In her first book, the author, a scientist and co-founder of Philippine Global Explorers, presents a narrative about overcoming a midlife crisis and gaining global perspective. Following the death of her mother, a struggle with infertility, and a marital breakup, Rasco reexamined the life she’d built that had been defined by conventional ideas of success; her journey to deeper understanding included leaving her prestigious tech job and beginning a period of international travel (the author made it her goal to visit every country in the world). Rather than providing a complete blow-by-blow account of her travels, the author relates highlights that emphasize intercultural exchange, focusing on activities from driving (a consistent challenge as she navigated unfamiliar territory in different parts of the world) to dancing (“I feel most alive when I’m in motion”). Rasco’s travels (which included the founding of a short-lived tour company in Togo) would eventually lead to her current work. Throughout the memoir, Rasco leads readers on a thoughtful journey of self-discovery that never comes off as self-absorbed or glib. While the author acknowledges the importance of transcending one’s limits, she is also cognizant that there are times to recognize and respect them—this is expressed most vividly in a description of her visit to the Everest Base Camp, when she realized that her body could not handle the altitude. The author also demonstrates the extent of her willingness to adopt local customs when living among the Matsés of the Brazilian rainforest—Rasco was okay with going topless but drew the line at nose-piercing. (The author indulges in a bit of exoticization when describing a llama sacrifice, but she manages to maintain a certain reverence.) Ultimately, this memoir is a testament to the power of self-reinvention, and may inspire readers accordingly.
