A Short Walk Through a Wide World: A Novel

This was recommended to me and now I know why; it’s a wonderful story! I’m lending it to my best friend to read and then I may read it again! Read it- you won’t regret it!!

Aubry is a young child when she becomes ill and must keeping traveling, never staying more than a few days in each place and never able to go back to where she has already been. Aubry encounters marvelously beautiful yet sometimes scary/intimidating/powerful places, almost always meeting others who show her kindness, compassion, and even love. As someone who doesn’t like traveling, I found myself questioning if, by missing the fellowship and beauty that I might find in other places, is my life less rich? I am truly blessed with a wonderful family, good friends, and a loving home so I think not, but appreciated how this story caused me to consider questions and alternatives.

Creative story, imaginative fantasy, a bit too long. The only problem is, I think my copy is defective because I got to the end, someone forgot to include the pages with an actual resolution that explained it all... the illness, the voice, the role, if any of the wooden ball, WHY a bratty (fairly typical nine year old}was chosen (subjected?) to all this. As the pages remaining got thinner, my concern was it was going to have a quickie explanation for the voices, for the "visions" that, as a nine year old she slipped into a coma and everything was in her comatose brain (difficult to imagine how she envisioned sex) but at least it was some sort of an explanation. Didn't anyone publishing this book notice there was no real resolution?

When I put great effort, time and thought into a complimentary review it gets rejected by Amazon. However, if I write a non thought provoking and grammatically incorrect review such as “It Good” there are no issues. So be it! My review for this product is “It Good”.

I enjoyed the story very much, but it would have been more exciting if about 25% of the excess duplication of the storyline was carefully excised. The unfortunate effect of retelling some of the story threads multiple times is to slow down the pace of the story. If the editing had been done properly, it would have turned this novel into a solid, un-put-downable marathon, but instead, the storyline surges ahead and then drags and then surges again and then drags. But, by all means, you should still read this book because the storyline is so original and deserving of your time.

I’m not finished due to circumstances beyond my control. However, it’s a riveting journey , definitely a page-turner! Love it thus far!Warning: If you are squeamish, just be prepared for the descriptive nature of Aubrey’s sickness and resulting side effects. It just feels more real to me because of it and that’s a good thing!I’m disappointed to find a random page ripped out (see picture) as if it were printed that way? Upsetting. I’m not downgrading my stars because the new Author doesn’t deserve that!The book title AND COVER are really “beautiful” IMHO.If you are on the fence, just get it, it’s a wonderful read!Praise to new author, Douglas Westerbeke’s first novel! Cannot wait for his next!I’ll update when finished, IF I need to add OR change anything! DOUBT IT!It’s a buy!

A little far out, but also quite interesting.Easy to put down and pickup again.Good writer.

This was a tough one to rate for me but I think it was a 3.5 for me. I have a lot of feelings on this one.. and mostly they are sad. This is described as having Addie Larue vibes and I definitely agree with that label and honestly felt a lot of the same feelings.We follow Aubry who comes down with a mysterious ailment that prevents her from staying in one place for too long nor does it allow her to revisit the same place twice. If she does she will die and in a gruesome painful way. So she has no choice but to journey the world. She visits untouched places and sees things that you'd never believe were real unless you see it. And while this has its fulfilling moments it also comes at a cost. She is alone.Constantly outrunning your death doesn't allow for meaningful relationships or companionship. She meets friends and lovers a long the way but it can never last.Overall this was a really interesting story and I did really love the concept. I do wish the "why" was flushed out a bit more. Why was she the only one afflicted with this illness? I enjoyed the magical realism but I felt that I needed more explanation.Overall a very interesting but somewhat heartbreaking story for me.

As someone who loves nothing more than curling up with a good book and dreaming of far-off lands, I was immediately drawn to "A Short Walk Through a Wide World" by debut author Douglas Westerbeke. From the very first page, I felt a kinship with Aubrey Tourvel, our intrepid protagonist, who is forced to keep moving to avoid a mysterious ailment.In many ways, Aubrey's journey mirrors our own quest for connection and understanding in a vast and ever-changing world. Like many of us, she grapples with the transient nature of relationships, finding solace in fleeting connections and the beauty of the unknown. As she travels from one place to another, I found myself nodding along, empathizing with her struggles and celebrating her victories.Westerbeke's writing is both captivating and relatable, weaving a tale that is equal parts enchanting and thought-provoking. Through Aubrey's eyes, I experienced the world in a new light, savoring every lush description and poignant moment of introspection. Despite the fantastical elements, the core of the story resonates with universal themes of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit.One of the highlights of the book is Aubrey's unwavering determination and sense of humor, which shine through even in the darkest of moments. Her journey is peppered with touching encounters and unexpected twists, keeping me on the edge of my seat until the very end.While there were moments where I wished for more depth and detail, particularly regarding certain plot points, the overall impact of the story is undeniable. The ending, while unexpected, left me feeling both satisfied and contemplative, much like the conclusion of a long journey.In conclusion, "A Short Walk Through a Wide World" is a relatable and deeply satisfying read that will appeal to anyone who has ever felt the tug of wanderlust or the ache of longing for connection. Douglas Westerbeke has crafted a timeless tale that will stay with me long after I've turned the final page, reminding me of the beauty and complexity of the world we inhabit.Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Final Thoughts: This book is more than just a story; it's a companion for anyone who has ever dared to dream of adventure and discovery. Dive in and let Aubrey's journey inspire your own wanderlust-fueled escapades.

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This book is so different to anything I have ever read before. A sort of fairy tale which you can’t believe will continue to go on……and on…..and on.!!! I love a book that takes a long time to read, and this certainly fits that requirement. It is beautifully written too. My only complaint is that I failed completely to understand the point of the heroine’s journeys through space and time, to different countries and peoples, how she could pick up languages so easily. I really did not understand the ending either. Nevertheless, I am blaming myself for my failure to understand it, not the author. Quite intriguing!

Only took me 3 nights to devour this fascinating novel. The characters are really well constructed, especially the protagonist, Aubrey Tourvel. I would have surely gone walking with her, but would only have made it a short distance...I highly recommend this book! But get your own copy. I know I will reread mine.

I curled up for two days and read this wonderful book. It brought me back to my childhood summers when I could get so lost in a book the real world wasn't there. Aubry Tourvel is a marvelous character and yes, some will find flaws here and there but if you can check your adult mind at the door - you'll be drawn in completely.