America you never knew before.

When we walked into the Front Porch Cafe, aglow with late-afternoon sun and fragrant with fresh-baked cookies, I knew we'd arrived in paradise.