Review by Kenesha L Fowler -- Man Mission by Eytan Uliel

[Kenesha Latoya Fowler]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Man Mission" by Eytan Uliel.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Two men meet at a food fair in law school and bond over their mutual love of food. They talk about going on annual vacations to different exotic locations, eating strange foods, and doing outdoorsy things. A few years pass, and the exchange is all but forgotten. Then, out of the blue, one of them calls the other up and says, "Let's go." Plans are hastily made and soon they are off. Man Mission is born.

Over the next few years, the founding members are joined by another friend, and finally another. They become an outfit of four, hiking, biking and kayaking in different parts of the world. New Zealand, Fiji, South Africa, Vietnam, and Iceland were just some of the countries they visited for their expeditions over the span of fifteen years, each excursion more thrilling and physically challenging than the last as the men try to outdo themselves and revel in their manliness.

It's hard for me to say what I liked most about Man Mission because I found the book interesting, engaging and entertaining on many levels. I liked how the narrator interspersed the events of his life with the telling of what happens on the trips. During these flashbacks the reader is let in on other important occurrences in the lives of the characters. We see them fall in love, get married, start families, and navigate careers. We see them fail and triumph. We see them change, grow, and learn about themselves and each other.

The novel struck me as somewhat philosophical, especially towards the end where the main character's thoughts turn reflective, and he comes to certain realisations. I think that both men and women can empathise with his struggles and the conclusions he draws. Some which stuck with me were: "Not every romance lasts forever. Friends come and go, people change; sooner or later everyone dies." Trite? Perhaps. But not everyone can accept these truths. For some it would take a lot of inner strength. In addition to its philosophical bent, themes which emerge to enrich this wonderful story include adventure, travel, friendship, marriage, family, changes, and choices. In short, life. Man Mission is about living.

Finally, it's worth mentioning that the author did an excellent job of describing the wonders that the men see and experience on their outings, from the landscapes to the people and cultures. His delivery, seasoned with wit and humour made for a captivating read. Without reservation, I give Man Mission by Eytan Uliel 4 out of 4 stars. It was well-edited, intelligent, sometimes thought-provoking, emotive, laugh-out-loud funny, and entirely enjoyable.

I imagine that anyone who likes travelling and adventure stories will find this piece appealing. On the other hand, those who might be easily offended or turned off by swearing may want to steer clear, as there is a lot of coarse language - sometimes the men are downright rude. I was not at all put off by any of it; I found it fitting.

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Man Mission
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[Brenda Creech]

Excellent review! I read, and reviewed "Man Mission" and thoroughly enjoyed it! I do believe it is a book for both men and women. The profanity was a problem for me - I find myself trying to skip over the words! But other than that, I think it is a great book! I enjoyed reading your review!

[Kenesha Latoya Fowler]

Excellent review! I read, and reviewed "Man Mission" and thoroughly enjoyed it! I do believe it is a book for both men and women. The profanity was a problem for me - I find myself trying to skip over the words! But other than that, I think it is a great book! I enjoyed reading your review!

It really was a good read, worthy of a full rating. I gather that a lot of people are not really okay with the profanity. It comes back to preferences, I guess. Thank you very much for commenting. I'm glad you enjoyed my review.

[Diana Lowery]

I like that you included the themes from the story; there were many. I listened to this book on tape, and it was hard to ignore or skip over the cursing. But as you said, it seemed appropriate for a group of men on a mission.

[NetMassimo]

I read and reviewed this novel at the beginning of 2020, so I can say I agree with your judgment. I really enjoyed this novel, also commenting it when it was Book of the Month. Great review!

[Kenesha Latoya Fowler]

I like that you included the themes from the story; there were many. I listened to this book on tape, and it was hard to ignore or skip over the cursing. But as you said, it seemed appropriate for a group of men on a mission.

Yes, there seemed to be a bit of everything in there. I hope your ears didn't burn too much from the cursing (smile). Thanks for commenting.

[Kenesha Latoya Fowler]

I read and reviewed this novel at the beginning of 2020, so I can say I agree with your judgment. I really enjoyed this novel, also commenting it when it was Book of the Month. Great review!

Thanks, and thanks for commenting. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did, actually. Looking forward to more from this author.

[kdstrack]

I enjoyed your insights about this book. The inclusion of their family life, interspersed with the missions, added depth to their character. The descriptions of the different locations was amazing! Thanks for your captivating review.

[Adina Lutinger]

All the adventures that the men went through and the wonders that the saw make me really curious to read the book. Thanks for the great review!

[Kenesha Latoya Fowler]

All the adventures that the men went through and the wonders that the saw make me really curious to read the book. Thanks for the great review!

If you ever give in to that curiosity, I hope you enjoy reading the book as much as I did. Thanks for stopping by.

[Kenesha Latoya Fowler]

I enjoyed your insights about this book. The inclusion of their family life, interspersed with the missions, added depth to their character. The descriptions of the different locations was amazing! Thanks for your captivating review.

I agree. I really appreciated that aspect of the book. Thanks for your comment.

[Nweze Raalchukwu1]

I have heard about this book. I will check it out. Your review has finally convinced me to.